In middle-aged women and men, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is diagnosed more often, because this section is more susceptible to stress. The first signs of the disease are often not expressed, making it 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 of osteochondrosis of the neck to be suitable, it is important to find out the root causes of the 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 in the spine, as a result of which its function is impaired. The person begins to feel bothered by unpleasant symptoms, the state of health gradually deteriorates.
The main cause of vertebral degeneration is a violation of the metabolic functions of the body. The vertebrae and intervertebral structures do not receive the necessary nutrients and elements. Osteophyte bone growth appears in bone tissue. Ossification spreads over time. The initiated 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,
- intense physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- violation of posture,
- back injuries
- scoliosis,
- stress, nervous overload,
- complication after serious infectious diseases.
Degree and manifestation of the disease
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:
- In 1 degree, there are no obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes a headache can be worrisome, as well as neck discomfort. Symptoms pass quickly after rest, but degenerative processes have already begun in the discs, in which the integrity of the nucleus pulposus is disturbed.
- When the pathology has passed to stage 2, the intervertebral cartilage is covered with cracks, where the nucleus of the disc emerges. The intervertebral space decreases, the patient complains of acute pain syndrome in a chronic form.
- In the third stage of progression, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by severe headaches and vertebral pains. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person may experience temporary paralysis of the limbs, hearing and vision problems. Hernias appear in the cervical area, compressing the nerves, muscles, arteries and veins.
- With the transition of the disease to the last (4 tablespoons), the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient can neither relax nor rest even for a minute. Osteophytes are formed in the vertebrae, due to which the mobility of the neck is affected, a person is disabled. If complex treatment is not started at this stage, the situation can end in death.
Typical symptoms
Conservatively, 1-2 degree osteochondrosis is effectively treated. In advanced cases, it is difficult to completely 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:
- Acute pain discomfort, which is localized in the neck, shoulders, back of the head,
- severe headaches and dizziness derived from compression of the nerves and vessels of the cervical spine by the vertebrae,
- violation of visual and auditory functions,
- muscular weakness
- numbness, a feeling of goose bumps on your skin
- Vestibular apparatus malfunction.
Cervical osteochondrosis at the level of the C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by an alteration of the sensation of the upper extremities, hands and fingers. If the vertebral artery is compressed, dangerous disorders that occur 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 squeeze in the throat where the Adam's apple is located will be disturbing.
Often even a person's voice changes, and with the progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, cardiac pathologies occur.
How is the diagnosis made?
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 roughly determine the stage of the pathology, how it progresses, with or without displacement. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient will need to undergo a series of these instrumental diagnostic studies:
- Bone scan. It will help to determine the degree of growth of the osteophytes, the size of the inter-articular 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, thereby disrupting the blood supply to the brain.
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 does not start, you can get rid of it with drugs and with the help of auxiliary procedures. In 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 the pathology, it is recommended to use it in the form of injections, when the symptoms subside a little, you can take pills.
- Analgesics.
- Muscle relaxants. Relieves muscle spasms, thus releasing nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotekoty. They restore damaged cartilaginous structures and prevent their subsequent destruction. For a positive effect, the drugs of this group are recommended to be taken for a long period.
- Vasodilators. They help improve blood flow, thus normalizing the nutrition of the brain.
- Vitamins of group B. They normalize the metabolism in the body, stimulate the immune system, so that 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:
- the head turns in different directions,
- rotational movements,
- shoulder rotation,
- raising and lowering the head.
Physiotherapy and massages
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 diagnosis and radiographic imaging. Thanks to the punctual impact, caressing, patting and vibration, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation, to establish the nutrition of the damaged areas.
Treatment with home remedies.
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis with 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) to the leaf, distribute evenly over the surface.
- Steam the compress, then apply it 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 every day, in the morning and at night.
Prevention and prognosis
With proper and timely therapy, the disease can be cured and complications can be prevented. If the problem is not treated and a doctor's advice is ignored, the prognosis for recovery is poor. As a prophylaxis for cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, monitor posture, exercise, eat well, and consult a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms.