Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine, whereby the structure of cartilage discs and their bone change.Depending on the stage of the disease, there is a deformity with the subsequent depletion of the vertebrae bodies.As a result, the microcirculation of the blood, the nerve conductivity is impaired.Cervical osteochondrosis can be at the same time an independent disease or in combination with degenerative-dystrophic damage to another spine.
In the international classification of diseases ICD-10, cervical osteochondrosis has no separate cipher.The pathology is indicated by the M42.1 code - osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.The hospital conducts a full range of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The test is carried out using the latest equipment that meets the quality and safety standards.
Reasons
Doctors distinguish several reasons that can lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.These include:
- obesity;
- A sedentary lifestyle;
- neck history or spine;
- excessive loads of the musculoskeletal system;
- Psycho -emotional surge;
- congenital deformation of the cervical vertebrae;
- hereditary predisposition;
- Scoliosis, rheumatism, flat legs;
- metabolic pathology;
- hormonal imbalance;
- Hypothermia.
It is difficult to identify and eliminate the etiological factor independently.It is better to contact professionals.Doctors choose an individual diagnostic complex that allows you to determine the root cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.This is necessary to prescribe proper therapy.
The degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by several stages.They determine the severity of the condition and the presence of certain clinical symptoms.
- First.In the early stages there is a slight smoothness of the lordosis of the neck.This is clinically expressed in the pain syndrome, which is exacerbated when the head is rotated.Patients complain of muscle tension, headache, stiffness.The first stage is treated without the use of medicines.It is enough to stick to a certain meal and perform exercises.
- The second.At this stage, the instability of the cervical vertebrae occurs.This is expressed when the pain is strengthened, which gradually passes into the shoulders or hands.The pain is exacerbated by movement.The second stage is characterized by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.This leads to nerve disturbance.Patients complain of headache, scattering, fatigue.
- The third.It is accompanied by severe deformation and destruction of the vertebrae structure.The pain syndrome becomes constant.The intervertebral hernias begin to form.This is clinically expressed in the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, instability of the gait.
- Fourth.The destroyed tissues of the intervertebral discs are replaced by connective tissue.Several segments are involved in the pathological process.Patients complain of coordination, pronounced dizziness and headache.There is a constant noise in the ears.
Symptoms and signs
The clinical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine are the same for all ages.Many people delay a doctor's visit to the presence of poorly pronounced symptoms.It is only when the disease is obese and is accompanied by the relevant signs that is the treatment of medical attention.
Modern equipment allows you to accurately determine the degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis.This prescribes proper treatment, which relieves the symptoms in the shortest possible time.The main clinical signs of the disease include:
- neck pain, accompanied by crunch;
- numbness or tingling in the upper limbs;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- tinnitus;
- panic attacks;
- hardness of movements;
- restriction of mobility;
- weakness, sharp breakdown;
- nausea;
- violation of orientation in space;
- the instability of the gait;
- Reduction of visual acuity.
Symptoms depending on the damaged vertebrae
The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae.The relevant symptoms are distinguished depending on the level of disability:
| Vertebral | Symptoms |
| C1 | Reduced skin sensitivity. |
| C2 | The pain syndrome is localized in the nape and the parietal zone. |
| C3 | The sensitivity of the tongue and hyoid muscles is impaired;In severe cases, speech is disturbed and tongue control is lost. |
| C4 and C5 | The pain syndrome is determined in the shoulders and the closest areas.A sensation of breast discomfort is joined, which is often taken as a pathology. |
| C6 | The pain is felt in the neck, the blades, the forearms.Nerve damage reduces skin sensitivity. |
| C7 | The pain is located in the neck, the back of the shoulders, the upper belt of the shoulder.Disorders lead to a decrease in reflexes and a violation of the force of the hands. |
Diagnostics
Cervical osteochondrosis of the spine requires a complete diagnosis.It includes:
- A collection of history and disease.The doctor clarifies the existing complaints, the time of their appearance, the dynamics of gravity.It is necessary to indicate medicines that have been used to facilitate the condition.
- Objective verification.After the study, the specialist began to carry out the inspection.The skin, the patient's gait is examined.Palpation determines the painful areas.
- Radiography.The first instrumental method of examination is the radiography of the cervical spine.2 projections are most often examined.
- CT, MRI.Thanks to research, it is possible to determine the focus of the lesion, its exact location.Tomography allows you to evaluate the condition of blood vessels and nerves.
- Ultrasound.Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the head and neck allows you to evaluate their patency, the degree of stenosis.
- General blood test.First, the indicators responsible for inflammation (leukocytes, ESR) are evaluated.
On the basis of the data obtained, doctors determine the severity of cervical osteochondrosis.Doctors use modern equipment that allows you to quickly and effectively carry out any volume of diagnostic measures.
Treatment
Like the diagnosis, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis implies an integrated approach.The therapeutic volume is selected individually.It depends on the lesion segment, the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical symptoms.The main methods of treatment are:
- administration of medicines;
- physiotherapy;
- Therapeutic physical culture;
- massage;
- Surgical surgery.
Among the medical methods of treatment are used several groups of medicines:
- Painkillers.They are used to reduce the severity of pain.
- Non -specific anti -inflammatory drugs.It is used to reduce tissue swelling and inflammatory syndrome.They are prescribed in various forms (tablets, external remedies).
- Antispasmodics.They tighten spasms, reduce pain syndrome.
- Medicines for the joints.Restore the structure of the intervertebral discs.
- In B vitamins. They have a positive effect on the condition of the nervous system.
Physiotherapy
It is prescribed to improve the action of drugs.Most often it is used:
- acupuncture;
- massage;
- Manual therapy.
Medical physical education
Regular exercise exercises will not only relieve the severity of the pain, but also have a preventative effect.Thanks to exercise, the muscle corset increases, the circulation in the affected area improves and the load in the affected area decreases.Experienced instructors develop individual therapy programs for each patient.This helps to quickly and effectively get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The selected course can be repeated at home.
Massage
Properly performed massage of the cervical armored area is able to relieve the condition, relieve muscle spasm, improve mobility.The restrictions on the procedure are:
- pathology of the cardiovascular system in the stage of decompensation;
- tumor formations;
- Skin diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic somatic pathologies;
- Osteomyelitis.
When you contact a specialized institution, you will individually choose a course of treatment.Its average duration is 10-15 sessions.
Recurrence and treatment
It is possible to exacerbate cervical osteochondrosis at any time.In this case, pain, movement of movement and restriction of mobility occur.In some cases, it is sufficient to monitor a sparing bed for 3-4 days to relieve the symptoms of exacerbation.However, if the pathological characteristics are preserved or enhanced, you should consult a doctor.Muscle relaxants are used to stop the recurrence of cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention
In order to prevent the development or exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to be regularly prevented.Doctors recommend:
- Lead an active lifestyle;
- Keep the stand;
- strengthen the muscles of the back and neck;
- Stick to a balanced and rational diet;
- sleeps in the correct and comfortable position;
- Periodically take breaks if the work is related to a long sitting position.
If the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.Experts will help to diagnose accurately, determine the stage of the disease and also prescribe proper treatment.