Few modern people have not heard of osteochondrosis.Most of them have repeatedly experienced the symptoms of this disease.The widespread use of the disease is linked by a prolonged seat on the computer, a passive lifestyle, malnutrition, etc.Osteochondrosis of the cervical column is manifested by pain, weakening muscles, limitation of mobility and a whole complex of other symptoms.
Do not ignore the signs of osteochondrosis, because the sooner you start treatment, the faster you get rid of the disease.In the early stages, conservative therapy is carried out: taking medication, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, massage, etc., when complications and destruction of the bone skin structure, an operation is prescribed.
What is this
Osteochondrosis of the neck is a pathology that is only found in people.Animals do not suffer from him.This is due to the vertical location of the spine.In this position, the vertebrae crowd, which leads to the fact that the intervertebral discs are gradually destroyed.
The cervical department consists of 7 vertebrae, which are separated from each other from the discs.This segment of the spine is quite mobile, which is why it is one of the most vulnerable sections of the spine.The lowest link in the cervical region is the intervertebral disc, which mainly reflects the dystrophic degenerative changes.
The prevalence of cervical osteochondosis is also explained by a low muscle corset in the neck.In addition, the small vertebrae are placed in this area, they have a different structure and adapt too closely to each other.This is why even a small load on the neck can cause their displacement, as well as the compression of blood vessels and nerve branches.When you pinch the vertebral artery, which is placed inside the spine in this area, dangerous complications occur.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column threatens a protrusion (displacement of a pulp nucleus without damaging the external shell) and the hernias of the disc.These formations compress the nervous beams, the vessels.
Due to degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, the probability of bone growth (osteophytes) in joint sites.For this reason, neurovascular formations are narrowed between the vertebral canal.
Reference.According to medical statistics, people over 35 more often suffer from cervical osteochondosis.Although there is now a rejuvenation of the pathology, which often develops in 20 -year -old patients.This is due to the mainly sedentary lifestyle and malnutrition.
Doctors have identified 4 steps of pathology:
- 1 degree - The cartilage between the vertebrae begins to collapse.At this stage, the disease has erased the symptoms.Unfortunately, patients do not notice them.
- 2 degrees - Under pressure from the vertebrae, the height of the disc is reduced, the integrity of its external membrane is raped.At this stage, the protrusion may appear.The pain appears, the mobility of the neck is limited, perhaps a violation of the sensitivity of the face.
- 3 degrees - The protuberances are transformed into hernias which compress blood vessels and muscles.In addition to the pain, the pain on the back of the head is observed, dizziness.
- 4 degrees - Osteophytes are formed that stabilize the vertebrae, but press the nerve fibers.The pain does not disappear, the stiffness of the movements occurs, the neighboring vertebrae is damaged, the neurological symptoms appear.
It is important to start treatment at 1 to 2 steps to avoid serious complications which can only be fixed with a surgical method.
Reasons
Schop osteochondosis is a complex and prolonged process that can occur under the influence of many negative factors.
For example, in the elderly, the disease is associated with age -related changes in the body.Degenerative-dystrophic changes then result from a violation of local blood circulation, metabolic processes and the weakening of immunity.
However, doctors have identified the main causes of cervical osteochondosis:
- Incorrect posture.
- The curvature of the spine.
- Injuries of the cervical segment.
- Excessive weight.
- Great physical work.
- Long -term sitting at the computer.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Frequent hypothermia of the neck.
- Incorrect organization of the berth (too soft mattress, high pillow).
- Frequent stress, chronic fatigue.
- Congenital pathologies of the structure of the workshop.
- Autoimmune diseases that cause degeneration of cartilage.
- Infections.
- Characteristics of the parts of the body, for example, a very long or short neck.
Under the influence of these factors, intervertebral structures begin to collapse, bone tissue, nerve clusters, blood vessels are damaged.
Symptoms
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical column is diversified.For this reason, it is difficult for patients to understand what is happening to them.The first manifestations of the disease are struck off for overwork.And after the appearance of pronounced symptoms, they are pressed by the doctor, but in this case, irreversible changes are already present and the structure of the cervical region will no longer be possible.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical column:
- Painful sensations on the neck, shoulders.
- Weakening the muscles surrounding the affected segment of the spine.
- Excessive sweat adjustment.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Pain in the head.
- Vertigo (dizziness).
- Hearing disorders, vision.
- Bench jumps, etc.
The nature of headaches in osteochondrosis is different: paroxysmal, constant, pulsating, dull.This symptom is manifested due to the spasms of the brain vessels, the compression of the nervous beams of the cervical column and the increase in intracranial pressure.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical column, the pain does not always appear in the zone of the cervical segment, it can spread to the shoulders, to the hands.The discomfort can occur after sleep, net movement, the tension of the neck, for example, with cough or sneeze.
With the osteochondrosis of the chop, pressure overvoltages are observed depending on the time of day, constant hypertension is not-caracter for pathology.Usually, with increasing pressure, the following manifestations are observed: pain in the head, pain in the hands, numbness of the cervical gurget.Pressure drops are often observed after nervous or muscular stress, long -term stay in an uncomfortable position.
Cervical osteochondosis syndromes
With osteochondrosis of the cervical column, several syndromes are observed (typical conditions which are accompanied by characteristic symptoms).Their manifestation depends on the nerve branches and damaged blood vessels.
Cervical osteochondosis syndromes:
- The vertebral artery - occurs following the compression or irritation of the artery that nourishes the brain.Then the patient suffers from hearing, vision, dizziness, pressure drops, migraines, etc.
- CARDIAL - Develops when compressing the nervous beams that innervate diaphragm or chest muscle.Then burning pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weakness, the heart rate appears.
- Caused by hypertension by compression of the veins, which is why the flow of blood is disturbed of the head.Then the intracranial pressure increases, the patient suffers from cephalgia, nausea, vomiting.
- The cervical migraines get due to the compression of the nerves surrounding the vertebral artery.Then, painful migraine type pain at the back of the head appears.The attack lasts about 10 hours and is often accompanied by an eruption of vomit.
- Soreshcock is the most common symptom complex for osteochondrosis of the cervical column.It is caused by the compression of one of the nervous beams in the vertebrae of the cervical segment.With a violation of conductivity, 1 - 2 roots of the cervical vertebra, the sensitivity is disturbed or the pain at the back of the head appears.In case of damage to 3 pairs, the tongue is numb, the area behind the ears, it is difficult for a person to chew food.The inflammation of 4 pairs of roots is accompanied by pain in the collar, hiccups, difficulty swallowing.If the conductivity of 5 to 8 pairs of nervous beams is broken, it is difficult for the patient to move his hands.
Reference.Often, osteochondrosis of the cervical column manifests itself both with several symptoms by complexes, then the diagnosis is difficult.Therefore, do not understand yourself, it is best to contact specialists.
Diagnose
If you do not know what to do when suspicious symptoms appear, it is better to contact the therapist immediately.If necessary, the doctor will head to an orthopedist, a neurologist.
In the search for diagnosis, the following instrumental studies are used:
- X -ray.
- Computer or magnetic resonance imaging.
All the above studies provide certain information on the cervical region.For example, the X -ray, the CT, the MRI are used to identify pathological changes in the structure of the spine.Electromyography allows you to assess the condition of the nervous beams.
Using the radiography, which is carried out in different projections, you can detect the accumulation of calcium salts, a decrease in the height of the cartilage joints between the vertebrae, a deformation of the store, the presence of bone growth, etc.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis therapy of the cervical column should be complex.The decision to choose the methodology is taken by the doctor taking into account the stage, the form of the disease, the severity of the symptoms.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical column is long and complex.It is unlikely that pathology can be completely healed, especially with regard to the elderly patient.However, it is quite possible to stop the dystrophic degenerative disorders in the cervical segment at any stage.
In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are used: drugs, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, orthopedic devices.Most of the above methods can be used at home.
At 3-4 stages, which are accompanied by destruction not only with cartilage, but also bodies of vertebrae, surgery may be necessary.
To get rid of pain, inflammation, relaxation of tense muscles, the following drugs will help improve the condition of the cartilage fabric:
- Anesthesia.With intense pain, you can help yourself by accepting a pill of pain relievers.For the same purpose, NSAIDs are used, which allows you to deal not only with pain and inflammation.
- Steroids stop the inflammatory process and pain.To this end, hydrocortisone -based drugs, prednisolone, dexamethasone in the form of tablets or ointments are used.
- Musorelaxing helps to relax the muscles around the damaged area.To this end, solutions for parenteral administration based on glycerol or gasMidazole are used.They normalize muscle tone and weaken pain syndrome.
- Spasmolytics help fight pain and muscle spasms.
- Vitamins accelerate the restoration of the nervous system.To this end, drugs are taken according to the elements of group B complexes, A, C, D, E. Vitamin-minerals are quite effective.
Reference.If pain syndrome is very severe and oral pain relievers do not help, the doctor may prescribe a blocking of novocaine.Injections using anesthetic or steroid solutions are placed directly in the center of pathology.This procedure can only be carried out by an experienced specialist.
In complex therapy, creams, gels, ointments with an anti-inflammatory, warming analgesic effect are used.
To alleviate the condition of patients, improve their physical form, prescribe therapeutic gymnastics.The exercises help strengthen the muscles around the neck, improve metabolic processes, speed up blood circulation and weaken the load on the weakened spine.
Particularly popular with Oshop gymnastics in the room using special simulators.However, if you wish, you can manage at home.
LFK complex for cervical osteochondosis:
- Small head towards the shoulder, fix your head for 30 seconds, then repeat the movement in the other direction.
- Tilt your head forward, trying to touch the chin on the chest, then lift it and a little forward.
- Lower your head a little back, turn right, then your left shoulder.
- Press your left shoulder with your right hand, lift your elbow a little.Then turn your head to the right, wait, feeling muscle tension.
- This exercise is done as the third, only during the turn of the head, lifts its arms on your head and adhere to it.
- Hands on the knees, spread them on the sides, trying to connect the shoulder blades, include the chin at the same time.So you will work on the chest region.
- Hold on, lower your hands, stretch your neck forward, trying to touch the chin on the shoulder.
Before lessons, you must do joint warming and take a shower to relax the muscles.After doing the complex, run stretching.
You can treat osteochondrosis of the neck with physiotherapy:
- UHF.
- Laser therapy.
- Magnetotherapy.
- Electrophoresis with drugs, etc.
Magnetotherapy facilitates inflammation, pain.UHF and laser treatment accelerates metabolism in the affected area, helps eliminate swelling.Thanks to electrophoresis, drugs enter the objective of inflammation through the skin, where they immediately show their effect.
Using massage, the muscular tone is standardized, the blood flow to the damaged area is accelerated, the tissue trophic is improved.After having successfully completed the course, which generally consists of 10 procedures, the development of dystrophic degenerative processes in the cervical column stops.
At home, you can use an applicator - this is a plastic device with a lot of points.You must go to the device or apply it to the affected area.The applicator helps to weaken pain, soften muscles, improve blood circulation, as well as motor activity.
With a complex treatment, the patient will be able to get rid of osteochondrosis of the neck forever.However, this is possible if the disease has been detected at 1 stage.In other cases, complete events will help stop the development of pathology.
Carty degeneration of the cervical region (chondose)
Many people believe that chondrosis and osteochondrosis are a disease.However, this opinion is wrong.In the first disease, only the installation of the vertebrae's cartilage is damaged and, with the second, degenerative changes apply to bone tissue.That is to say that chondrosis is the first step in osteochondrosis.
Chondrosis in the cervical region develops when the metabolic processes of the intervertebral disc are disturbed.Then, the collagen fibers are replaced by an unnecessary fibrous tissue, the hyalin cartilage is calculated, becomes less elastic.Its height decreases, which is why the vertebral function is disturbed.
Cervical chondrosis has the following signs:
- Quick fatigue of the muscles surrounding the shop.
- Posture violation.
- Discomfort or light pain periodically occurring in the affected area.
- Restriction of neck mobility.
The disease is detected by accident, during X -rays or MRI.
Chondrosis treatment
In the first illness, doctors prescribe NSAIDs and chondroprotectors.In addition, the patient should avoid excessive physical effort or a prolonged session.It is recommended to perform therapeutic gymnastics, to eat well, to abandon bad habits.
Additional treatment methods include massage, manual therapy.In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are shown, for example, electroForifèse, ultraviolet irradiation, amplipulster, diadimated therapy, balneotherapy and treatment with mud.Acupuncture has proven its effectiveness in treatment.
The main conclusions
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column is an insidious disease that manifests itself in various symptoms.The patient does not always understand what is really happening to him.And when the pain pronounced, it is pressed for the doctor, however, this sign indicates the presence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical segment.In this case, it will not be possible to restore the state of the spine.Then, the treatment is carried out, which helps to stop the development of the pathology and to avoid serious consequences.Osteochondrosis therapy is a complex and long process that requires patience, organization.After eliminating pain and inflammation, the patient must regularly perform exercise therapy, assist massage, physiotherapeutic procedures, use orthopedic devices, eat well, abandon bad habits.It is important to carry out a healthy lifestyle, to observe a moderate physical activity, to control weight, to monitor the posture.This is only in this case, you can stop pathology and live a full life.