According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population suffers from a disease such as osteochondrosis, which affects various parts of the spine.Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and factors leading to its occurrence.And the pathology of the cervical spine is no exception.The factors that led to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms and treatment of the disease - these questions should be resolved by a qualified specialist.Get in touch at the first sign of discomfort neurologist.Timely treatment allows you to avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
The first thing worth mentioning is the age of the patients at whom the disease is diagnosed.Until recently, the pathology was identified in older people, but now the younger generation also faces the problem and turns to doctors.The disease means pathological changes of the intervertebral discs and dystrophy of the spine in general, especially without treatment.The cervical region is the most mobile and consists of 7 vertebrae, each consisting of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus.Vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis lose their usual mobility and flexibility.The load is redistributed, as a result of which the fibrous rings may move or crack.Without treatment, cervical osteochondrosis leads to the development of intervertebral hernias and other consequences.
Stages of osteochondrosis (brief description)
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis has stages of development, which the doctor takes into account when preparing a treatment plan, and which the patient must know in order to seek help in time.There are 4 stages:
- The first is characterized by mild and mild pain, which increases when the head is turned.
- The second stage is characterized by: intense pain syndrome, in which discomfort can spread from the neck to the arms.At this stage, the nerve endings are pinched, which causes a person to feel weak in addition to the pain, and a general malaise develops.
- In the third stage, the pain does not go away and radiates to the arms or shoulders, and an intervertebral hernia can be diagnosed.In some cases, hand sensitivity and neck mobility decrease.
- In the fourth stage, not only changes in the damaged vertebra are diagnosed, but also its almost complete destruction.The patient is constantly tormented by severe pain, tinnitus appears, and finds it difficult to orient himself in space.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be different in men and women due to physiology, which the doctor must take into account when creating a treatment plan.
Reasons
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs under different but very specific circumstances.During the treatment, the doctor must find the cause of the pathology in order to deal not only with the symptoms, but also with the cause of the disease.
Heavy weight
Being overweight causes stress in the body.The larger the load, the stronger the load.Very often, excess weight provokes the development of osteochondrosis, since the spine suffers serious injuries due to overload, especially in the diseased areas.When a disease is detected, one of the first steps for overweight patients is to get rid of it.Of course, together with complex treatment.
Sedentary work, inactivity
Sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of moderate physical activity are factors that lead to poor posture and improper load distribution in the neck and other areas.Very often, office workers and those who like to sit on the sofa at home adopt a bad position, which aggravates the problem.
Previous spinal injuries
Injury can happen for any reason, the most common are car accidents and accidents.The neck is also a vulnerable area for divers and professional swimmers.In the case of a neck injury, many parts and areas of this part of the spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunk, intervertebral discs and joints, as well as the roots of the spine.Any trauma suffered can trigger the occurrence of osteochondrosis in an already "sick" area of the cervical spine, or, as a result, lead to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
Mental disorders
An unstable mental state, stress and constant anxiety are the cause of many health problems, including those that become provoking factors of 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 they can aggravate 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 channels, less oxygen reaches the brain and the blood flow is disturbed, which leads not only to the appearance of physical diseases, but also to mental disorders.
Poor physical fitness
Certain and usually the same muscles are involved in our movements every day, and those that are left without movement gradually lose their flexibility and mobility, which can lead to injuries, including the neck, due to external factors.Moderate physical activity is necessary for everyone to strengthen the ligaments 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
Based on the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, it can be easily distinguished from the pathology of other parts of the spine.This happens because the cervical vertebrae are located very close, and the symptoms are pronounced with any problems, including osteochondrosis.Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms - now more about the main thing:
- pain of varying intensity can be localized in the neck or radiate to the head, shoulders, arms, etc.;
- weakness, numbness and poor sensitivity of the hands due to pinching of the nerve roots;
- difficulty in turning the head and the appearance of a creaking sound when turning (this is due to structural changes in the intervertebral discs);
- poor health, weakness, general malaise due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- The last stage is characterized by deterioration of hearing and vision.
If symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted and treatment should be started.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, the whole body is at risk of serious complications.The small neck 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 function of the cervical vertebrae is damaged, the nutrition of the whole body is damaged.Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, cardiac ischemia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as protrusion and vision and hearing problems.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To start treatment, the doctor must collect the anamnesis, find out the causes and duration of neck discomfort, and conduct the necessary tests to get 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 the visit and make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist.
Medicines
One of the first steps is the selection, prescription and administration of medications: painkillers and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and existing inflammations and infections.The type and amount of medication is selected individually.
Physiotherapy
All physiotherapy procedures aim to relieve pain, muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.The following are used as physiotherapy: acupuncture, manual manipulation, hirudotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to patients after the exacerbation phase.These measures are aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the cervical spine and avoiding deterioration of the condition.
Home treatments
Home treatment methods may include self-massage and exercise therapy, which should be selected and prescribed by professionals.The procedures can only be performed if the technique is indicated by the attending physician.
Massage
The neck massage is performed without strong pressure and rotation;movements should be smooth and performed along the flow of lymph.Practitioners use different techniques, including stroking, squeezing, rubbing and kneading.Professional massage can only be performed by a specialist.Surgery is chosen only when conservative methods do not work.Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually carried out at home and will give the desired result and relief of symptoms only if you follow the recommendations and course prescribed by the doctor.
Prevention
Doctors recommend choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc.) and a sleeping place with good spinal support.It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a low pillow.The sauna, steam bath and hot shower help relieve muscle spasms (if there are no contraindications).Swimming, yoga, and walking are recommended as physical activities, but strong stress on the spine (running, jumping, weight lifting, etc.) should be excluded.If you do a sedentary job, take more frequent breaks and do smaller exercises.