Cervical osteochondrosis -It is a dystrophic degenerative lesion of C1-C7 vertebrae and intervertebral discs between them.Advanced forms of pathology cause the compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord and the blood vessels which feed it, the development of the passion, paralysis, atrophy of muscle tissues and other dangerous conditions.This is why the detection of any symptoms of osteochondosis is the basis of a visit to a doctor who has the most relevant and complete information.He will speak of how to cure cervical osteochondrosis and prevent the development of his complications.
How to manifest cervical osteochondrosis
Understand how Cervical osteochondosis manifests itself, impossible without a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the development of the pathological process.You must first familiarize yourself with the structural characteristics of the upper segment of the spine.Thus, the cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine which is responsible for the movements of the neck, the turn and the changes in the position of the head.It is made up of seven vertebrae, two of which (Epistrustes and Atlant) have an atypical structure.In the intervals between these structural elements, there are intervertebral discs, each being a nucleus of jacket, which is located inside the fibrous ring, from above and below the cartilaginous tissue covered with a layer.Their main functions are:
- Ensure the mobility and flexibility of the spine;
- Increase in the stability of the spine to loads.
There are a number of factors contributing to the destruction of the cartilage of intervertebral discs in the cervical region.Osteochondrosis is manifested on the basis of factors such as:
- injuries;
- strong body intoxications;
- Excessive charges on the upper segment of the spine (extended work on the computer, extended stay in a non -natural installation, exhausting training, etc.);
- infections;
- Metabolic dysfunctions;
- Incorrect nutrition, compliance with too strict diets;
- Small mobility;
- Congenital characteristics in the structure of the spine;
- Hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- hypothermia;
- Stress;
- Age of the elderly;
- Alcohol abuse;
- smoking.
The degeneration of cartilage under the influence of these factors leads to the deformation of the intervertebral disc.The nucleus of the jacket moves towards its edge, forming the projection.With the clarification and breakthrough of the connective tissue membrane (fibrous ring), a hernia forms in the cervical region.The development of the two pathologies is accompanied by intense pain, the displacement of the vertebrae, tightening the roots of the spinal cord and blood vessels.Consequently, the victim has cervical osteochondrosis.The progression of the disease is accompanied by:
- Degenerative-dystrophic change of vertebral tissue;
- vertebral deformation;
- the formation of osteophytes on the processes of vertebrates and motor segments;
- a decrease in the elasticity of ligaments;
- Loss of mobility in the cervical column.
The result of the development of pathology is the loss of work capacity and a significant decrease in the quality of life of a sick person.
How cervical osteochondosis hurts: symptoms and signs
How Cervical osteochondosis hurts It has differences in comparison with the symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic processes which affect other segments of the spine.Since the vertebrae of the neck have a specific structure and are located very close to each other, all displacement of them causes acute pain due to arteries or nerve fibers.
How does cervical osteochondosis hurt, how to recognize and heal it?The main signs of pathology in the cervical region are:
- Pain in the neck area, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, temples or neck, intensifying with turns;
- A feeling of weakness in the hands due to the pinch of the nerve roots;
- The occurrence of difficulties to turn the head in the direction associated with a violation of the natural structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as to the formation of osteophytes, the emergence of a characteristic crimage in the neck;
- decrease in the sensitivity of the upper limbs;
- The general weakness and the appearance of dizziness, which causes bloody blood vessels which provide the brain with useful nutrients.
- A decrease in visual acuity and the deterioration of the listeners associated with circulatory disorders in the tissues of the cerebellum.
HAS progression of cervical osteochondrosis Several sequential steps pass with its clinical signs:
- There is a destruction of cartilage.During this period, the symptoms of cervical osteochondosis are expressed so weakly that patients do not notice or explain them with stress and fatigue.
- The intervertebral disc is pressed, the cracks are formed on the surface of the fibrous ring.The disease is manifested by general weakness, pain in the neck and 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 area and dizziness.
- The bone tissues of the damaged vertebrae develop, forming osteophytes.Patients have a stiffness feeling in movements.
In the late stages of the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the clinical image is supplemented by paralysis, paresis and atrophy of the muscles.In addition, the disease can be complicated by ischemia or stroke.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
How Treat cervical osteochondosis The doctor decides according to the results of the exam.The therapy program generally includes:
- immobilization of the vertebral segment assigned using a Chantz necklace;
- relief of the inflammatory process and pain by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- weakening muscle tension and elimination of spasms using muscle relaxants;
- Elimination of pain with local medications with irritating and anesthetics properties;
- replenishment of useful nutrient reserves in the body by taking vitamin-mineral complexes;
- Relief of a pronounced pain syndrome by fixing the blocking of novocaine or intramuscular injections of corticosteroids;
- Perform exercises that contribute to the decompression of nerve fibers and blood vessels, a reduction in the load on the neck, normalize blood circulation in the affected segment and the strengthening of muscles;
- Acupuncture, which eliminates pain, accelerate tissue regeneration processes, relieve cramps, improve the overall patient's well;
- Test sports, contributing to the elimination of excessive pressure on the cervical region (for example, swimming);
- restoration of normal neck mobility by performing a manual therapy lesson;
- activation of blood circulation, elimination of excessive tension in muscles and elimination of pain with massage;
- Block inflammatory processes and weaken pain syndrome by leading a physiotherapeutic procedure course (electrophoresis, magneto and laser therapy, narrowing, etc.).
With intensive compression of blood vessels and nerve roots in the neck, it is inappropriate to treat cervical osteochondrosis, as described above.In such clinical cases, patients are presented to surgery.As a rule, they lead:
- Microsurgical elimination of the damaged intervertebral disc (microdiscectomy);
- Installation of implants capable of replacing the structural components destroyed from the vertebral-motor segment;
- Perforation removing part of the jet nucleus (nucleoplasty);
- The manipulations focused on stabilization of vertebrae in the cervical region;
- Laser regeneration of damaged tissues from the intervertebral disc.
An important role in the question of how to treat and Healing cervical osteochondrosis He plays a healthy lifestyle, abandoning cigarettes and alcohol, avoiding hypothermia, long stay in motionless poses, stress and injuries.Patients are recommended to eat properly, excluded from the daily diet of smoked meats, fatty meat, candies, semi-finished products, cooking, too salty dishes, grapes, coffee, fungi, strong tea and carbonated drinks.
A complete and correct treatment allows you to slow down the development of the disease, restore mobility of the spine and avoid complications.