In women and men of middle age, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is diagnosed most often, because this section is more susceptible to stress. The first signs of the disease are often unexpressed, so it is difficult to identify the problem at the initial stages of development. The manifestation of osteochondrosis is associated with the influence on the body of many factors. In order for the treatment regimen for neck osteochondrosis to be adequate, it is important to find out the root causes of its occurrence.
The main causes of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which, under the influence of negative factors, the tissues of the intervertebral discs in the neck area begin to collapse. Over time, the disease affects other structures of the spine, as a result of which its functioning is impaired. The person begins to be bothered by unpleasant symptoms, the state of health is gradually deteriorating.
The main cause of vertebral degeneration is a violation of metabolic functions in the body. The vertebrae and intervertebral structures do not receive the necessary nutrients and elements. Osteophyte bone growth appears on the bone tissue. Ossification spreads over time. Launched osteochondrosis leads to the fact that the cervical spine, due to the fusion of the vertebrae, becomes immobilized.
The triggering mechanism for the development of such processes is negative factors that constantly affect the human body. The causes of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- congenital pathologies of the structure of the musculoskeletal system,
- hereditary predisposition,
- heavy physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- violation of posture,
- back injuries
- scoliosis,
- stress, nervous overload,
- complication after severe infectious diseases.
Disease degree and manifestation
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develop gradually. As the pathology progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced. There are 4 stages of development of chondrosis:
- At 1 degree, there are no obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes a headache can be troubling, as well as discomfort in the neck. Symptoms quickly pass after rest, but degenerative processes have already begun in the discs, in which the integrity of the nucleus pulposus is disrupted.
- When the pathology has passed to stage 2, the intervertebral cartilage is covered with cracks through which the disc nucleus comes out. The intervertebral space decreases, the patient complains of acute pain syndrome of a chronic form.
- At the 3rd stage of progression, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by severe vertebral and headaches. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person may experience temporary paralysis of the limbs, problems with hearing and vision. Hernias appear on the cervical area, which compress the nerves, muscles, arteries and veins.
- With the transition of the disease to the last (4 tbsp. ), The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient cannot relax and rest even for a minute. Osteophytes form on the vertebrae, due to which the mobility of the neck is impaired, a person becomes disabled. If complex treatment is not started at this stage, the situation may end in death.
Typical symptoms
Conservatively, osteochondrosis of 1-2 degrees is effectively treated. In advanced cases, it is difficult to fully restore the destroyed intervertebral structures. This means that it is important to diagnose the disease at the initial stages. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor if a person has similar symptoms:
- acute pain discomfort, which is localized in the neck, shoulders, back of the head,
- severe headaches and dizziness arising from the compression of the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine by the vertebrae,
- violation of visual and auditory functions,
- muscle weakness
- numbness, feeling like goosebumps running down the skin
- failure of the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.
Cervical osteochondrosis at the level of the C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities, hands and fingers. If the vertebral artery is compressed, dangerous disorders occurring in the brain are disturbing. Due to insufficient blood supply and nutrition of brain cells, hypoxia occurs. If the patient is not treated in a timely manner, the patient will have memory problems, the swallowing function will be impaired, and the squeezing in the throat where the Adam's apple is located will disturb.
Often, even a person's voice changes, and with the progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, cardiac pathologies occur.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
If a person suspects that he is developing osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it is necessary to visit a neurologist who will conduct an initial examination and try to find out the main causes of the development of the disease. During palpation, it will be possible to approximately determine the stage of the pathology, how it proceeds - with or without displacement. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient will need to undergo a number of such instrumental diagnostic studies:
- Radiography. It will help to determine the degree of growth of osteophytes, the size of the inter-articular gap.
- MRI or CT. Allows you to assess the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs, as well as the state of other soft structures.
- Doppler ultrasound. Helps to identify abnormalities in the functioning of blood vessels, due to which the blood supply to the brain is impaired.
How to treat the problem?
If the diagnosis is confirmed during the diagnosis, based on the results obtained, the doctor selects the optimal treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis. If the disease is not started, you can get rid of it with medicines and with the help of auxiliary procedures. At 3-4 stages, drugs are often powerless, the best solution in this case is a surgical operation.
Effective medicine
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the acute period is primarily aimed at relieving inflammation, swelling and relieving pain. For these purposes, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eliminate inflammation, reduce swelling, relieve pain. With an exacerbation of pathology, it is recommended to use it in the form of injections, when the symptoms subside a little, you can drink pills.
- Pain relievers.
- Muscle relaxants. Relieve muscle spasm, thereby freeing up the nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotekoty. They restore damaged cartilaginous structures and prevent their further destruction. For a positive effect, drugs in this group are recommended to be taken for a long period.
- Vasodilators. They help to improve blood flow, due to which the nutrition of the brain is normalized.
- Vitamins of group B. They normalize the metabolism in the body, stimulate the immune system, due to which soft and bone tissues regenerate faster.
Complex exercise therapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises, it will be possible to quickly restore the affected structures of the cervical spine. You can cure the disease by following the following approaches:
- head turns in different directions,
- rotational movements,
- shoulder rotation,
- raising and lowering the head.
Physiotherapy and massage
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures, which are prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism. Most often, it is recommended to take the following courses:
- magnetotherapy,
- laser heating,
- ultrasound,
- electrophoresis,
- applications with ozokerite,
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths,
- ultraviolet irradiation.
With the defeat of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is useful to undergo a course of therapeutic manual massage. The procedure should be performed by a trained physician who is familiar with the diagnosis and radiographic images. Thanks to point impact, stroking, patting and vibration, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation, to establish nutrition of the damaged areas.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis by unconventional methods, but first you should consult a doctor. A compress prepared according to this recipe will help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling:
- Wash the cabbage leaf, cut off the coarse fibers, knead well.
- Apply a mixture of honey and aloe juice (2: 1) to the leaf, distribute evenly over the surface.
- Heat the compress over steam, then apply to the neck, fixing it with cling film and a woolen scarf.
- Wear a bandage for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended to make a compress daily - in the morning and in the evening.
Prevention and prognosis
With timely and adequate therapy, the disease can be cured and complications prevented. If the problem is not treated and the advice of a doctor is ignored, the prognosis for recovery is disappointing. As a prophylaxis for cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, monitor posture, exercise, eat right, and consult a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms.