Osteochondosis is a pathological process which leads to dystrophic and structural disorders first in the intervertebral discs, then in the vertebrae itself, the vertebral nerves, the muscles, the blood vessels and the internal organs located nearby.
It can strike all parts of the spine - cervical, chest, lumbar and sacred.Cervical osteochondosis is a very common phenomenon, and in terms of frequency, it is lower than lumbar osteochondosis.
Osteochondrosis in the cervical region proceeds to the stadium.Like any other pathology, without a timely treatment, it progresses.The functional and structural changes of the bone and cartilaginous tissue become more and more pronounced, leading to complicated forms of the disease with sensitivity and limitation of movements.
Steps and diplomas
In total, 4 stages (degrees) of osteochondrosis in the cervical region are distinguished.At the same time, the concepts of "degree" and "scene" are very often confused.Although they mean roughly the same thing, they are not entirely identical.The scene has structural disorders in the cervical column, in neighboring organs and tissues.And by the degree means symptoms of osteochondrosis and patient complaints.With osteochondrosis in the cervical region, the 1st degree clinical signs are minimal, but can be completely absent.The patient complains of pain weakly expressed in the neck (cervical), intensifying during the turn of the head.On examination, local tension in the cervical muscles is noted.
Osteochondrosis in the 2nd degree cervical region is accompanied by a discogenous radiculitis.Due to new degenerative-dystrophic changes of the nucleus and the fibrous capsule of the intervertebral disc, the height of the space between the cervical vertebrae decreases.Consequently, the roots of the cervical spinal nerves are raped.Patients are concerned about punctual pain, the intensification of turns and the inclination of the head.Pain syndrome can go beyond the cervical region and be accompanied by general weakness, a decrease in performance.
Due to new pathological processes, leading to the displacement and destruction of intervertebral discs, the hernia disks are formed in the cervical region.Pain and the sense of general weakness intensifies, sensitive and motors disorders in the field of the affected segment join them.Osteochondrosis in the 3rd degree cervical region is developing.
In the future, with osteochondrosis in the cervical region, the 4th degree of the destroyed intervertebral disc is replaced by a fibrous connective tissue.Due to the involvement of the vertebral artery in the pathological process of pain with sensitive and motor disorders, brain disorders join the relevance, altered coordination and the sensation of ringing in the ears.
Etiology
Before talking about the causes, or etiological factors of cervical osteochondosis, certain anatomical and physiological characteristics of this spine must be clarified.
These features are as follows:
- The neck is a mobile structure, while it borders a relatively static chest column.
- Cervical Versebrae 7, and segments 8. The "excess" segment appears due to the Atlantoise treaty.
- The cervical vertebrae have an anatomically different structure, which is particularly drawn in the example of the first two cervical vertebrae, Atlanta and axis.
- Vital communications pass through the neck - trachea, esophagus, large vessels, including the vertebral artery providing the brain.
The etiological factors which lead to pathological changes in the cervical region with the subsequent transition to cervical osteochondosis of the 2nd degree, are as follows:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Irrational nutrition with a deficiency in trace elements and vitamins;
- Constant violation of the posture of schoolchildren, students, office employees;
- Frequent hypothermia, unfavorable microclimate of the house and in production;
- Endocrine disorders;
- Low immunity;
- Heredity.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteochondrosis in the 2nd degree cervical region, in addition to pain, include the tension of the cervical and vertebral muscles.The pain in the neck (cervicalgia) with a given degree of osteochondosis can be sharp or overturned, spread out beyond the neck with other anatomical zones - the back and the belt of the shoulder.Due to the shortening of intervertebral gaps, muscles and ligaments are dried.The action of the muscular framework is weakening and is formed by the subluxation of the cervical region, following which the disc moves in one direction or another.At the same time, the pain can be clear and strong, depending on the type of shutter (cervical) after turning the head or the extension of the neck.
In addition to the pain, as already indicated, the tension of the cervical and spinal muscles is noted.Due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae are not offset from behind, but on the side, such stress is most often asymmetrical and leads to an altered posture.In turn, the altered posture leads to a new deterioration of metabolic processes in the cervical region.All conditions are created for the transition of osteochondrosis to the 3rd stage.
At 2 stages of cervical osteochondosis, the vertebral artery is not yet affected.However, already at this stage, in addition to pain and muscle tension, patients complain of a feeling of weakness, rapid fatigue and depression.Sleep disorders are possible because of pain.
Types of treatment
The treatment of osteochondrosis in the 2nd degree cervical region includes:
- Medicine therapy,
- Physiotherapeutic procedures,
- Therapeutic gymnastics,
- Massage,
- Manual therapy.
DrugsIt aims to eliminate cervical, inflammation in the roots of cervical segments and the normalization of metabolic processes in cervical discs.Anesthesia is carried out by taking analgesics orally.But it is the most ineffective way to eliminate pain.In this regard, intramuscular injections are more effective.With intense pain, you can wear a special Song necklace.
AnesthesiaIt can be carried out by eliminating the inflammatory process in the cervical roots.In this regard, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in various drug forms - tablets, ointments, injections and compresses.In this regard, injections, ointments are very effective.A good anti-inflammatory effect is given by steroid hormones.
To restore affected cartilage, it is recommended to receive chondroprotectors.For the same purpose, the use of complexes of mineral vitamins containing vitamins of group B, C, e with zinc, iron calcium is shown.Although brain disorders at the 2nd stage of cervical osteochondosis have not occurred, the use of neuroprotectors will not be superfluous.
Physiotherapeutic proceduresWith cervical osteochondosis, all degree is designed to reduce pain and inflammation, improve local blood circulation.To this end, phonophoresis, laser and magnetic resonance therapy, an ultrasound treatment are used.Physiotherapeutic procedures are contraindicated by the exacerbation period of osteochondrosis.
MassageWith osteochondrosis, it is also carried out in an interdependent period.Massage procedures are carried out in the position of the patient seated or lying on the side.At the same time, the massage therapist with smooth movements in the direction of the back of the head towards the neck kneaded, knocks and rubs the tense muscles.Subsequently, the muscles of the back, neck, chest are massaged.In this case, self-massage is possible using the Kuznetsov applicator.It is a needle roll with plastic tips.Just put this roll around the neck for half an hour a day - an hour, and the result will not be long to come.
Medical physical educationIt is designed to consolidate the effect of the above processing methods of the neck osteochondrosis.At the same time, optimal loads on various muscle groups are created, which leads to strengthening the muscles and eliminating the spine.Manual therapy for neck osteochondrosis should be carried out with great caution.Due to the high risk of cervical column injury, it is associated with a great risk not only for health, but also for the life of the patient.
Prevention measures
The prevention of cervical osteochondosis is designed to eliminate the causes of this disease and prevent the transition from stage 2 of 3.
In this regard, the following requirements must be observed:
- Active lifestyle;
- Complete nutrition;
- Normal conditions in daily life and production, excluding drafts and hypothermia;
- Appropriate posture with "sedentary" work and study;
- Hardening, sports;
- Treatment of chronic concomitant diseases;
- At the first signs of osteochondrosis - a timely visit to the doctor.