Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondylodaryrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in intervertebral discs, cartilage tissue, ligaments and bone processes.
Headache, dizziness, darkening of the eyes - All this can be the cause of cervical osteochondrosis, which often occurs in very young people.
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints, joints and is a movable part of it.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching and distribute the load to the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension and head rotation.
In addition to the discs, the vertebrae are connected by joints and ligaments;The absence of pathological changes in these organs ensures normal mobility of the spine and therefore the entire neck.
Causes of neck osteochondrosis
The main cause of cervical spondylosis is the disturbance of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and function, the disc is like a sponge, constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances and constantly squeezed for nutrition.
To ensure the stability of this process, the spine must be mobile during the day;The lack of this condition leads to a change in the properties of the disc tissue, as a result of which it decreases in volume and no longer provides sufficient shock absorption.
Vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, bone tissue grows, and the spinal column, blood vessels and nerve endings are known to narrow.Narrowing of the lumen, compression of nerve endings and all signs of chrontrolosis appear.
Therefore, the main provoking factors for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are currently:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- overweight, monotonous diet;
- intoxication, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- Uncomfortable body position for a long time;
- poor posture, straight legs;
- Hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injuries.
Cervical spine disease osteochondrosis is also an occupational disease.Long-term continuous posture of drivers and computer operators leads to stagnation of vertebrae and stagnation of inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis can be divided according to clinical signs, depending on the involvement of arteries or nerves in the pathological process.
Compression of the vertebral artery causes the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain increases gradually, often starts from the back of the head, is localized in the middle of the head and can hit the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics.
- He faints at the peak of a headache or with a sudden turn of the neck.
- Absorption disorder.
- The pressure changes from low to high and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in the cervical vertebrae, constant, aching.It worsens over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper neck;
- Enlargement of the tongue, eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the bridge, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of movement in the arms - it is impossible to raise or pass to the side.
- Sharp pain in the neck that spreads to the shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in the hand, tangles, weakness when squeezed.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is dull at first, then increases and increases throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be accompanied by numbness of the fingers on the left and right at the same time.With cervical osteochondrosis, blood supply, blurred vision, reduced vision, reduced and night snoring, tension in the neck muscles can cause.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex, including pain relief and restoration of normal function of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;In the first stage, drugs are prescribed.If there is no effect on treatment, surgery may be recommended.
Drug treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Medicines not only burn inflammation, but also relieve pain, so their use is mandatory for diseases such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Non-steroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of intervertebral discs and participate in the regeneration of its tissue.
Antispasmodics are prescribed together with NSAIDS;They help relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on treatment.In case of severe pain that does not go away, the doctor can prescribe blockades - injection of novocaine or lidocaine into the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to apply to the painful area.Relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, penetrate the skin, reduce inflammation.Chondroprotectors and B vitamins are prescribed for chronic diseases.
Drug treatment of the disease cervical osteochondrosis should be prescribed only by a doctor;He will be able to choose the right dose of the drug and calculate the administration course.Some drugs are contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.In the active stage, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can last up to 3 months, and drugs, physiotherapy and non-drug treatment are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Their effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and the back, as the recovery process moves faster.
The deep heat of the inflamed area relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps to remove decay products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
Tapalam is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special flexible cotton or synthetic adhesive tape with a high level of strength and flexibility.Taping helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating a disease with kinesio tape is not immediately achieved.The first relief comes an hour after the procedure, the full effect is achieved after a few days.You can wear kinesio tapes for osteochondrosis for up to 5 days, during which time the tape holds tightly, because the tape conducts tightly and has a "breathable" effect.
Kinesio tape is not the main method of treatment of osteochondrosis;Its most effective use is in combination with other types of therapy.
Non-drug methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine".Basically, this is a massage - a mechanical effect of different intensity on the wound area of the body with your hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for back treatment.The main thing is to be sure of the high professionalism of the massage therapist.
Reflexology affects the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can provide immediate pain relief.
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies can also be useful - of course, consultation with the attending physician.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Those suffering from cervical osteochondrosis should remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make efforts.You need to change your lifestyle - move more, do therapeutic exercises recommended by your doctor in the morning, eat healthy and varied foods.Fresh air, giving up bad habits, relieves nervous stress - all this contributes to rapid recovery.