The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical spine is a very common pathology, which is called cervical osteochondrosis.
With this disease, the discs, which are by nature, are fibrous-chrya formations, gradually lose strength, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, they seem to be ossify and sit in size.Because of this, the spine becomes less removable, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, as a result, the nerve roots, the blood vessels are tight.
The surfaces of the beads undergoing discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur in them.Moreover, osteochondrosis is associated with the formation of reactive growth in the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone points).With the "unsuccessful" arrangement of such osteophytes, a compression of the nerves or blood vessels is possible.
Causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This pathology in older people is in most cases an inevitability, which sooner or later manifests close to the unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to seek contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not progress.
So the main reasons for cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Poor physical training.
- Irrational food.
- Violation of behavior.
- Long -term and systematic stay in unpleasant poses with a sitting head or an exposed neck.
- Connective tissue diseases.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain of pain and pain in the neck, shoulders, headaches, numbness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as a rule, constantly follow patients.The deterioration of the pathology and the deterioration of all its manifestations occurs after the excessive work, physical exercise, the "unsuccessful" curves of the head.
Potential complications
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, though it brings a lot of annoyance 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 a radicular syndrome, which is a body response to clamping cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is manifested by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most frightening complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called intervertebral disc herniation and vertebral artery syndrome.With hernia, there is a high risk of compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, up to the patient's inability.
Vertebral artery syndrome occurs due to transfer or spasm reflex 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 "drops" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of damaged blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of the heart disease worsens significantly.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
The uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated by mainly conservative methods:
Physical education
Its main tasks are strengthening the muscle frame in the neck, improving blood circulation in the tissue, and providing spine structures with the necessary nutrients that penetrate the intervertebral discs exclusively with their decrease, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases of cervical osteochondrosis, this method of treatment helps lower pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate neck spasms in the neck and upper shoulder band.
Massage
Patients of osteochondrosis are recommended to suffer regularly medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
Helps eliminate pain, reduce compression of nerve formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and eliminating neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of deterioration of pathology, when intense pain occurs, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as medicines for activating tissue microcirulation.When the patient's condition is improved, he is shown chondroprotectors and complex vitamin-mineral.
However, it is worth noting that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is only possible when using all these methods in the complex.
Preventing the disease
For the cervical spine, three drops are very important - this is a suitable orthopedic pillow, which allows the spinal column to rest during sleep, discharge five -lines for the neck during work hours and regular exercises that strengthen the back and neck muscles.If you take it a rule for yourself, not to harm your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move better) and treat the timely pathologies that contribute to the appearance of discs, you can easily survive in old age without osteochondrosis of the cervix.