Pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, every person after 40 experiences symptoms of similar diseases. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are especially common. Therefore, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as its causes, should be known to all in order to understand how to prevent the disease and eliminate the occurrence of complications.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by changes in the intervertebral discs and cartilage tissue dystrophy. In 25% of cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs, which develops due to the structural features of this segment of the spine.
The cervical region includes 7 vertebrae with different structures, located very close to each other. It is in this area of the body that complex movements are performed. In the cervical region, there are many peripheral and spinal nerves that affect the internal organs. In addition, the neck is saturated with blood vessels, the main vessels pass here: the jugular vein, the carotid and vertebral arteries. Often, with pathology, the vertebral artery suffers, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain.
Involvement of vessels and nerves in the process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke), therefore, timely identified signs and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are important issues of medicine and human health.
Causes and symptoms of the disease
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are numerous, but they all contribute to an increase in load in the cervical area or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. They are:
- misconduct;
- excess weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spinal cord injury;
- increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical condition;
- genetic predisposition;
- muscle overload during work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor nutrition;
- abnormalities and defects of the cervical spine;
- spinal diseases.
Clinical signs of pathology are associated with the structural features of the cervical spine segment. Even the smallest pathological processes lead to symptoms. Most often, patients complain of:
- pain in the neck, back of the head, arms and shoulders, head;
- weak hands and impaired sensitivity;
- restriction of movement in the neck and upper limbs;
- chewing when turning and tilting the head;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- weakness;
- changes in hearing, sight.
Degrees of osteochondrosis
The degree of pathology is due to clinical manifestations and complaints.
- 1 degreePractically no symptoms. There is slight pain and discomfort in the neck, which increases with movement. A slight muscle overload is defined, which is associated with tight nerves and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2nd degree. The patient is concerned about severe neck pain, radiating to other parts of the body and caused by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and nerve tightening. Also, there is a headache, severe general weakness and decreased performance. This is due to the addition of vertebral artery syndrome (it is involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degreesSymptoms are intense, increasing, the pain is constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs, weakness, restriction of mobility of the cervical segment. This is due to the development of intervertebral hernias.
- 4 degrees The intervertebral disc is completely replaced by connective tissue, which leads to persistent pain, stiffness, tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing and coordination. Persistent brain and movement disorders are characteristic.
The symptoms and photos of cervical osteochondrosis show the severity of the pathology, so when the first signs appear, be sure to see a doctor.
treatment
The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts because the methods of therapy lead to the reduction and disappearance of symptoms. The disease can be completely cured only in the early stages, but during this period, few seek help. In other cases, therapy can stop further degenerative-dystrophic changes, reduce symptoms, and prevent the development of complications.
Many people wonder how to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. There is no set answer because each patient is individual and treatment methods must be chosen for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy are reduced to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle spasm, improving blood supply and nourishment of the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
Main treatment methods:
- taking medication;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Children:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve metabolism and nutrition of nerve fibers);
- muscle relaxants (relieve muscle spasms);
- chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its restoration);
- warming creams and oils (relieve muscle pain and spasm).
You should not limit yourself to just taking medication. It is important to use all methods of therapy in a comprehensive and systematic way. The combination of medication, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve fast results and helps maintain the effect obtained for a long time.