Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Among the many known diseases, the mostdiseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity. Moreover, such problems are inherent not only in the elderly, but also in the young. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occupies a special place among the pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system. What is this disease? What does he threaten his owner with? How does it manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease, accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. It requires immediate treatment to avoid irreversible pathological changes. Among the different forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second, just behind lesions in the lumbosacral region.

Stages of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:

• First stage. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks appear in the fibrous ring, the disc loses strength and elasticity and becomes smaller in height. As a result, the nerve roots are squeezed, which is accompanied by aching pain.
• Second step. The destruction of the disc continues, resulting in minor dislocations of the vertebrae. Painful sensations intensify and become permanent. Drooping head syndrome can occur, characterized by severe pain that forces the head to be held in a fixed position.
• Third step. The fibrous ring is destroyed almost completely, resulting in protuberances and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain may decrease, since there is no source of pain - the cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome does not go away completely, because the nerve roots remain pinched. Possible violation of sensitivity, the appearance of headaches and dizziness, nausea, "lumbago" in the neck.

In the first stage, the disease is successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely restore the body.

Causes of pathological changes

The vertebrae located in the cervical spine are the most mobile. They are small in size and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, the damage of which not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also serious complications.

The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• prolonged stay in the same position;
• metabolic disturbances;
• salt deposits;
• bad nutrition.

The risk of developing the disease increases with:

• hereditary predisposition;
• old age;
• neck injury;
• prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• obesity;
• autoimmune diseases;
• chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of the disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. Symptoms of the disease depend on the number of vertebrae affected, the degree of injury, and the presence of pinched nerves.

The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, forearms, chest. They are amplified by turning the head and at the slightest physical effort.

In addition to pain, with cervical osteochondrosis:

• headaches and heartaches appear;
• dizzy;
• darkens in the eyes;
• hands and feet are numb;
• tinnitus is heard;
• the tongue becomes numb;
• visual acuity and hearing are impaired;
• a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
• there is rapid fatigue;
• coordination is disturbed.

Several cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:

• radicular - pinching of nerve endings leads to severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lower back;
• heart - the root of the pectoral muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms resembling a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area (it does not go away when taking nitroglycerin), which increases with increasingmovement and deep breathing;
• vertebral artery - a throbbing pain develops in the back of the head and temples;
• irritative reflex - a burning pain occurs in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest, worse with coughing and turning of the head.

Possible complications

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. It is especially dangerous due to the fact that the deformed vertebrae damage the nerve roots and the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to disability and even death, as heart activity and respiratory function are impaired.

If there is no necessary treatment, the disease can lead to various complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated disc, stroke, cerebral ischemia. Often cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths are formed on the damaged vertebrae, due to which the body partially or completely loses sensitivity and mobility.

But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, resulting in death.

Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help to avoid many problems.

Diagnostic

To establish a diagnosis, the patient is referred for an instrumental examination:

• radiography;
• two-sided scanning;
• ultrasound dopplerography;
• magnetic or computed resonance imaging.

Diagnostic measurements will provide information on the location and extent of damage.

First aid

In the event that the patient feels unbearable pain, pain relievers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will come to the rescue. If they cannot get rid of the pain, they resort to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they can not be taken for a long time, because they have a bad effect on the intestines.

Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and a pepper dressing can effectively relieve pain.

If the patient's limbs become numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.

For edema, diuretics are taken.

But all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor in order to avoid the development of complications.

Processing methods

For the fight against the disease to be successful, it is necessary:

• relieve pain syndrome;
• eliminate swelling;
• restore blood flow;
• strengthen the muscle corset;
• improve tissue nutrition and ensure their regeneration.

Treatment for cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:

• drug therapy;
• physiotherapy;
• physiotherapy exercises;
• alternative and traditional medicine methods;
• diet.

Drug treatment consists of taking:

• anti-inflammatory drugs - relieve inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
• muscle relaxers - relieve muscle spasms;
• chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins - oral administration and intramuscular administration are possible.

Physiotherapeutic procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• water therapy;
• paraffin therapy.

Effective help in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massages, manual therapy and special exercises. They stimulate blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But it is necessary to engage in physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can achieve the opposite effect.

In addition to (but not instead of) drug therapy, folk remedies are recommended to be used.

For 3-4 months you need to follow a strict diet:

• refuse products containing cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
• limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
• exclude alcoholic beverages.

Prophylaxis

An active lifestyle and weight loss are at the heart of preventive measures. A nutrition that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is not negligible.

The sleeping mattress should be firm and the pillow low.

When working in a sedentary manner, be sure to take breaks.

People prone to osteochondrosis should see an orthopedist regularly.