Illness
Osteochondrosis is a pathological condition of the bone tissue of the spine.The disease is characterized by dystrophic changes and a reduction in the function of the impact -absorbent function of the intervertebral discs.The pathology provokes the deterioration of the fixing capacity of the spine due to the decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in the tone of the spinal muscles and ligaments.
Several forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the location of dystrophic changes: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral.One of the most common is cervical osteochondrosis (up to 25% of the total).The disease accompanies the unpleasant sensations that significantly reduce the quality of human life.
It is worth noting that cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age.Currently, the disease is often diagnosed even in students and students, which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and long -term stay in the computer and textbooks (subject to the wrong position of the body).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced, complications often occur: intervertebral hernias, nerve pinches, blood, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteochondrosis, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region occurs, from which they become fragile and the distance between them decreases significantly.At the same time, bone tissue becomes predisposed to the growth and formation of bone growths (osteophytes).In the short stages, the outgrowths move and begin to squeeze the tissues, vessels and nerves that occur in the cervical region nearby.
Cervical osteochondrosis- a chronic, gradual developing disease.Therefore, the symptoms of the pathology at different stages are different.
- First -degree osteochondrosis symptoms
In the initial stage of the disease there is a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc of the cervical spine.The pathology has mild symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck that can spread to the shoulders.In some cases, neck pain may occur in physical activity. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of 2 grade
At this stage, the height of the disk continues to decrease, there is incorrect growing cartilage tissue, a convexity develops.Quaders can form in the fibrous ring.The pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can be radiated into the hands and the spine.There is a sense of stiffness with bends of the neck, crunching and the appearance of headaches are possible. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of grade 3
In the 3rd stage of the disease, the fibrous ring is broken and the formation of intervertebral hernias.The spine is deformed, dislocations or subluxation of the vertebrae can occur.The patient experiences acute, prolonged neck pain, numbness, partial loss of sensitivity of the skin zones in the nape, neck, shoulders or hands. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of grade 4
In the advanced stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur - multiple osteophytes develop, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced with a scar.The resulting hernia pressure on the circulatory vessels and nerves, one has hypoxia of organs, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain lasts for a long time, the neck and upper belt of the shoulder become immobilized, the quality of life is significantly impaired.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient may have such symptoms as headache, noise or ringing in the ears, nausea, various visual damage (flickering, darkening, pain).
Reasons
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to improperly distributed loading of the cervical spine.At the same time, neck muscles cannot cope with mechanical pressure, spasm, leading to blood disorders.From this, degenerative changes come to the upper spine.
Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hereditary predisposition;
- neck injury;
- A sedentary lifestyle;
- Long stay in one position - on the computer, driving, etc.;
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
- scleroderma;
- impaired metabolism;
- The presence of endocrine diseases - gout, diabetes;
- Excessive body weight.
Diagnostics
If there is a suspicion of the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact a medical institution in a timely manner.A comprehensive diagnosis will help identify the disease, evaluate its degree and understand the causes of the pathology.A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of checking and palpation - with osteochondrosis marks the tension of the cervical muscles, in some cases deformity of the spine is noticeable.
After an objective diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to additional studies.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- Radiography (lateral and rights);
- Multilayer computed tomography.
To determine the cause of the development of the pathology, ultrasound examination of the nearby organs, ECG of the heart, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood tests and urine can be prescribed further.
Therapeutic treatment
With the timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease is good to succumb to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely healed, but therapy will help prevent the disease from developing more, relieve the unpleasant symptoms and normalize the mobility of the upper spine.
The following methods are used for this:
- Treatment with medicines.Medicines relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate spasms in the muscles of the neck.The following drug groups can be used for this: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow -action drugs, muscle relaxants and more.
- Physiotherapy treatment.In addition to taking cervical muscle relaxation medicines, eliminating cramps and normalizing blood circulation will help physiotherapy procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonophoresis and more.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special exercise will help the patient strengthen the muscle frame, align the posture and improve blood supply to the upper spine.
Surgical treatment
In the case of advanced stages of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or with insufficient efficiency of conservative methods, surgery is required.
The following surgery methods can be used depending on a specific clinical case:
- A little invasive removal of the spinal hernia.
- Laminectomy is an operation to remove the vertebrae.
- Removal of hernia and stabilize the working segment with the help of a system consisting of four titanium screws and two peaks on the rods.
- Endoscopic removal of hernia.