The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae of the cervical spine itself is a fairly common pathology called cervical osteocondrosis.
With this disease, discs that are natural, fibrous-chrya formations are gradually losing strength, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, it seems that they are knocking out and falling in size.Because of this, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces falls, and as a result the nerve roots, the blood vessels are squeezed.
The surfaces of the vertebrae that are subject to disks also suffer from osteocondrosis, dystrophic changes occur in them.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growths on the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bones).With the "failed" arrangement of such osteophytes, a compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteocondrosis
This pathology of the elderly is in most cases an inevitability that sooner or later manifests nearly unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteocondrosis.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in bones and cartilage.When osteocondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to look for contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not progress.
So the main causes of cervical osteocondrosis include:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Hereditary disposal.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Weak physical exercise.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Violation of attitude.
- Long -term and systematic stay in unpleasant positions with a head lowered or an exposed neck.
- Diseases of connective tissue.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteocondrosis complain of sore pain and tenderness in the neck, shoulders, headaches, numbness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteocondrosis in the cervix usually pursue constant patients.The deterioration of pathology and worsening of all its manifestations occurs after overtime, physical exertion, "failed" turns upside down.
Possible complications
The uncomplicated osteocondrosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings a lot of inconvenience to the patient, is not a serious danger to health.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Most often, cervical osteocondrosis is complicated by a radicular syndrome, which is a response from the body to squeezing the cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is manifested by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, decreased sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteocondrosis in cervical spine can be called hernia by the intervertebral disks and the syndrome of the spine.With hernias, there is a great danger of compressing the nerve roots and the spinal cord with the subsequent development of severe neurological disorders, up to the patient's disability.
The syndrome of the rumored rumor -bracelet artery occurs due to the transfer or reflex spasm of the artery of the same name that gives blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "stains" in front of the eyes as well as other symptoms of decreased blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly deteriorated.
How is cervical osteocondrosis treated?
The uncomplicated osteocondrosis of cervical spine is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical exercise
Its main tasks strengthen the muscle frame in the neck, improve blood circulation in the tissues and ensure cartilage structures in the spine with the necessary nutrients that only penetrate the intervertebral discs with their reduction, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases of cervical osteocondrosis, this treatment method helps reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasms in the neck and upper shoulder band.
Massage
Patients with osteocondrosis are recommended to regularly undergo medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps to eliminate pain, reduce the compression of nervous formations in the neck.
Reflectionology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of deterioration of pathology, when intensive pain occurs, patients are prescribed painkillers and anti -inflammatory drugs as well as drugs for activating tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition is improved, he appears chondroprotectors and vitamin-mineral complexes.
However, it is worth noting that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteocondrosis is only possible when using all these methods in the complex.
Prevention of the disease
For cervical spine, three points are very important - this is a practical orthopedic cushion that best allows the spine to relax during sleep, where they unload five minutes to the neck during working hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take it a rule for yourself, not to harm your health parallel (not smoke, eat, move more to the right) and treat the pathologies in a timely way that contributes to the occurrence of disks, you can easily survive to old age without cervical osteochondrosis.