Today, cervical osteochondrosis has developed into one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, not only older people, but also very young people are increasingly suffering. Lack of physical activity, constant work on the computer and other attributes of modern city life negatively affect his condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article, we will examine why it occurs, how it manifests itself, how it is treated, and what drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and what non-drug methods there are.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that disrupts the functional activity and structure of the spine. Because of this, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine.
Causes of occurrence
With this disease, there is a destructive change in the shock absorption capacity of the intervertebral discs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of an increase in their level in human blood and lymphatic fluid.
The main reason cervical osteochondrosis occurs is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are most susceptible to this disease and spend most of their time with papers and a computer. In the absence of the necessary physical activity in the human body, the blood flow slows down, the muscle tissue does not need an influx of salt from food. As a result, salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Contributes to the development of diseases and malnutrition, obesity and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disorders.
The disease can also occur as a result of trauma, extreme stress, inflammatory and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, a distinction is made between three stages:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually notice a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of headaches, weakness and dizziness. At this stage, there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks in the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc.
Second degree
A significant increase in pain is characteristic of the second degree of the development of the disease, which occurs as a result of a sharp displacement of the intervertebral discs and pinching of the nerve roots.
Third degree
It is characterized by complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a rupture. The symptoms of the disease at this stage are pronounced. The patient experiences severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pains in the neck that radiate to the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the destroyed intervertebral disc replaces its connective tissue. Dizziness, increased tinnitus, incoordination, as an artery that supplies the cerebellum and the occipital lobes of the brain is involved in this process.
It is very important to diagnose the disease at the initial stage and consult a specialist, knowing what to do to prevent further development.
Symptoms and signs
In addition to pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms that a person may not immediately guess about the developing disease. This is due to the fact that dysfunction of the cervical spine inevitably interferes with the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is common to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes of various localizations. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration that can be given to the eye or ear. In this case, pain usually does not go away after taking pain medication. Aching or stabbing pain in the neck and back of the head radiating to the shoulder blades, forearm and elbow. This disease usually involves a dull, aching pain that then intensifies and spreads to different parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders that occur as a result of a disruption in the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased sensitivity in the limbs, impaired leg tone, weakness in arms and legs, and goose bumps. There may be pain when you raise your arms or move them to the side.
weakness
Signs of vascular disease of the brain that have multiple manifestations. People with cervical osteochondrosis often feel very weak for no apparent reason and get tired quickly.
Noises in the ears
The appearance of a feeling of constipation and noise in the ears, hearing impairment and a sharp deterioration in well-being are often noted.
Psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome and panic attacks are also possible.
diagnosis
Basic diagnostic methods:
- Radiography.A poorly informative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed Tomography (CT).It better shows abnormalities in the vertebrae, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of hernias, and the presence of a hernial hernia of the spinal cord (discomedullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method with the most information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their size and direction of growth.
- Ultrasonic duplex scanning.This method is used when there is suspicion of circulatory disorders in the arteries of the spine. This indicates a decrease in the speed of blood flow and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
treatment
Developing a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises and some other methods.
Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: spinal neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner in order to prevent the development of the second and third degrees of the disease. In this case, until full recovery, treatment will take much longer.
Therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all, it is necessary to relieve pain;
- then get rid of edema;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- Muscle tissue is strengthened;
- Measures are taken to restore damaged tissue.
Important!Remember that exercise therapy is contraindicated in times when the disease is exacerbated, as it can cause complications.
As a first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics, and for acute pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. In places of localization of muscle spasms, warming and analgesic ointments, pepper plasters are used. Puffiness is well eliminated by diuretics. If the patient has a feeling of numbness in the extremities, it is necessary to do special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
It should be remembered that these measures will relieve pain, but they will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medicines that are prescribed by a doctor in combination with other therapy methods do justice to this task.
drug
The purposes of taking medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain, as well as provide general healing effects on the body.
Patients need to be prescribed preparations with B vitamins, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
To restore the damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, chondroprotective drugs are prescribed. Taking these drugs should not be ignored, as they will help strengthen bone tissue and prevent the disease from recurring in the future.
physical therapy
During the health-promoting gymnastics, circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck bends to the left - to the right, forwards - backwards. It is also necessary to include movements of the shoulders and arms in the exercise series. All movements should be performed gently, without harshness and stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
graduation
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow some simple rules:
- avoid extreme loads on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- gymnastics for the whole body daily, focus on the muscles of the back, and especially the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous overexertion and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- Lead an active, mobile lifestyle, exercise more, go for walks in the fresh air, eat properly and balanced food and get rid of bad habits.