Cervical osteochondrosis -Ist is a degenerative-distribution lesion of C1-C7 vertebrae and intervertebral discs between them.Advanced forms of pathology cause compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord and the feeding blood vessels, the development of paresis, paralysis, muscle tissue atrophy and other dangerous conditions.This is why detection of any symptom of osteochondrosis is the basis for a visit to a doctor who has the most relevant and complete information.He will talk about how to heal cervical osteochondrosis and prevent the development of its complications.
How cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself
Find out how Cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself, impossible without a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the development of the pathological process.First, you should familiarize yourself with the structural resources of the upper segment of the spine column.Therefore, the cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine responsible for neck movements, spinning and changes in head position.It consists of seven vertebrae, two of which (episropheus and Atlant) have an atypical structure.In the intervals between these structural elements, there are intervertebral discs, each of which is a jacket core, located inside the fibrous ring, above and below the cartilage fabric covered with a layer.Its main functions are:
- Ensure mobility and flexibility of the spine;
- Increasing the stability of the spine from the spine for loads.
There are several factors that contribute to the destruction of the intervertebral disc cartilage of the cervical region.Osteochondrosis manifests itself based on factors such as:
- injuries;
- Strong body poisoning;
- Excessive loads in the upper segment of the spine (prolonged work on the computer, prolonged stay in an unnatural pose, exhaustive training, etc.);
- infections;
- metabolic malfunction;
- Inadequate nutrition, compliance with very strict diets;
- Small mobility;
- Congenital characteristics in the spinal column structure;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- Elderly age;
- alcohol abuse;
- Smoking.
Cartilage degeneration under the influence of these factors leads to intervertebral disc deformation.The core of the jacket changes to its edge, forming protrusion.With bias and innovation of the connective tissue membrane (fibrous ring), a hernia forms in the cervical region.The development of both pathologies is accompanied by intense pain, the displacement of the vertebrae, squeezing the roots of the spinal cord and blood vessels.As a result, the victim has cervical osteochondrosis.The progression of the disease is accompanied by:
- degenerative-distribution change in vertebral tissue;
- Vertebral spine deformation;
- the formation of osteophytes in the processes of vertebrates and motor segments;
- a decrease in the elasticity of the ligaments;
- The loss of mobility in the cervical spine.
The result of pathology development is loss of work capacity and a significant decrease in the quality of life of a sick person.
How cervical osteochondrosis impairs: symptoms and signs
As Cervical osteochondrosis hurts It has differences compared to the symptoms of degenerative-distribution processes that affect other segments of the spine.Since neck vertebrae have a specific structure and are located very close to each other, any displacement of them causes acute pain due to a pinch of arteries or nerve fibers.
How does cervical osteochondrosity hurt, how do you recognize it and cure it?The main signs of pathology in the cervical region are:
- Pain in the neck zone, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, temples or nape, intensifying with head curves;
- a sense of weakness in the hands due to the pinch of nerve roots;
- The occurrence of difficulties in turning the head in the direction associated with a violation of the natural structure of intervertebral discs, as well as the formation of osteophytes, the emergence of a characteristic crystal in the neck;
- decreased upper limb sensitivity;
- The general weakness and the appearance of dizziness, which causes blood vessels to squeeze that they provide the brain of useful nutrients.
- An decrease in visual acuity and hearing deterioration associated with circulatory disorders in cerebellum tissues.
Node Progression of cervical osteochondrosis Several sequential stages pass with their clinical signs:
- There is a destruction of the cartilage.During this period, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are expressed so weakly that patients do not perceive or explain with stress and fatigue.
- The intervertebral disc is squeezed, the cracks form on the surface of the fibrous ring.The disease manifests itself by general weakness, neck pain and a slight numbness of the face.
- Intervertebral hernias are formed, blood vessels, nerve fibers are compressed.Patients complain about the appearance of pain in the occipital zone and dizziness.
- The bone tissues of damaged vertebrae grow, forming osteophytes.Patients have a sense of rigidity in movement.
In the final stages of the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the clinical picture is complemented by paralysis, paresis and muscle atrophy.In addition, the disease can be complicated by ischemia or stroke.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
As Treat cervical osteochondrosis The doctor decides based on the exam results.The therapy program usually includes:
- Immobilization of the affected vertebral segment using a Chantz necklace;
- relief of the inflammatory process and pain taking non -esteroid anti -inflammatory drugs;
- Weakening of muscle tension and removal of spasms using muscle relaxants;
- Elimination of pain with local drugs with irritating and anesthetic properties;
- replacement of useful nutrient reserves in the body, taking vitamin-mineral complexes;
- Relief of a pronounced pain syndrome establishing novocaine blockage or intramuscular injections of corticosteroids;
- Performing exercises that contribute to the decompression of nerve fibers and blood vessels, a decrease in neck load, normalizing blood circulation in the affected segment and strengthening the muscles;
- Acupuncture, which allows you to eliminate pain, accelerate tissue regeneration processes, relieve cramps, improve the patient's general well;
- Testing sports, contributing to the elimination of excess pressure in the cervical region (eg swim);
- Restoration of normal neck mobility, conducting a manual therapy course;
- Activation of blood circulation, removal of excessive tension in the muscles and elimination of pain with massage;
- Block inflammatory processes and weakening pain syndrome, conducting a course of physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, magneto and laser therapy, narrowing, etc.).
With intensive squeeze of blood vessels and nerve roots in the neck, it is inappropriate to treat cervical osteochondrosis as described above.In these clinical cases, patients are shown in surgical intervention.As a rule, they lead:
- Damaged intervertebral disk microcurgical removal (microdiscectomy);
- Installation of implants capable of replacing the destroyed structural components from the vertebral engines;
- Puncture removing part of the jet core (nucleoplasty);
- manipulations focused on stabilization of vertebrae in the cervical region;
- Laser regeneration of damaged tissues of the intervertebral disc.
An important role in how to treat and Cure cervical osteochondrosis He plays a healthy lifestyle, abandoning cigarettes and alcohol, avoiding hypothermia, long stay in real estate, stress and injury.It is recommended that patients eat properly, excluded from the daily diet of smoked meats, greasy meat, sweets, semi -agreed products, baking, too much salty dishes, grapes, coffee, mushrooms, strong tea and carbonated drinks.
Full and correct treatment allows to reduce the development of the disease, restore spine mobility and avoid complications.