Cervical osteochondosis is a dystrophic degenerative disease of the spine in which the structure of the cartilaginous discs and their bone base change.Depending on the stage of the disease, there is a deformation with the subsequent depletion of vertebral bodies.Consequently, blood microcirculation, the nerve conductivity is disturbed.Cervical osteochondosis can be both independent or combined disease with degenerative-dystrophic damage to other green columns.
In the international classification of ICD-10 diseases, cervical osteochondosis has no separate figures.The pathology is indicated by the M42.1 code - osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.The hospital performs a full range of diagnostic and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The examination is carried out using the latest equipment that meets quality and security standards.
Reasons
Doctors distinguish several reasons which can lead to the development of cervical osteochondosis.These include:
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- a story of the neck or spine;
- excessive loads on the musculoskeletal system;
- Psycho -emotional on -cas;
- Congenital deformation of the 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 best to contact professionals.Doctors select an individual diagnostic complex which allows you to determine the deep cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical column.This is necessary to prescribe the right therapy.
The degree of development of cervical osteochondosis
Cervical osteochondosis is characterized by several stages.They determine the severity of the state and the presence of certain clinical symptoms.
- First of all.At first, there is a slight sweetness of the lordosis of the neck.Clinically, this is expressed in pain syndrome, which intensifies during the turn of the head.Patients complain of muscle tension, headache, stiffness of movements.The first step is treated without the use of drugs.Just join a certain nutrition and perform exercises.
- The second.At this stage, the instability of the cervical vertebrae appears.This is expressed in strengthening the pain, which gradually passes through the shoulders or arms.The pain intensifies when making movements.The second step is characterized by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.This leads to a violation of the nerves.Patients complain of headache, distraction, fatigue.
- The third.It is accompanied by a serious deformation and the destruction of the structure of the vertebrae.Pain syndrome becomes constant.The intervertebral hernies are starting to form.Clinically, this is expressed in the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, the instability of the process.
- Fourth.The destroyed tissues of the intervertebral discs are replaced by the connective tissue.Several segments are involved in the pathological process.Patients complain about coordination, pronounced dizziness and headache.There is a constant noise in the ears.
Symptoms and signs
Clinical symptoms of cervical osteochondosis of the spine are the same for all ages.Many people pay a visit to a doctor in connection with the presence of weakly expressed symptoms.It is only when the disease acquires an obsessive character and is accompanied by corresponding signs, treatment for medical aid.
Modern equipment allows you to precisely determine the degree of development of cervical osteochondosis.Thanks to this, the correct treatment is prescribed which relieves the symptoms as soon as possible.The main clinical signs of the disease include:
- Pain in the neck, accompanied by crunch;
- tingling or numbness in the upper limbs;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- noise in the ears;
- panic crises;
- Rigidity of movements;
- Mobility restriction;
- weakness, net failure;
- nausea;
- violation of orientation in space;
- Walking instability;
- Reduce visual acuity.
Symptoms depending on the damaged vertebra
The cervical column consists of 7 vertebrae.The corresponding symptoms are distinguished according to the level of damage:
| Vertebrate | Symptoms |
| C1 | Reduction in skin sensitivity. |
| C2 | Pain syndrome is located in the neck and parietal area. |
| C3 | The sensitivity of the language and the hyoid muscles is disturbed;In serious cases, speech is disturbed and language control is lost. |
| C4 and C5 | Pain syndrome is determined in the closest shoulders and areas.A feeling of discomfort in the chest is joined, which is often considered a pathology. |
| C6 | Pain is felt in the neck, blades, forearms.Damage to nerves reduce skin sensitivity. |
| C7 | The pains are located in the neck, on the back of the shoulders, the upper shoulder belt.Violations lead to a decrease in reflexes and a violation of the strength of the hands. |
Diagnosis
Cervical osteochondosis of the spine requires a complete diagnosis.She understands:
- History and illness collection.The doctor clarifies existing complaints, the moment of their appearance, the dynamics of gravity.It is necessary to specify drugs used to facilitate the condition.
- Objective inspection.After the investigation, the specialist begins to do the inspection.The skin, the patient's approach is examined.On palpation, painful areas are determined.
- X -ray.The first instrumental research method is the radiography of the cervical column.Most often, 2 projections are studied.
- CT, MRI.Thanks to research, it is possible to establish an objective of the lesion, its exact location.Tomography allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels and nerves.
- Ultrasound.An ultrasound study of the head and neck vessels allows you to assess their permeability, the degree of stenosis.
- General blood test.First, the indicators responsible for inflammation (leukocytes, ESR) are evaluated.
Based on the data obtained, doctors establish the severity of cervical osteochondosis.Doctors use modern equipment that allows you to quickly and effectively carry out any volume of diagnostic measures.
Treatment varieties
Like diagnosis, treatment of cervical osteochondosis implies an integrated approach.The therapeutic volume is individually selected.It depends on the segment of the lesion, the severity of the disease and the severity of clinical symptoms.The main treatment methods are:
- take medication;
- physiotherapy;
- Therapeutic physical culture;
- massage;
- Surgical surgery.
Among the medical treatment methods, several groups of drugs are used:
- Analgesics.They are used to reduce the severity of pain.
- Non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs.Used to reduce the swelling of tissues and inflammatory syndrome.They are prescribed in various forms (tablets, means for external use).
- Antispasmodics.They tighten spasms, reduce pain syndrome.
- Drugs for joints.Restore the structure of the intervertebral discs.
- B vitamins B. positively affect the state of the nervous system.
Physiotherapy
It is prescribed to improve the action of drugs.Most often used:
- acupuncture;
- massage;
- Manual therapy.
Medical physical education
Regular exercises will not only relieve the severity of pain, but will also have a preventive effect.Thanks to physical exercises, the muscular corset is reinforced, the blood circulation in the affected area improves and the load in the affected area decreases.Experienced instructors develop individual therapy programs for each patient.This helps quickly and effectively get rid of symptoms of cervical osteochondosis.The selected course can be repeated at home.
Massage
A properly made massage of the cervical-kitton-job area is capable of reducing the condition, relieving muscle spasms, improving mobility.The restrictions on the procedure are:
- pathology of the cardiovascular system at the decompensation stage;
- Tumor training;
- skin diseases;
- exacerbations of chronic somatic pathologies;
- osteomyelitis.
When you contact a specialized institution, you individually select a treatment lesson.Its average duration is 10 to 15 sessions.
Relapse and treatment
The exacerbation of cervical osteochondosis can occur at any time.In this case, pain, stiffness of movements and limitation of mobility appear.In some cases, it is enough to observe a saving rest for 3 to 4 days to relieve the symptoms of exacerbation.However, if the pathological characteristics are kept or intensify, you must consult a doctor.To stop the relapse of cervical osteochondosis, the drug drugs, muscle relaxants are used.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development or exacerbation of cervical osteochondosis, it is necessary to regularly engage in prevention.Doctors recommend:
- Lead an active lifestyle;
- keep the posture;
- Strengthen back and neck muscles;
- 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 osteochondosis occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.Experts will help diagnose with precision, determine the stage of the disease and prescribe the right treatment.