Pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, every person after 40 years has symptoms of similar diseases. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are particularly 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.
<1_img_centerxx>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 features of this segment of the spine.
The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae of different structure, located very close to each other. It is in this area of the body that complex movements are performed. In the cervical region, there are many peripheral and spinal nerves that affect internal organs. In addition, the neck is saturated with blood vessels, the main vessels pass here: the jugular vein, carotid and vertebral arteries. Often with pathology the vertebral artery suffers, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain.
The involvement of vessels and nerves in the process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke).
Causes and symptoms of the disease
There are many causes of cervical osteochondrosis, but all of them contribute to an increased load in the neck area or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. They are:
- violation of posture;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Injury of the spine;
- increased physical activity;
- stress;
- poor physical shape;
- genetic predisposition;
- overexertion of muscles during labor;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- bad nutrition;
- abnormalities and defects of the cervical spine;
- diseases of the spine.
Clinical signs of pathology are associated with the structural features of the cervical segment of the spine. Even the smallest pathological processes lead to symptoms. Most often, patients complain of:
- pain in neck, back of head, arms and shoulders, head;
- weakness of the hands and impaired sensitivity;
- limitation of neck and upper limb movements;
- cracking when turning and tilting the head;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- weakness;
- changes in hearing, vision.
Degrees of osteochondrosis
The degree of pathology is due to clinical manifestations and complaints.
- 1 degree. There are hardly any symptoms. There is a slight pain and discomfort in the neck, which increases with movement. A slight muscle surge is determined, associated with pinched nerves and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2nd degree. The patient is worried about severe pain in the neck, radiating to other parts of the body and caused by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. In addition, there is a headache, severe general weakness and decreased performance. This is due to the addition of the syndrome of the vertebral artery (it is involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degree. The symptoms are intense, increasing, the pain is constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities, weakness, limitation of the mobility of the cervical segment. This is due to the development of intervertebral hernias.
- 4 degree. The intervertebral disc is completely replaced by connective tissue, resulting in constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, impaired vision, hearing and coordination. Persistent brain and movement disorders are characteristic.
Symptoms and photos of cervical osteochondrosis show the severity of the pathology. Therefore, when the first signs appear, be sure to consult a doctor.
Treatment
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts, as the therapeutic methods lead to a decrease and disappearance of symptoms. The disease can be completely cured only in the early stages, but during this period few people seek help. In other cases, treatment can stop other 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 the methods of treatment should be selected for each specific case. But all the principles of therapy are reduced to relieve inflammation and pain, relieve muscle spasms, improve blood supply and nutrition of the cervical spine, and strengthen the musculoskeletal system.
The main methods of treatment:
- to take pills;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve the metabolism and nutrition of nerve fibers);
- muscle relaxants (relieve muscle spasms);
- chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its restoration);
- warming creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle spasms).
You shouldn't be limited to just taking medication. It is important to use all therapy methods comprehensively and systematically. The combination of medication, massage and exercise therapy helps to achieve rapid results and helps to maintain the effect achieved for a long time.