Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Among the many known diseases, the mostdiseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity. In addition, such problems are inherent not only in the elderly but also in the young. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among the pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system. What is this disease? What threatens its owner? How is it manifested? Are there effective preventive and treatment measures?

Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, accompanied by deformity of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second only to damage to the lumbosacral region.

Stages of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:

• The first phase. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the ring fibrosis, the disc loses its strength and elasticity and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is associated with aching pain.
• Second phase. Disk destruction continues, leading to small displacement of the beads. The sensations of pain intensify and become permanent. Head fall syndrome can occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
• The third stage. Anulus fibrosus is almost completely destroyed, leading to extensions and intervertebral hernias. In this case, the pain can be reduced, as there is no source of pain - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not completely disappear, as the nerve roots remain clotted. Possible violation of sensitivity, the appearance of headache and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.

In the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible for the body to fully recover.

Causes of pathological changes

The vertebrae located in the back of the cervix are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This vertebral structure contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, the damage of which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.

The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• prolonged stay in the same position;
• disruption of metabolism;
• salt deposits;
• poor nutrition.

The risk of developing the disease increases with:

• hereditary predisposition;
• old age;
• neck injury;
• prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
• hormonal imbalance;
• mbipesha;
• autoimmune diseases;
• chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. The symptoms of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage and the presence of trapped nerves.

The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are amplified by turning the head and at the slightest physical strain.

In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:

• headaches and heartaches appear;
• dizziness;
• darkens in the eyes;
• hands and feet are numb;
• tinnitus is heard;
• the tongue is numb;
• visual acuity and hearing impair;
• a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
• has rapid fatigue;
• coordination is broken.

Several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:

• radicular - pinching of nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
• cardiac - the root of the chest muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms resembling a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area (they do not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which increase with movement and deep breathing;
• vertebral artery - pulsating pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
• irritating-reflex - burning pain occurs in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest area, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.

Possible complications

Osteochondrosis of the cervix can cause significant damage to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause disability and even death, as cardiac activity and respiratory function are impaired.

If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to a number of complications: vertebral artery syndrome, elongation, disc herniation, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia. Often, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths are formed on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity and mobility.

But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, leading to death.

Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help avoid many problems.

Diagnosing

To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:

• radiography;
• duplex scanning;
• dopplerography with ultrasound;
• computed magnetic resonance imaging.

Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of damage.

First aid

In case the patient experiences unbearable pain, pain relievers (sodium metamizole, etc. ) will come to the rescue. If they can not get rid of the pain, then they turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they can not be taken for a long time, as they have a negative effect on the intestines.

Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and a spice plaster can effectively relieve pain.

If the patient's limbs become numb, special massages and exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.

For edema, diuretics are taken.

But all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor in order to prevent the development of complications.

Treatment methods

In order for the fight against the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary:

• relieve pain syndrome;
• remove swelling;
• restore blood flow;
• strengthen muscle corsets;
• improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy exercises;
• alternative and traditional medicine methods;
• diet

Medication treatment includes:

• anti-inflammatory drugs - relieves inflammation, relieves pain, activates blood circulation;
• muscle relaxants - relieve muscle spasms;
• chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins - oral administration and intramuscular administration are possible.

Physiotherapeutic procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• water therapy;
• paraffin therapy.

Effective help in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the overall condition of the body. But it is necessary to engage in physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.

In addition to (but not instead of) drug treatment, the use of folk remedies is recommended.

For 3-4 months, you should follow a strict diet:

• reject cholesterol-containing products: animal fats, fatty meats;
• limit consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
• exclude alcoholic beverages.

Prophylaxis

An active lifestyle and weight loss are essential for preventative measures. Food that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is not of small importance.

The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.

When working sitting down, make sure you take breaks.

People who are prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist periodically.