Most among the many known diseases
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common, which is mainly associated with physical inactivity. In addition, such problems are common not only among the elderly but also among the young. Cervical lumbar osteochondrosis has a special place among the pathologies affecting the cervical skeletal system. What is this disease? What threatens the owner? How does this manifest itself? Are there effective prevention and treatment measures?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive degenerative-dystrophic disease accompanied by deformation of the intervertebral discs. Urgent treatment is required to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among the various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical pathology ranks second after damage to the lumbosacral region.
Stages of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis occurs in stages:
- The first stage. The intervertebral discs begin to collapse: cracks form in the annular fibrosis, the disc loses strength and elasticity, and its height decreases. As a result, the nerve roots are compressed, which is accompanied by excruciating pain.
- The second stage. The destruction of the disc continues and causes a small protrusion of the spine. Feelings of pain intensify and become permanent. Falling head syndrome can occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces the head to remain stable.
- The third stage. Anulus fibrosis is almost completely destroyed, leading to protrusions and intervertebral hernias. In this case, the pain can be reduced, because there is no source of pain - there is cartilage tissue. However, the pain syndrome does not disappear completely, because the nerve roots remain compressed. Possible sensitivity disorders, headache and dizziness, nausea, appearance of "lumbago" in the neck.
In the first stage, the disease is successfully treated. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occur. Therefore, it will not be possible to completely restore the body.
Causes of pathological changes
The cervical vertebra is the most mobile. The size is small and the muscles are weak. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative disorders. In addition, the cervical region is saturated with nerves and blood vessels, the damage not only causes unpleasant symptoms, but also causes serious complications.
The main factors that lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- staying in the same position for a long time;
- metabolic disorders;
- salt deposits;
- poor nutrition.
The risk of developing the disease increases with:
- hereditary predisposition;
- old age;
- neck injury;
- prolonged or regular hypothermia of the body;
- hormonal imbalance;
- obesity;
- autoimmune diseases;
- chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Symptoms of the disease
The development of cervical osteochondrosis is slow. The symptoms of the disease depend on how much the spine is affected, the degree of damage and the presence of compressed nerves.
The main symptom of the pathology is pain of varying intensity in the neck, spreading to the back of the head, ears, shoulders, wrists, chest. They strengthen by turning their heads and with the slightest physical force.
In addition to pain with cervical osteochondrosis:
- headache and heart pain appear;
- dizziness;
- darkens in the eyes;
- hands and feet fit;
- tinnitus is heard;
- language matches;
- impaired visual acuity and hearing;
- a sharp turn of the head causes loss of consciousness;
- there is rapid fatigue;
- coordination is impaired.
Several syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis are known:
- radicular - compression of the nerve endings causes severe pain in the neck, spreads to the shoulders, forearms, shoulder blades and lumbar region;
- heart - the root of the chest muscle or phrenic nerve is damaged, resulting in symptoms similar to a heart attack: prolonged pain in the chest area, which increases with movement and deep breathing (does not disappear when taking nitroglycerin);
- vertebral artery - develops throbbing pain in the back of the head and temples;
- Irritant-reflex - burning pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders and chest, exacerbated by coughing and dizziness.
Possible complications
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause significant damage to the body. Deformed vertebrae are especially dangerous because they damage the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. As a result, the brain does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to disability and even death, as heart function and respiratory function are impaired.
Without proper treatment, the disease can lead to various complications: vertebral artery syndrome, protrusion, herniated discs, spinal cord injury, cerebral ischemia. Cervical osteochondrosis often causes radiculopathy. In this condition, growths occur in the damaged vertebrae, thus partially or completely losing the body's sensation and mobility.
But the most dangerous compression of the spinal cord, resulting in death.
Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is important, which will help prevent many problems.
Diagnostics
To make a diagnosis, the patient is sent for an instrumental examination:
- radiography;
- duplex scanning;
- ultrasound dopplerography;
- computed or magnetic resonance imaging.
Diagnostic measures will provide information on the location and extent of damage.
First aid
If the patient is experiencing unbearable pain, painkillers (metamizole sodium, etc. ) will come to help. If they can't get rid of the pain, they use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). However, they cannot be taken for a long time because they have a negative effect on the intestines.
Anesthetic ointments with a warming effect and pepper plaster effectively relieve pain.
If the patient's limbs are numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.
Diuretics are taken for edema.
However, all of the above funds can only have a temporary effect. Therefore, you should not delay seeing a doctor to prevent the development of complications.
Treatment methods
For the successful fight against the disease is necessary:
- eliminate pain syndrome;
- eliminate swelling;
- to restore blood flow;
- strengthen the muscle corset;
- to improve tissue nutrition and ensure renewal.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive and include:
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- alternative and traditional medicine methods;
- diet.
Drug treatment involves taking the following:
- anti-inflammatory drugs - to eliminate inflammation, relieve pain, activate blood circulation;
- muscle relaxant - to relieve muscle spasms;
- chondroprotectors - restore cartilage tissue;
- B vitamins - both oral and intramuscular administration are possible.
Physiotherapeutic procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- water therapy;
- paraffin therapy.
Effective assistance in the fight against the disease will be provided by non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hirudotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises. Stimulates blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. But you need to do physiotherapy exercises under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you can get the opposite effect.
In addition to (but instead of) drug treatment, it is recommended to use folk remedies.
You should follow a strict diet for 3-4 months:
- Avoid products that contain cholesterol: animal fats, fatty meats;
- limit the consumption of sugar, salt, flour products;
- Exclude alcoholic beverages.
Prophylaxis
An active lifestyle and weight loss are at the heart of preventive measures. Nutrition that contains the necessary vitamins and minerals is of no small importance.
The mattress should be firm and the pillow low.
Be sure to take a break while working.
People prone to osteochondrosis should visit an orthopedist regularly.