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 at the computer and other attributes of modern urban life negatively affect its condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article we will look at why it occurs, how it manifests, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and we will also learn what methods exist without drugs.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a marked change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that 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 spine.
Causes of occurrence
With this disease comes a destructive change in the ability to absorb the shock of the vertebrae, accompanied by their movement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of an increase in their levels 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 paperwork 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 salt from food. As a result, salts are deposited in the cartilaginous tissue of the spine.
It contributes to the development of disease and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disturbances.
Also, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammatory and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, there are three phases:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually notice a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of headache, weakness, and dizziness. At this stage there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.
Second degree
The second stage of the disease is characterized by a significant increase in pain, which occurs as a result of strong movement 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 feels severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating towards the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of 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, increased tinnitus, coordination is weakened due to the fact that an artery that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.
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 a variety of symptoms, after feeling that a person cannot immediately guess about the development of the disease. This is due to the fact that cervical spine dysfunctions inevitably affect the functioning of the cerebral vascular system.
It is common to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndrome of different locations. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration, which can be given to the eye or ear. In this case, the pain usually does not go away after taking the pain medication. Pain or sharp pain in the neck and nape, radiating towards the shoulder blades, forearm and elbow. This disease usually causes dull, aching pain, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to different parts of the body.
Reduced sensitivity
Movement disorders that occur as a result of disturbances in the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased limb tenderness, weakened leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and sore throat. There may be pain when raising the arms or moving to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain that have multiple manifestations. People who suffer from cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason, and get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
Feelings of congestion and noise in the ears, hearing impairment and a sudden deterioration in well-being are often observed.
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).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method that displays 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 rate and the presence of obstructions to normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which may include drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises and some other methods.
Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: vertebral neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to visit the doctor on time in order to prevent the development of the second and third degree of the disease. In this case, treatment until complete recovery will take much longer.
Therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all, it is necessary to alleviate the pain;
- then get rid of the edema;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- measures are taken to repair the damaged tissue.
Bitan!Remember that during the period of exacerbation of the disease, exercise therapy is contraindicated because it can cause complications.
As first aid to alleviate 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 cramps. Swelling is well removed by diuretics. If the patient has numbness in the extremities, it is necessary to report special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
It should be borne in mind that these measures will alleviate the pain, but will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medications prescribed by a doctor in combination with other methods of therapy will cope with this task.
Medications
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, and a general healing effect on the body.
Patients must 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 medications should not be neglected as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
During the performance of gymnastics to improve health, circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck is bent to the left - to the right, forward - backward. Shoulder and arm movements should also be included in the set of exercises. 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 adhere to a few simple rules:
- avoid extreme strain on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- do whole body gymnastics daily, focus on the back muscles and, in particular, the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous overload and fatigue, remember the importance of proper rest and enough sleep for the body;
- lead an active, active lifestyle, exercise more, walk in the fresh air, eat properly and balanced, and also get rid of bad habits.