Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis.Most of them have repeatedly experienced the symptoms of this malaise.The widespread use of the disease is associated with prolonged sitting of the computer, passive lifestyle, malnutrition and more.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, weakening of the muscles, limiting mobility and an entire complex of other symptoms.
Do not neglect the signs of osteochondrosis, because the earlier you start treatment, the more you get rid of the disease.In the initial stages, conservative therapy is performed: medication, exercise, physiotherapy, massage, etc., when complications and destruction of bone skin structure are prescribed surgery.
What is it
Neck osteochondrosis is a pathology that occurs only in humans.Animals do not suffer from it.This is due to the vertical location of the spine.In this position, the vertebrae are torn off, leading to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical part of the cervical part consists of 7 vertebrae that are separated from each other on discs.This spine segment is quite mobile, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable areas of the spine.The weakest connection in the cervical region is the intervertebral disc, which reflects mainly degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The spread of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscle corset in the neck.In addition, small vertebrae are placed in this area, they have a different structure and fit too tightly to each other.Therefore, even a small strain on the neck can cause their displacement, as well as the compression of blood vessels and nerve branches.When the spinal artery is pinched, which is placed inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine threatens with convexity (displacement of the pulp core without damage to the outer sheath) and hernia on the disc.These formations compress nerve bundles, vessels.
Due to the degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of bone growth (osteophytes) in the joint sites increases.Therefore, neuro-vascular formations are narrowed between the spinal canal.
Reference.According to medical statistics, people over 35 years are more likely to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis.Although there is now a rejuvenation of pathology, which often develops in patients for 20 years.This is due to the mainly sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.
Doctors identify 4 stages of pathology:
- 1 degree - the cartilage between the vertebrae begins to collapse.At this stage, the disease has deleted symptoms.Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degrees - below the vertebrae pressure the height of the disc is reduced, the integrity of its outer membrane is disturbed.At this point, a convexity may occur.Pain occurs, neck mobility is limited, perhaps impaired sensitivity of the face.
- 3 degrees - convexities are transformed into hernias, which compress the blood vessels and muscles.In addition to the pain, there is pain in the back of the head, dizziness.
- 4 degrees - osteophytes are formed, which stabilize the vertebrae but squeeze the nerve fibers.The pain does not disappear, the stiffness of movements occurs, the adjacent vertebrae is damaged, neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment at the stage of 1 to 2 to avoid serious complications that can only be fixed by a surgical method.
Reasons
Schop osteochondrosis is a complex and prolonged process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in the elderly, the disease is associated with changes associated with age in the body.Then degenerative dystrophic changes occur as a result of a disorder of local blood circulation, metabolic processes and weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identify the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect stand.
- The curvature of the spine.
- Injuries to the cervical segment.
- Excessive weight.
- Great physical work.
- Long -term sitting on your computer.
- A passive lifestyle.
- Disruption of metabolic processes.
- Frequent neck hypothermia.
- Improper organization of the port (too soft mattress, high pillow).
- Common work, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the structure of the store.
- Autoimmune diseases that cause cartilage degeneration.
- Infections.
- Characteristics of body parts, for example, a very long or short neck.
Under the influence of these factors, the intervertebral structures begin to collapse, bone tissues, nerve grapes, blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is varied.For this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them.The early manifestations of the disease were written off for fatigue.And after the onset of pronounced symptoms, they are in a hurry with the doctor, but in this case there are already irreversible changes and the structure of the cervical region will no longer be possible.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Painful neck sensations, shoulders.
- Weakening the muscles around the affected spine segment.
- Excessive sweat adjustment.
- Disruption of upper limb sensitivity.
- Disorders of movement coordination.
- Head pain.
- Dizziness (dizziness).
- Hearing disorders, vision.
- Bench jumps, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, throbbing, boring.This symptom is manifested by the spasm of the brain vessels, the compression of the nerve rays of the cervical spine and the increase in intracranial pressure.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, pain does not always appear in the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders, hands.Discomfort can occur after sleep, sharp movement, neck tension, such as coughing or sneezing.
With CHOP osteochondrosis, pressure jumps are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is not -characteristic of pathology.Usually, with an increase in pressure, the following manifestations are observed: headache, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical heal.Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscle stress, long -term discharge.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes
Several syndromes (typical conditions that are accompanied by characteristic symptoms) are observed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Their manifestation depends on which nerve branches and blood vessels are damaged.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Top artery - occurs as a result of compression or irritation of the artery that nourishes the brain.Then the patient suffers from hearing impairment, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- Cardiac - develops when compressing nerve rays that innervate the diaphragm or thoracic muscle.Then burning chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, palpitations appear.
- Hypertension caused by vein compression, which is why blood flow is disturbed by the head.Then intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from cephalgia, nausea, vomiting.
- The cervical migraine appears due to compression of the nerves that surround the spinal artery.Then there is a painful migraine similar to migraine in the back of the head.The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by an eruption of vomiting.
- Soreshok is the most common symptomatic complex for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.It is caused by the compression of one of the nerve bundles in the vertebrae of the cervical segment.With a conductivity disorder of 1 - 2 roots of the cervical vertebra, the sensitivity is disturbed or pain in the back of the head occurs.In the event of a damage of 3 pairs, the tongue is numb, the area behind the ears is difficult to chew food.The inflammation of 4 pairs of roots is accompanied by pain in the collar, hiccups, difficulty swallowing.If the conductivity of 5 - 8 pairs of nerve beams is broken, then it is difficult for the patient to move his hands.
Reference.Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs at once with several symptoms of complexes, then the diagnosis is difficult.Therefore, do not understand yourself, it is better to contact specialists.
Diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms occur, it is better to contact the therapist immediately.If necessary, your doctor will refer you to an orthopedist, a neurologist.
The following instrumental studies are used in diagnostic search:
- Radiography.
- Computer or magnetic resonance.
All of the above studies provide certain information about the cervical region.For example, X -ray, CT, MRI are used to identify pathological changes in the structure of the spine.Electromyography allows you to evaluate the condition of the nerve rays.
With the help of radiography, which is performed in various projections, you can detect the accumulation of calcium salts, reducing the height of cartilage seals between the vertebrae, deformation of the store, the presence of bone growth, etc.
Treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be complex.The decision to select the methodology is taken by the doctor, taking into account the stage, the form of the disease, the severity of the symptoms.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complicated.The pathology is unlikely to be completely cured, especially when it comes to an adult patient.However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at each stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: medicines, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy procedures, massage, orthopedic devices.Most of the above methods can be used at home.
3-4 stages, which are accompanied by the destruction of not only cartilage but also the bodies of the vertebrae, surgery may be required.
To get rid of pain, inflammation, relax the tense muscles, the following medicines will help to improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Anesthesia.With severe pain you can help yourself by taking a pill of painkillers.For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allow you to cope not only with pain and inflammation.
- Steroids stop the inflammatory process and pain.For this purpose, hydrocortisone -based drugs, prednisolone, dexamethasone in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Missorelaxes help to relax the muscles around the damaged area.For this purpose, parenteral administration solutions are used, based on glycerol or gazimidazole.They normalize muscle tone and weaken pain syndrome.
- Spasmolytics help fight pain and muscle spasms.
- Vitamins accelerate the recovery of the nervous system.For this purpose, medicines are taken on the basis of elements of group B, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-Mineral complexes are quite effective.
Reference.If the pain syndrome is very severe and oral analgesics do not help, the doctor may prescribe a blockade of novocaine.Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of the pathology.This procedure can only be performed by an experienced specialist.
In complex therapy, creams, gels, ointments with anti -inflammatory, warming, analgesic effect are used.
To relieve patients, improve their physical fitness, prescribe therapeutic gymnastics.Exercises help to strengthen the muscles around the neck, improve metabolic processes, accelerate blood circulation and weaken the load on the weakened spine.
Particularly popular with gymnastics in Oshop in the hall, using special simulators.However, if you wish, you can handle home.
LFK Complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- A small head to the shoulder, straighten your head for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward, trying to touch your chin to your chest, then lift it a little forward.
- Lower your head slightly back, turn right and then your left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow slightly.Then turn your head to the right, hold yourself, feeling muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as a third, only during the head of the head, lift your arms above your head and stick to them.
- Hands on your knees, spread them from the side, trying to tie the shoulder blades, at the same time understanding the chin up.So you will work out the thoracic region.
- Cut out, lower your hands, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch your chin by the shoulder.
Before the lessons, you need to do a joint warm and take a shower to relax your muscles.After performing the complex, perform stretching.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with medicines, etc.
Magnetotherapy facilitates inflammation, pain.UHF and laser treatment accelerate metabolism in the affected area, helps to eliminate swelling.Thanks to the electrophoresis, the drugs penetrate the focus of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately have their effect.
With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated, tissue trophic improves.After passing the course, which usually consists of 10 procedures, the development of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the cervical spine stops.
At home you can use an applicator - this is a plastic device with many spikes.You must go to the device or apply it to the affected area.The applicator helps to weaken pain, relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, as well as motor activity.
With complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of osteochondrosis of the neck forever.However, this is possible if the disease is detected in stage 1.In other cases, comprehensive events will help to stop the development of pathology.
Cardic degeneration of the cervical region (chondrosis)
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are a disease.However, this opinion is wrong.In the first disease, only the cartilage of the vertebrae is damaged and the second is applied degenerative changes for bone tissue.That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.
Chondrosis of the cervical region develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are impaired.Then the collagen fibers are replaced with useless fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage is calculated, it becomes less elastic.Its height decreases, which is why the function of the vertebrae is impaired.
Cervical chondrosis has the following signs:
- Rapid muscle fatigue around the store.
- Stand violation.
- Periodically, discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Restricting neck mobility.
The disease is discovered accidentally during X -Ray or MRI.
Chondrosis
In the first illness, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors.In addition, the patient should avoid excessive exercise or prolonged sitting.It is recommended to perform therapeutic gymnastics, to feed properly, to abandon bad habits.
Additional treatments include massage, manual therapy.In addition, physiotherapy procedures are shown, for example, electrophoresis, ultraviolet irradiation, amphuloster, therapy with Diades, balneotherapy and mud treatment.Acupuncture has proven effective in treatment.
The main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a treacherous disease that is manifested through various symptoms.The patient does not always understand what really happens to him.And when pain is pronounced, she is in a hurry to the doctor, however, this sign indicates the presence of degenerative dystrophic changes in the cervix segment.In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the spine.Then treatment is performed, which helps to stop the development of the pathology and to avoid serious consequences.Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and long process that requires patience, organization.After eliminating pain and inflammation, the patient should regularly perform exercise therapy, visit massage, physiotherapy procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat properly, and abandon bad habits.It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, to observe moderate physical activity, control weight, monitor of the stand.Only in this case will you be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.