According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population suffers from a disease such as osteochondrosis, which affects different parts of the spine. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and factors that lead to the appearance. And cervical spine pathology is no exception. The factors that led to the fact that you have osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease - these problems must be solved by a qualified specialist. At the first sign of discomfort, contactneurologist. . . A timely selected 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 detected in older people, but now the younger generation faces a problem and turns to doctors. The disease is pathological changes 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 annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. The vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis lose their usual 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 developmental stages 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 stages:
- The former is characterized by mild, mild pain that increases with rotation of the head.
- The second stage is characterized by: severe pain syndrome, in which the discomfort can pass from the neck to the arms. At this stage, the nerve endings are pinched, as a result of which the person, in addition to pain, feels weak, develops a general feeling of poor health.
- In the third stage, the pain syndrome does not go away and radiates to the arms or shoulders, and an intervertebral hernia can also be diagnosed. In some cases, there is a loss of sensation in the hands and a decrease in mobility of the neck.
- In the fourth stage, not only changes in the damaged vertebra are diagnosed, but its almost complete destruction. The patient is constantly tormented by severe pain, tinnitus appears, and he begins to poorly navigate in space.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women may differ due to physiology, which the doctor must take into account when drawing up a treatment plan.
Causes
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs in various but very specific circumstances. During treatment, the doctor must find out the cause of the pathology in order to begin to fight not only with the symptoms, but also with the factor that provoked the disease.
Heavyweight
Excess weight puts pressure on the body. The bigger it is, the stronger the charge. Very often, excess weight provokes the development of osteochondrosis, since there is a strong injury to the spine from overloading, especially in diseased areas. When a disease is detected, one of the first steps in overweight patients is to get rid of it. Along with a complex treatment, of course.
Sitting work, lack of mobility
Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of moderate physical activity are factors that lead to poor posture, an incorrect distribution of the load on the cervicals and other parts. Very often, office workers and those who just like to sit on the couch at home take the wrong position, compounding the problem.
Previous spinal injuries
Injuries can occur for any reason, most often car accidents and accidents. The neck is also one of the vulnerable areas for professional divers and swimmers. With a neck injury, many parts and areas of this spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunk, intervertebral discs and joints, as well as spinal roots. Any trauma suffered can provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis in the already "diseased" part of the cervical spine and, as a consequence, lead to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
Mental disorders
An unstable mental state, stress and constant anxiety are the causes of many health problems, among them they become triggers for cervical osteochondrosis. Many patients who complain of pain syndrome also report signs of depression, constant fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Mental disorders themselves can arise due to the presence of osteochondrosis and aggravate the disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that physically affects the condition of the surrounding vertebrae, discs, ligaments, and soft tissues. Due to the displacement of the vertebrae and the narrowing of the channels, less oxygen enters the brain and blood flow is disturbed, which leads not only to the appearance of physical ailments, but also to mental disorders.
Poor physical condition
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 essential for everyone 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 pathology in other parts of the spine by its symptoms. This happens because the vertebrae in the neck are very close together and the symptoms are pronounced when there is a problem, including osteochondrosis. Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms - now more about the main thing:
- pain syndrome of varying intensity can be located in the neck as well as in the 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 a crunch when turning (this happens due to structural changes in the intervertebral discs);
- malaise, weakness, general malaise due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- the last stage is characterized by hearing and vision problems.
If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor and start 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 the organs and systems below the neck. If the function of the cervical vertebrae is affected, the nutrition of the whole organism will also be affected. Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, cardiac ischemia, and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as protrusion, vision and hearing problems.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
To begin treatment, the doctor must take a history, find out the causes and time of the appearance of neck discomfort, and perform the necessary examinations to obtain a complete clinical picture of your health. How and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis and if it can be cured, only the doctor will tell, so do not delay the visit and sign up for a consultation with a therapist or neurologist.
Medicine
One of the first steps is the selection, prescription and administration of drugs: analgesics and anti-inflammatories, in order to alleviate the pain syndrome and existing inflammations and infections. The type and quantity of drugs are selected individually.
Physiotherapy
Any physical therapy procedure is aimed at relieving pain syndrome, muscle spasms, and reducing inflammation. As physiotherapy are used: acupuncture, manual manipulation, hirudotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to patients after the exacerbation stage passes. These measures are aimed at restoring the normal function of the cervical spine and preventing deterioration of the condition.
Home treatments
Home treatment methods can include self-massage and exercise therapy, which must be selected and prescribed by specialists. Procedures can be performed only after the attending physicians demonstrate the technique.
Massage
Neck massage is done without strong pressure and twists, movements should be smooth and carried out along the lymphatic flow. Experts use a variety of techniques including stroking, squeezing, rubbing, and kneading. Professional massage should be performed only by specialists. Surgery is chosen only when conservative methods do not work. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually carried out at home and provides the necessary result and eliminates symptoms only if the recommendations and the course prescribed by the doctor are followed.
Prevention
Doctors recommend choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc. ), as well as a place to sleep with good spinal support. Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress and low pillows is recommended. A sauna, a steam bath, and a hot shower will help relieve muscle spasms (if there are no contraindications). As a physical activity, swimming, yoga, walking are recommended, 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 a little gymnastics.