Among the many known diseases, the most
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, mainly associated with physical inactivity. Also, these 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? With what threat to its owner? How does it manifest? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. 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 stage. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks 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 pain.
- Second stage. Disc destruction continues, leading to small dislocations of the vertebrae. Pain sensations intensify and become permanent. Head drop syndrome can occur, characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
- Third stage. The annulus fibrosus is almost completely destroyed, leading to protrusions and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain may decrease, since 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, the appearance of a 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 fully restore the body.
Causes of pathological changes.
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 disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, the damage of which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.
The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- prolonged stay in the same position;
- alterations in metabolism;
- salt deposits;
- poor nutrition.
The risk of developing the disease increases with:
- hereditary predisposition;
- old age;
- neck injury;
- prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- obesity;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- Chronic ailments of the musculoskeletal system.
Symptoms of the disease.
The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. Symptoms of the disease depend on the number of vertebrae affected, the degree of damage, and the presence of pinched nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, 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 anguish appear;
- dizzy;
- darkens in the eyes;
- hands and feet are numb;
- tinnitus is heard;
- the tongue becomes numb;
- visual acuity and hearing weaken;
- a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- there is rapid fatigue;
- coordination is impaired.
Several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:
- radicular - pinching of nerve endings causes severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
- cardiac: the root of the pectoral muscle or the phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms that resemble a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area (does not go away when taking nitroglycerin), which increases with movement and deep breathing;
- vertebral artery - a stabbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
- irritant reflex: a burning pain occurs in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.
Possible complications
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause disability and even death, as heart activity and respiratory function are affected.
If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to a variety of complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated disc, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Often, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths form on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity 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.
Diagnostics
To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:
- bone scan;
- duplex scanning;
- Ultrasound dopplerography;
- Magnetic or computerized resonance imaging.
Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of the damage.
First aid
In the event that the patient experiences excruciating pain, pain relievers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will come to the rescue. If they cannot eliminate the pain, they turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they cannot be taken for a long time, as they have an adverse effect on the intestines.
Anesthetic warming ointments and a pepper plaster 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 the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor to prevent the development of complications.
Treatment methods
In order for the fight against the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary:
- relieve pain syndrome;
- remove puffiness;
- restore blood flow;
- strengthen the muscular corset;
- improve the nutrition of tissues and ensure their regeneration.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- physical therapy exercises;
- alternative and traditional medicine methods;
- diet.
Drug treatment involves taking:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
- muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms;
- chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins: both oral and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physiotherapeutic procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Effective help in the fight against 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 has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to carry out physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
In addition to (but not instead of) drug treatment, it is recommended to use home remedies.
For 3-4 months, you need to follow a strict diet:
- reject products that contain cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
- limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
- exclude alcoholic beverages.
Prophylaxis
An active lifestyle and weight loss are essential for preventive measures. Nutrition containing the necessary vitamins and minerals is of no small importance.
The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.
When you work sedentary, be sure to take breaks.
People prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist periodically.