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Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Every second inhabitant of the earth faces problems with the spine.Osteochondrosis of the neck is one of the most common diseases that require special attention.Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious consequences.Especially in advanced cases, complications can lead to a fatal outcome.

Stage

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men develops gradually and there are periods of increased symptoms and remissions.Symptoms of the disease appear when the process of destruction of vertebrae reaches a serious stage.

There are four degrees of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. Initial stage.It is characterized by disorders in the structure of intervertebral discs.They become thin due to loss of moisture.Cracks appear on the guide rings.Often, there are practically no symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at this stage.However, if the pathology can be determined, it is possible to completely restore the damaged intervertebral discs.The first stage of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very favorable for starting treatment.
  2. The second stageThe disease is associated with the aggravation of the tissue condition of the intervertebral discs.The size is significantly reduced.This causes the muscle corset and spinal ligaments to sag.Instability of the cervical spine occurs and the mobility of the vertebrae increases.Often, the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear at this stage.
  3. In the third stageDeformation of the spine is evident.Splints and tears occur.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are pronounced.
  4. The fourth stageLigaments and other deformations are accompanied by the formation of osteophytes, ossification (ossification).These symptoms of osteochondrosis are proof that the body is trying by any means to stabilize the damaged segments of the spine.

The peculiarity of the cervical spine is the small distance between the vertebrae.When there is a structural disorder of these segments, pinching of the spinal cord, nerve endings and vessels of the circulatory system occurs.

Manifestation

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may depend on which part of the spine is affected.The following mechanisms of the negative impact of the pathology, as well as the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, are distinguished:

  1. Radicular syndrome.Pain is transmitted from the cervical spine to the fingers.There is a tingling sensation in various parts of the upper limbs and a goosebumps effect.
  2. Vertebral artery syndromeprovokes blood circulation disorders in the brain.It is accompanied by weakness, nausea, hearing and vision disorders and disorders of the vestibular apparatus.The appearance can cause a sharp or throbbing headache in the parietal, temporal, and superacute regions.
  3. For heart syndromeSymptoms of osteochondrosis can be mistaken for angina pectoris.Attacks of pain can last several hours and are accompanied by extrasystole or tachycardia.
  4. Irritated-reflex syndrome.This phenomenon causes sharp attacks of pain in the back of the head or neck.Unpleasant sensations are transmitted to the shoulder or thoracic region.After a long time, they are seen moving.

It is unacceptable to ignore these symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women.

If such symptoms occur, you should contact a neurologist as soon as possible.

Types of diagnostics

radiography as a method for the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis has symptoms similar to many other pathologies.Therefore, before making a specific diagnosis, the doctor should find out what the symptoms are causing concern, and then what to conduct an examination.

Based on his observations, the specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.However, further research is needed to more precisely determine the causes of the pathology.The main methods for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis are:

  1. Radiography.The most convenient instrumental method.Almost any clinic has a minimum technical base to conduct such a study.An X-ray provides information about the location and severity of the pathological process.It allows to determine what results are caused by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.In order to get a complete picture of the disease, X-rays are taken in different projections.
  2. Computed tomography.Thanks to the layer-by-layer examination, it allows to see all the changes in the structure of the spinal tissues.Using this method, you can determine the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the presence of protrusion and rupture.Computed tomography perfectly visualizes the condition of all components of the spinal region, except for the intervertebral discs.
  3. MRI.The most accurate and informative method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis.The resulting images allow us to assess the condition of the spinal column segments, nerves and blood vessels.This is possible due to the lack of images of other organs on this projection.Magnetic resonance imaging helps to determine the location of damaged segments, tissue changes, narrowing of the spinal canal, and degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc such as protrusion and herniation.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is associated with a degenerative disorder of the structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as with the tissues and ligaments of the adjacent spine.Both women and all age groups can suffer from the disease.This is due to a number of unfavorable factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and poor nutrition.

The issue of correct treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is very relevant.Therapy can be either conservative (in unnecessary cases) or surgical (cut hernia).

If a patient has symptoms of osteochondrosis, the treatment regimen should be selected individually for the individual patient.The therapeutic program may depend on the following factors:

  • stages of the disease;
  • period of exacerbation or remission;
  • Individual characteristics of the patient.

Treatment of osteochondrosis must be prescribed by a doctor after a complete examination of the patient and an accurate diagnosis must be made.

Conservative methods

Laser therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

The main goal of therapy for degenerative changes in the spine is to prevent the development of pathology and complications.It is not enough to use any method to achieve a favorable result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis;It is important to use an integrated approach.

In the first stages of therapy, doctors' recommendations are aimed at relieving pain and restoring blood circulation.At the next stage, you can move on to physiotherapeutic procedures, hand therapy and exercise therapy.

Types of conservative therapy include:

  1. Treatment with drugs.This method is characterized by the use of drugs of various effects: analgesics, antispasmodics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, sedatives, vitamins, minerals.Drug treatment can be prescribed during an exacerbation of the disease with significant pain and increased muscle tone.Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated with ointments or gels only for mild inflammation.In other cases, these measures are not effective.
  2. Physiotherapy.Treatment with physical factors (magnetic fields, ultrasound, low-frequency currents) can be applied at any stage of pathological development.Physiotherapy procedures help to reduce pain, stimulate blood circulation, metabolism and reduce the dosage of drugs.To treat cervical osteochondrosis, electrophoresis with drugs, daronval, ultrasound, laser therapy and magnetic therapy can be prescribed.Each of these types of physiotherapeutic procedures has its own contraindications.For this reason, the treatment method should be chosen by a doctor.
  3. Textbook therapy.The goals of this method include normalizing the tone of the faucet, improving blood circulation and eliminating the deformation of the cervical spine.The therapeutic effect is achieved by applying physical influence in the form of pressure, vibration and friction.Manual therapy should be combined with medication, physiotherapy and exercise therapy to produce noticeable long-term effects.
  4. Physical therapy.The course of cervical osteochondrosis can be alleviated by conducting a course of special exercises.This allows you to develop muscles and significantly reduce the load on the damaged segments of the spine.A series of gymnastic exercises can be selected only by the attending physician, taking into account the characteristics of the patient.It is recommended to start classes under the supervision of a specialist.It is not recommended to engage in physical therapy when pain occurs.

Surgical method

surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

If cervical osteochondrosis does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.Often this happens with spinal cord compression or herniated discs.

The purpose of surgery is to stabilize the compression of nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as the cervical spine.In this case, the following methods are used:

  • Discectomy- Complete or partial removal of the intervertebral disc.The procedure is performed using microsurgical instruments.This reduces the damage to the surrounding tissue.
  • Laser disc reconstruction.During the operation, a needle is inserted into the affected area and a special cable is passed through it.Under the influence of laser energy, the intervertebral disc is heated.It stimulates cell growth and fills all the gaps caused by the disease within 3-6 months.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
  • Arthrodes.All manipulations are performed through a small incision in the front or back of the neck.As a result of the operation, compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings is removed and artificial implants or special metal structures are installed.They correct the bending line of physiological lordosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated surgically only in the most difficult cases of the disease.This is associated with high complications.The possible consequences of the operation include the sensitivity of the spinal canal, spinal cord or spinal cord as a result of the development of nerve endings or spinal cord, spinal canal, infections and many other unpleasant consequences.

Prevention methods

Osteochondrosis of the neck can develop in both women and men at any age.Many factors contribute to this.It is possible to prevent the occurrence of the disease with simple preventive measures.To do this, just follow some basic rules:

  1. Do not expose your spine to heavy loads.Avoid sudden movements and injuries, periodically change your body position, evenly distribute the load when moving heavy objects, and choose comfortable shoes.
  2. Do regular gymnastics to strengthen the neck muscles.
  3. It hardened.
  4. Maintain balance in your food intake.
  5. Give up bad habits.

It is important to remember that it is easier to deal with the longer and more expensive treatment that prevents the development of pathology.Following simple measures to prevent the disease will allow you to never know what cervical osteochondrosis is.