In middle -aged women and men, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is diagnosed most often, as this part is more susceptible to stress. The first signs of the disease are often not expressed, so it is difficult to identify the problem at an early stage of development. Manifestations of osteochondrosis are 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 know the cause.
The main cause of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which, under the influence of negative factors, the intervertebral disc tissue in the neck area begins to collapse. Over time, the disease affects other spinal structures, as a result of which its function is impaired. The person begins to be bothered by unpleasant symptoms, the state of health gradually deteriorates.
The main cause of vertebral degeneration is a violation of metabolic functions in the body. The vertebral and intervertebral structures do not receive the necessary nutrients and elements. Osteophyte bone growth appears on bone tissue. Osification spreads from time to time. Launched osteochondrosis leads to the fact that the cervical spine, due to the fusion of the vertebrae, becomes immobile.
The trigger mechanism for the development of such a process is a negative factor that always affects the human body. The causes of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- congenital pathology of the structure of the musculoskeletal system,
- hereditary tendencies,
- strenuous physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- posture violations,
- back injury
- scoliosis,
- stress, nerve load,
- complications after severe infectious disease.
Stages and manifestations of the disease
Signs of cervical spine osteochondrosis develop gradually. As the pathology progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced. There are 4 stages in the development of chondrosis:
- At 1 degree, there are no obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes headaches can be distressing, as well as discomfort in the neck. Symptoms quickly pass after rest, but a degenerative process has already begun in the disc, where the integrity of the nucleus pulposus is disturbed.
- When the pathology has passed to stage 2, the intervertebral cartilage is closed with a crack, from which the nucleus of the disc comes out. The intervertebral space is reduced, the patient complains of acute pain syndrome in chronic form.
- In the 3rd stage of development, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by severe vertebrae and headache. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person may experience temporary paralysis of limbs, problems with hearing and vision. Hernias appear in the cervical region, which compress nerves, muscles, arteries and veins.
- With the transition of the disease to the latter (4 tbsp. ), The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient can not rest and relax even for a minute. Osteophytes form on the vertebrae, which cause impaired neck mobility, a person becomes disabled. If complex treatment is not initiated at this stage, the condition may end in death.
Common symptoms
Conservatively, 1-2 degree osteochondrosis is effectively treated. In further cases, it is difficult to fully restore the destroyed intervertebral structure. This means it is important to diagnose the disease at an early stage. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately see a doctor if a person has similar symptoms:
- Acute pain discomfort, located in the neck, shoulders, back of the head,
- severe headache and dizziness arising from compression of nerves and canals of the cervical spine by the vertebrae,
- violation of visual and auditory function,
- muscle weakness
- numbness, a shivering feeling melts on the skin
- failure of vestibular apparatus function.
Cervical osteochondrosis at the level of the C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, hands and fingers. If the vertebral arteries are compressed, the dangerous disorders that occur in the brain interfere. Due to inadequate blood supply and nutrition of brain cells, hypoxia occurs. If the patient is not treated in a timely manner, the patient will experience memory problems, swallowing function will be impaired, and squeezing the throat where Adam’s apple is located will interfere.
Often, even a person's voice changes, and with the development of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, cardiac pathology occurs.
How is the diagnosis made?
If a person suspects that he has osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, it is necessary to visit a neurologist who will conduct an initial examination and try to find out the main cause of the development of the disease. During palpation, it is possible to determine the degree of pathology, how it occurs - with or without displacement. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient needs to undergo several instrumental diagnostic studies such as:
- Radiography. It will help to determine the degree of growth of osteophytes, the size of the gap between the articulations.
- MRI or CT. Allows you to assess the degree of destruction of the intervertebral disc, as well as other soft structural conditions.
- Doppler ultrasound. Helps identify abnormalities in the function of blood vessels, which cause the blood supply to the brain to be disrupted.
How to treat the problem?
If the diagnosis is confirmed at the time of diagnosis, based on the results obtained, the doctor selects the optimal treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis. If the disease does not start, you can get rid of it with medications and with the help of additional procedures. At 3-4 stages, the drugs are often powerless, the best solution in this case is 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 this purpose, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eliminates inflammation, reduces swelling, relieves pain. With the exacerbation of pathology, it is recommended to use it in the form of injections, when the symptoms subside slightly, you can take pills.
- Pain reliever.
- Relax your muscles. Relieves muscle spasms, thereby freeing nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotekoty. They restore damaged cartilage structures and prevent further destruction. For a positive effect, drugs in this group are recommended to be taken for a long period of time.
- Vasodilator. They help increase blood flow, which is where brain nutrition is normalized.
- B group vitamins. They normalize metabolism in the body, stimulate the immune system, because soft tissues and bones grow back faster.
Complex exercise therapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises, it is possible to restore the structure of the affected cervical spine quickly. You can cure the disease by following the following approach:
- head turned in a different direction,
- rotational movement,
- shoulder rotation,
- raise and lower the head.
Physiotherapy and massage
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with the help of physiotherapeutic procedures, prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism. 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 familiar with the diagnosis and radiographic images. Thanks to eye contact, rubbing, patting and vibration, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation, to establish nutrition of the damaged area.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis by unconventional methods, but first you should see a doctor. Compresses prepared according to this recipe will help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling:
- Wash cabbage leaves, cut coarse fibers, knead well.
- Apply a mixture of honey and aloe juice (2: 1) to the leaves, spreading evenly over the surface.
- Heat the compress over steam, then apply on the neck, attach it with cling film and a wool scarf.
- Wear a bandage for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended to make compresses every day - in the morning and 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 doctor’s advice is ignored, the prognosis for recovery is disappointing. As prophylaxis for cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, monitor posture, exercise, eat properly, and consult a physician in case of suspicious symptoms.