Osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative changes in cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, and often in the early stages does not have different symptoms except for slight pain which very often, people don't pay enough attention. In the modern world low back pain is a disease very common that can cover the different age groups of people.
The disease can manifest itself in any part of the spine. The main locations are divided into:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical area.
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar region
Cervical degenerative disc disease is very common and is, perhaps, the most dangerous, because in the advanced form is able to bring the person before the disability. The fact that the cervical vertebrae are much smaller in comparison with the other vertebrae, but that they have a greater mobility. In the neck of the region is concentrated a large number of blood vessels and nerve fibres also pass through the neck of the artery, carrying the blood flow to the brain. Therefore, the slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae contributes to the compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels. Because the cervical spinal canal is small, there is always the possibility of compression of the spinal cord. This is the main danger that can cause some type of disability.
The cause of osteoarthritis
The causes of osteoarthritis are not yet completely understood by scientists, but despite this there are certain factors that contribute to the development of this disease. The main of these factors include:
- Predisposition, which is transmitted genetically.
- Improper diet, due to the fact that there is an excess of weight and the lack of trace elements in the body.
- Poisoning or infection.
- Impairment of metabolism.
- Injuries of the spine.
- Keep a sedentary lifestyle, the application of the least amount of moves.
- The presence of diseases such as scoliosis, flat feet, and instability of the spinal segments.
- A physically unbalanced load on the body.
- Frequent stress and psychological tension.
- A sudden change in the already established style of life.
The main stages of degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four stages. In the first stage may be visible only discomfort in the back. For the second phase is characterized by: the destruction of the ring fibrous, and the appearance of exit of the intervertebral disc, may also be a pinched nerve. With the development of the third stage of the formation of intervertebral hernia. In the fourth, last stage of osteochondrosis of the people very bad move and almost constantly feel pain. This is due to deformations of the vertebrae in the form in which the appearance of osteophytes (bone spurs).
The symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease is accompanied by various symptoms, which acts as the main symptoms of the disease:
- Irritative-reflex syndromes. When available there is a slight pain in the neck and the nape of the neck which increases with movement.
- Artery Vertebral syndrome. It is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noise in the ears, also, possibly, a disorder of the visual system. There is the possibility of brain circulation disorders.
- The syndrome of the anterior muscle scalene. It is characterized by pain pain in the neck. The pain is worse when bending or rotation of the head.
- The cardiac function fetal. Accompanied by pain in the neck, in the heart, and levator scapulae. The pain tends to worsen when turning your head and sneezing. The symptoms in this case, are strongly reminiscent of the angina pectoris.
- The syndrome. When it occurs is the compression of the nerve roots. Area of pain extends over a wide area of the body. This area includes: neck, scapula, shoulders and fingers.
- Root-vascular syndrome. Normally it is characterized by motor and sensory disorders.
- Cord syndromes. Appear when the compression of the spinal cord affected with osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a pain in the neck, loss of sensation, weakness of the limbs.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
The first step in the treatment to determine an accurate diagnosis. Only then you can apply a comprehensive treatment of cervical degenerative disk disease, which basically is to reduce the pain and relieve the inflammation. Consider the main methods of complex treatment of:
- Drug therapy. Held in the exacerbation of the disease. With its helps to reduce the swelling and relieves pain.
- Physiotherapy. Carried out by means of currents having low frequencies, ultrasound, magnetic fields and the laser. Removed so that the sensation of pain and muscle spasms, decreases inflammation.
- Manual therapy. This therapy selects for each patient individually. After its application, relieve pain, increase mobility and correct posture.
- Physiotherapy. Primarily aimed at the decompression of the nerve roots. Special exercises help to reduce significantly the burden falls on the spine, due to the strengthening and development of muscles. During the exacerbations of the exercise do not usually use. The exercises should be prescribed by a qualified technician.
- The treatment with massage. Specialized in clinical medicine Tibetan used acupressure and methods of Chinese medicine – acupuncture and moxibustion.
- Reflexology. Effectively eliminates the pain, improves metabolic processes in the body.
It should be noted that the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease during pregnancy is almost impossible. So women should pay attention to the disease before pregnancy. There are also a number of recommendations for sleep, people suffering from osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient must be of medium hardness. You can not use very soft or very hard mattress. The pillow should not be used high, it is advisable to buy orthopedic. To prevent this unpleasant disease, you must do it through a regular prevention. The methods of prevention is proper nutrition, physical mobility and change of lifestyle more active.