Cervical osteochondrosis today has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, from which, unfortunately, not only the elderly but also the very young suffer more and more. Lack of physical activity, constant computer work and other attributes of modern urban life negatively affect its condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In the article we will see why it occurs, how it manifests itself, how it is treated and which drugs are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, and we will also find out what non-pharmacological methods exist.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a pronounced change of a degenerative-dystrophic nature, which disrupts the functional activity and structure of the spine. Because of this, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the vertebrae and joints of the cervical spine.
Causes of the event
With this disease, a destructive change in the shock-absorbing capacity of the vertebral discs occurs, accompanied by their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts due to an increase in their level in human blood and lymphatic fluids.
The main reason for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are the most susceptible to this disease, they spend most of their time working at newspapers and computers. In the absence of the required amount of physical activity in the human body, blood flow slows down, muscle tissue does not need a rush of salts from food. As a result, salts are deposited in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
It contributes to the development of diseases and malnutrition, overweight and metabolic disorders, as well as prolonged stress, nervous tension, sleep disturbances.
In addition, the disease can occur due to trauma, extreme stress, inflammatory and other diseases.
Degrees of development
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, three stages are distinguished:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients usually notice a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of headaches, weakness and dizziness. At this stage, there is a slight deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilage tissue of the disc.
Second degree
For the second degree of the development of the disease, a significant increase in pain is characteristic, which occurs due to a sharp displacement of the intervertebral discs and pinching of the nerve roots.
Third grade
It is characterized by the complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. Symptoms of the disease at this stage are pronounced. The patient experiences severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of the manifestation of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc, the destroyed disc replaces its connective tissue. Vertigo, increased tinnitus, coordination is impaired, due to the fact that an artery that supplies the cerebellum and occipital lobe of the brain is involved in the process.
It is very important to diagnose the disease at an early stage and to consult a specialist to know what to do to prevent its further development.
Symptoms and signs
In addition to pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, having heard that a person may not immediately guess the developing disease. This is due to the fact that dysfunctions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the work of the vascular system of the brain.
It is customary to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes of various localities. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration, which can be given to the eye or ear. In this case, the pain does not usually go away after taking painkillers. Aching or sharp pain in the neck and back of the head, radiating to the shoulder blades, forearm and elbow. With this disease, a dull, aching pain usually occurs, which then becomes more pronounced and spreads to various parts of the body.
Reduced sensitivity
Movement disorders that appear as a result of disruption of the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and decreased sensation in the limbs, altered leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and goosebumps. There may be pain when raising your arms or moving them to the side.
Weakness
Signs of vascular disorders of the brain, which have multiple manifestations. People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason, they get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
The appearance of a feeling of suffocation and noise in the ears, hearing problems and a sharp deterioration in well-being are often noted.
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety syndrome, panic attacks are also possible.
Diagnostics
Basic diagnostic methods:
- X-ray.A not very informative method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows the abnormalities in the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of hernias and the presence of a herniated spinal cord herniation (disc-medullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The method that shows the greatest amount of information, clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their sizes, as well as the direction of their growth.
- Duplex ultrasonic scanning.This method is used if impaired blood flow in the arteries of the spine is suspected. This reveals a decrease in the speed of blood flow and the presence of an obstruction to normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a treatment plan for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of its symptoms. As practice has shown, complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include drug treatments, massage, therapeutic exercises and other methods.
Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: vertebral neurologist, massage therapist, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to consult a doctor in time to prevent the development of the second and third degrees of the disease. In this case, the treatment until complete recovery will take much longer.
Therapy is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all, it is necessary to relieve pain;
- then get rid of edema;
- drugs are prescribed that restore blood circulation;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- Measures are taken to restore damaged tissue.
Important!Remember that during periods of exacerbation of the disease, physical therapy is contraindicated, as it can cause complications.
As a first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, patients are prescribed analgesics and, in the presence of acute pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the places of localization of muscle spasms, warming and analgesic ointments, pepper patches are used. Puffiness is well removed by diuretics. If the patient has numbness in the extremities, it is necessary to perform special exercises that stimulate blood circulation.
It should be remembered that these measures relieve pain, but do not eliminate the causes of the disease. Drugs prescribed by a doctor in combination with other methods of therapy will cope with this task.
Drug
The purpose of taking medications for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and strengthen the vascular system of the brain, and a general healing effect on the body.
Patients should be prescribed preparations containing vitamins of group B, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
To restore the damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs, chondroprotective drugs are prescribed. Taking these drugs should not be ignored, as they help strengthen bone tissue and prevent recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
When performing health-enhancing gymnastics, circular movements of the head should be performed, the neck bends to the left - to the right, forward - back. Also in the series of exercises it is necessary to include movements of the shoulders and arms. All movements must be performed smoothly, without roughness and stress, alternating the active phase and a little rest.
Conclusion
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of the disease, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- avoid extreme stress on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- do daily gymnastics for the whole body, focus on the back muscles and, above all, on the cervical spine;
- avoid nervous overload and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- lead an active and mobile lifestyle, exercise more, take walks in the fresh air, eat right and balanced, and also eliminate bad habits.