Degenerative wounds of the intervertebral disc and the vertebra itself in the cervical spine are a relatively common pathology, called cervical osteochondrosis.
With this disease, the disc, which naturally, is a fibrous formation, gradually losing strength, elasticity and depreciation.In fact, they seem to be fun and reduce the size.As a result, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral space decreases and, as a result, the nerve root, the blood vessels are pinched.
The surface of the vertebrae subject to the disc also suffers from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur in it.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growth in the vertebra - osteophytes (or bone spikes).With such "unsuccessful" osteophytes, nerve compression or blood vessels are possible.
Cause and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This pathology in older people is in most inevitable cases, which is slow or slowly showing itself near the unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.And this is the physiological process of aging in the bone and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to find contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not develop.
So, the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal injury.
- Descent tendency.
- Chronic infection and intoxication.
- Poor physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Posture violations.
- Long and systematic stay in uncomfortable pose with lowered head or exposed neck.
- Connective tissue disease.
- Unprofitable ecology.
- Pressure.
- Smoke.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain of pain and pain in the neck, shoulders, headaches, numbness and hand weakness.Symptoms -Symptoms of cervical spinal osteochondrosis, as a rule, pursue the patient continuously.The pathological deterioration and the deterioration of all its manifestations occur after hard work, physical work, "unsuccessful" head change.
The possibility of complications
Uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings a lot of difficulties to the patient, not a serious danger to health.But the complications of the disease are more dangerous.
Often, cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by radicular syndrome, which is the body's reaction to pinching cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is indicated by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the greatest complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called intervertebral disc hernia and vertebral artery syndrome.With hernia, there is a huge danger of compression of the nerve and spinal cord with subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, leading to the patient's defect.
Vertebral arterial artery syndrome is caused by the transplant or spasm of the same artery reflex, which gives blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by headaches, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, heart disease has been exacerbated.
How is the cervical osteochondrosis treated?
Uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated with conservative methods primarily:
Physical Education Medicine
Its main task strengthens the muscle frame in the neck, improves blood circulation in the tissue and ensures the structure of the spinal cord with the necessary nutrients that penetrate the intervertebral disc exclusively with their reduction, that is, during active movement.
Physiotherapy
In cases of cervical osteochondrosis, this method of treatment helps reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle cramps in the neck and upper shoulder straps.
Massage
Osteochondrosis patients are recommended for regular medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps relieve pain, reducing compression of nerve formation in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and the elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During the pathological hunting period, when intensive pain arises, the patient is prescribed analgesic and anti -anticipation, as well as medications for micro -activation of tissue circulation.As the patient's condition improves, he is shown chondroprotectors and vitamin-mineral complexes.
However, it should be noted that good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are only possible when using all these methods in the complex.
Prevention
For cervical spine, three eyes are very important - this is a simple orthopedic pillow, which best allows the spinal column to rest during sleep, unloading for the neck during work hours and regular exercises that strengthen the back and neck muscles.If you take rules for yourself, do not endanger your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move more accurately) and treat timely pathology that contribute to disc events, you can easily survive old age without cervical osteochondrosis.