In middle-aged women and men, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (SC) is diagnosed more 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 in the early 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 osteochondrosis of the neck to be adequate, it is important to find out the root causes of the event.
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. The bone growth of osteophytes 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 trigger mechanism for the development of such processes are 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,
- strenuous physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- violation of posture,
- back injuries
- scoliosis,
- stress, nervous overload,
- complication after severe infectious diseases.
Degree and manifestation of the disease
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develop gradually. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced. There are 4 stages of development of chondrosis:
- At 1 degree, there are no noticeable symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes the headache can be annoying, as can the discomfort in the neck. Symptoms pass quickly 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 nucleus of the disc protrudes. 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 vertebrae and headache. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person can 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 passage of the disease to the last (4 tablespoons), the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient cannot relax and rest even for a minute. Osteophytes are formed on the vertebrae, as a result of which the mobility of the neck is impaired, a person becomes disabled. If complex treatment is not started at this stage, the situation can 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 in the early stages. Therefore, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor if a person has similar symptoms:
- sharp discomfort pain, which is localized in the neck, shoulders, back of the head,
- severe headache and dizziness resulting 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 of goosebumps running down the skin
- failure of the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.
Cervical osteochondrosis in the C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by reduced sensitivity of the upper limbs, hands and fingers. If the vertebral artery is compressed, the dangerous disturbances 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, swallowing function will be impaired, and squeezing at the throat where the Adam's apple is located will disturb.
Often, a person's voice also changes, and heart disease occurs with the progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.
How is the diagnosis made?
If a person suspects that osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra is developing, 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 have to undergo a number of such instrumental diagnostic studies:
- X-ray. It will help determine the degree of growth of osteophytes, the size of the interarticular gap.
- MRI or CT scan. It allows you to assess the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs, as well as the state of other soft structures.
- Doppler ultrasound. It helps to identify abnormalities in the functioning of blood vessels, due to which the blood supply to the brain is impaired.
How to deal with 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 has not started, you can get rid of it with drugs and with the help of auxiliary procedures. At 3-4 stages, the 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 mainly 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 an exacerbation of the 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. Relieves muscle spasm, thereby freeing the nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotector. They restore damaged cartilage structures and prevent their further destruction. For a positive effect, it is recommended to take the drugs of this group for a long time.
- Vasodilators. They help improve blood flow, due to which the nutrition of the brain is normalized.
- Vitamins of group B. They normalize metabolism in the body, stimulate the immune system, thanks to which soft and bone tissues regenerate faster.
Complex physical 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:
- the head turns in different directions,
- rotary 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 sulphide 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 an experienced physician who is familiar with diagnosis and radiographic images. Thanks to punctual bumps, strokes, pats and vibrations, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation, establish nutrition of damaged areas.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis by unconventional methods, but first you need to consult a doctor. A compress prepared according to this recipe will help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling:
- Wash the cabbage leaf, cut the coarse fibers, knead well.
- Apply a mixture of honey and aloe juice (2: 1) on the leaf, distribute evenly over the surface.
- Heat the steam compress, then apply to the neck, securing it with cling film and a woolen scarf.
- Wear a bandage for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended to make a compress every day - 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 a doctor's advice 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 properly and consult a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms.