In middle-aged women and men, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (CS) is diagnosed more often because this section is more susceptible to stress. The first signs of the disease are usually not expressed, so it is difficult to identify the problem in the early stages of development. The manifestation of osteochondrosis is associated with the influence of several factors in the body. In order for the treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis to be adequate, it is important to know the root causes of the occurrence.
The main causes of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disorder of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, in which, under the influence of negative factors, the tissues of the intervertebral discs in the neck region begin to collapse. Over time, the disease affects other structures in the spine, impairing its functioning. The person begins to be bothered by unpleasant symptoms, the state of health gradually worsens.
The main cause of vertebral degeneration is the violation of the body's metabolic functions. The vertebrae and intervertebral structures do not receive the necessary nutrients and elements. The bone growth of the osteophyte appears in the bone tissue. Ossification spreads over time. Released osteochondrosis leads to the fact that the cervical spine, due to the fusion of the vertebrae, becomes immobilized.
The triggering mechanisms for the development of such processes are negative factors that constantly affect the human body. The causes of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- congenital pathologies of the structure of the musculoskeletal system,
- hereditary predisposition,
- heavy physical activity,
- passive lifestyle,
- posture violation,
- back injuries
- scoliosis,
- stress, nervous overload,
- complication after serious infectious diseases.
Disease degree and manifestation
The signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develop gradually. As the condition progresses, symptoms become more pronounced. There are 4 stages of development of chondrosis:
- At 1 degree, there are no obvious symptoms of osteochondrosis. Sometimes a headache can be worrisome, as can discomfort in the neck. Symptoms pass quickly after rest, but degenerative processes have already started in the discs, where the integrity of the nucleus pulposus is interrupted.
- When the pathology moves to stage 2, the intervertebral cartilage is covered by fissures, through which the disc nucleus exits. The intervertebral space decreases, the patient complains of an acute pain syndrome of a chronic form.
- In the third stage of progression, cervical spine osteochondrosis is characterized by severe spinal pain and headaches. Due to hypoxia, brain cells suffer, a person may have temporary paralysis of limbs, hearing and vision problems. Hernias appear in the cervical region, which compress the nerves, muscles, arteries and veins.
- As the disease transitions to the last (4 tablespoons), the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women become so pronounced that the patient cannot relax and rest for even a minute. Osteophytes form in the vertebrae, due to which the mobility of the neck is impaired, the person becomes handicapped. If complex treatment is not started at this stage, the situation can end in death.
typical symptoms
Conservatively, 1-2 degree osteochondrosis is effectively treated. In advanced cases, it is difficult to fully restore the destroyed intervertebral structures. This means that it is important to diagnose the disease in the early stages. Therefore, it is necessary to see a doctor urgently if a person has similar symptoms:
- discomfort of acute pain, which is located in the neck, shoulders, nape,
- severe headaches and dizziness resulting from compression of the cervical spine's nerves and vessels by the vertebrae,
- violation of visual and auditory functions,
- muscle weakness
- numbness, feeling of goose bumps running down the skin
- failure of the vestibular system to function.
Cervical osteochondrosis at the level of the C4-C6 vertebrae is characterized by impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, hands and fingers. If the vertebral artery is compressed, dangerous disturbances that occur in the brain are disturbing. Due to insufficient blood supply and brain cell nutrition, hypoxia occurs. If the patient is not treated in a timely manner, he or she will have memory problems, the swallowing function will be impaired, and the tightness in the throat, where the Adam's apple is located, will be disturbing.
Often, even a person's voice changes and, with the progression of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, cardiac pathologies occur.
How is the diagnosis made?
If the person suspects that they are developing osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it is necessary to consult a neurologist who will perform an initial examination and try to discover the main causes of the development of the disease. During palpation, it will be possible to roughly determine the stage of the pathology as it proceeds - with or without displacement. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient will need to undergo a series of instrumental diagnostic studies:
- Radiography. This will help determine the degree of growth of the osteophytes, the size of the interarticular gap.
- Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. It allows evaluating the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs, as well as the state of other soft structures.
- Doppler ultrasound. It helps to identify abnormalities in the functioning of blood vessels, due to which the blood supply to the brain is impaired.
How to treat the problem?
If the diagnosis is confirmed during diagnosis, based on the results obtained, the physician selects the optimal treatment regimen for cervical osteochondrosis. If the disease has not started, you can get rid of it with medication and the help of auxiliary procedures. In 3-4 stages the drugs are usually impotent, the best solution in this case is a surgical operation.
effective remedy
Medical treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the acute period is primarily aimed at relieving inflammation, swelling, and pain. For these purposes, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eliminate inflammation, reduce swelling, relieve pain. With an exacerbation of the pathology, it is recommended to use it in the form of injections, when the symptoms abate a little, you can take pills.
- Analgesics.
- Muscle relaxants. Relieves muscle spasm, thus freeing nerves and blood vessels.
- Chondroprotekoty. They restore damaged cartilage structures and prevent their further destruction. For a positive effect, it is recommended that medicines in this group be taken for a long period.
- Vasodilators. They help to improve blood flow, due to which brain nutrition is normalized.
- B group vitamins. Normalize the body's metabolism, stimulate the immune system, due to which soft tissue and bone regenerate more quickly.
Complex exercise therapy
With the help of therapeutic exercises, it will be possible to quickly restore the affected structures of the cervical spine. You can cure the disease by following these approaches:
- the head turns in different directions,
- rotational movements,
- shoulder rotation,
- raising and lowering the head.
Physiotherapy and massage
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with the aid of physical therapy procedures, which are prescribed by the physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body. Most of the time, it is recommended to take the following courses:
- magnetotherapy,
- laser heating,
- ultrasound,
- electrophoresis,
- applications with ozokerite,
- hydrogen sulfide and radon baths,
- ultraviolet irradiation.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine defeated, it is helpful to undergo a course of manual massage therapy. The procedure must be performed by a trained physician who is familiar with the diagnosis and radiographic images. Thanks to the impact point, caresses, pats and vibration, it will be possible to restore normal blood circulation, establish nutrition in the damaged areas.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis by unconventional methods, but you should first see a doctor. A compress prepared according to this recipe will help relieve pain, inflammation and swelling:
- Wash the cabbage leaf, cut the coarse fibers, knead well.
- Apply a mixture of honey and aloe juice (2: 1) to the sheet, distribute evenly over the surface.
- Heat the compress over steam, apply it to the neck, securing with plastic wrap and a woolen scarf.
- Wear a bandage for 3-4 hours.
It is recommended to make a daily compress - in the morning and in the evening.
Prevention and prognosis
With timely and adequate therapy, the disease can be cured and complications averted. If the problem goes untreated and a doctor's advice is ignored, the prognosis for recovery is disappointing. As prophylaxis for cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to lead an active lifestyle, monitor posture, exercise, eat well, and see a doctor in case of suspicious symptoms.