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Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, signs and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a disease of the intervertebral disc, composed of the appearance of pathological metabolic disorders.When the pulp, which performs the role that absorbs the stroke, begins to strengthen due to active oshification processes, has discomfort associated with the nerve root pinch.

Without timely treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical region, there are serious consequences that impede normal life.You need to know what symptoms start to sound the alarm.

Osteochondrosis of the neck - classification

The problem of the disease is premature detection.The patient has classic neurological manifestations - headaches, dizziness, flies in the eyes, shortness of breath, neck pain, chest.The patient may go numb of limbs, due to which he will visit a cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or orthopedic, without understanding the true causes of wrongdoing.

The disease has a physiological nature, as the human spine, in a vertical position, is forced to resist long static loads.With age, bone tissue weakens, which adversely affects the state of health of the spine.Destructive and deep processes are developing, which leads to the emergence of osteochondrosis.Cervical osteochondrosis occurs more often, as the neck has good mobility, which makes this department prone to traumatic damage.

The disease is one of the most common among spinal diseases.Osteochondrosis also tends to reduce age.If 20 years ago, people between the ages of 40 to 60 addressed with complaints of back pain, now people aged 30 to 40 are more likely to complain.Such an unfavorable change is associated with the deterioration of health indicators, which is due to a sedentary lifestyle, overweight and reduced nutrition.

Pathology is associated not only with negative physiological changes but also with the pathological condition of the body.Physiological processes are due to the emergence of devastating processes against the background of body aging and cartilage.Over time, unfavorable natural changes that cannot be prevented - metabolic processes are disturbed, calcium reserves are depleted.Pathological factors - the destruction of the cartilage and the coating of the intervertebral discs associated with the management of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Also, the pathological course of intervertebral discs and ossification of elastic content can be complicated by the ligamentous apparatus, pathological coating of vertebrae (spondylosis), suppressing (development of hernia type) and the formation of calcium salt deposits.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical back

In the early stages, it is difficult to identify clear signs of the disease, as the symptoms are paroxysmal, sometimes completely passing.Diagnosis is most often difficult in those patients who use sedatives periodically.With a decrease in pain sensitivity, the disease is masked and becomes more difficult to diagnose it with external signs.Usually the patient does not believe that he has problems until the disease reaches the terminal phase.In addition to the pain in the neck and head, dizziness and jumps occur in blood pressure.

Dizziness for osteochondrosis occurs periodically, but does not always specifically indicate this disease.Usually this condition is observed with the development of inflammatory processes in the ear, with brain vessel spasms, and against the background of intrigue.Sometimes such a condition is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, impaired coordination of movements or anemia.If the patient periodically has dizziness, accompanied by a feeling of foul, lack of air and weakness, you should seek medical help better.

What signs that occur against the backdrop of dizziness are the reason for hospitalization of the patient's emergency:

  1. Numbness of the upper shoulder band on one side, accompanied by parallel paralysis of the facial muscles.
  2. Migraine attacks, a very severe headache against the backdrop of general illness.
  3. Problems with coordination of movements.
  4. Violation of consciousness, loss of it.

Headache is one of the most common and nonspecific signs that occur against the background of cervical osteochondrosis.Most often, a headache occurs in women.This condition is associated with a feature of the hormonal background (excess estradiol in the body compared to men) and vascular weakness, which is also associated with hormonal status (increased progesterone relaxes vessels, making them less stable).

With osteochondrosis, headaches occur due to the frequent cramps of the brain vessels, against the backdrop of the nerve roots and with increasing intracranial pressure indicators.Atechondrous pain attacks often resemble hypertension, an IBS or an attack on the brain (it is important to consider that the older a person, the higher the risk of pathologies).

If the patient has other diseases associated with impaired heart muscle function, then with osteochondrosis attacks, heart pain will also be observed.Typically, people with cardiovascular disease occur an attack of angina pectoris, blood pressure, extrasistol, arrhythmia and pain in the chest area begin.If, when using first aid medication, the patient does not get better, and the attack lasts a long time, it is urgent to call an ambulance so that the patient is taken to the hospital to the cardiologist.

Pain syndrome for osteochondrosis

Separately, the features of the pain syndrome of the disease should be described.Unpleasant sensations do not always arise in the occipital area or head.There are attacks, pains in which most often locate in completely different places.Cervical pain often radiates to the hands or shoulders.The distinctive signs of unpleasant sensations are the appearance of the discomfort immediately after waking up or performing sudden movements.An example is sneezing or laughter.Even with such mild physiological reactions, an attack of pain syndrome can occur.

If the pathology is not too neglected, the unpleasant sensations will soon disappear, and the discomfort is often associated with enlarged crisis in the cervical vertebrae.Often the disease occurs in people with cervical lordosis - a pathophysiological condition associated with increased flexibility in the neck.If a person often lifts his head back, this condition can occur.The more advanced the pathological condition, the worse the patient feels, because the pain returns over time, intensifying, giving increasingly powerful suffering.

Which sensations and signs of pain are described by patients most often:

  1. The pain persists from the "depth" of the neck.
  2. When you turn your head to the side, there is a stalemate or a strong feeling of crack.
  3. When unpleasant sensations are observed, the patient has rigidity in the cervical region, accompanied by muscle weakness.

According to statistics, the disease most often affects 6 and 7 cervical beads.The disease also occurs in any of the vertebral parts of cervical localization.

The development of arterial hypertension with cervical osteochondrosis

There is a clear link between a specific disease and increased pressure.Cervical vertebrae also penetrates from nerve endings and vascular canal.If calcinating on the surface of the vertebrae increases, then the pathological squeezing of nerve endings and blood vessels occurs.As a result, the microspase occurs and the patient has characteristic deterioration in well -being.

Hypertension, which occurs in the background, has specific differences:

  1. Continuous, acute headache is the most characteristic trait of shock.
  2. Chest pain during suction, discomfort in the limbs.
  3. Reduction of sensitivity in the collar area.
  4. The appearance of sharp pressure step after nerve tension, muscle overvoltage, or after a long stay in the antalgic position.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

For the most part, this disease is associated with the natural processes of aging and the appearance of pathologies of the muscular system.It is worth noting that not all people in old age suffer from osteochondrosis.Usually this disease overcomes overweight faces leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Provocative factors that cause pathology include:

  1. A sedentary lifestyle, including the hypodynamine.
  2. Conquering an unpleasant attitude associated with a long, static stress.An example is a long sitting on the desktop, without keeping the standing.
  3. Obesity or excess body weight.Large weight is not always associated with fat deposits.In bodybuilders or mass athletes, an increased body weight index is often observed.Exceeding the recommended weight is filled not only with the premature wear of the spine, but also to overload the cardiovascular system.
  4. Chronic stress associated with nerve overload.
  5. Previously suffered head injuries or neck displacement.
  6. Local hypothermia - swollen neck.
  7. The presence of an autoimmune pathological process in the body, which adversely affects the condition of the cartilage, bone tissue.Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, which leads to the development of such diseases, such as shock.
  8. The presence of congenital abnormalities in the structure of the spine of the cartilage.

The presence of dosed physical exercise, proper nutrition and rejection of bad habits is the best way to minimize the risks of irritation associated with osteochondrosis.

Stages of development of the disease

There are several stages of the development of the pathological condition associated with the strength of the onset of osteochondrosis symptoms:

  1. The pre -clinical phase is the first.In the early stages, it is difficult to notice signs of the disease because there are still no specific symptoms.The only thing an experienced specialist can notice is the calm of cervical lordosis.As a result of such a small change, the appearance of minimal disturbance with the sharp neck curves on the side is possible.Over time, tension, pain in the lumbar region and back muscles can occur, as the cervical area often attracts the lumbar.If the patient was lucky and osteochondrosis was found at an early stage, then you can do with a change in diet and lifestyle correction so that the pathology does not continue to progress.Patients often ignore this stage, as discomfort rarely causes significant changes in the body.
  2. The second stage occurs if the pre -clinical rate is successfully ignored.Usually at this stage there are signs of instability of the cervical region.At this stage, the patient is already concerned about the pain syndrome.Unpleasant sensations are often given in the hands of the upper shoulder belt.The pain with sharp tendencies and the curves of the head feels tighter.Since the pathological decrease in the distance between the intervertebral discs is already occurring, nerve endings are related, which leads to the development of a neurological syndrome in the patient.As a result, the patient has simultaneous symptoms, including increased fatigue, decreased performance, distraction and headaches.
  3. Third degree.At this stage, the pain syndrome becomes even more pronounced than before.Becomes is impossible to ignore such pain, so even more persistent patients are already forced to consult a physician to make a suitable diagnosis.Pain often radiates to the limbs and shoulders, and in the morning there is weakness in the wrist muscles.At this stage, a simultaneous disease can occur - a hernia of the intervertebral disc.In the morning, the patient feels strong stiffness, which also indicates a deterioration in the movement of the cervical region.In patients, dizziness and severe weakness are observed.
  4. Terminal osteochondrosis, fourth phase.At this stage, the destruction of the intervertebral discs is observed.The discs themselves are replaced by connective tissue time.An enlarged pathological process can already affect other spinal segments, including the chest and lumbar region.In such patients, the quality of life suffers a lot - coordination of movements worsens, headaches and dizziness become unbearable, and noise in the ears also appear, other serious disorders - vascular disorders, problems with the respiratory system.

Syndromes that occur with cervical osteochondrosis

The risk of untreated symptoms lies in further progress.If the patient continues to ignore the pathology, different types of syndromes occur - complex symptoms.There are such types:

  1. Vertebral or vertebral.
  2. Vertebral artery.
  3. Cardiac or heartfelt.
  4. Rook syndrome.

The combination of these signs often develops in the overall appearance of the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

Vertebral syndrome often develops.In the patient, over time, the mobility of the cervical spine is interrupted.First, rigidity occurs after waking.In the future, pathology will be constantly present.Also, when you try to turn your neck on the side, the pain appears.On X -Ray, some deteriorations are also fixed.A characteristic feature of vertebral syndrome is the presence of all the above signs.If there is no sign, then this is an exception or axiom.The complexity of the diagnosis is that vertebral syndrome is often confused with other inflammatory diseases of the cervical region - myosite, damage and extension.

Vertebral artery syndrome is associated with the pathological arterial process that occurs when compressed.If there is a lack of blood flow due to the partial overlap of the vertebral arteries in the cervical region, the following complications occur:

  1. The inadequacy of the venous blood flow is manifested by such signs - the appearance of noise in the ears, dizziness, pressure jumps, vomiting or vomiting.
  2. The appearance of irritation of nerve endings, which manifests with migraine or severe headaches.Often in a patient can record a sensation of numbing or temporary vision of vision with one eye.
  3. Oxygen hunger due to squeezed arteries.The patient has signs of hypoxia - shortness of breath, heart pain, pallor, dizziness and weakness in the slightest physical stress.

A similar condition is also characteristic of atherosclerosis and oncology.

Also, the symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis are characterized by the development of cardiac type syndrome.The patient has signs that resemble a heart muscle disorder.Many signs may resemble a heart attack or coronary heart disease.During the deterioration period, the patient feels a burn and squeeze in the heart muscle, weakness, shortness of breath, and an increase in tachycardia attack.To exclude cardiac syndrome in the background of osteochondrosis, you must echo the heart, ECG.If there are no signs of heart disorders, then this is a cardiac syndrome that arose due to the fact that cervical spine osteochondrosis continues to progress.

Rooser syndrome is associated with major diseases - bastards in the area of the spinal column and limbs.The reason is the transfer of nerve endings.During the deterioration period, the patient should observe bed rest and use the soothing.Pathology is treated using neurotropic drugs.Prevention of seizures is aimed at improving blood circulation, performing physiotherapy and physiotherapy.Rotor syndrome is dangerous from complications.If even a small nerve is completely caught, it is filled with immobilization of the limbs and impaired intrigue on the fingers, hands.

Diagnosis of neck osteochondrosis

To determine the pathology, you should contact the therapist.The doctor performs an initial examination, complements the patient's hospital card and sends the patient to a close specialist - a traumatologist or a neurologist.The doctor then examines the patient, makes a primary diagnosis when examined, which should be confirmed using laboratory tests.

What methods of diagnostics are recommended for suspicion of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. X -Ray.This is a rapid and general option for the initial examination needed to assess the condition of the patient's bone system in the remote back.If the patient has osteochondrosis, then the distance in the disturbing area of the spine will decrease.
  2. To find out for a particular diagnosis, you can make magnetic resonance tomography.MRI is the most accurate diagnostic method.The device will consider both bone and cartilage structures, soft tissues.You can notice any disorder - suppressed nerves, the phase of the intervertebral hernia and the degree of development of osteochondrosis.
  3. Calculated tomography.The research method is appropriate if there is no doubt about the presence of intervertebral hernia.
  4. Double scan with ultrasound.If the patient is suspected of damaged venous blood, then this type of study is performed.If there are physical obstacles, this type of diagnosis will help identify them.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is aimed at eliminating symptoms.There is no radical way that will return the development of pathology.It must be understood that the nature of the disease lies not only in pathological development but also in natural degenerative physiological destruction.

Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis with medication

Drug therapy is the best way to reduce pain during a pain attack.Typically, medicines are prescribed to treat osteochondrosis based on symptoms:

  1. NSAID or analgesic.Non -inflammatory drugs non -inflammatory are suitable for stopping a stress headache attack, which is most often observed in women.The appointment of a particular medicine depends on the causes of the pain.An example-if a woman has a headache due to vascular spasm, then analgesic or antispasmodics is written.If the pain appears in the neck, and is associated with inflammation, NSAIDs with a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect are needed.It is better to clarify the specific trade name for the attending physician.
  2. Musorelaxants.These medicines are effective in the treatment of similar diseases associated with the destruction or damage of bone cherry tissue.Such diseases include hernia, extension and rheumatoid pathology.Recent studies show that muscle relaxants show not only a relaxing effect but also anesthesia effectively.A group of medicines has been prescribed for excessive muscle spasm associated with their overload, which rose up against the background of osteochondrosis.These medicines practically do not affect the activity of the central nervous system, so they can be obtained during the day.The course of therapy lasts about 4 weeks.
  3. B vitamins B Combined injection agents of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in large doses indicate an analgesic effect if the pain syndrome is caused by a tip of the nerve roots.A long course is required in combination with analgesics.In case of irritation attacks, it is advisable to observe the bed rest in order to discharge the pain area as much as possible.Within 2-3 weeks, as directed, medicines for injection are used, and then for 1-2 months they drink tablets. 
  4. Chondroprotectors.Such drugs are needed in the presence of degenerative processes in the cartilage.If improved destructive effects have already begun, chondroprotectors will not eliminate them.Long -term use of forms of injecting medication can slow down the regression of cartilage destruction, no more.The minimum use period is 3-4 months.
  5. Hypotentine agents.If the patient periodically has pressure on growth, use medicines that reduce systolic and diastolic pressure.The medicines are used carefully and only as prescribed by a doctor.Barrel blockers or calcium channel blockers are usually described.
  6. Sedatives.Sedding agents are needed if, against the backdrop of autonomous disorders, neurological disorders occur.Examples are periods of anxiety, insomnia or sleep disturbance.In the initial stages, plant sedatives are suitable.With more serious disorders, prescription medicines are prescribed.
  7. Antihyxants.It is necessary if the patient suffers from a mild cardiac disorder associated with air deficiency.
  8. Calcium and vitamin D3 preparations.To support the bone castle in the presence of active degenerative processes, it is necessary to get mineral complexes.Calcium is the necessary building material, without the bones become porous and break down.D3 is a vitamin without which normal calcium assimilation is impossible.In combination, these substances strengthen the bone tissue well.It is also useful to periodically drink other minerals to support the health of the muscular-Skeletor-Silicon system, sulfur, zinc, magnesium and boron.
  9. Vitamin-mineral complexes.In addition to specialized additives, it is necessary to take polyvitamins seasonally to maintain the overall health of the patient.Take complexes 2-3 times a year for 1-2 months on vacation.
  10. External funds.To set the condition of the neck properly when you feel rigidity, you can use warm or therapeutic ointments, gels that contribute to improving blood supply.It is precisely in some ointments to cure a feeling of constant rigidity, but applying a small amount of external medicine before going to sleep will ease the condition in the morning.

Conservative methods of therapy

In the recovery period, when acute pain relieved, a person with osteochondrosis should support the body using conservative treatment methods:

  1. Therapeutic gymnastics.Special exercises with regular execution improve joint mobility, temporarily accelerate blood circulation.The patient feels improved over time.The main rule of exercise therapy is the regularity and sequence of actions.If you perform physical education daily, the neck muscles come in tone, which significantly relieves the load from the spine.
  2. Massage the procedure is performed after an acute period to improve blood flow and relax the muscles.The contact effect is well combined with the flow of muscle relaxants, strengthening the effect of the medication.With the physical exposure of the fingers, the local temperature in the warm muscles rises, which improves blood flow.Massage leads to relaxation of the sections of the back of the back.
  3. Methods of physiotherapy.Hardware treatment is aimed at improving the blood flow to the damaged area.Using equipment and exposure to the current or magnetic field of a low frequency, the medication is administered through the skin.These funds are well absorbed without creating a systemic effect.Examples of procedures-magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, laser effect, shock wave therapy.

In a neglected case, when conservative therapy is ineffective, the patient is offered surgical intervention.In particular, the radical method of therapy is effective in the presence of hernia or extensions, when there are concomitant spine diseases that worsen the situation.Indications for surgery are the loss of limb sensitivity, unbearable pain.