According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population suffers from diseases such as osteochondrosis, which affects different parts of the spine. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and factors that lead to its appearance. And cervical spine pathology is no exception. Factors that led to the fact that you have osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment of the disease - these issues should be addressed by a qualified specialist. At the first sign of discomfort, contactneurologist. . . A timely course of treatment will avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
The first thing to mention is the age of the patients diagnosed with the disease. Until recently, the pathology was discovered in older people, but now the younger generation is facing the problem and coming to the doctors. The disease is a pathological change in the intervertebral discs and spinal dystrophy in general, especially without treatment. The cervical region is the most mobile and consists of 7 vertebrae, each of which consists of an annular fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. Vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis lose normal mobility and flexibility. There is a redistribution of the load, as a result of which the fibrous rings can move and crack. Without treatment, osteochondrosis of the neck will lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias and other consequences.
Stages of osteochondrosis (short description)
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis has stages of development that the doctor takes into account when drawing up a treatment plan and that the patient must know in order to seek help in time. There are 4 phases:
- The first is characterized by mild and mild pain that increases with rotation of the head.
- The second stage is characterized by: intense pain syndrome, in which discomfort can pass from the neck to the hands. At this stage, the nerve endings are compressed, as a result of which the person, in addition to pain, feels weak, develops a general feeling of ill health.
- In the third stage, the pain syndrome does not disappear and radiates to the arms or shoulders, and an intervertebral hernia can be diagnosed. In some cases, there is a loss of sensitivity in the hands and a decrease in the mobility of the neck.
- In the fourth stage, not only changes in the damaged vertebra are diagnosed, but also its almost complete destruction. The patient is constantly tormented by severe pain, tinnitus appears, and he begins to move poorly in space.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women can differ due to physiology, which the doctor must take into account when drawing up a treatment plan.
Causes
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs under different but very specific circumstances. During treatment, the doctor must discover the cause of the pathology in order to begin to fight not only the symptoms, but also the factor that caused the disease.
Heavy weight
Being overweight puts a strain on the body. The higher it is, the stronger the load. Being overweight very often provokes the development of osteochondrosis, because there are severe spinal injuries from overload, especially in diseased areas. When the disease is detected, one of the first steps in overweight patients is to remove it. Along with complex treatment, of course.
Sedentary work, lack of mobility
Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, lack of moderate physical activity are factors that lead to poor posture, improper distribution of loads on the neck and other parts. Often office workers and those who like to sit on the couch at home take the wrong position, thus exacerbating the problem.
Previous spinal injuries
Injury can occur for any reason, most commonly car accidents and crashes. The neck is also one of the vulnerable areas for divers and professional swimmers. In addition to neck injury, many parts and areas of this spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunk, intervertebral discs and joints, as well as the spinal cord. Any trauma suffered can cause osteochondrosis in the already "sick" part of the cervical spine and lead to osteochondrosis as a consequence.
Mental disorders
Unstable mental state, stress and constant anxiety are the causes of many health problems, including those that become provoking factors of cervical osteochondrosis. Many patients who complain of pain syndrome also report signs of depression, constant fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Mental disorders themselves can occur due to the presence of osteochondrosis and worsen the disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that physically affects the condition of the vertebrae, discs, ligaments and soft tissues around. Due to the movement of the vertebrae and the narrowing of the channels, less oxygen enters the brain and the blood flow is disturbed, which leads not only to the appearance of physical problems, but also to mental disorders.
Poor physical fitness
Every day, certain and, as a rule, the same muscles are involved in our movements, and those that remain immobile gradually lose elasticity and mobility, which when exposed to external factors can lead to injuries, including the neck. Moderate physical activity is necessary to strengthen the muscular corset and reduce the risk of injury. Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include metabolic disorders, excessive physical activity, heredity and pathologies and diseases of the body.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from the pathology in other parts of the spine in terms of symptoms. This happens because the vertebrae on the neck are very close and the symptoms are pronounced when any problem occurs, including osteochondrosis. Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms - now more about the main thing:
- pain syndrome of varying intensity can be localized in the neck and head, shoulders, arms, etc. ;
- weakness, numbness, and poor sensitivity of the hands due to pinched nerve roots;
- Difficulty turning the head and the appearance of cracking when turning (this occurs due to structural changes in the intervertebral discs);
- malaise, weakness, general weakness due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- the last stage is characterized by hearing and vision impairment.
If symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, the whole body is at risk of serious complications. The small cervical region contains a large number of nerves and arteries that connect and supply the brain and organs and systems under the neck. If the functioning of the cervical spine is impaired, then the nutrition of the whole organism will be disrupted. Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, ischemia of the heart and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as protrusion and problems with vision and hearing.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To begin treatment, your doctor must take a medical history, discover the causes and timing of neck discomfort, and perform the necessary examinations to gain a complete clinical picture of your health. How and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis and whether it can be cured will only be told by a doctor, so do not delay your visit and sign up for a consultation with a therapist or neurologist.
Medications
One of the first steps is the selection, prescribing, and administration of medications: painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, to alleviate the pain syndrome and existing inflammation and infection. The type and number of drugs are selected individually.
Physiotherapy
All physiotherapeutic procedures are aimed at relieving pain syndrome, muscle cramps and reducing inflammation. As physiotherapy are used: acupuncture, manual manipulation, chiropractic, shock wave therapy, etc.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to patients after passing the exacerbation phase. These measures are aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the cervical spine and avoiding worsening of the condition.
Home treatments
Home remedies may include self-massage and exercise therapy, which must be selected and prescribed by experts. Procedures can be performed only after the technique is demonstrated by doctors.
Massage
The neck massage is performed without strong pressure and rotation, the movements should be smooth and performed along the lymphatic flow. Experts use a variety of techniques that include stroking, squeezing, rubbing and kneading. Professional massage should be performed only by experts. Surgery is chosen only if conservative methods do not work. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually carried out at home and gives the necessary results and resolves symptoms only if the recommendations and course prescribed by the doctor are followed.
Prevention
Doctors recommend choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc. ), as well as a place to sleep with good support for the spine. It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and low pillows. Sauna, steam bath and hot shower will help relieve muscle cramps (if there are no contraindications). Swimming, yoga, walking are recommended as physical activities, but it is necessary to exclude a strong load on the spine (running, jumping, lifting weights, etc. ). If you have a sedentary job, take breaks more often and do some gymnastics.