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 everyone 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 cartilage 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 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, carotid and vertebral arteries. Often, with pathology, the vertebral artery suffers, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain.
The 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 the load in the neck area or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. They are:
- violation of posture;
- excess weight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spinal injury;
- increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical fitness;
- genetic predisposition;
- overexertion of muscles during work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor nutrition;
- anomalies and defects of the cervical spine;
- diseases of the spine.
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 about:
- pain in the neck, back of the head, arms and shoulders, head;
- weakness of the hands and impaired sensitivity;
- limitation of movement in the neck and upper limbs;
- crunch 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 overstrain is determined, which is associated with pinched nerves and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2nd degree. The patient is worried about severe pain in the neck, radiating to other parts of the body and caused by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. Also, 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 degree. The symptoms are intense, growing, the pain is constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs, weakness, limitation of the mobility of the cervical segment. This is due to the development of intervertebral hernias.
- 4 degree. The intervertebral disc is completely replaced by connective tissue, which leads to constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing and coordination. 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 see 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 definite answer, because each patient is individual and treatment methods should be selected for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy are reduced to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle spasm, improving blood supply and nutrition to the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
The main methods of treatment:
- taking medications;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medicines:
- 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 ointments (relieve pain and muscle spasm).
You should not be limited to just taking medication. It is important to use all methods of therapy in a comprehensive and systematic manner. The combination of drugs, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve quick results and helps to maintain the effect obtained for a long time.