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 its occurrence.And cervical spine pathology is no exception.The factors that led to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment of the disease - these issues must be resolved by a qualified specialist.At the first sign of discomfort, contact neurologist.Timely treatment will avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
The first thing worth mentioning is the age of the patients in whom the disease is diagnosed.Until recently, the pathology was identified in the elderly, but now the younger generation also faces the problem and seeks out a doctor.The disease represents pathological changes in intervertebral discs and spinal dystrophy in general, mainly without treatment.The cervical region is the most mobile and consists of 7 vertebrae, each of which consists of a fibrous ring and a pulpous nucleus.Vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis lose their usual mobility and flexibility.The load is redistributed, as a result of which the fibrous rings can shift and crack.Without treatment, neck osteochondrosis will lead to the formation of intervertebral hernias and other consequences.
Stages of osteochondrosis (brief description)
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis has stages of development that are taken into account by the doctor when drawing up the treatment plan and that the patient must be aware of in order to seek help in time.There are 4 steps:
- The first is characterized by a mild, mild pain, which increases when turning the head.
- The second phase is characterized by: intense pain syndrome, in which unpleasant sensations can pass from the neck to the arms.At this stage, the nerve endings are compressed, causing the person, in addition to pain, to feel weakness and develop a general feeling of ill health.
- In the third stage, the pain does not go away and radiates to the arms or shoulders, and an intervertebral hernia may also be diagnosed.In some cases, there is loss of sensitivity in the hands and decreased neck mobility.
- At 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 have difficulty orienting himself in space.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women may differ due to physiology, which must be taken into account by the doctor when drawing up a treatment plan.
Reasons
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs under different but very specific circumstances.At the time of treatment, the doctor must discover the cause of the pathology to begin combating not only the symptoms, but also the factor that caused the disease.
Heavy weight
Excess weight puts stress on the body.The larger it is, the stronger the load.Excess weight often causes the development of osteochondrosis, as serious injuries occur to the spine due to overload, especially in diseased areas.When a disease is detected, one of the first steps for overweight patients is to get rid of it.In conjunction with complex treatment, of course.
Sitting work, inactivity
Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of moderate physical activity are factors that lead to poor posture and inadequate load distribution in the cervical region and other areas.Office workers and those who just like to sit on the couch at home often take the wrong position, aggravating the problem.
Previous spinal injuries
Injuries can occur for any reason, most often accidents and car accidents.The neck is also one of the vulnerable areas for professional divers and swimmers.When a neck injury occurs, many parts and areas of this part of the spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunk, intervertebral discs and joints, as well as spinal roots.Any trauma suffered can cause the appearance of osteochondrosis in an already “sick” area of the cervical spine, or lead to the appearance of osteochondrosis as a consequence.
Mental disorders
Unstable mental state, constant stress and anxiety are the causes of many health problems, including those that become provoking factors for cervical osteochondrosis.Many patients who complain of pain also notice signs of depression, constant fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.Mental disorders themselves can arise due to the presence of osteochondrosis or worsen the disease.Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that physically affects the condition of the vertebrae, discs, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues.Due to the displacement of the vertebrae and the narrowing of the canals, less oxygen enters the brain and blood flow is disrupted, which leads not only to the appearance of physical illnesses, 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 are left without movement gradually lose elasticity and mobility, which, when exposed to external factors, can cause injuries, including to the neck.Moderate physical activity is necessary 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 located very close together and the symptoms are pronounced when a problem occurs, including osteochondrosis.Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms - now more about the main thing:
- pain of varying intensity may be located in the neck or radiate to the head, shoulders, arms, etc.;
- weakness, numbness and low sensitivity of the hands due to compressed nerve roots;
- difficulty turning the head and the appearance of a crunching sound when turning (this occurs due to structural changes in the intervertebral discs);
- poor health, weakness, general malaise due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- The last phase is characterized by deterioration of hearing and vision.
If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, the entire 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 located below the neck.If the functioning of the cervical vertebrae is impaired, the nutrition of the entire body will be impaired.Cervical osteochondrosis can cause impaired motor activity, stroke, heart ischemia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as protrusion and problems with vision and hearing.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To start treatment, the doctor needs to take an anamnesis, find out the causes and time of onset of neck discomfort and carry out the necessary tests to obtain a complete clinical picture of your health.Only a doctor can tell you how and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis and whether it can be cured, so do not delay your visit and make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist.
Medicines
One of the first steps is the selection, prescription and administration of medications: analgesics and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation and existing infections.The type and quantity of medicines are selected individually.
Physiotherapy
Any physiotherapeutic procedures are aimed at relieving pain, muscle spasms and reducing inflammation.As physiotherapy are used: acupuncture, manual manipulation, hirudotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to patients after the exacerbation stage has passed.These measures aim to restore the normal functioning of the cervical spine and prevent deterioration of the condition.
Home treatments
Home treatment methods may include self-massage and exercise therapy, which must be selected and prescribed by specialists.Carrying out the procedures is only possible after indication of the technique by the attending doctors.
Massage
Neck massage is performed without strong pressure and turns;movements should be smooth and carried out along the lymphatic flows.Experts use different techniques, which include stroking, squeezing, rubbing and kneading.Professional massage should only be performed by specialists.Surgery is chosen only when conservative methods do not work.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually carried out at home and only gives the desired result and relief of symptoms if you follow the recommendations and course prescribed by the doctor.
Prevention
Doctors recommend choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc.), as well as a sleeping place with good support for the spine.It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and low pillows.Sauna, Turkish bath and hot shower help relieve muscle spasms (if there are no contraindications).Swimming, yoga and walking are recommended as physical activities, but it is necessary to exclude strong stress on the spine (running, jumping, lifting weights, etc.).If you have a sedentary job, take breaks more often and do small exercises.