The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves in the cervical spine is a very common pathology called cervical osteochondrosis.
With this disease, the discs, which are naturally of fibrous crown, gradually lose strength, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, they seem to be acidifying and decreasing in size.Therefore, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and as a result the nerve roots, the blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae subjected to discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, and dystrophic changes occur in them.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growths of the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone spines).With the "unsuccessful" arrangement of such osteophytes, it is possible to compress nerves or blood vessels.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This pathology in the elderly is in most cases an inevitability that sooner or later manifests itself close to unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in the bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to look for contributing factors and remove them so that the pathology does not progress.
So, the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Seedomers.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Injuries to the spine.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Weak physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Stand violation.
- Long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable postures with a lowered head or an exposed neck.
- Connective tissue diseases.
- Adverse ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain of sick pain and pain in the neck, shoulders, headache, tingling and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as a rule, persecute patients constantly.The worsening of the pathology and the deterioration of all its manifestations occurs after overload, exercise, "unsuccessful" turns of the head.
Possible complications
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it carries a lot of discomfort to the patient, is not a serious health risk.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Most often, cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by radicular syndrome, which is the response of the body for pinching cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is manifested by various neurological symptoms (acute neck pain, shoulder, impaired sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the worst complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called hernia on the intervertebral discs and the vertebral artery syndrome.In hernia, there is a high risk of compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders to the damage to the patient.
Spinal artery syndrome occurs due to the transfer or reflex spasm of the artery of the same name, which provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiac problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly exacerbated.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
Uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical education
Its main tasks strengthen the muscle frame in the neck, improving blood circulation in the tissues and ensuring the cartilage structures of the spine with the necessary nutrients that penetrate the intervertebral discs exclusively with their reduction, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases of cervical osteochondrosis, this method of treatment helps to reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasm in the neck and upper shoulder.
Massage
Patients with osteochondrosis are recommended to undergo medical massage courses regularly.
Manual therapy
It helps to eliminate pain, reducing the compression of nerve formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of exacerbation of pathology, when intense pain occurs, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as medicines to activate tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, he is shown chondroprotectors and vitamin-mineral complexes.
However, it is worth noting that a good result of the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is only possible when all these methods in the complex are used.
Prevention
For the cervical spine, three points are very important - it is a comfortable orthopedic pillow that best allows the spine to relax during sleep, unloading five minutes for the neck during working hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you are taking a rule for yourself, not to harm your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move more properly) and treat pathologies in a timely manner that contribute to the appearance of discs, you can easily survive to old age without cervical osteochondrosis.