Pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, every person after 40 experiences symptoms of such diseases. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are especially common. Therefore, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as the causes of it, must be known to all 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 cartilage dystrophy. 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 with different structure, located very close to each other. It is in this area of the body that complex movements take place. There are many peripheral and spinal nerves in the cervical region that affect the internal organs. In addition, the neck is saturated with blood vessels, the main vessels pass here: the jugular vein, carotid and spinal arteries. Often, with pathology, the spinal artery suffers, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain.
The involvement of blood vessels and nerves in the process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke), which is why 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 on the neck or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. They are:
- posture disorder;
- Overweight;
- sedentary way of life;
- spinal cord injury;
- increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical preparation;
- genetic predisposition;
- muscle strain 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 related to 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, nape, arms and shoulders, head;
- weakness of the hands and impaired sensitivity;
- restriction of movements in the neck and upper limbs;
- crunching 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 virtually no symptoms. There is mild pain and discomfort in the neck, which increases with movement. Mild muscle strain is defined, which is associated with nerve compression and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2nd degree. The patient is worried about severe neck pain radiating to other parts of the body and caused by a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. There are also headaches, severe general weakness and reduced ability to work. This is due to the addition of 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, limited 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, leading to constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing and coordination. Constant brain and motor disorders are typical.
The 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
The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts, as the methods of therapy lead to a reduction 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 may stop additional degenerative-dystrophic changes, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.
Many people wonder how to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. There is no definite answer, as each patient is individual and the methods of treatment must be chosen for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy come down to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle spasm, improving the blood supply and nutrition of the cervical spine and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
The main methods of treatment:
- medicine intake;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medications:
- 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 recovery);
- warming creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle spasm).
You should not limit yourself to medication. It is important that all methods of therapy are used comprehensively and systematically. The combination of medication, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve fast results and helps maintain the effect obtained for a long time.