2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires professional treatment. With the development of this pathology, the integrity of the intervertebral discs is disturbed, and the gap between them also decreases. Of all the forms of osteochondrosis, the cervical is the most common. The neck is mobile, in this regard, it is regularly subjected to constraints. The initial stage of osteochondrosis is normally tolerated. Launched - carries a great health threat.
Why does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur?
There are many causes of cervical osteochondrosis. Pathology can develop in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The veins pass through the vertebrae in the cervical region, supplying blood to the vessels of the brain. SHOP osteochondrosis often occurs due to increased stress on the neck. 1st degree spinal osteochondrosis occurs in young and old people. It is not the age that plays an important role, but the way of life and the characteristics of the body.
2nd degree cervical osteochondrosis is common in adolescents. In medicine, there is the concept of "adolescent osteochondrosis". A common cause of 1. 2 degree osteochondrosis is the wrong head position. When this disease develops, the pulp ruptures. The types of osteochondrosis depend on the extent of the pulp rupture. The untimely treatment of osteochondrosis of the first degree leads to the progression of the pathological process. At the third stage of the disease, degenerative-dystrophic processes are pronounced: the patient is more often worried about back and neck pain.
Characteristics of the first stage
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree, the pathological process extends to the muscles. The initial stage is characterized by the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring. It is made up of collagen fibers.
Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the cervical spine leads to the appearance of uncomfortable symptoms:
- The first stage of osteochondrosis is manifested by pain in the back of the head. Some people have swelling. With cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, severe cramps may appear.
- If a person has been diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, they should see an ophthalmologist. The pupils may be dilated.
- 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis often leads to Wright syndrome. If the patient puts his hand behind his head, the pain intensifies.
- Cervical syndrome usually develops early in the disease. The inflammation in this case affects the muscles. The progression of neck pain syndrome is associated with an abscess. A person begins to feel pain in the neck, the mobility of the joints is limited.
- At the first stage, anterior scalene muscle syndrome may appear, in this case, the subclavian artery is affected.
How's the treatment going? The goal of therapy is to repair pulp ruptures and prevent unpleasant symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is carried out surgically. The duration of the postoperative period is 7 days. In a month or two, the sutures gradually grow together.
To ensure the prevention of diseases, you must wear a special collar, it is worn around the neck. The doctor recommends using a solution of calcium gluconate. The remedy helps to heal wounds.
What happens in the second stage of the disease?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the second degree develops with the ineffectiveness of treatment at an early stage. Inflammatory reactions become pronounced, the intervertebral foramen decreases.
Degree 2 cervical osteochondrosis results in the formation of osteophytes. These are bone processes that form against the background of dehydration.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis can last 4 to 5 years. The disease periodically subsides and worsens. A characteristic feature of the disease is drooping head syndrome.
Treatment involves manual therapy. The aim is to provide the cervical muscles with normal fixation. Depending on the situation, orthopedic treatment (connection of the vertebrae) may be prescribed. Drug treatment is necessary. Calcium chloride is prescribed to eliminate pain. Remedial gymnastics is recommended: it should be practiced 30 minutes per day. The main load should be on the joints.
How does the third stage manifest itself?
Treatment of third degree osteochondrosis is quite difficult. With this disease, the structure of the intervertebral discs changes.
The pathological process involves the tissues and joints:
- The vertebral body is torn, there are characteristic signs of an intervertebral hernia. The person begins to experience severe pain in the back, neck, and limbs. Degenerative-dystrophic reactions affect a large part of the neck.
- Third degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by vestibular disorders. Periodically, a person experiences pain in the temples. Some patients may be partially unconscious.
- The danger of the disease in the third stage is that it leads to endocrine pathology. The therapy involves the operation and the use of manual techniques. In the third stage of cervical osteochondrosis, no medication is prescribed.
- The patient may have polysegmental osteochondrosis. With this disease, the segments of the cervical spine are affected, the mobility of the shoulder is impaired, and pain in the elbows appears.
To restore the functioning of the spine, you must wear a neck brace.
Disease syndromes
Cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by syndromes:
- Vertebral occurs when cartilage and bone tissue are involved in the pathological process. The mobility of the neck is impaired. If a person tries to turn their head to the side, pain appears in the occipital region of the neck. The vertebrae undergo morphological changes visible on the x-ray. The symptoms of a syndrome are interrelated. Morphological changes in the tissues and bone structures of the cartilage are an important sign of vertebral syndrome. This syndrome is difficult to diagnose. A similar symptom complex is present with myositis.
- Another manifestation is vertebral artery syndrome, it can occur regardless of the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. The pathological process affects the arteries that supply the brain. Periodically there is a feeling of being stunned. Dizziness is a symptom of vertebral artery syndrome. Blood pressure can jump, periodically there is nausea, vomiting. Nerve endings are irritated, which is why a headache occurs. With vertebral artery syndrome, fainting, oxygen deprivation is possible. The disease is accompanied by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
- Cardiac syndrome is manifested by pain in the sternum. Rapid fatigue and decreased performance are observed. The heartbeat becomes rapid. Diagnosis involves angiography and functional tests. Radicular syndrome is associated with damage to the spinal nerves. It's one-sided. With radicular syndrome, neck pain is observed, associated with paralysis.
It should be noted that osteochondrosis leads to damage to a large number of vertebrae.
What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is detected in young and old people: age does not matter. Pathology leads to degenerative-dystrophic changes in cartilage and bone structures. Late treatment leads to a violation of the structure of ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs. At an advanced stage, thoracic osteochondrosis leads to the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Complications of the disease can be:
- pneumosclerosis;
- infertility;
- malignant formations.
If the disease develops in a young person, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is observed. The functioning of cartilage structures and tissues is considerably impaired.
Clinical presentation and causes
- With the development of this pathology, chest pain appears. They occur in a calm position and while driving. Unpleasant sensations intensify after lifting weights, sharp turns.
- The disease is manifested by compression in the back. Breathing is impaired because of this problem.
- Chills can occur.
- Some people complain of peeling of the skin, thinning of the nail plate.
The disease is associated with pathological reactions in the intervertebral discs. It can be inherited. A predisposing factor is the defeat of the intervertebral discs. In some people, the disease is diagnosed against the background of osteophytes. The reason may be underdosed physical activity or, conversely, physical inactivity.
Therapeutic activities
If there are no neurological symptoms, complex treatment is still necessary. Treatment cannot be postponed, otherwise destruction of the intervertebral discs will occur.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to carry out a diagnosis. If a person has identified at least one of the above symptoms, they should see a neurologist. The doctor will take a history, probe the chest area. Palpation reveals herniated discs. If the doctor finds any, he orders an additional examination. Radiography compulsory. The MRI procedure allows you to study the musculoskeletal system and identify neoplasms.
Treatment depends on the degree of breast osteochondrosis, it begins after confirmation of the diagnosis. The doctor prescribes drugs that help relieve pain and restore the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. For the treatment of this pathology, injections, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises are necessary. Additional procedures - magnetotherapy, vacuum therapy, physiotherapy exercises.
Daily exercise has a complex effect on the body, improves the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory system. Massage reduces the intensity of pain, increases muscle tone, relieves fatigue and improves blood circulation to tissues. The procedure is carried out by an experienced specialist.
Conclusion
How many years can you live with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine? The pathology is not life threatening, but its symptoms cause severe discomfort. The clinical picture of the disease may change: it all depends on the effectiveness of therapy.