Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Among the many known diseases, the mostDiseases of the musculoskeletal system are common and are mainly related to lack of physical activity. In addition, this problem is not only for the elderly, but also for the young. Cervical osteochondrosis occupies a special position in the diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. What kind of disease is this? What does it use to threaten its owner? How does it show up? Are there any effective prevention and treatment measures?

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease of degenerative dystrophy, accompanied by intervertebral disc deformation. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent irreversible pathological changes. Among various forms of osteochondrosis, cervical spondylosis ranks second, second only to lumbosacral injuries.

Stage of disease

The development of cervical osteochondrosis is divided into several stages:

• The first stage. The intervertebral disc begins to collapse: cracks appear in the annulus fibrosus, the intervertebral disc loses strength and elasticity, and its height decreases. As a result, nerve roots are compressed, accompanied by soreness.
• second stage. The destruction of the intervertebral disc continues, resulting in a slight dislocation of the vertebrae. The pain will increase and become permanent. Falling head syndrome may occur, which is characterized by severe pain that forces the head to remain in a fixed position.
• The third phase. The annulus fibrosus is almost completely destroyed, leading to herniation and intervertebral hernia. In this case, the pain can be reduced because there is no source of pain-cartilage tissue. But the pain syndrome has not completely disappeared because the nerve roots are still squeezed. Sensitivity may be violated, headache and dizziness, nausea, neck "back pain" may occur.

In the first stage, the disease was successfully cured. In the second and third stages, irreversible changes occurred. Therefore, it is impossible to fully recover the body.

Causes of pathological changes

The vertebrae located in the cervical spine are the most flexible. They are small and have weak muscles. This structure of the vertebrae contributes to the development of degenerative diseases. In addition, the neck area is full of nerves and blood vessels, and damage not only causes discomfort, but also serious complications.

The main factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:

• A sedentary lifestyle;
• Stay in the same position for a long time;
• Metabolism is interrupted;
• Salt mine
• Malnutrition.

The risk of developing this disease increases as the following factors increase:

• Genetic predisposition
• elderly;
• Neck injury;
• Long-term or regular hypothermia of the body;
• hormone 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 the number of vertebrae affected, the degree of damage, and the presence of compressed nerves.

The main symptoms of pathology are pain of different intensity in the neck, radiating to the back of the brain, ears, shoulders, forearms, and chest. They amplify by turning their heads and minimal physical exertion.

In addition to pain, cervical osteochondrosis:

• Headache and heartache;
• Dizzy
• Eyes darkened
• Numbness in hands and feet;
• Hear tinnitus;
• Tongue numbness;
• Vision and hearing loss;
• A sharp turn of the head can cause loss of consciousness;
• Have rapid fatigue;
• Coordination is disturbed.

Several types of cervical osteochondrosis syndromes are known:

• Radical-compression of nerve endings causes severe pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulders, forearms, scapula and lower back;
• Heart-damage to the roots of the pectoral muscle or phrenic nerve, leading to symptoms similar to a heart attack: persistent pain in the chest (which does not disappear when taking nitroglycerin), which increases with exercise and deep breathing
• Vertebral artery-throbbing pain in the back of the head and temples;
• Irritation reflex-burning pain in the neck area, radiating to the shoulders and chest area, aggravated by coughing and turning the head.

Possible complications

Cervical osteochondrosis can cause serious damage to the body. Because deformed vertebrae can damage the nerve roots and blood vessels that carry blood to the brain, it is particularly dangerous. As a result, the brain cannot get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, which can lead to disability and even death due to impaired heart activity and respiratory function.

Without the necessary treatment, the disease can lead to many complications: vertebral artery syndrome, herniation, herniated disc, spinal stroke, and cerebral ischemia. Usually, cervical osteochondrosis causes radiculopathy. In this case, growths will form on the damaged vertebrae, so the body will partially or completely lose sensitivity and mobility.

But the most dangerous thing is to compress the spinal cord and cause death.

Therefore, timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is very important, which will help avoid many problems.

diagnosis

In order to confirm the diagnosis, the patient needs to undergo an instrumental examination:

• Radiography
• Double-sided scanning
• Doppler ultrasound;
• Computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

The diagnostic measures will provide information about the location and extent of the damage.

first aid

If the patient has unbearable pain, analgesics (analgin sodium, etc. ) will come in handy. If they cannot get rid of the pain, they will turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nimesulide). But they cannot be taken for a long time because they have an adverse effect on the intestines.

Anesthetic ointment and pepper ointment with warming effect can effectively relieve pain.

If the patient’s limbs are numb, massage and special exercises that activate blood circulation are recommended.

For edema, take diuretics.

But all the above funds can only play a temporary role. Therefore, you should not delay seeing a doctor to prevent complications.

treatment method

In order to succeed in the fight against disease, it is necessary to:

• Relieve pain syndrome;
• Remove swelling;
• Restore blood flow;
• Muscle-strengthening corset;
• Improve tissue nutrition and ensure its regeneration.

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be comprehensive, including:

• medical treatement;
• physiotherapy;
• Physical therapy exercises;
• Alternative medicine and traditional medicine methods;
• diet.

Medications include taking:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs-anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and invigorating blood;
• Muscle relaxants-relieve muscle spasms;
• Cartilage protective agent-restore cartilage tissue;
• B vitamins-both oral and intramuscular injections are acceptable.

Physical therapy procedures have an effective effect on cervical osteochondrosis:

• Magnetic therapy;
• Electrophoresis
• Spa;
• Paraffin therapy.

Non-traditional methods (osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology, hydrotherapy), massage, manual therapy and special exercises will provide effective help in fighting diseases. They stimulate blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, which is good for the general condition of the body. However, physical therapy exercises must be carried out under the guidance of a specialist, otherwise it will be counterproductive.

In addition to (but not a substitute for) drug treatment, folk remedies are recommended.

For 3-4 months, you need to follow a strict diet:

• Reject products containing cholesterol: animal fat, fatty meat;
• Restrict the consumption of sugar, salt and pasta products;
• Exclude alcoholic beverages.

prevention

An active lifestyle and weight loss are at the core of preventive measures. Nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals is very important.

The sleeping mat should be strong and the pillow should be low.

When working for a long time, you must take a break.

People who are prone to osteochondrosis need to see an orthopedic doctor regularly.