Osteochondrosis of the cervix has today become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, more and more suffer not only the elderly but also very young people. Lack of physical activity, constant work in front of the computer and other attributes of modern urban life have a negative impact on its condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In this article we will look at why it occurs, how it manifests, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, and we will also understand what non-drug methods exist.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of degenerative-dystrophic nature, which impairs the functional activity and structure of the spine. For this reason, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and in the joints of the cervical vertebrae.
Causes
In this disease there is a destructive change in the cushioning capacity of the spinal discs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of an increase in their level in human blood and lymph fluids.
The main reason for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are most susceptible to this disease, spending most of their working time on paper and computer. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood flow is slowed down, muscle tissue does not need an influx of salts from food. As a result, salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Contributes to the development of diseases and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disorders.
Also, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, severe stress, inflammation and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, three stages are distinguished:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually notice a general deterioration in well-being, headache, weakness and dizziness. At this stage there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilage of the disc.
Second specialty
The second stage of the disease is characterized by a significant increase in pain, which occurs as a result of strong displacement of the intervertebral discs and pinching of the nerve roots.
Third degree
It is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. The symptoms of the disease at this stage are pronounced. The patient experiences severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the destroyed disc replaces its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, coordination is impaired due to the fact that an artery is involved in the process, which supplies the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain.
It is very important to diagnose the disease at an early stage and consult a specialist to know what to do to prevent its further development.
Symptoms and signs
In addition to the pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by various symptoms, feeling that a person can not immediately predict the developing disease. This is due to the fact that the dysfunctions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is common to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes in different places. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration that can be caused to the eye or ear. In this case, the pain usually does not disappear after taking painkillers. Pain or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head radiating to the shoulders, forearms and elbows. This condition usually causes dull, excruciating pain, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to different parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders that occur as a result of disruption of the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience tingling and decreased sensitivity in the limbs, impaired leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and goosebumps. There may be pain when raising the arms or moving to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain, which have multiple manifestations. People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often experience severe weakness for no apparent reason, get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
There is often a feeling of blockage and noise in the ears, hearing damage and a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks are also possible.
Diagnosis
Basic diagnostic methods:
- Radiography.Poorly informative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows abnormalities in the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of a hernia and the presence of a spinal cord hernia (disco-medullary conflict).
- Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method showing the most information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their size, as well as the direction of their growth.
- Ultrasound duplex scanning.This method is used if there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries of the spine. This reveals a decrease in blood flow velocity and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a plan for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice shows, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which may include drug treatment, massage, healing exercises and some other methods.
Treatment should be performed under the supervision of qualified specialists: spinal neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to visit a doctor in time to prevent the development of the second and third degree of the disease. In this case, treatment to full recovery will take much longer.
The therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- in the first place, it is necessary to relieve the pain;
- then get rid of the swelling;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- measures are taken to repair the damaged tissue.
Important!Remember that during the exacerbation of the disease, exercise is contraindicated as it can cause complications.
As a first aid to relieve the acute pain syndrome during exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics, and in the presence of acute pain - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Warming and analgesic ointments, peppers are used at the sites of localization of muscle spasms. Swelling is well removed by diuretics. If the patient has tingling in the extremities, it is necessary to perform special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
It should be remembered that these measures will relieve pain, but will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medications prescribed by a doctor in combination with other treatments will cope with this task.
Medicines
The purpose of taking drugs for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain and have a general healing effect on the body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing B vitamins, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
Chondroprotective drugs are prescribed to repair the damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. Taking these drugs should not be neglected, as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
During the performance of healing gymnastics circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck is bent to the left - to the right, forward - backward. Also in the set of exercises it is necessary to include movements of the shoulders and arms. All movements should be performed smoothly, without roughness and stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
Conclusion
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow some simple rules:
- avoid severe stress on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- do gymnastics for the whole body daily, focus on the muscles of the back and especially the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous tension and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- lead an active, mobile lifestyle, exercise more, take walks in the fresh air, eat a proper and balanced diet, and also get rid of bad habits.