Cervical osteochondrosis: what it is, symptoms, how to treat

Cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis -Astasta is a degenerative dyeing lesion of the C1-C7 vertebrae and the intervertebral discs with each other.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's why the detection of any symptoms of osteochondrosis is the basis for a visit to a doctor who has the most relevant and complete information.He will talk about how to cure cervical osteochondrosis and prevent the development of his complications.

How cervical osteochondosis is manifested

Find out how Cervical osteochondrosis occurs, impossible without a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the development of the pathological process.First you should familiarize yourself with the structural characteristics of the upper segment of the spinal column.Therefore, the cervical region is the most mobile part of the spine which is responsible for the movements of the neck, rotation and changes in the position of the head.It consists of seven vertebrae, two of which (Epristofeus and Atlant) have an atypical structure.In the intervals between these structural elements there are intervertebral discs, each of which is a nucleus of the jacket, which is located inside the fibrous ring, from above and under the fabric of the cartilage covered with a layer.Their main functions are:

  • guarantee the mobility and flexibility of the spine;
  • Increase the stability of the spinal column with loads.

There are numerous factors that contribute to the destruction of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region.Osteocondrosis occurs on the basis of factors such as:

  • injuries;
  • strong body intoxications;
  • Excessive loads on the upper segment of the spine (prolonged computer work, prolonged living room in an innatural installation, exhaustive training, etc.);
  • infections;
  • metabolic malfunctions;
  • improper nutrition, conformity with too rigid diets;
  • Small mobility;
  • Congenital characteristics in the structure of the spinal column;
  • Hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
  • hypothermia;
  • stress;
  • elderly age;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • smoke.

The degeneration of the cartilage under the influence of these factors leads to the deformation of the intervertebral disc.The nucleus of the jacket moves to the edge, forming a ledge.With the thinning and turning of the connective tissue membrane (fibrous ring), an hernia is formed in the cervical region.The development of both pathologies is accompanied by intense pain, the shift 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 in vertebral tissue;
  • spinal deformation;
  • the formation of osteophytes on the processes of vertebrates and motor segments;
  • a decrease in the elasticity of ligaments;
  • The loss of mobility in the cervical column.

The result of the development of the pathology is the loss of the work capacity and a significant reduction in the quality of life of a patient.

As it hurts to cervical osteochondosis: symptoms and signs

As Cervical osteochondrosis hurts It has differences compared to the symptoms of the degenerative stretching processes that affect other segments of the spine.Since the neck vertebrae have a specific structure and are very close to each other, any movement of them causes acute pain due to a pinch of arteries or nerve fibers.

How does it hurt to cervical osteochondosis, how to recognize it and take care of it?The main signs of pathology in the cervical region are:

  • Pain in the area of the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, temples or cloud, intensifying with head curves;
  • A feeling of weakness in the hands due to the pinch of nerve roots;
  • The presence of difficulties in transforming the head into 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 crystal in the neck;
  • decrease in the sensitivity of the upper limbs;
  • The general weakness and the appearance of dizziness, which cause the spa blood vessels that provide useful nutrients to the brain.
  • A decrease in visual acuity and deterioration of hearing associated with circulatory disorders in the tissues of the cerebellum.

TO Progression of cervical osteochondosis Different sequential phases pass with its clinical signs:

  1. There is a destruction of cartilage.During this period, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are expressed in such a weak way that patients do not notice them or explain with stress and fatigue.
  2. The intervertebral disc is crushed, cracks are formed on the surface of the fibrous ring.The disease manifests itself with general weakness, neck pain and a slight numbness of the face.
  3. Intervertebral hernias are formed, the blood vessels, the nerve fibers are compressed.Patients complain of the appearance of pain in the occipital area and dizziness.
  4. The bone tissues of the damaged vertebrae grow up, forming osteophytes.Patients have a feeling of rigidity in movements.

In the late phases of the progression of the cervical osteochdrosis, the clinical picture is integrated by paralysis, paresis and atrophy of the muscles.In addition, the disease can be complicated by ischemia or stroke.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?

As Treats cervical osteochondosis The doctor decides on the basis of the exam results.The therapy program usually includes:

  • Immobilization of the interested vertebral segment using a chantz collar;
  • relief of the inflammatory process and pain taking non -pounded anti -inflammatory drugs;
  • weakening of muscle tension and the removal of spasms through muscle relaxants;
  • Elimination of pain with local drugs with irritating and anesthetic properties;
  • refueling of reserves of nutrients useful in the body taking vitamin mineral complexes;
  • relief of a pronounced pain syndrome by setting the novocaine block or intramuscular injections of corticosteroids;
  • Execution of exercises that contribute to the decompression of nerve fibers and blood vessels, a decrease in the load on the neck, normalize blood circulation in the segment concerned and strengthen the muscles;
  • Acupuncture, which allows you to eliminate pain, accelerate tissue regeneration processes, relieve cramps, improve the general well -being of the patient;
  • Sport test, contributing to the elimination of excess pressure on the cervical region (for example, swimming);
  • Restoration of the normal neck mobility leading a manual therapy course;
  • Activation of blood circulation, removal of excessive tension in the muscles and elimination of pain with massage;
  • Block inflammatory processes and weakening pain syndrome by conducting a course of physiotherapy procedures (electrophoresis, magnet therapy and laser, narrowing, etc.).

With intensive pressing of the 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 surgery.Normally, they lead:

  • Microchirurgical removal of the damaged intervertebral disk (micro -prowex);
  • Installation of systems capable of replacing the destroyed structural components of the vertebral-motor segment;
  • Puncture that removes part of the jet core (nucleoplasty);
  • manipulations focused on the stabilization of the vertebrae in the cervical region;
  • Laser regeneration of damaged tissues of the intervertebral disc.

An important role in the question of how to treat e Cure cervical osteochondosis He plays a healthy lifestyle, abandoning cigarettes and alcohol, avoiding hypothermia, remains in long immobile, stress and injuries.Patients are recommended to eat correctly, excluded from the daily diet of smoked meats, fatty meat, desserts, semifinated products, cooking, too salty dishes, grapes, coffee, mushrooms, strong tea and carbonated drinks.

The complete and correct treatment allows you to slow down the development of the disease, restore the mobility of the spine and avoid complications.