The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical spine is a fairly common pathology, which is called cervical osteochondrosis.
With this disease, discs, which are by nature, are fibrous-chrya formations, gradually lose strength, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, they seem to ossify and decrease in size.Because of this, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, as a result, the nerve roots, blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae subject to discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur in them.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growths on the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone spikes).With the “unsuccessful” arrangement of such osteophytes, a compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This pathology in older people is in most cases an inevitability, which sooner or later manifests itself near unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to look for contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not progress.
So, the main reasons for cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Weak physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Violation of posture.
- Long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable poses with a head lowered or an exposed neck.
- Diseases of connective tissue.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain of aching pain and aches in the neck, shoulders, headache, numbness and weakening of hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as a rule, pursue patients constantly.The aggravation of pathology and the aggravation of all its manifestations occurs after overwork, physical exertion, “unsuccessful” turns of the head.
Possible complications
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings a lot of inconvenience to the patient, is not a serious danger to health.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Most often, cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by a radicular syndrome, which is a response of the body to pinching the cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is manifested by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called the hernia of the intervertebral discs and the syndrome of the vertebral artery.With hernias, there is a great danger of compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, up to the disability of the patient.
The syndrome of the vertebral artery occurs due to the transfer or reflex spasm of the artery of the same name, which provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ears, dizziness, “flies” and “spots” in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly exacerbated.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical education
Its main tasks are strengthening the muscle frame in the neck, improving blood circulation in the tissues and ensuring the cartilage structures of the spine with the necessary nutrients that penetrate the intervertebral discs exclusively with their reduction, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases with cervical osteochondrosis, this treatment method helps reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasm in the neck and upper shoulder girdle.
Massage
Patients of osteochondrosis are recommended to regularly undergo medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps eliminate pain, reduce the compression of nervous formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of exacerbation of pathology, when intensive pain appears, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs for the activation of tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, he is shown chondroprotectors and vitamin-mineral complexes.
However, it is worth noting that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible only when using all these methods in the complex.
Prevention of the disease
For the cervical spine, three points are very important - this is a convenient orthopedic pillow, which best allows the spinal column to relax during sleep, the unloading five -minute for the neck during working hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take it a rule for yourself, not to harm your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move more right) and treat the pathologies in a timely manner that contribute to the occurrence of discs, you can easily survive to old age without cervical osteochondrosis.