Among the many known diseases the most
diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is associated mainly with physical inactivity. In addition, such problems are inherent not only in the elderly but also in young people. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among the pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system. What is this disease? What is threatening its owner? How does it manifest? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic progressive disease accompanied by deformity of the intervertebral discs. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second only in damage to the lumbosacral region.
Stages of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:
- First stage. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the annular fibrosis, the disc loses its strength and elasticity and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by excruciating pain.
- Second stage. The destruction of the disc continues, leading to slight sprains of the vertebrae. The pain sensations intensify and become permanent. Falling head syndrome can occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
- Third stage. Annular fibrosis is almost completely destroyed, leading to bulges and intervertebral hernias. In this case, the pain can be reduced because there is no source of pain - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not disappear completely, as the nerve roots remain compressed. Possible disturbance of sensitivity, the appearance of headache and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.
In the first stage, the disease is treated successfully. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to fully restore the body.
Causes of pathological changes
The vertebrae located in the cervical vertebrae are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, damage to which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.
The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- sedentary way of life;
- prolonged stay in the same position;
- 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 diseases;
- 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 much the vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage and the presence of pinched nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are amplified by turning the head and with the least physical exertion.
In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:
- headache and heart pain occur;
- dizziness;
- darkens the eyes;
- arms and legs are numb;
- tinnitus is heard;
- the tongue tingles;
- visual acuity and hearing are impaired;
- a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- there is rapid fatigue;
- coordination is disrupted.
Several syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are known:
- radicular - pinching of nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulders and lower back;
- cardiac - the root of the pectoral muscle or the diaphragmatic nerve is damaged, leading to symptoms resembling a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest (they do not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which increase with movement and deep breathing;
- vertebral artery - throbbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
- irritative-reflex - burning pain occurs in the neck, radiating to the shoulders and chest, exacerbated by coughing and dizziness.
Possible complications
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause damage and even death, as heart function and respiratory function are impaired.
If no treatment is needed, the disease can lead to various complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, disc herniation, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Cervical osteochondrosis often causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths form on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity and mobility.
But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, leading to death.
That is why it is important to timely treat cervical osteochondrosis, which will help avoid many problems.
Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for instrumental examination:
- radiography;
- duplex scanning;
- ultrasound dopplerography;
- computer or magnetic resonance imaging.
Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of damage.
First aid
In case the patient experiences unbearable pain, painkillers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will help. If they cannot get rid of the pain, then they resort to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they can not be taken for a long time because they have an adverse effect on the intestines.
Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and pepper plaster can effectively relieve pain.
If the patient's limbs become numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.
Diuretics are used for edema.
But all the above means can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not delay a visit to the doctor to prevent the development of complications.
Methods of treatment
In order for the battle with the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary:
- relief of pain syndrome;
- elimination of swelling;
- restoration of blood flow;
- strengthening the muscular corset;
- improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- methods of alternative and traditional medicine;
- diet.
Medical treatment includes taking:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
- muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms;
- chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins - both oral and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physiotherapy procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Effective help in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to engage in physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
In addition to (but not instead of) medical treatment, the use of folk remedies is recommended.
For 3-4 months you must follow a strict diet:
- refuse products containing cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
- limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour;
- turn off alcoholic beverages.
Prevention
An active lifestyle and weight loss are essential for preventive measures. Nutrition, which contains the necessary vitamins and minerals, is of great importance.
The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.
When working in a sitting position, be sure to take breaks.
People who are prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist periodically.