Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Among many known diseases the mostdiseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity. In addition, such problems are characteristic not only of the elderly, but also of young people. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among the pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal system. What is a disease? What is threatening its owner? How does this manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophically progressive disease, accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, second in damage to the lumbosacral region.

Stages of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis takes place in stages:

• The first phase. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the annular fibrosus, the disc loses its strength and elasticity and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by excruciating pain.
• Second phase. The destruction of the disc continues, leading to minor dislocations of the vertebrae. Feelings of pain intensify and become permanent. Head fall syndrome may occur characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
• The third phase. The annular fibrosus is destroyed almost completely, which leads to a bulge and an intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain can be reduced, because there is no source of pain - cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not disappear completely, because the nerve roots remain compressed. Possible violation of sensitivity, the appearance of headache and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.

In the first stage, the disease is successfully treated. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely rebuild the body.

Causes of pathological changes

The vertebrae located in the cervical spine are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, whose damage not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.

The main factors that lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• inactive lifestyle;
• extended stay in the same position;
• metabolic disorders;
• salt deposits;
• poor nutrition.

The risk of developing the disease increases with:

• hereditary predisposition;
• age;
• neck injury;
• prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
• hormonal imbalance;
• obesity;
• autoimmune diseases;
• chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. The symptoms of the disease depend on how many vertebrae are affected, the degree of damage, and the presence of pinched nerves.

The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, which radiates to the nape of the neck, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are intensified by turning the head and at the slightest physical effort.

In addition to pain, in cervical osteochondrosis:

• headache and heart pain appear;
• dizziness;
• darken in the eyes;
• hands and feet are numb;
• tinnitus is heard;
• tongue numb;
• visual acuity and hearing are impaired;
• a sudden turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
• there is rapid fatigue;
• coordination is impaired.

Several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:

• radicular - pinching of nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulders and lower back;
• cardiac - the root of the pectoral muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in heart-like symptoms: prolonged chest pain (does not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which increase with movement and deep breathing;
• vertebral artery - pulsating pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
• irritative-reflex - burning pain occurs in the neck, radiates to the shoulders and chest, and is intensified by coughing and turning the head.

Possible complications

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that deformed vertebrae damage nerve roots and blood vessels that bring blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause disability and even death, because heart activity and respiratory functions are impaired.

If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to various complications: spinal artery syndrome, bulges, disc herniation, spinal stroke, cerebral ischemia. Cervical osteochondrosis often causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths form on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity and mobility.

But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, which leads to death.

Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help to avoid many problems.

Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:

• radiography;
• duplex scanning;
• Doppler ultrasound;
• computerized or magnetic resonance imaging.

Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of damage.

First aid

In case the patient experiences unbearable pain, painkillers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will help. If they cannot get rid of the pain, they resort to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they cannot be taken for a long time because they have an adverse effect on the intestines.

Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and a pepper patch can effectively relieve pain.

If the patient's limbs become numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.

Diuretics are used for edema.

But all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not delay a visit to the doctor to prevent the development of complications.

Methods of treatment

In order for the fight against the disease to be crowned with success, it is necessary to:

• relieve pain syndrome;
• remove swelling;
• restore blood flow;
• strengthen the muscular corset;
• improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis must be comprehensive and include:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy exercises;
• methods of alternative and traditional medicine;
• diet.

Medication treatment involves taking:

• anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
• muscle relaxants - relieve muscle cramps;
• chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
• Vitamins B - oral and intramuscular administration is possible.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are effective in cervical osteochondrosis:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• water therapy;
• paraffin therapy.

Effective help in the fight against the disease will provide non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, chiropractic), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to do physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.

With (but not instead of) drug treatment, the use of folk remedies is recommended.

You must follow a strict diet for 3-4 months:

• reject cholesterol-containing products: animal fats, fatty meats;
• limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
• exclude alcoholic beverages.

Prophylaxis

An active lifestyle and weight loss are key to preventative measures. A diet that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is not of little importance.

The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.

When you work inactively, you take breaks.

People who are prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist from time to time.