Among the many known diseases, most<1_img_leftxx>diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which are mainly associated with physical inactivity. Furthermore, such problems are inherent not only in the elderly, but also in the young. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among the pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal system. What is this disease? What threatens its owner? How does this manifest? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second only to damage to the lumbosacral region.
Stages of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:
- First step. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: fissures appear in the fibrous ring, the disc loses its strength and elasticity and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by intense pain.
- Second stage. Disc destruction continues, leading to small displacements of the vertebrae. Pain sensations intensify and become permanent. Falling head syndrome, characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position, can occur.
- Third stage. The fibrous ring is almost completely destroyed, which leads to protrusions and intervertebral hernia. In that case, the pain may subside as there is no source of pain - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not go away completely, as the nerve roots remain pinched. Possible violation of sensitivity, onset of headache and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.
In the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely restore the body.
Causes of pathological changes
<2_img_leftxx>The vertebrae located in the cervical spine are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative diseases. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, damage that not only causes unpleasant symptoms but also causes serious complications.
The main factors that lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- prolonged stay in the same position;
- disturbances in metabolism;
- salt deposits;
- Poor nutrition.
The risk of developing the disease increases with:
- hereditary predisposition;
- old age;
- neck injury;
- prolonged or regular body hypothermia;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- obesity;
- autoimmune diseases;
- chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
disease symptoms
The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. Symptoms of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage, and the presence of pinched nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of variable intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the neck, ears, shoulders, forearms and chest. They are amplified by turning the head and with the least physical effort.
In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:
- headache and headache appear;
- dizzy;
- darkens in eyes;
- hands and feet are numb;
- tinnitus is heard;
- the tongue becomes numb;
- visual acuity and hearing are impaired;
- a sudden turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- there is rapid fatigue;
- coordination is disturbed.
Several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:
- radicular - pinching of the nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
- cardiac - the pectoral muscle root or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms similar to a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest region (does not go away when taking nitroglycerin), which increases with movement and deep breathing;
- vertebral artery - throbbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
- irritative reflex - the burning pain occurs in the neck region, radiating to the shoulders and chest region, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.
Possible complications
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. It's especially dangerous because deformed vertebrae damage the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to disability and even death as cardiac activity and respiratory function are impaired.
If treatment is not needed, the disease can lead to a variety of complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated disc, spinal effusion, cerebral ischemia. Cervical osteochondrosis often causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths appear in the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or totally loses sensation and mobility.
But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, leading to death.
Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help to avoid many problems.
Diagnosis
<3_img_leftxx>To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:
- radiography;
- duplex scanning;
- ultrasound dopplerography;
- magnetic or computerized resonance imaging.
Diagnostic measurements will provide information on the location and extent of damage.
First aid
In case the patient experiences unbearable pain, analgesics (sodium metamizole, etc. ) will come to their rescue. If they cannot get rid of the pain, they resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they cannot be taken for a long time as they have adverse effects on the intestines.
Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and a pepper patch can effectively relieve pain.
If the patient's limbs go numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.
For edema, diuretics are taken.
But all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone your doctor's appointment to avoid the development of complications.
treatment methods
<4_img_leftxx>For the fight against the disease to be successful, it is necessary:
- relieve pain syndrome;
- remove swelling;
- restore blood flow;
- strengthen the muscular corset;
- improve tissue nutrition and ensure tissue regeneration.
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis must be comprehensive and include:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- alternative and traditional medicine methods;
- diet.
Drug treatment involves taking:
- anti-inflammatory - relieves inflammation, relieves pain, activates blood circulation;
- muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms;
- chondroprotective - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins - both oral and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physical therapy procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Effective help in combating the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to practice physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
In addition to (but not instead of) drug treatment, the use of folk remedies is recommended.
For 3-4 months, you need to follow a strict diet:
- residues from products containing cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
- limit consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
- exclude alcoholic beverages.
Prophylaxis
<5_img_blockxx>An active lifestyle and weight loss are key to preventive measures. Nutrition that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is of no small importance.
The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.
When working sedentary, take breaks.
People prone to osteochondrosis need to visit an orthopedist periodically.