Cervical osteochondrosis -This is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the C1-C7 vertebrae and the intervertebral discs between them.The advanced forms of pathology cause the compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord and the blood vessels that feed it, the development of paresis, paralysis, atrophy of muscle tissues and other dangerous conditions.That is why the detection of any symptoms of osteochondrosis is the basis for a visit to a doctor who owns the most relevant and complete information.He will talk about how to cure cervical osteochondrosis and prevent the development of its complications.
How cervical osteochondrosis is manifested
Figure out how Cervical osteochondrosis is manifested, impossible without a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the development of the pathological process.First you should familiarize yourself with the structural features of the upper segment of the spinal column.So, the cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine that is responsible for the movements of the neck, turning and changes in the position of the head.It consists of seven vertebrae, two of which (Epistropheus and Atlant) have an atypical structure.In the intervals between these structural elements there are intervertebral discs, each of which is a jacket core, which is localized inside the fibrous ring, from above and below the cartilage tissue covered with a layer.Their main functions are:
- ensuring mobility and flexibility of the spine;
- Increasing the stability of the spinal column to loads.
There are a number of factors contributing to the destruction of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region.Osteochondrosis is manifested on the basis of factors such as:
- injuries;
- strong intoxications of the body;
- Excessive loads on the upper segment of the spine (prolonged work at the computer, prolonged stay in an unnatural pose, exhausting training, etc.);
- infections;
- metabolic malfunctions;
- improper nutrition, compliance with too strict diets;
- Small mobility;
- congenital features in the structure of the spinal column;
- hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- elderly age;
- alcohol abuse;
- smoking.
Degeneration of the cartilage under the influence of these factors leads to deformation of the intervertebral disc.The jacket nucleus shifts to its edge, forming protrusion.With the thinning and breakthrough of the connective tissue membrane (fibrous ring), a hernia forms in the cervical region.The development of both pathologies is accompanied by intense pains, 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-dystrophic change in vertebral tissue;
- spinal deformation;
- the formation of osteophytes on the processes of the vertebrates and motor segments;
- a decrease in the elasticity of the ligaments;
- The loss of mobility in the cervical spine.
The result of the development of pathology is the loss of working capacity and a significant decrease in the quality of life of a sick person.
How cervical osteochondrosis hurts: symptoms and signs
How Cervical osteochondrosis hurts It has differences in comparison with the symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic processes that affect other segments of the spine.Since the vertebrae of the neck have a specific structure and are located very close to each other, any displacement of them causes a sharp pain due to a pinches of arteries or nerve fibers.
How does cervical osteochondrosis hurt, how to recognize and cure it?The main signs of pathology in the cervical region are:
- pain in the zone of the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, temples or nape, intensifying with head turns;
- a feeling of weakness in the hands due to pinching of nerve roots;
- the occurrence of difficulties in turning the head in the direction associated with a violation of the natural structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as the formation of osteophytes, the emergence of a characteristic cryst in the neck;
- decrease in the sensitivity of the upper limbs;
- The general weakness and the appearance of dizziness, which provokes squeezing blood vessels that supply the brain with useful nutrients.
- A decrease in visual acuity and hearing deterioration associated with circulatory disorders in cerebellum tissues.
At progression of cervical osteochondrosis Several sequential stages pass with its clinical signs:
- There is a destruction of cartilage.During this period, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are expressed so weakly that patients either do not notice them or explain with stress and fatigue.
- The intervertebral disc is squeezed, cracks form on the surface of the fibrous ring.The disease is manifested by general weakness, pain in the neck and a slight numbness of the face.
- Intervertebral hernias are formed, the blood vessels, nerve fibers are compressed.Patients complain about the appearance of pain in the occipital zone and dizziness.
- Bone tissues of damaged vertebrae grow, forming osteophytes.Patients have a feeling of stiffness in movements.
In the late stages of the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the clinical picture is complemented by paralysis, paresis and atrophy of muscles.In addition, the disease can be complicated by ischemia or stroke.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
How Treat cervical osteochondrosis The doctor decides based on the results of the examination.The therapy program usually includes:
- immobilization of the affected vertebral segment using a chantz collar;
- relief of the inflammatory process and pain by taking non -steroidal 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;
- replenishment of reserves of useful nutrients in the body by taking vitamin-mineral complexes;
- relief of a pronounced pain syndrome by setting novocaine blockade or intramuscular injections of corticosteroids;
- performing exercises that contribute to decompression of nerve fibers and blood vessels, a decrease in the load on the neck, normalize blood circulation in the affected segment, and strengthening muscles;
- acupuncture, which allows to eliminate pain, accelerate tissue regeneration processes, relieve cramps, improve the patient's overall well -being;
- Testing sports, contributing to the elimination of excess pressure on the cervical region (for example, swimming);
- restoration of normal mobility of the neck by conducting a course of manual therapy;
- activation of blood circulation, removal of excessive tension in the muscles and elimination of pain with massage;
- Blocking inflammatory processes and weakening of the pain syndrome by conducting a course of physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis, magneto and laser therapy, narrowing, etc.).
With intensive squeezing 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 shown surgical intervention.As a rule, they conduct:
- Microsurgical removal of the damaged intervertebral disc (MicrodisCectomy);
- installation of implants capable of replacing the destroyed structural components of the vertebral-motor segment;
- PUNCTURE Removing part of the jet core (nucleoplasty);
- manipulations focused on stabilization of vertebrae in the cervical region;
- Laser regeneration of damaged fabrics of the intervertebral disc.
An important role in the question of how to treat and Cure 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 everyday diet of smoked meats, fatty meat, sweets, semi -finished products, baking, too salty dishes, grapes, coffee, mushrooms, strong tea and carbonated drinks.
Full and correct treatment allows you to slow down the development of the disease, restore the mobility of the spine and avoid complications.