Pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, every person after the age of 40 has 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 characteristics of this segment of the spine.
The cervical region includes 7 vertebrae of different build, located very close to each other. It is in this part of the body that complex movements are performed. There are many peripheral and spinal nerves in the cervical area that affect the internal organs. In addition, the neck is saturated with blood vessels, here pass the main vessels: the jugular vein, carotid and spinal arteries. Often with pathology suffers the vertebral artery that 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), so timely detection of 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;
- extra pounds;
- inactive lifestyle;
- spinal cord injury;
- increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical fitness;
- genetic predisposition;
- muscle strain during work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor nutrition;
- anomalies and defects of the cervical spine;
- spinal diseases.
Clinical signs of pathology are related to the structural characteristics of the cervical segment of the spine. Even the smallest pathological processes lead to symptoms. Patients most often complain of:
- pain in the neck, nape of the neck, arms and shoulders, head;
- hand weakness and impaired sensitivity;
- restriction of movement in the neck and upper limbs;
- crunching when turning and tilting the head;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- weakness;
- changes in hearing, sight.
Degree of osteochondrosis
The degree of pathology is a consequence of clinical manifestations and complaints.
- 1 degree. There are practically no symptoms. There are slight pains and discomfort in the neck, which increase with movements. Mild muscle strain is found, which is associated with pinched nerves and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2nd degree. The patient is concerned about severe pain in the neck, which radiates to other parts of the body, and is caused by a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. There is also a headache, severe general weakness and reduced performance. This is due to the addition of spinal artery syndrome (it is involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degrees. The symptoms are intense, growing, the pain is constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs, 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, which leads to constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing and coordination. Permanent disorders of the brain and movement 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, as methods of therapy lead to a reduction and disappearance of symptoms. The disease can be completely cured only in the early stages, but in 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 definitive answer, because each patient is individual and treatment methods should be chosen for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy come down to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle cramps, improving the blood supply and nutrition of the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
Main methods of treatment:
- taking medication;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medications:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve metabolism and nutrition of nerve fibers);
- muscle relaxants (relieve muscle cramps);
- chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its regeneration);
- warming creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle cramps).
You should not limit yourself to just taking medication. It is important to use all methods of therapy in a comprehensive and systematic way. The combination of medication, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve fast results and helps maintain the achieved effect for a long time.