Cervical osteochondrosis -This is a degenerative dystrophic lesion of the vertebrae C1-C7 and the intervertebral discs between them.The advanced forms of pathology cause compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord and the blood vessels that feed it, the development of paresis, paralysis, atrophy of muscle tissues and other dangerous conditions.Therefore, the detection of any symptoms of osteochondrosis is the basis for a visit to a doctor who has the most appropriate and complete information.He will talk about how to cure cervical osteochondrosis and prevent the development of his complications.
How does cervical osteochondrosis manifest
Understand how Osteochondrosis of the uterus is manifested, impossible without a clear understanding of the mechanisms of the development of the pathological process.First you need to get acquainted with the structural characteristics of the upper spine.So, the cervical region is the most moving part of the spine that is responsible for the movements of the neck, rotation and changes in the position of the head.It consists of seven vertebrae, two of which (Epistropheus and Atlant) have an atypical structure.In the intervals between these structural elements there are intervertebral discs, each of which is the core of the jacket, which is located in the fibrous ring, top and under the cartilage tissue covered with a layer.Their main features are:
- providing mobility and flexibility of the spine;
- Increasing the stability of the spine to the load.
There are a number of factors contributing to the destruction of cartilage of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region.Osteochondrosis manifests itself on the basis of factors such as:
- Injuries;
- strong intoxication of the body;
- Excessive loads of the upper spine segment (prolonged computer operation, prolonged stay in unnatural posture, exhausting training, etc.);
- infections;
- metabolic malfunctions;
- malnutrition, adherence to too strict diets;
- Little mobility;
- congenital characteristics in the structure of the spine;
- hereditary predisposition to diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- hypothermia;
- stress;
- old age;
- alcohol abuse;
- Smoking.
Degeneration of cartilage under the influence of these factors leads to deformation of the intervertebral disc.The cool is shifted to its edge, forming a convexity.With the thinning and breakthrough of the connective tissue membrane (fibrous ring), the hernia is formed in the cervical region.The development of the two pathologies is accompanied by intense pain, displacement of the vertebrae, squeezing the roots of the spinal cord and blood vessels.As a result, the victim has Cervical osteochondrosisSThe progression of the disease is accompanied by:
- degenerative dystrophic change in vertebrae;
- Spinal deformation;
- the formation of osteophytes on the processes of the spinal and segments of the motor;
- Reducing the elasticity of connections;
- The loss of mobility in the cervical spine.
The result of the development of the pathology is the loss of working capacity and a significant reduction in the quality of life of a sick person.
How does cervical osteochondrosis hurt: symptoms and signs
As Cervical osteochondrosis hurts It has differences compared to the symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic processes that affect other segments of the spine.Since the vertebrae of the neck have a specific structure and are located very close to each other, any displacement of them causes acute pain due to a pinch of arteries or nerve fibers.
How does osteochondrosis hurt the cervix, how to recognize and cure it?The main signs of pathology in the cervical region are:
- Pain in the neck area, shoulders, shoulder blades, chest, temples or nape, strengthened with turns of the head;
- feeling of weakness in the hands due to pinching of nerve roots;
- The appearance of difficulties in turning the head in the direction associated with a violation of the natural structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as the formation of osteophytes, the appearance of a characteristic crystal in the neck;
- reducing the sensitivity of the upper limbs;
- The overall weakness and the appearance of dizziness, which provokes the pressure of the blood vessels that supply the brain with nutrients.
- Reducing visual acuity and worsening of hearing associated with blood disorders in the tissues of the brain.
At progression of cervical osteochondrosis Several consecutive stages pass with its clinical signs:
- There is a cartilage destruction.During this period, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are expressed so poorly that patients either do not notice them or explain with stress and fatigue.
- The intervertebral disc is drained, cracks are formed on the surface of the fibrous ring.The disease is manifested by general weakness, neck pain and slight numbness of the face.
- Intervertebral hernias are formed, blood vessels, nerve fibers are compressed.Patients complain of pain in the back area and dizziness.
- The bone tissues of the damaged vertebrae grow, forming osteophytes.Patients have a sense of stiffness in movement.
In the late stages of the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the clinical picture is complemented by paralysis, paresis and muscle atrophy.In addition, the disease can be complicated by ischemia or stroke.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the uterus?
As Treat cervical osteochondrosis The doctor decides based on the results of the examination.The therapeutic program usually includes:
- Immobilization of the affected spinal segment using the Chantz collar;
- relieving the inflammatory process and pain by taking non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs;
- weakening of muscle tension and removal of spasms with the help of muscle relaxants;
- Elimination of pain with local drugs with irritating and anesthetic properties;
- filling reserves of nutrients in the body by taking vitamin-mineral complexes;
- relieving pronounced pain syndrome by determining the blockade of novocaine or intramuscular injections of corticosteroids;
- Performing exercises that contribute to the decompression of nerve fibers and blood vessels, reducing the load of the neck, normalizing blood circulation in the affected segment and strengthening the muscles;
- Acupuncture that allows the pain to be eliminated, accelerating the processes of tissue regeneration, relieving spasms, improving the overall well -being of the patient;
- Testing sports that contribute to the elimination of excess pressure on the cervical region (eg swimming);
- Restoration of normal neck mobility by conducting a course of manual therapy;
- Activation of blood circulation, elimination of excessive muscle tension and elimination of pain with massage;
- Blocking inflammatory processes and weakening of pain syndrome by conducting a course of physiotherapy procedures (electrophoresis, magnet and laser therapy, narrowing, etc.).
With the intensive leakage of blood vessels and nerve roots in the neck, it is inappropriate for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix, as described above.In such clinical cases, patients have been shown surgery.As a rule, they hold:
- Microsurgical removal of damaged intervertebral discs (microdiscectomy);
- Installation of implants capable of replacing the destroyed structural components of the vertebrae-motor segment;
- Puncture, removal of part of the reactive core (nucleoplasty);
- Manipulations focused on stabilizing the vertebrae in the cervical region;
- Laser regeneration of damaged tissues on the intervertebral disc.
An important role in the question of how to treat and Heal cervical osteochondrosis He plays a healthy lifestyle, abandoning cigarettes and alcohol, avoiding hypothermia, a long stay in fixed poses, stress and injury.Patients are recommended to eat properly, excluded from the daily diet of smoked meats, fatty meat, sweets, semi -finished products, baking, too salty dishes, grapes, coffee, mushrooms, strong tea and carbonated drinks.
Full and proper treatment allows you to slow down the development of the disease, restore your spine mobility and avoid complications.