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Cervical osteochondrosis

What is cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-distribution disease of the spine in which the structure of cartilaginous discs and their bone-based change.Depending on the stage of the disease, there is a deformation with the subsequent depletion of vertebral bodies.As a result, blood microcirculation, nerve conductivity are interrupted.Cervical osteochondrosis can be an independent disease or combined with degenerative-distribution damage to another spine.

In the international classification of ICD-10 diseases, cervical osteochondrosis does not have a separate figure.The pathology is indicated by the code M42.1 - osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.The hospital conducts a complete range of diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system.The exam is performed using the latest equipment that meets quality and safety standards.

Reasons

Doctors distinguish several reasons that can lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.These include:

  • obesity;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • a story of neck or column;
  • excessive loads in the musculoskeletal system;
  • Psycho -too emotional;
  • Congenital deformation of cervical vertebrae;
  • Hereditary predisposition;
  • Scoliosis, rheumatism, flat feet;
  • Metabolic pathology;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • hypothermia.

It is difficult to identify and eliminate the etiological factor independently.It is better to contact professionals.Doctors select an individual diagnostic complex that allows to determine the root cause of cervical spine osteochondrosis.This is necessary to prescribe correct therapy.

The degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by various stages.They determine the severity of the state and the presence of certain clinical symptoms.

  • First.In the early stages, there is a slight softness of neck lordosis.Clinically, this is expressed in pain syndrome, which intensifies when turning your head.Patients complain of muscle tension, headache, rigidity of the movements.The first stage is treated without the use of medicines.It is sufficient to adhere to a certain nutrition and perform exercises.
  • The second.At this stage, the instability of cervical vertebrae appears.This is expressed in the strengthening of pain, which gradually passes to the shoulders or arms.The pain intensifies when performing movements.The second stage is characterized by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.This leads to nerves violation.Patients complain of headaches, distraction, fatigue.
  • The third.It is accompanied by severe deformation and destruction of the structure of the vertebrae.Pain syndrome becomes constant.Intervertebral hernias begin to form.Clinically, this is expressed in the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, the instability of the march.
  • Room.The destroyed tissues from intervertebral discs are replaced by connective tissue.Several segments are involved in the pathological process.Patients complain of coordination, pronounced dizziness and headaches.There is a constant noise in the ears.

Symptoms and signs

The clinical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine are the same for all ages.Many people postpone a visit to a doctor in connection with the presence of weakly expressed symptoms.Only when the disease acquires an obsessive character and is accompanied by corresponding signs, is it a treatment for medical help.

Modern equipment allows accurately to determine the degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis.Thanks to this, the correct treatment is prescribed that relieves the symptoms in the shortest possible time.The main clinical signs of the disease include:

  • Neck pain, accompanied by crispness;
  • tingling or numbness in the upper limbs;
  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • noise in the ears;
  • Panic attacks;
  • stiffness of movements;
  • Mobility restriction;
  • weakness, sharp collapse;
  • nausea;
  • Violation of orientation in space;
  • March instability;
  • Reducing visual acuity.

Symptoms depending on damaged vertebra

The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae.Corresponding symptoms are distinguished, depending on the level of damage:

Vertebra Symptoms
C1 Reduced skin sensitivity.
C2 Pain syndrome is located on the back of the neck and parietal zone.
C3 The sensitivity of the tongue and hyioid muscles is disturbed;In severe cases, speech is disturbed and control over the tongue is lost.
C4 and C5 Pain syndrome is determined on the shoulders and in the nearest areas.A feeling of chest discomfort is united, which is often considered a pathology.
C6 The pain is felt in the neck, blades, forearms.Nerve damage reduces skin sensitivity.
C7 The pains are located on the neck, in the back of the shoulders, the upper shoulder strap.Violations lead to a decrease in reflexes and a violation of the force of the hands.

Diagnosis

Cervical osteochondrosis of the spine requires comprehensive diagnosis.It includes:

  • History and disease collection.The doctor clarifies existing complaints, the time of its appearance, the dynamics of gravity.It is necessary to specify used medications to facilitate the condition.
  • Objective inspection.After the research, the expert begins to perform the inspection.The skin, the patient's march is examined.In palpation, painful areas are determined.
  • Radiography.The first method of instrumental research is the radiography of the cervical spine.Most of the time, two projections are investigated.
  • CT, magnetic resonance imaging.Thanks to research, it is possible to establish a focus of the injury, its exact location.Tomography allows you to evaluate the condition of blood vessels and nerves.
  • Ultrasound.An ultrasound study of the head and neck vessels allows you to evaluate your forgness, the degree of stenosis.
  • General blood test.First of all, the indicators responsible for inflammation (leukocytes, ESR) are evaluated.

Based on the data obtained, doctors establish the severity of cervical osteochondrosis.Doctors use modern equipment that allows you to quickly and effectively conduct any volume of diagnostic measures.

Treatment varieties

As diagnosis, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis implies an integrated approach.The therapeutic volume is selected individually.It depends on the injury segment, the severity of the disease and the severity of clinical symptoms.The main treatment methods are:

  • take medications;
  • physiotherapy;
  • Therapeutic Physical Culture;
  • massage;
  • Surgical surgery.

Among the treatment methods of treatment, various groups of medicines are used:

  • Painkillers.They are used to reduce the severity of pain.
  • Non -specific anti -inflammatory drugs.Used to reduce tissue swelling and inflammatory syndrome.They are prescribed in various ways (tablets, means for external use).
  • Antispasmodic.They squeeze spasms, reduce pain syndrome.
  • Drugs for the joints.Restore the structure of intervertebral discs.
  • B vitamins of B. positively affect the state of the nervous system.

Physiotherapy

It is prescribed to improve the action of medicines.Most often used:

  • acupuncture;
  • massage;
  • Manual therapy.

Medical Physical Education

Regular exercise of exercise will not only relieve the severity of pain, but will also have a preventive effect.Thanks to physical exercise, muscle corset is strengthened, blood circulation in the affected area improvement and the load in the affected area decreases.Experienced instructors develop individual therapy programs for each patient.This helps to get rid of quickly and effectively from the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The selected course can be repeated at home.

Massage

A massage properly performed of the cervical zone is capable of relieving the condition, relieving muscle spasm, improving mobility.The restrictions on the procedure are:

  • Cardiovascular system pathology at the decompensation stage;
  • Tumor formations;
  • Skin diseases;
  • Exacerbations of chronic somatic pathologies;
  • Osteomyelitis.

Upon contact with a specialized institution, you will individually select a treatment course.Its average duration is 10 to 15 sessions.

Relap and Treatment

Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis may occur at any time.In this case, the pain, the rigidity of the movements and the limitation of mobility appear.In some cases, just look at a bed rest for 3-4 days to relieve symptoms of exacerbation.However, if the pathological characteristics are preserved or intensify, you should consult a doctor.To interrupt the relapse of cervical osteochondrosis, NSAIDS Group medicines, muscle relaxing are used.

Prevention

To avoid the development or exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to engage regularly in prevention.Doctors recommend:

  • bring an active lifestyle;
  • Keep the posture;
  • Strengthen the muscles of the back and neck;
  • adhere to a balanced and rational diet;
  • Sleep in a correct and comfortable position;
  • Periodically take breaks if the work is associated with a long stay in a sitting position.

If the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor.Experts will help diagnose accurately, determine the stage of the disease and also prescribe the right treatment.