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, everyone should know the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as its causes, 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 dystrophy of the cartilaginous tissue. 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 of different structure, located very close to each other. It is in this area of the body where 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, here the main vessels pass: the jugular vein, the carotid and vertebral arteries. Often with pathology, the vertebral artery suffers, which is involved in the supply of blood to the brain.
The involvement of vessels and nerves in the process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke), therefore, the signs identified in time and the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are important questions of medicine and human health.
Causes and symptoms of the disease.
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are numerous, but all contribute to an increased load on the neck area or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. They are:
- violation of posture;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spinal injury;
- Increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical fitness;
- genetic predisposition;
- overexertion of muscles during work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor nutrition;
- abnormalities and defects of the cervical spine;
- diseases of the spine.
The clinical signs of pathology are associated with the structural features of the cervical segment of the spine. 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;
- hand weakness and impaired sensation;
- limitation of movement in the neck and upper limbs;
- creaking when turning and tilting the head;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- weakness;
- changes in hearing, vision.
Degrees of osteochondrosis
The degree of pathology is due to clinical manifestations and complaints.
- 1 degree. There are practically no symptoms. There is slight pain and discomfort in the neck, which increases with movement. A slight muscle overexertion is determined, which is associated with pinched nerves and the development of root syndrome.
- 2nd grade. The patient is concerned about severe pain in the neck, which radiates to other parts of the body and is caused by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. In addition, there is a headache, severe general weakness, and decreased performance. This is due to the addition of the vertebral artery syndrome (it is involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degrees. The symptoms are intense, increasing, the pain is constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities, weakness, limitation 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, causing constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, vision, hearing, and coordination problems. Persistent brain and movement disorders are characteristic.
Symptoms and photos of cervical osteochondrosis show the severity of the pathology, so when the first signs appear, be sure to consult a doctor.
Treatment
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts, because therapy methods lead to a decrease 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 definitive answer, because each patient is individual and treatment methods must be selected for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy boil down to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle spasms, improving the blood supply and nutrition of the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
The main methods of treatment:
- Taking medicines;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve the metabolism and nutrition of nerve fibers);
- muscle relaxants (relieve muscle spasms);
- chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its restoration);
- hot creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle spasms).
You should not limit yourself to taking medications. It is important to use all methods of therapy comprehensively and systematically. The combination of medication, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve quick results and helps to maintain the effect obtained for a long time.