Few of modern people have not heard about osteochondrosis.Most of them have repeatedly experienced the symptoms of this ailment.The widespread use of the disease is connected by prolonged sitting at the computer, a passive way of life, malnutrition, etc. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is manifested by pain, weakening of muscles, limitation of mobility and a whole complex of other symptoms.
Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the sooner you begin treatment, the faster you get rid of the disease.In the initial stages, conservative therapy is carried out: taking medications, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc., when complications and the destruction of the bone-skin structure, an operation is prescribed.
What is it
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that is found only in people.Animals do not suffer from him.This is due to the vertical location of the spine.In this position, the vertebrae squeeze each other, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical department consists of 7 vertebrae, which are separated from each other in disks.This segment of the spine is quite mobile, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable sections of the spinal column.The weakest link in the cervical region is the intervertebral disc, which primarily reflect degenerative-dystrophic changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondrosis is also explained by a weak muscle corset in the neck.In addition, small vertebrae are placed on this area, they have a different structure and fit too tightly to each other.That is why even a small load on the neck can provoke their displacement, as well as the compression of blood vessels and nerve branches.When pinching the vertebral artery, which is placed inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine threatens with a protrusion (displacement of a pulp nucleus without damage to the outer shell) and hernias of the disk.These formations compress nervous bundles, vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, the likelihood of bone growths (osteophytes) in the sites of joint joints increases.Because of this, neuro-vascular formations are narrowed between the spinal canal.
Reference.According to medical statistics, people over 35 years old more often suffer from cervical osteochondrosis.Although now there is a rejuvenation of pathology, which often develops in patients from 20 years.This is due to the mainly sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.
Doctors identified 4 stages of pathology:
- 1 degree - the cartilage between the vertebrae begins to collapse.At this stage, the disease has erased symptoms.Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degree - under the pressure of the vertebrae, the height of the disk is reduced, the integrity of its outer membrane is violated.At this stage, protrusion may appear.Pain appears, the mobility of the neck is limited, perhaps a violation of the sensitivity of the face.
- 3 degree - protrusions are transformed into hernias that compress blood vessels and muscles.In addition to pain, pain in the back of the head is observed, dizziness.
- 4 degree - osteophytes are formed that stabilize the vertebrae, but squeeze the nerve fibers.The pain does not disappear, the stiffness of movements occurs, neighboring vertebrae are damaged, neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment at 1 to 2 stages in order to avoid serious complications that can only be fixed with 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 elderly people, the disease is associated with age -related changes in the body.Then degenerative-dystrophic changes arise as a result of a violation of local blood circulation, metabolic processes, and the weakening of immunity.
However, doctors identified the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Incorrect posture.
- The curvature of the spinal column.
- Injuries of the cervical segment.
- Excessive weight.
- Great physical work.
- Long -term sitting at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Incorrect organization of the berth (too soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stresses, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the SHOP structure.
- Autoimmune diseases that provoke cartilage degeneration.
- Infections.
- Features of body parts, for example, a very long or short neck.
Under the influence of these factors, intervertebral structures begin to collapse, bone tissues, nerve bunches, blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is diverse.For this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them.The early manifestations of the disease are written off for overwork.And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they are in a hurry to the doctor, but in this case irreversible changes are already present and the structure of the cervical region will no longer be possible.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Painful sensations on the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening of the muscles surrounding the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive setting of sweat.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
- Disorders of coordination of movements.
- Pain in the head.
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing disorders, vision.
- Benching jumps, etc.
The nature of the headache in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull.This symptom is manifested due to spasm of the brain vessels, compression of the nerve beams of the cervical spine, and the increase in intracranial pressure.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the pain does not always appear on the area of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders, hands.Discomfort can occur after sleep, sharp movement, tension of the neck, for example, with coughing or sneezing.
With osteochondrosis of the Chop, pressure surges are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is non -character for pathology.Usually, with increasing pressure, the following manifestations are observed: pain in the head, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical-gurgle.Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscle stress, long -term stay in an uncomfortable position.
Syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, several syndromes are observed (typical conditions that are accompanied by characteristic symptoms).Their manifestation depends on which nerve branches and blood vessels are damaged.
Cervical osteochondrosis syndromes:
- Vertebral artery - occurs as a result of compression or irritation of the artery that nourishes the brain.Then the patient suffers from hearing disorders, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- Cardial - develops when compressing nerve beams that innervate the diaphragm or chest muscle.Then a burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, the heartbeat appears.
- Hypertension-caused by compression of veins, which is why the outflow of blood is disturbed from the head.Then intracranial pressure rises, the patient suffers from cephalgia, nausea, vomiting.
- Cervical migraines-occurs due to compression of the nerves that surround the vertebral artery.Then a painful migraine -like pain in the back of the head appears.The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by eruption of vomit.
- Soreshcock is the most common symptom 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 violation of conductivity, 1 - 2 roots of the cervical vertebra, sensitivity is disturbed or pain in the back of the head appears.In case of damage to 3 pairs, the tongue is numb, the area behind the ears, it is difficult for a person to chew food.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 is manifested at once with several symptom by complexes, then the diagnosis is difficult.Therefore, do not understand yourself, it is better to contact specialists.
Making a diagnosis
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to immediately contact the therapist.If necessary, the doctor will direct you to an orthopedist, a neurologist.
In diagnostic search, the following instrumental studies are used:
- Radiography.
- Computer or magnetic resonance imaging.
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 beams.
With the help of radiography, which is carried out in different projections, you can detect accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of cartilage gaskets between the vertebrae, deformation of the shop, the presence of bone growths, etc.
Treatment
Therapy of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be complex.The decision to choose the methodology is made by the doctor taking into account the stage, form of the disease, the severity of symptoms.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is long and complex.It is unlikely that the pathology can be completely cured, especially when it comes to the elderly patient.However, it is quite possible to stop degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the cervical segment at any stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: medicines, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, orthopedic devices.Most of the above methods can be used at home.
At 3-4 stages, which is accompanied by the destruction of not only cartilage, but also the bodies of the vertebrae, surgery may be needed.
To get rid of pain, inflammation, relax tense muscles, the following medicines will help improve the condition of cartilage tissue:
- Anesthesia.With severe pain, you can help yourself by accepting 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, medicines based on hydrocortisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Musorelaxants help to relax the muscles around the damaged area.For this purpose, solutions for parenteral administration based on glycerol or gasymidazole are used.They normalize muscle tone and weaken the pain syndrome.
- Spasmolytics help to fight pain and muscle spasms.
- Vitamins accelerate the restoration of the nervous system.For this purpose, drugs are taken based on 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, then the doctor can prescribe a novocaine blockade.Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the focus of 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 alleviate the condition of patients, improve their physical form, prescribe therapeutic gymnastics.Exercises help strengthen the muscles around the neck, improve metabolic processes, accelerate blood circulation, and weaken the load on the weakened spine.
Particularly popular with Oshop gymnastics in the hall using special simulators.However, if you wish, you can deal with at home.
LFK complex for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Small your head to the shoulder, fix your head for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward, trying to touch the chin to the chest, then lift it up and a little forward.
- Lower your head a little back, turn to the right, and then your left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow a little.Then turn your head to the right, linger, feeling muscle tension.
- This exercise is performed as the third, only during the turn of the head, raise your arms over your head and adhere to them.
- Hands on the knees, spread them to the sides, trying to connect the shoulder blades, at the same time understand the chin up.So you will work out the thoracic region.
- Stand up, lower your hands, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch the chin to the shoulder.
Before classes, you need to make a joint warm -up and take a shower in order to relax the muscles.After performing the complex, execute stretching.
You can treat neck osteochondrosis with physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetotherapy facilitates inflammation, pain.UHF and laser treatment accelerates the metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate swelling.Thanks to electrophoresis, medicines penetrate the focus of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately manifest their effect.
With the help of massage, muscle tone is normalized, blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated, tissue trophic is improved.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 a lot of spikes.You need to 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 the osteochondrosis of the neck forever.However, this is possible if the disease was detected at 1 stage.In other cases, comprehensive events will help stop the development of pathology.
Carty degeneration of the cervical region (chondrosis)
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis is one disease.However, this opinion is erroneous.In the first disease, only the cartilage laying of the vertebrae is damaged, and with the second, degenerative changes apply to bone tissues.That is, chondrosis is the first stage of osteochondrosis.
Chondrosis of the cervical region develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disrupted.Then the collagen fibers are replaced by useless fibrous tissue, the hyaline cartilage is calculated, becomes less elastic.Its height decreases, which is why the vertebral function is disturbed.
Cervical chondrosis has the following signs:
- Fast fatigue of the muscles surrounding the shop.
- Violation of posture.
- Periodically occurring discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.
- Restriction of neck mobility.
The disease is detected by accident, during x -ray or MRI.
Chondrosis treatment
In the first disease, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors.In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical exertion or prolonged sitting.It is recommended to perform therapeutic gymnastics, eat right, abandon bad habits.
Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy.In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are shown, for example, electroforesis, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulster, diadime therapy, balneotherapy, and treatment with mud.The acupuncture has proved its effectiveness in treatment.
The main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an insidious ailment that is manifested by various symptoms.The patient does not always understand what is actually happening to him.And when pronounced pain, it is in a hurry to the doctor, however, this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment.In this case, it will not be possible to restore the condition of the spine.Then treatment is carried out, which helps stop the development of pathology and 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, attend massage, physiotherapeutic procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat right, abandon bad habits.It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe moderate physical activity, control weight, monitor posture.Only in this case, you will be able to stop the pathology and live a full life.