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Cervical osteochondrosis

What is cervical osteochondrosis

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

In the international classification of diseases ICD-10, cervical osteochondrosis does not have a separate cipher.Pathology is indicated by the M42.1 code - osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.The hospital conducts a full range of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The examination is carried out 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 history of neck or spine;
  • excessive loads on the musculoskeletal system;
  • psycho -emotional overstrain;
  • 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 better to contact professionals.Doctors select an individual diagnostic complex that allows you to determine the root cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.This is necessary to prescribe the correct therapy.

The degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis

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

  • First.In the early stages, there is a slight smoothness of the neck lordosis.Clinically, this is expressed in the pain syndrome, which intensifies when turning the head.Patients complain of muscle tension, headache, stiffness of movements.The first stage is treated without the use of drugs.It is enough to adhere to a certain nutrition and perform exercises.
  • The second.At this stage, the instability of the cervical vertebrae appears.This is expressed in the strengthening of pain, which gradually passes into 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 infringement of nerves.Patients complain of headaches, distraction, fatigue.
  • The third.It is accompanied by severe deformation and destruction of the structure of the vertebrae.The pain syndrome becomes constant.Intervertebral hernias begin to form.Clinically, this is expressed in the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, instability of the gait.
  • Fourth.Destroyed fabrics of the 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 the corresponding signs, is a treatment for medical help.

Modern equipment allows you to accurately 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:

  • pain in the neck, accompanied by crunch;
  • tingling or numbness in the upper limbs;
  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • noise in the ears;
  • panic attacks;
  • stiffness of movements;
  • restriction of mobility;
  • weakness, sharp breakdown;
  • nausea;
  • violation of orientation in space;
  • gait instability;
  • Reducing visual acuity.

Symptoms depending on the damaged vertebra

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

Vertebra Symptoms
C1 Reduced skin sensitivity.
C2 The pain syndrome is localized in the nape and the parietal zone.
C3 The sensitivity of the tongue and hyoid muscles is disturbed; in severe cases, speech is disturbed and control over the tongue is lost.
C4 and C5 The pain syndrome is determined in the shoulders and nearest areas.A feeling of discomfort in the chest is joined, which is often taken as a pathology.
C6 The pain is felt in the neck, blades, forearms.Nerves damage reduces skin sensitivity.
C7 The pains are localized in the neck, back of the shoulders, the upper shoulder belt.Violations lead to a decrease in reflexes and a violation of the strength of the hands.

Diagnostics

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

  • Collection of history and disease.The doctor clarifies the existing complaints, the time of their appearance, the dynamics of severity.It is necessary to specify drugs that were used to facilitate the condition.
  • Objective inspection.After the survey, the specialist begins to carry out the inspection.The skin, gait of the patient are examined.On palpation, painful areas are determined.
  • Radiography.The first instrumental research method is the radiography of the cervical spine.Most often, 2 projections are investigated.
  • CT, MRI.Thanks to research, it is possible to establish a focus of the lesion, its exact localization.Tomography allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels and nerves.
  • Ultrasound.An ultrasound study of the vessels of the head and neck allows you to evaluate their patency, 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.

Varieties of treatment

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

  • taking medications;
  • physiotherapy;
  • Therapeutic physical culture;
  • massage;
  • Surgical surgery.

Among the medical methods of treatment, several groups of drugs are used:

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

Physiotherapy

It is prescribed in order to enhance the action of drugs.Most often used:

  • acupuncture;
  • massage;
  • Manual therapy.

Medical physical education

Regular exercise exercises will not only relieve the severity of pain, but also have a preventive effect.Thanks to physical exercises, the muscle corset is strengthened, 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 to quickly and effectively get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The selected course can be repeated at home.

Massage

A properly performed massage of the cervical-brothel zone is able to alleviate the condition, relieve muscle spasm, improve mobility.Restrictions on the procedure are:

  • pathology of the cardiovascular system in the stage of decompensation;
  • tumor formations;
  • skin diseases;
  • exacerbations of chronic somatic pathologies;
  • osteomyelitis.

When contacting a specialized institution, you will individually select a course of treatment.Its average duration is 10-15 sessions.

Relapse and treatment

Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis 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 sparing bed rest for 3-4 days to relieve exacerbation symptoms.However, if pathological features are preserved or intensify, you must consult a doctor.To stop the relapse of cervical osteochondrosis, drugs of the NSAIDs group, muscle relaxants are used.

Prevention

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

  • lead an active lifestyle;
  • keep 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 occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.Experts will help to accurately diagnose, determine the stage of the disease, and also prescribe the right treatment.