Cervical osteochondrosis (spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis) is a progressive disease caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, cartilaginous tissue, ligaments and the bone processes themselves.
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 and is the most mobile part, that is, mobile.
Intervertebral discs are located between two vertebrae and act as shock absorbers.That is, they prevent the surfaces of the vertebrae from touching and evenly distribute the load on the cartilage tissue during flexion, extension and rotation of the head.
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 vertebrae and, therefore, of the entire neck.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck
The main cause of neck spondylosis is a violation of nutrition and metabolic processes in the intervertebral discs and ligaments.In its structure and operation, the disc resembles a sponge, which must be constantly compressed to remove unnecessary substances and loosened to nourish itself.
To ensure the constancy of this process, the column must be mobile during the day;The absence 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.
The vertebrae begin to come into contact with each other, their bone tissue grows and the lumen through which the spine, arteries and nerve endings pass narrows.The narrowing of the lumen causes compression of the nerve endings and all the symptoms of chondrosis appear.
Therefore, the main provoking factors for the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are currently:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic predisposition;
- monotonous and overweight diet;
- poisoning, infection;
- age-related changes;
- spinal overload;
- uncomfortable and prolonged body position;
- poor posture, flat feet;
- hypothermia, unfavorable environment;
- injuries.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also an occupational disease.Prolonged uncomfortable posture of drivers and computer operators causes stagnation of the vertebrae and their inflammation.Osteochondrosis can occur due to hormonal and vascular disorders.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the inclusion of arteries or nerves in the pathological process, can be divided according to clinical signs.
Compression of the vertebral artery causes the following changes in well-being:
- Migraine.The pain increases gradually, often begins in the back of the head, is localized in the middle of the head, and may radiate to the eye or ear.The patient complains of dizziness, tinnitus, and possibly nausea and vomiting.Cervical migraine is not well controlled with conventional pain relievers.
- Fainting at the peak of a headache or with sudden turns of the neck.
- Swallowing disorder.
- The pressure increases from low to high numbers and vice versa.The attack is accompanied by a feeling of fear and panic.
Compression of the nerve endings in the spinal cord is called radicular syndrome;It is characterized by symptoms:
- Pain in the vertebrae of the neck, constant, painful.It worsens over time and causes migraines;
- Pain in the back of the head and numbness in the upper part of the neck;
- Feeling of an enlarged tongue, difficulty eating, feeling of a lump in the throat;
- Dull pain in the collarbone, in the region of the heart;
- Limitation of movement in the arms: it is impossible to lift them or move them to the sides.
- Sharp pain in the neck, extending to the shoulder blade, arm and fingers;
- Numbness in the hands, goosebumps, weakness when squeezing.
Pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is initially noted as dull, then increases and spreads throughout the body.Pain in the hands can be observed simultaneously on the left and right, accompanied by numbness of the fingers.With cervical osteochondrosis, due to impaired blood supply, blurred vision, decreased hearing and night snoring may appear, the appearance of which causes tension in the neck muscles.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is complex and includes pain relief and restoration of normal functioning of the vertebrae.Basically, the disease is treated by a neurologist;In the first stage, medications are prescribed.If treatment has no effect, surgery may be recommended.
Pharmacological treatment
The main group of drugs used to treat cervical osteochondrosis are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The drugs not only treat inflammation, but at the same time relieve pain, which is why their use is mandatory in ailments such as spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine.Non-steroidal drugs also prevent further destruction of intervertebral discs and participate in the restoration of their 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 may prescribe blockages - the injection of novocaine or lidocaine in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Patients are also prescribed ointments to rub into the painful area.They relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, anti-inflammatory components, which penetrate through the skin, reduce inflammation.For chronic diseases, chondroprotectors and vitamin B are prescribed.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis disease should only be prescribed by a doctor;You will be able to select the correct dosage of the medication and calculate the course of administration.Some drugs may be contraindicated in chronic diseases, so their analogues are used in treatment.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck in the active phase can last up to 3 months, and in addition to medications, physiotherapy and non-drug treatments are also used.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a treatment method that uses external physical factors: low currents, ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields.Its effect on the affected area improves microcirculation in the tissues and spine, so the recovery process progresses faster.
Deep heating of the inflammation area relaxes the muscles, relieves pain and helps eliminate caries products.Physiotherapy is a safe procedure for patients of any age.
The bandage is also used to treat cervical osteochondrosis.This method uses a special elastic cotton or synthetic adhesive tape that has a high level of strength and elasticity.The bandage helps relax muscles, relieve tension and pain.
The effect of treating a disease with kinesiotaping is not achieved immediately.The first relief comes a quarter of 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 you can carry out water procedures without fear for your safety, since the tape holds firmly, dries quickly and has a "breathable" effect.
Kinesio taping is not the main method of treating osteochondrosis;Its most effective use is in combination with other types of therapies.
Non-pharmacological methods
Non-traditional methods are also widely used to treat the disease "osteochondrosis of the cervical spine."Basically it is a massage: a mechanical effect of varying intensity on a painful area of the body with the hands.Massage improves tissue circulation and relaxes tense muscles.Thai massage is also good for treating the spine.The main thing is to trust the high professionalism of the masseuse.
Reflexology is an effect on the active points of the human body using needles.This procedure activates vitality and, if done correctly, can instantly relieve pain.
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies can also be useful, of course, in consultation with the treating doctor.
Traction is used to restore the normal anatomical position of the spine.
Those suffering from cervical osteochondrosis must remember that the best treatment will not help if the patient himself does not make an effort.It is necessary 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 and eliminating nervous stress - all this contributes to a quick recovery.