Osteochondrosis of the cervix has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system today, from which, unfortunately, not only the elderly but also very young people are suffering more and more. Lack of physical activity, constant work with the computer and other attributes of modern urban life negatively affect his condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article we will look at why it occurs, how it is manifested, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis and also find out what illegal methods exist.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of degenerative-dystrophic nature, which disrupts 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 cervical spine joints.
Causes of occurrence
This disease causes a destructive change in the shock absorption capacity of the spinal discs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts in human blood and lymph fluids as a result of their increased levels.
The main reason for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is a seductive lifestyle. Office workers are most susceptible to this disease, spending most of their time with papers and computers. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood circulation is slowed down, muscle tissue does not need the inflow of salts from food. As a result, salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Contributes to the development of illness and malnutrition, excess weight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disturbances.
Also, the disease can occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammation and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, there are three stages:
ᲞNir quality
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 spine, cracks appear in the cartilage tissue of the disc.
Second degree
The second degree of disease development is characterized by a significant increase in pain, which occurs as a result of strong displacement of the intervertebral discs and the cutting of nerve roots.
Third degree
Characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. At this stage the symptoms of the disease are pronounced. The patient feels severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders and shoulders. In some cases, a temporary decrease in the intensity of symptom manifestations associated with replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue is noted.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the ruptured disc replaces its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, impaired coordination, due to the involvement of an artery in the process, which feeds 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 pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, the sensation of which a person may not immediately guess about developing disease. This is due to the fact that the dysfunction of the cervical spine will inevitably affect the work 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 in different places. First of all, it is a headache of different intensity and duration that can be given to the eyes or ears. In this case the pain usually does not go away after taking painkillers. Painful or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head that radiates to the shoulder blades, forearm, and elbow. With this disease, dull, aching pain usually occurs, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to different parts of the body.
Reduced sensitivity
Movement disorders that occur as a result of abnormal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased sensitivity in the limbs, decreased leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and goose bumps. There may be pain when raising the arms or moving to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders in the brain that have multiple manifestations. People who suffer from cervical osteochondrosis often feel strong weakness for no apparent reason and get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
There is often a feeling of swelling 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.
Diagnosis
Basic diagnostic methods:
- Radiography.Poorly informative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows abnormalities in vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, presence of hernia, and presence of hernia spinal hernia (disco-medullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method shows the most information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernia and their size, as well as the direction of their growth.
- Ultrasound duplex scan.This method is used if there is a suspicion of circulatory disorders in the vertebral arteries. This reveals a decrease in blood flow velocity and the presence of normal blood flow obstruction.
Treatment
Developing a treatment plan for cervical osteochondrosis depends primarily on the underlying cause of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include medication, 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 a timely manner to prevent the development of second and third degree disease. In this case, treatment will take much longer before full recovery.
Therapy is prescribed in a certain sequence:
- First of all, it is necessary to alleviate the pain;
- Then get rid of the swelling;
- Medications are prescribed that restore blood circulation;
- Muscle tissue is strengthened;
- Measures are taken to repair damaged tissue.
ᲛImportant!Remember that exercise therapy is contraindicated during the period of disease exacerbation, as this can lead to complications.
To relieve acute pain syndrome during exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics as first aid, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the presence of acute pain. In places of localization of muscle spasms, warming and analgesic ointments, pepper spots are applied. The swelling is well removed with diuretics. If the patient has numbness of the limbs, it is necessary to conduct special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
We must remember that these measures will relieve pain but not eliminate the underlying causes of the disease. Medications prescribed by your doctor along with other methods of therapy will cope with this task.
Medication
The purpose of taking cervical osteochondrosis treatments is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the cerebral vascular system, and have a general healing effect on the body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing B vitamins, which may be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
Chondroprotective agents are prescribed to repair damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. Taking these drugs should not be ignored as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
When performing health-improving gymnastics, one should perform circular movements of the head, the neck should be bent left - right, front - back. It is also necessary to include shoulder and arm movements in the set of exercises. All movements should be performed smoothly, without rigidity and stress, with alternating active phases and a small amount of 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 a few simple rules:
- Avoid extreme stress on the spine to prevent damage to the intervertebral discs;
- Do exercises for the whole body daily, focusing on the spinal muscles and, especially, the cervical spine;
- Avoid nervous overload and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- Follow an active, mobile lifestyle, exercise more, take a walk in the fresh air, eat right and balanced, and also get rid of bad habits.