According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population suffer 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 the pathology of the cervical spine is no exception. The factors that led to your having osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment for the disease - these problems should be resolved by a qualified specialist. Get in touch at the first sign of discomfortneurologist. . . A course of treatment selected in time will avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
First of all, it is worth noting the age of the patients who are diagnosed with the disease. Until recently, the pathology was identified in the elderly, but now the younger generation is faced with a problem and comes to doctors. The disease consists of pathological changes in the intervertebral discs and dystrophies of the spine in general, especially without treatment. The cervical spine is the most flexible and consists of 7 vertebrae, each consisting of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. The vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis lose their usual mobility and flexibility. The load is redistributed, which can cause the fiber rings to move and tear. Without treatment, osteochondrosis of the neck leads to the formation of intervertebral hernias and other consequences.
Stages of osteochondrosis (brief description)
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis has stages of development that the doctor takes into account when drawing up a treatment plan and that the patient must be aware of in order to seek help in a timely manner. There are 4 levels:
- The first is characterized by mild and mild pain that increases with the rotation of the head.
- The second stage is characterized by: intense pain syndrome, in which complaints can pass from the neck to the arms. At this stage, the nerve endings become pinched, which, in addition to the pain, makes the person feel weak and develop a general feeling of poor health.
- In the third stage, the pain syndrome does not go away and radiates into the arms or shoulders, and a herniated disc can also be diagnosed. In some cases, there is a loss of sensitivity in the hands and a decrease in neck mobility.
- 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, he begins to poorly navigate space.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women may differ based on the physiology the doctor must consider when devising a treatment plan.
causes
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs under different but very specific circumstances. During treatment, the doctor needs to find out the cause of the pathology, in order to struggle not only with the symptoms, but also with the factor that caused the disease.
Heavy weight
Being overweight puts a strain on the body. The bigger it is, the greater the burden. Very often, being overweight provokes the development of osteochondrosis, since the spine is badly injured by overuse, especially in diseased areas. If a disease is discovered, one of the first steps in obese patients is to get rid of it. Along with 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, incorrect distribution of the load on the cervical spine and other parts. Very often office workers and those who just like to sit on the couch at home find themselves in the wrong position, making the problem worse.
Previous spinal injuries
Injuries can happen for any reason, most often car crashes and accidents. The neck is also one of the most vulnerable areas for divers and professional swimmers. A neck injury damages many parts and areas of this spine: muscles, ligaments, the sympathetic trunk, intervertebral discs and joints, and the roots of the spine. Any trauma suffered can provoke both the appearance of osteochondrosis in the already "diseased" part of the cervical spine, and lead to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
Mental disorders
Unstable mental state, stress, and constant anxiety are the causes of many health problems, including the provoking factors of cervical osteochondrosis. Many patients who complain of pain syndrome also report signs of depression, constant fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Mental disorders themselves can arise from the presence of osteochondrosis, as well as exacerbate the disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that physically affects the condition of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and soft tissues. Due to the shifting of the vertebrae and the narrowing of the channels, less oxygen reaches the brain and the blood circulation is disturbed, which not only leads to the occurrence of physical complaints, but also to mental disorders.
Poor physical fitness
Every day, certain and usually the same muscles are involved in our movements, and those who remain motionless gradually lose elasticity and mobility, which, under external influences, can lead to injuries, including the neck. Moderate physical activity is essential for everyone to strengthen the muscle corset and reduce the risk of injury. Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include metabolic disorders, excessive physical activity, heredity, as well as pathologies and diseases of the body.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from a pathology in other parts of the spine based on its symptoms. This happens because the vertebrae in the neck are very close and symptoms are pronounced when a problem occurs, including osteochondrosis. Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms - now more to the main thing:
- pain syndrome of different intensity can be localized both in the neck and head, shoulders, arms, etc. ;
- Weakness, numbness and poor sensitivity of the hands from 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 circulatory disorders and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- the last stage is characterized by a hearing and visual impairment.
If symptoms occur, you should see a doctor and start treatment.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, there is a risk of serious complications for the entire body. The small neck 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 spine is impaired, the nutrition of the entire organism is also impaired. Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, cardiac ischemia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as bulging and vision and hearing problems.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To begin treatment, the doctor must take a medical history, find out the causes and timing of the onset of discomfort in the neck, and conduct the necessary examinations to get a full clinical picture of your health. How and how cervical osteochondrosis is treated and whether it can be cured, only the doctor will tell, so do not hesitate to visit and register for a consultation with a therapist or neurologist.
drug
One of the first steps is to choose, prescribe, and administer medication: pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain syndrome and existing inflammation and infection. The type and number of drugs are selected individually.
physical therapy
All physiotherapy procedures are aimed at relieving pain syndrome, muscle spasms, and reducing inflammation. As physiotherapy, they are used: acupuncture, manual manipulation, hirudotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
physical therapy
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to patients after the exacerbation period. These measures are aimed at restoring the normal function of the cervical spine and preventing its condition from worsening.
Home treatments
Methods of treatment at home can include self-massage and exercise therapy, which must be selected and prescribed by specialists. The interventions can only be carried out after the treating physicians have shown the technique.
massage
Neck massage is performed without strong pressure and twisting, movements should be smooth and along the lymphatic flow. Experts use a variety of techniques, including brushing, pressing, rubbing, and kneading. Professional massages 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 then leads to the necessary result and the elimination of symptoms 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. It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and low pillows. A sauna, steam room, and hot shower help relieve muscle spasms (if there are no contraindications). Swimming, yoga, and walking are recommended as physical activities, but excessive stress on the spine (running, jumping, lifting weights, etc. ) must be excluded. If you have a sedentary job, take more breaks and do a little exercise.