Most of the many known diseases
Musculoskeletal disease, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity, is common. In addition, such problems lie not only in the elderly but also in the young. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has a special place among pathologies affecting the locomotor system. What is this disease? What threatens your owner? How does it manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic progressive disease accompanied by deformity of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Of the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology occupies second place, followed only by damage to the lumbosacral region.
Stages of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:
- First phase. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, the disc loses its strength and elasticity, and its height becomes smaller. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by painful pain.
- Second stage. The destruction of the disc continues, leading to less displacement of the vertebrae. Feelings of pain increase and become permanent. Falling head syndrome can occur, characterized by severe pain that keeps the head in a fixed position.
- Third stage. Annular fibrosis is almost completely destroyed, leading to protrusions and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain may be reduced because there is no source of pain - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not go away completely because the nerve roots are pinched. Possible violation of sensitivity, headache and dizziness, nausea, appearance of "lumbago" on the neck.
In the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes take place. Therefore, the body cannot be fully restored.
Causes of pathological changes
The vertebrae in the cervical spine are the most mobile. They are small in size and weakly muscular. Such a 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 to which causes not only unpleasant symptoms but also severe complications.
The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- longer stay in the same situation;
- metabolic disorders;
- 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 disease;
- chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Symptoms of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. The symptoms of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the extent of the damage, and the presence of pinched nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, which radiates to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are amplified by turning the head and with the least amount of physical exertion.
In addition to pain in cervical osteochondrosis:
- headache and heart pain appear;
- dizzy;
- darkens in the eyes;
- hands and feet numb;
- tinnitus is audible;
- the tongue is numb;
- visual acuity and hearing are impaired;
- a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- there is rapid fatigue;
- coordination is confused.
Numerous syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are known:
- radicularis - tightening of nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck that radiates to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
- heart - the root of the pectoralis muscle or the phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms reminiscent of a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area (not disappearing when taking nitroglycerin), which is increased by movement and deep breathing;
- vertebral artery - throbbing pain in the back of the head and on the temple;
- irritant-reflex - burning pain occurs in the neck area, which radiates to the shoulder and chest area, 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 the nerve roots and blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to disability and even death due to impaired heart activity and respiratory function.
If no treatment is needed, the disease can lead to various complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, disc herniation, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Often, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths occur on the injured vertebrae, causing the body to lose some or all of its sensitivity and mobility.
But it is the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord that leads to death.
Therefore, it is important to treat osteochondrosis of the cervix in a timely manner to help avoid many problems.
Diagnostics
To make a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:
- radiography;
- duplex scanning;
- ultrasound dopplerography;
- computer or magnetic resonance imaging.
Diagnostic measures provide information on the location and extent of damage.
First aid
In case the patient feels unbearable pain, painkillers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) are saved. If they cannot get rid of the pain, they resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they should not be taken for a long time as they have a detrimental effect on the intestines.
Warming anesthetic ointments and pepper plaster can effectively relieve pain.
If the patient’s limbs become numb, massage and special exercises are recommended to activate blood circulation.
In case of edema, diuretics are taken.
But each of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not delay your visit to the doctor to prevent complications.
Treatment methods
In order for the fight against the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary to:
- relieves pain syndrome;
- remove the swelling;
- restores blood flow;
- strengthen the muscle ligament;
- improves the nutrition of tissues and ensures their regeneration.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- methods of alternative and traditional medicine;
- diet.
Medication includes:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
- muscle relaxants - relieve muscle cramps;
- chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins - both oral and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physiotherapy procedures are effective in cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, hand therapy and special practices provide effective help in the fight against the disease. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to perform physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise it may have the opposite effect.
In addition to medication (but not instead of medication), the use of folk remedies is recommended.
You should follow a strict diet for 3-4 months:
- cholesterol-containing products: animal fats, fatty meat;
- limits the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
- to exclude alcoholic beverages.
Prophylaxis
An active lifestyle and weight loss play a central role in preventive measures. A diet containing the necessary vitamins and minerals is not insignificant.
The sleeping mattress should be solid and the pillow should be low.
Be sure to take a break while sitting.
People who are prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist periodically.