Grade 2 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires professional treatment. With the development of this pathology, the integrity of the intervertebral discs is disrupted, and the difference between them also decreases. Of all the forms of osteochondrosis, cervical is the most common. The neck is mobile, in this respect it is regularly subjected to stress. The initial stage of osteochondrosis is normally tolerated. Launched - pose a major threat to health.
Why does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are numerous. The pathology can develop in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The veins pass through the vertebrae of the cervical region, supplying blood to the vessels of the brain. Osteochondrosis stores often occur due to increased stress on the neck. Grade 1 spinal osteochondrosis occurs in young and old people. It is not age that plays an important role, but lifestyle and body characteristics.
Grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis is common in adolescents. In medicine, there is the term "adolescent osteochondrosis". A common cause of osteochondrosis of 1, 2 degrees is the incorrect position of the head. When this disease develops, the pulp is torn. The types of osteochondrosis depend on how strong the pulp rupture is. Untimely treatment of first-degree osteochondrosis leads to progression of the pathological process. In the third stage of the disease, degenerative-dystrophic processes are expressed: the patient is more often worried about back and neck pain.
Characteristics of the first stage
In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree, the pathological process extends to the muscles. The initial stage is characterized by the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring. It consists of collagen fibers.
Grade 1 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine leads to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms:
- The first stage of osteochondrosis is manifested by pain in the back of the head. Some people get swelling. In first-degree cervical osteochondrosis, intense spasms may occur.
- If a person is diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, he should visit an ophthalmologist. Pupils can be dilated.
- Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis often results in Wright's syndrome. If the patient holds his hand behind his head, the pain intensifies.
- Cervical pain syndrome usually develops at the beginning of the disease. Inflammation in this case affects the muscles. The progression of cervical pain syndrome is associated with an abscess. The person begins to feel pain in the neck, joint mobility is limited.
- In the first stage, anterior scapular muscle syndrome may occur, in which case the subclavian artery is affected.
How is the treatment carried out? The goal of therapy is to repair pulp tears and prevent unpleasant symptoms. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is performed surgically. The duration of the postoperative period is 7 days. After a month or two the threads gradually increase.
To ensure disease prevention, you need to wear a special collar, it is worn around the neck. The doctor recommends the use of a solution of calcium gluconate. The drug helps to heal wounds.
What happens in the second stage of the disease?
Second-degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine develops with the ineffectiveness of therapy at an early stage. Inflammatory reactions become pronounced, the intervertebral foramina decrease.
Grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis leads to the formation of osteophytes. These are bone processes that are formed against the background of dehydration.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix in stage 2 can last 4-5 years. The disease periodically subsides and worsens. A characteristic feature of the disease is falling head syndrome.
Treatment includes manual therapy. The goal is to ensure normal fixation of the neck muscles. Depending on the situation, orthopedic treatment (vertebral connection) may be prescribed. Drug therapy is needed. Calcium chloride is prescribed to relieve pain. Therapeutic gymnastics is recommended: it should take 30 minutes a day. The main load should be on the joints.
How does the third stage manifest itself?
Treatment of third-degree osteochondrosis is quite difficult. This disease changes the structure of the intervertebral discs.
The pathological process includes tissues and joints:
- The body of the vertebrae is torn, there are characteristic signs of an intervertebral hernia. The person begins to experience severe pain in the back, neck and limbs. Degenerative-dystrophic reactions affect a large part of the neck.
- Third-degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by vestibular disorders. Periodically a person experiences pain in the temples. Some patients may partially lose consciousness.
- The danger of the disease in the third stage is that it leads to endocrine pathology. Therapy involves surgery and the use of manual techniques. No drugs are prescribed in the third stage of cervical osteochondrosis.
- The patient may have polysegmental osteochondrosis. In this disease, the segments of the cervical spine are affected, the mobility of the shoulder is impaired and pain in the elbows occurs.
To restore the function of the spine, you must wear a neck brace.
Disease syndromes
Osteochondrosis of the cervix is accompanied by syndromes:
- Vertebrate occurs when cartilage and bone tissue are involved in the pathological process. The mobility of the neck is impaired. If a person tries to turn his head to the side, pain appears in the occipital region of the neck. The vertebrae undergo morphological changes that are visible on radiography. The symptoms of a syndrome are interrelated. An important sign of the spinal syndrome are the morphological changes in the tissues and bone structures of the cartilage. This syndrome is difficult to diagnose. There is a similar set of symptoms in myositis.
- Spinal artery syndrome is another manifestation, it can occur regardless of the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. The pathological process affects the arteries that feed the brain. Periodically there is a feeling of stunning. Dizziness is a symptom of spinal artery syndrome. Blood pressure may jump, there is periodic nausea and vomiting. The nerve endings are irritated, which is why headaches occur. With vertebral artery syndrome, fainting and oxygen starvation are possible. The disease is accompanied by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
- Cardiac syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum. Rapid fatigue and reduced productivity are observed. The heart rate becomes faster. Diagnosis includes angiography and functional tests. Radicular syndrome is associated with damage to the spinal nerves. It is one-sided. In radicular syndrome, neck pain combined with paralysis is observed.
It should be noted that osteochondrosis leads to damage to a large number of vertebrae.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is found in young and old people: age does not matter. The pathology leads to degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cartilage and bone structure. Late treatment leads to disruption of the structure of ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs. In an advanced stage, thoracic osteochondrosis leads to destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Complications of the disease can be:
- pneumosclerosis;
- infertility;
- malignant tumors.
If the disease develops in a young person, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is observed. The functioning of cartilage structures and tissues is significantly impaired.
Clinical picture and causes
- With the development of this pathology, chest pain appears. They occur in a relaxed position and while driving. Unpleasant sensations intensify after lifting weights, sharp turns.
- The disease is manifested by pressure in the back. As a result of this problem, breathing is impaired.
- Chills may occur.
- Some people complain of peeling skin, thinning of the nail plate.
The disease is associated with pathological reactions in the intervertebral discs. It can be inherited. Predisposing factor is the defeat of the intervertebral discs. In some people, the disease is diagnosed against the background of osteophytes. The reason may be insufficient physical activity or, conversely, physical inactivity.
Therapeutic activities
If there are no neurological symptoms, complex treatment is still required. Therapy cannot be postponed, otherwise the intervertebral discs will be destroyed.
Before starting treatment it is necessary to make a diagnosis. If a person has identified at least one of the above symptoms, he should visit a neurologist. The doctor will take a medical history, examine the chest area. Palpation reveals a disc herniation. If the doctor finds such, he prescribes an additional examination. Radiography required. The MRI procedure allows you to study the musculoskeletal system and identify neoplasms.
Treatment depends on the degree of osteochondrosis of the breast; it begins after confirmation of the diagnosis. The doctor prescribes medications that help relieve pain and restore the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. For the treatment of this pathology injections, physiotherapy, physiotherapeutic exercises are needed. Additional procedures - magnetic therapy, vacuum therapy, physiotherapy exercises.
Daily exercises have a complex effect on the body, improve the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and respiratory system. Massage reduces the severity of pain, increases muscle tone, relieves fatigue and improves blood circulation in the tissues. The procedure is performed by an experienced specialist.
Conclusion
How many years can you live with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine? The pathology is not life-threatening, but its symptoms cause severe discomfort. The clinical picture of the disease can change: it all depends on the effectiveness of therapy.