Abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, after 40 years, all people experience symptoms of a similar disease. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are particularly common. Therefore, everyone needs to know the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and its causes 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 cartilage dystrophy. In 25% of cases, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs due to the structural features of this segment of the spine.
The cervical region contains 7 vertebrae of different structures that are very close to each other. Complex movements are performed in this area of the body. There are a number of peripheral and spinal nerves in the cervical region that affect the internal organs. In addition, the neck is full of blood vessels, where the main blood vessels pass: the jugular vein, the carotid artery, and the vertebral arteries. Often, pathology affects the vertebral artery, which is involved in the blood supply to the brain.
Involvement of blood vessels and nerves in the process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke), therefore timely identification of signs and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is an important issue in medicine and human health.
Causes and symptoms of the disease
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervix are many, but they all contribute to an increase in the load on the neck area or lead to changes in the structure of the vertebrae themselves. OK:
- violation of posture;
- overweight;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spinal cord injury;
- increased physical activity;
- tension;
- poor physical fitness;
- genetic predisposition;
- muscle overload at work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor nutrition;
- cervical spine disorders and defects;
- diseases of the spine.
Clinical signs of pathology are associated with structural features of the cervical segment of the spine. Even the slightest pathological processes lead to symptoms. Most often, patients complain of:
- pain in the neck, back of the head, arms and shoulders, in the head;
- weakness and deterioration of the sensitivity of the hands;
- restriction of movement of the neck and upper limbs;
- crackling when turning and tilting the head;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- weakness;
- changes in hearing, vision.
Grades of osteochondrosis
The extent of the pathology is due to clinical manifestations and complaints.
- 1 degree. There are virtually no symptoms. There is mild pain and discomfort in the neck, which increases with movement. They define a slight overload of the muscle associated with connected nerves and the development of radical syndrome.
- Grade 2. The patient is worried about severe pain in the neck that radiates to other parts of the body caused by a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae and tightening of the nerves. In addition, headache, severe general weakness, and decreased performance. This is due to the addition of vertebral artery syndrome (involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degrees. The symptoms are intense, increasing, the pain is constant and unbearable. It violates the sensitivity and weakness of the upper limbs, limiting the mobility of the neck segment. This is due to the development of intervertebral hernia.
- 4 degrees. The intervertebral disc is completely replaced by connective tissue, leading to constant pain, stiffness, tinnitus, and impaired vision, hearing, and coordination. Persistent brain and movement disorders are common.
Symptoms and photos of cervical osteochondrosis show the severity of the pathology, so be sure to see a doctor when the first signs appear.
Treatment
<3_img_rxx>Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts because therapeutic methods lead to reduction and disappearance of symptoms. The disease can only be completely cured in the early stages, but few seek help during this period. In other cases, therapy can stop further degenerative-dystrophic changes, reduce symptoms, and prevent the development of complications.
Many are curious about how to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. There is no definite answer because each patient is unique and treatment methods must be selected for each case. But all the principles of therapy are limited to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle cramps, improving blood supply and nutrition in the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
The main methods of treatment:
- taking medications;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medicines:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve nerve fiber metabolism and nutrition);
- muscle relaxants (for relieving muscle cramps);
- chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and help restore it);
- warming creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle cramps).
It should not be limited to medication. It is important that all therapeutic methods are applied comprehensively and systematically. The combination of medications, massage and exercise helps to achieve fast results and maintains the effect for a long time.