The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical column is a fairly common pathology, which is called cervical osteochondosis.
With this disease, the discs, which are by nature, are fibrous-chrya formations, gradually lose elasticity and damping properties.In fact, they seem ossify and decrease in size.For this reason, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, therefore, the nerve roots, the blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae subjected to discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur there.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growth on the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone spikes).With the "unsuccessful" arrangement of such osteophytes, a compression of the nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondosis
This pathology in the elderly is in most cases an inevitability which manifests itself sooner or later manifests itself near the unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondosis.And reason is the physiological processes of aging in bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to seek contributory factors and eliminate them so that pathology does not progress.
Thus, the main reasons for cervical osteochondosis include:
- Sedomy.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Injuries of the spine.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Low physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Posture violation.
- The long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable poses with a lowered head or an exposed neck.
- Connective tissue diseases.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondosis complain of painful pain and ailments in the neck, shoulders, headaches, numbness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical column, as a rule, constantly pursue patients.The worsening of pathology and the worsening of all its manifestations occur after overwork, physical effort, "unsuccessful" turns of the head.
Possible complications
Uncomplicated osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings a lot of inconvenience to the patient, is not a serious danger to health.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Most often, cervical osteochondosis is complicated by a radicular syndrome, which is a response of the body to pinch the cerebrospinal roots.This pathology manifests itself by various neurological symptoms (acute pain in the neck, shoulder, altered sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical column can be called hernia of intervertebral discs and vertebral artery syndrome.With hernias, there is a great danger of compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, to the disability of the patient.
The vertebral artery syndrome occurs due to the transfer spasm or reflex of the artery of the same name, which provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsed headache, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of supply in altered brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is considerably exacerbated.
How is cervical osteochondosis treated?
Uncomplicated osteochondosis of the cervical column is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical education
Its main tasks are the strengthening of the muscular framework in the neck, improving blood circulation in the tissues and guaranteeing the cartilage structures of the spine with the necessary nutrients which exclusively penetrate intervertebral discs with their reduction, that is to say during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases of cervical osteochondosis, this treatment method helps reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasms from the neck and the upper shoulder belt.
Massage
Osteochondrosis patients are recommended to regularly take medical massage lessons.
Manual therapy
It helps to eliminate pain, reduce the compression of nerve formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and the elimination of neurological symptoms.
Pharmacotherapy
During periods of exacerbation of the pathology, when intensive pain appear, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs for activating tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, chondroprotectors and vitamin-mineral complexes are shown.
However, it should be noted that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondosis is only possible when using all these methods in the complex.
Disease prevention
For the cervical column, three points are very important - it is a practical orthopedic pillow, which best allows the spine to relax during sleep, the unloading of five minutes for the neck during working hours and regular exercises which strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take a rule for yourself, so as not to harm your health in parallel (do not smoke, do not eat, go further right) and treat pathologies in a timely manner which contribute to the occurrence of records, you can easily survive old age without cervical osteochondosis.