Today, cervical osteochondrosis has become one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and, unfortunately, not only the elderly, but also many young people are suffering. Lack of physical activity, constant work on the computer and other attributes of modern urban life adversely affect his condition and lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
In this article, we will look at why this happens, how it manifests itself, how it is treated, and what medications are effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, as well as the availability of non-pharmacological methods.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a clear change of degenerative-dystrophic nature, which disrupts the functional activity and structure of the spine. For this reason, changes occur not only in the intervertebral discs themselves, but also in the spine and cervical spine joints.
Causes
With this disease, a destructive change occurs in the ability of the vertebral discs to absorb shock, along with their displacement. One of the reasons for this change is the deposition of salts as a result of increased levels in human blood and lymph fluids.
The main reason for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle. Office workers are most susceptible to this disease, they spend most of their time on documents and computers. When the human body does not have enough physical activity, blood flow slows down, and muscle tissue does not need the flow of salt from food. As a result, salts accumulate in the cartilage tissue of the spine.
Illness and nutrition contribute to the development of overweight and metabolic diseases, as well as long-term stress, nervous tension, sleep disorders.
The disease can also occur as a result of trauma, excessive stress, inflammation and other diseases.
Development rates
There are three stages depending on the severity of symptoms and the degree of functional impairment:
First degree
It is characterized by minimal severity of symptoms. Patients generally experience a deterioration in general well-being, with the appearance of headaches, weakness, and dizziness. At this stage, there is a small deformation and displacement of the cervical vertebrae, cracks appear in the cartilaginous tissue of the disc.
Second degree
The second stage of the disease is characterized by a significant increase in pain caused by strong displacement of the intervertebral discs and compression of the nerve roots.
Third degree
It is characterized by the complete destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which can lead to the formation of a hernia. At this stage, the symptoms of the disease are clearly expressed. The patient develops severe weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, sharp pain in the neck, spread to the shoulder blades and shoulders. In some cases, there is a temporary weakening of the intensity of symptoms associated with the replacement of the damaged area with connective tissue.
Fourth degree
Complete destruction of the intervertebral disc replaces the connective tissue of the destroyed disc. Due to the participation of an artery that feeds the cerebellum and the occipital lobe of the brain in this process, dizziness, tinnitus increase, coordination is impaired.
It is very important to consult a specialist to know what to do to diagnose the disease at an early stage and prevent it from developing further.
Symptoms and Signs
In addition to pain syndrome, cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, making a person feel that he or she cannot immediately predict a developing disease. This is due to the fact that the functions of the cervical spine inevitably affect the vascular system of the brain.
It is common to distinguish three main groups of symptoms:
Pain syndrome
Neurological manifestations in the form of pain syndromes in different places. First of all, these are headaches of varying intensity and duration that can be transmitted to the eyes or ears. In this case, the pain usually does not disappear after taking painkillers. Pain or sharp pain in the back of the neck and head, spread to the shoulder blades, arms and elbows. With this disease, a painful and excruciating pain usually occurs, which then manifests itself in a more pronounced way and spreads to different parts of the body.
Decreased sensitivity
Movement disorders caused by disorders of the normal functioning of the spinal cord. Patients may experience numbness and tenderness in the limbs, impaired leg tone, weakness in the arms and legs, and gas lumps. There may be pain when you raise your arms or move to the sides.
Weakness
Symptoms of vascular disease with many manifestations of the brain. People suffering from cervical osteochondrosis often feel severe weakness for no apparent reason and get tired quickly.
Noise in the ears
The appearance of congestion and noise in the ears, hearing impairment 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:
- Radiography.A poorly informed method, especially in the later stages of the disease.
- Computed tomography (CT).It shows abnormalities in the vertebrae more effectively, but it is difficult to determine the size, the presence of hernias and the presence of a spinal hernia (disco-medullary conflict).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).The most informative method is to show clearly visible bone structures, intervertebral discs, hernias and their size and direction of growth.
- Ultrasonic duplex scanning.This method is used when there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the spinal vessels. This indicates a decrease in blood flow velocity and obstruction of normal blood flow.
Treatment
The development of a treatment plan for cervical lumbar osteochondrosis depends primarily on the causes of the disease, the nature and intensity of symptoms. Experience has shown that complex therapy has the greatest effect, which can include drug therapy, massage, therapeutic exercises and some other methods.
Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of qualified specialists: vertebral neurologist, masseur, chiropractor, surgeon, neurologist. It is very important to see a doctor in time to prevent the development of second and third degree disease. In this case, treatment will take longer until complete recovery.
Treatment is prescribed in a certain order:
- first of all it is necessary to eliminate pain;
- then get rid of edema;
- drugs that restore blood circulation are prescribed;
- muscle tissue is strengthened;
- measures are taken to repair damaged tissues.
It is important!Keep in mind that exercise therapy is contraindicated during periods of disease exacerbation, as it can lead to complications.
Analgesics are prescribed to patients as a first aid to relieve acute pain syndrome during an exacerbation, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed in case of acute pain. Warming and analgesic ointments, pepper patches are used in the localization of muscle spasms. Swelling is well removed with the help of 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 will eliminate the pain, but will not eliminate the causes of the disease. Medications prescribed by a doctor in combination with other treatments will cope with this task.
Medication
The purpose of taking medication for cervical lumbar osteochondrosis is to relieve muscle pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation, and strengthen the vascular system of the brain and provide overall healing to the body.
Patients should be prescribed drugs containing B vitamins, which can be prescribed in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections.
Chondroprotective drugs are prescribed to repair damaged cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. The use of these drugs should not be neglected, as they help to strengthen bone tissue and prevent the recurrence of the disease in the future.
Physiotherapy
During health gymnastics, the head should be rotated, the neck should be bent left - right, forward - backward. The set of exercises should also include shoulder and arm movements. All movements should be done smoothly, without stiffness and stress, passing the active phase and a little rest.
The result
It is always easier to prevent a disease than to cure it. To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to follow some simple rules:
- to avoid excessive stress on the spine to avoid damage to the intervertebral discs;
- do gymnastics for the whole body every day, pay attention to the back muscles and especially the neck and back;
- avoid nervous tension and fatigue, remember the importance of adequate rest and adequate sleep for the body;
- lead an active, mobile lifestyle, exercise more, take walks in the fresh air, eat properly and in a balanced way, and get rid of bad habits.