cervical osteochondrosis

Every second inhabitant of the planet faces spinal problems.Osteochondrosis of the neck is one of the most common diseases and requires special attention.Left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences.In particularly severe cases, complications can lead to fatal outcomes.

stage

Cervical osteochondrosis in women and men develops gradually, with periods of worsening and remission of symptoms.Symptoms of this disease appear when the vertebrae-destroying process reaches a severe stage.

There are four levels of cervical osteochondrosis:

1. Early days.It is characterized by structural disorder of the intervertebral discs.They become thinner due to moisture loss.Cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus.There are usually few signs of cervical osteochondrosis at this stage.However, if the pathology can be identified, complete restoration of a damaged disc can be achieved.The first stages of cervical osteochondrosis development are considered very favorable to initiate treatment.
2. second stageThe disease is associated with a worsening of the condition of the disc tissue.Their size is significantly reduced.This causes the muscle bundles and spinal ligaments to sag.The cervical spine becomes unstable and the mobility of the vertebrae increases.Usually at this stage, the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear.
3. The third stageSpinal deformity becomes apparent.Herniations and hernias develop.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis become apparent.
4. Stage 4It is accompanied by deformations such as osteophyte formation and ligament ossification (ossification).These signs of osteochondrosis indicate that the body is trying in any way to stabilize the damaged portion of the spine.

The cervical spine is characterized by a small distance between the vertebrae.When these segments become structurally disordered, the spinal cord, nerve endings, and blood vessels of the circulatory system become compressed.

Expression

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may depend on which part of the spine the affected object is located.The mechanisms of negative effects of pathology and related symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into the following:

1. Nerve root syndrome.Pain is transmitted from the cervical spine to the fingers.There is a tingling sensation in different parts of the upper limbs, which has the effect of giving rise to goosebumps.
2. vertebral artery syndromeCauses cerebral circulation disorders.It is accompanied by weakness, nausea, hearing and visual impairment, and vestibular organ disturbances.Severe or throbbing headaches in the occipital, parietal, temporal, and eyebrow areas may result.
3. for cardiac syndromeSymptoms of osteochondrosis may be mistaken for angina.Pain attacks can last for several hours and are associated with extrasystoles or tachycardia.
4. Irritant reflex syndrome.This phenomenon can cause severe pain in the back of the head or neck.Unpleasant sensations can be transmitted to the shoulder or chest area.They appear when moving after a long rest.

Ignoring these symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women is unacceptable.

If such symptoms occur, a neurologist should be contacted as soon as possible.

Diagnosis type

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are similar to many other conditions.Therefore, before doctors make a specific diagnosis, they must determine what symptoms cause the patient's concern and then conduct an examination.

Based on his observations, the expert can make a preliminary diagnosis.However, more research is needed to more accurately determine the cause of the pathology.The main methods for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis are:

1. radiography.Easiest instrumental method to use.Nearly all clinics have the minimum technical foundation to conduct such studies.X-rays provide information about the location and severity of pathological processes.Allows you to determine the consequences of cervical osteochondrosis.To get a complete picture of the disease, X-rays need to be taken at different projections.
2. computed tomography.Because you can examine it layer by layer, you can see all the changes in the tissue structure of your spine.Using this method, it is possible to determine the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the presence of protrusions and hernias.Computed tomography perfectly displays the condition of all components of the spinal region except the discs.
3. MRI.The most accurate and informative method of diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis.The resulting images allow you to evaluate the condition of spinal segments, nerves, and blood vessels.This is possible because there are no images of other organs on the projection.Magnetic resonance imaging helps identify the location of damaged segments and determine tissue changes, stenosis of the spinal canal, and degenerative changes in the disc, such as herniations and hernias.

treat

Cervical osteochondrosis is associated with degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc structure and the tissues and ligaments adjacent to the spine.Women and men of all ages can suffer from this condition.This is caused by a number of adverse factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and poor nutrition.

The issue of correct treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is very important.Treatment can be conservative (in non-progressive cases) or surgical (isolation of the hernia).

If a patient has signs of osteochondrosis, treatment must be chosen individually for each patient.Treatment options may depend on the following factors:

• stage of disease;
• periods of exacerbation or remission;
• Individual patient characteristics.

Treatment of osteochondrosis should be carried out by a doctor after a thorough examination of the patient and an accurate diagnosis.

conservative approach

The main goal of treatment of degenerative changes in the spine is to prevent the development of pathology and complications.In order to achieve good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is not enough to use any one method alone. A variety of methods are needed to treat cervical osteochondrosis.It is important to use an integrated approach.

In the first stage of treatment, the doctor's recommendations are aimed at eliminating pain and restoring circulatory function.In the next phase, you can continue with physical therapy, manual therapy, and exercise therapy.

Types of conservative treatment include:

1. drug treatment.This method is characterized by the use of drugs of various actions: analgesics, antispasmodics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectants, sedatives, vitamins, minerals.When the disease worsens and is accompanied by significant pain and increased muscle tone, medical treatment may be indicated.Cervical osteochondrosis can only be treated with ointments or gels for mild inflammation.In other cases, these measures are not effective.
2. physiotherapy.Treatment with physical factors (magnetic fields, ultrasound, low-frequency currents) can be applied at any stage of pathological development.Physical therapy procedures help reduce pain, stimulate circulation, metabolism, and can also reduce the dosage of medications.For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, electrophoresis combined with drugs, darsonval, ultrasound, laser therapy and magnetic therapy can be used.Each type of physical therapy procedure has its own contraindications.Therefore, the treatment method should be chosen by the doctor.
3. manual therapy.The goals of this method include normalizing muscle tone, improving blood circulation, and eliminating cervical spine deformity.Therapeutic effects are achieved by applying physical influences such as pressure, vibration and friction.To achieve significant long-term results, manual therapy must be combined with medications, physical therapy, and exercise therapy.
4. physical therapy.The progression of cervical osteochondrosis can be alleviated by performing a series of special exercises.This allows you to develop muscles and significantly relieves the load on damaged areas of the spine.A set of gymnastics exercises can only be selected by the attending physician based on the characteristics of the patient.It is recommended to start classes under expert supervision.Physical therapy is not recommended when pain is present.

surgical method

If cervical osteochondrosis does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.The most common conditions are spinal cord compression or disc herniation.

The purpose of surgery is to eliminate compression on nerve roots and blood vessels and stabilize the cervical spine.In this case, use the following method:

• Discectomy– Complete or partial removal of the intervertebral disc.The surgery is performed using microsurgical instruments.This reduces damage to surrounding tissue.
• Laser disc reconstruction.During the procedure, a needle is inserted into the affected area and passed through a special cable.Under the influence of laser energy, the intervertebral disc heats up.This stimulates cell growth and fills in any gaps created by the disease within 3-6 months.The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.
• Arthrodesis.All procedures are performed through small incisions in the front or back of the neck.After surgery, the compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings is relieved, and artificial implants or special metal structures are installed.They correct the physiological lordotic curve.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be treated surgically only in the most difficult cases.This is associated with a high risk of complications.Possible consequences of surgery include damage to nerve endings or spinal cord, spinal stenosis due to scarring, development of infection, and many other unpleasant consequences.

prevention methods

Osteochondrosis of the neck can occur in women and men of any age.Many factors contribute to this.This disease can be prevented by taking simple preventive measures.To do this, just follow some basic rules:

1. Don't put weight on your spine.Avoid sudden movements and injuries, change body position regularly, distribute the load evenly when moving heavy objects, and choose comfortable shoes.
2. Perform regular gymnastics exercises to strengthen your neck muscles.
3. Be strong.
4. Keep your food intake balanced.
5. Give up bad habits.

It is important to remember that it is much easier to prevent the development of pathology than to subsequently undergo lengthy and expensive treatment.By taking simple precautions, you can never know what cervical osteochondrosis is.