The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical spine is a fairly frequent pathology, which is referred to as cervical osteochondrosis.
In this disease, panes that are naturally nature are fiber chrya formations, gradually in force, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, they seem to close and reduce the size.For this reason, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral disc rooms decreases and as a result, the nerve roots are clamped blood vessels.
The surfaces of the vertebrae also suffer from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur in them.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growth on the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone tips).With the "unsuccessful" arrangement of such osteophytes, compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In most cases, this pathology in older people is an inevitability that sooner or later manifests almost uncomfortable symptoms of a neck osteochondrosis symptoms.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in bones and cartilage.If osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to contribute and remove factors so that the pathology does not progress.
So the main reasons for the osteochondrosis of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal injuries.
- Hereditary disposition.
- Chronic infections and poisoning.
- Weak physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Violation of attitude.
- Long-term and systematic stay in unpleasant poses with a lowered head or a exposed neck.
- Diseases of the connective tissue.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoke.
- Settlement.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain about painful pain and pain in the neck, shoulders, headaches, deafness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of an osteochondose of the cervical spine usually pursue patients constantly.The deterioration of the pathology and the deterioration of all of his manifestations occur after revision, physical exertion, "unsuccessful" spending.
Possible complications
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings the patient a lot of inconvenience, is not a serious danger to health.However, the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
The most common cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by radicular syndrome, which is a reaction of the body to pinch the cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is shown by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most impressive complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called the hernia of the intervertebral discs and the syndrome of the vertebral artery.In hernia there is a great risk of compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders to the patient's disability.
The syndrome of the vertebral artery occurs due to the transmission or the reflex cramp of the artery of the same name, which delivers blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by pulsating headaches, ears, dizziness, "flying" and "stains" in front of the eyes as well as other symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in developing this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly tightened.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical education
The main tasks strengthen the muscle frame in the neck, improve blood circulation in the tissue and ensure that the cartilage structures of the spine with the necessary nutrients, which penetrate only with their reduction, ie during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases with cervical osteochondrosis, this treatment method helps to reduce the pain, to improve blood circulation, to eliminate muscle spasms in the neck and upper shoulder girdle.
massage
Patients with osteochondrosis are recommended to regularly undergo medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps to eliminate pain, reduce the compression of the nerve formations in the neck.
Reflex zone massage
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and eliminating neurological symptoms.
Pharmaceutical therapy
In times of exacerbation of pathology, when intensive pain occurs, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti -inflammatory medication and medication to activate tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, chondroprotectors and vitamin mineral complexes are shown.
However, it is worth noting that a good result for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is only possible if all of these methods are used in the complex.
Prevention of the disease
Three points are very important for the cervical spine - this is a comfortable orthopedic pillow with which the spine can best relax in your sleep.The unloading of five for the neck during working hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take it for yourself, not to impair your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move more correctly) and treat the pathologies in good time that contribute to the occurrence of discs, you can easily survive until age without cervical osteochondrosis.