Cervical osteochondrosis today has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, not only the elderly, but also the very young increasingly suffer. Lack of physical activity, constant work at the computer and other attributes of modern city life negatively affect its condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article, we will see why it happens, how it manifests itself, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and also find out what non-drug methods are available.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, which disrupts the functional activity and structure of the spine. Due to this, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine.
Causes of occurrence
With this disease, a destructive change in the shock-absorbing ability of the vertebral discs occurs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts resulting from an increase in their level in human blood and lymphatic 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 papers and a computer. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood flow slows 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 disease and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disorders.
In addition, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammatory diseases and others.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, there are three stages:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually notice a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of headaches, weakness and dizziness. At this stage, there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilage tissue of the disc.
Second degree
For the second degree of development of the disease, a significant increase in pain is characteristic, which occurs as a result of a 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. 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 shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening in the intensity of the manifestation 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, tinnitus increases, coordination is impaired, as an artery that supplies the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.
<1_img_centerxx>It is very important to diagnose the disease at the initial stage and consult with a specialist, so as to find out what to do in order to prevent its further development.
Symptoms and signs
In addition to the pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by various symptoms, having felt that a person may not immediately guess the development of the disease. This is due to the fact that malfunctions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is customary to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes of various locations. First of all, they are headaches of varying intensity and duration, which can be administered to the eye or the ear. In this case, the pain usually does not go away after taking pain relievers. Painful or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head, radiating to the shoulder blades, forearm and elbow. With this disease, a dull, aching pain usually occurs, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to various parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders that appear as a result of a disturbance in the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased tenderness in the limbs, altered tone of the legs, weakness in the arms and legs, and goose bumps. There may be pain when raising your arms or moving them to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain, which have multiple manifestations. People with cervical osteochondrosis often experience severe weakness for no apparent reason, quickly tire.
Noise in the ears
Often noted the appearance of a feeling of congestion and noise in the ears, hearing impairment and a sharp deterioration in well-being.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks are also possible.
Diagnostic
Basic diagnostic methods:
- X-ray.A little informative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows the abnormalities of the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of hernias and the presence of a herniated spinal cord hernia (disco-medullary conflict).
- 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.
- Double-sided ultrasonic scanning.This method is used when there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries of the spine. This reveals a decrease in the speed of blood flow and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
Treatment
Developing a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and severity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include drug therapy, massage, therapeutic exercises and other methods.
Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: spinal neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to consult a doctor in time in order to prevent the development of the second and third degree of the disease. In this case, the treatment until complete recovery will take much longer.
Therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all, it is necessary to relieve pain;
- then get rid of the edema;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- steps are taken to restore damaged tissue.
Important!Remember that during periods of exacerbation of the disease, exercise therapy is contraindicated, as it can lead to complications.
As first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics, and in the presence of acute pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In places of localization of muscle spasms, warming and analgesic ointments, pepper patches are used. The swelling is well eliminated by diuretics. If the patient has numbness 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. Drugs prescribed by a doctor in combination with other methods of treatment will help to cope with this task.
Medication
The purpose of taking medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain, as well as have a general healing effect onthe body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing B vitamins, which can be prescribed as tablets or intramuscular injections.
To restore the damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, chondroprotective drugs are prescribed. Taking these drugs should not be ignored, as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent the disease from recurring in the future.
Physiotherapy
When performing gymnastics for improving health, circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck bends to the left - to the right, to the front - to the back. In the set of exercises, it is also necessary to include shoulder and arm movements. All movements must be carried out smoothly, without harshness and without stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
Conclusion
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. In order to prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:
- avoid extreme stress on the spine to prevent damage to the intervertebral discs;
- daily do gymnastics for the whole body, focus on the muscles of the back and, in particular, the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous overwork and fatigue, remember the importance of sufficient rest and sleep for the body;
- lead an active and mobile life, exercise more, go for walks in the fresh air, eat well and in a balanced way, and also get rid of bad habits.