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Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

One in two inhabitants of the Earth faces spinal problems.Osteochondrosis of the neck is one of the most common diseases that requires special attention.Lack of timely treatment can have serious consequences.In especially advanced cases, complications can lead to death.

Stages

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men develops gradually and has periods of increased symptoms and remissions.Signs of the disease occur when the process of destruction of the vertebrae reaches a serious stage.

There are four degrees of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. Initial stage.It is characterized by alterations in the structure of the intervertebral discs.Due to the loss of moisture they become thinner.Cracks appear in the fibrous rings.Often at this stage there are practically no signs of cervical osteochondrosis.However, if the pathology can be identified, it is possible to completely restore damaged intervertebral discs.The first stage of the development of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very favorable for starting treatment.
  2. Second stageThe disease is associated with a worsening of the condition of the tissues of the intervertebral discs.They are significantly reduced in size.This causes sagging of the muscular corset and spinal ligaments.Instability of the cervical spine occurs and the mobility of the vertebrae increases.Often at this stage the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear.
  3. In the third stagethe deformation of the spine becomes evident.Lumps and hernias occur.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis become pronounced.
  4. Fourth stageAccompanied by the formation of osteophytes, ossification (ossification) of ligaments and other deformations.These signs of osteochondrosis are evidence that the body is trying by any means to stabilize the damaged segments of the spine.

The peculiarity of the cervical spine is the small distance between the vertebrae.When structural alterations of these segments occur, a pinching of the spinal cord, nerve endings and vessels of the circulatory system occurs.

Demonstrations

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may depend on where in the spine the affected object is located.The following mechanisms of the negative impact of pathology are distinguished, as well as the associated symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis:

  1. Radicular syndrome.The pain is transmitted from the cervical spine to the fingers.A tingling sensation occurs in different parts of the upper limbs and a goosebump effect.
  2. Vertebral artery syndromeIt causes circulatory disorders in the brain.Accompanied by weakness, nausea, hearing and visual impairment and disorders of the vestibular apparatus.It can cause sharp or stabbing headaches in the occipital, parietal, temporal and superciliary regions.
  3. For cardiac syndromeThe symptoms of osteochondrosis can be confused with angina pectoris.Pain attacks can last several hours and are accompanied by extrasystole or tachycardia.
  4. Irritant reflex syndrome.This phenomenon causes acute attacks of pain in the nape or neck.Unpleasant sensations are transmitted to the shoulder or thoracic region.They appear when moving after a long period of rest.

It is unacceptable to ignore these signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women.

If such symptoms occur, you should contact a neurologist as soon as possible.

Types of diagnosis

X-ray as a method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis has symptoms similar to many other pathologies.Therefore, before making a specific diagnosis, the doctor must find out exactly what symptoms caused the patient's concern and then conduct an examination.

Based on his observations, the specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.But to more precisely establish the causes of pathology, additional research is needed.The main methods for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis are:

  1. Radiography.The most accessible instrumental method.Almost any clinic has a minimum technical basis to carry out such a study.An x-ray provides information about the location and severity of the pathological process.Allows you to determine what consequences caused osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.To obtain a complete picture of the disease, x-rays are taken in different projections.
  2. computed tomography.It allows you to see all the changes in the structure of the spinal tissues, thanks to the possibility of performing a layer-by-layer examination.Using this method, it is possible to determine the stage of cervical osteochondrosis, the presence of protrusion and hernia.Computed tomography perfectly visualizes the state of all components of the spinal region with the exception of the intervertebral discs.
  3. MRI.The most accurate and informative method for diagnosing cervical osteochondrosis.The resulting images allow you to assess the condition of the segments of the spine, nerves and blood vessels.This is possible due to the absence of images of other organs in the projection.MRI helps identify the location of damaged segments, establish tissue changes, narrowing of the spinal canal and degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc, such as protrusions and herniations.

Treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is associated with a degenerative disorder of the structure of the intervertebral discs, as well as the tissues and ligaments of the spine located next to them.Both women and men of all ages can suffer from the disease.This is due to a large number of unfavorable factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and poor diet.

The question of proper treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is very relevant.Treatment can be conservative (in non-advanced cases) or surgical (sequestered hernias).

If a patient has signs of osteochondrosis, the treatment regimen must be selected individually for each patient.The therapeutic program may depend on the following factors:

  • stages of the disease;
  • period of exacerbation or remission;
  • individual characteristics of the patient.

Treatment of osteochondrosis should be prescribed by a doctor after a complete examination of the patient and an accurate diagnosis.

Conservative methods

Laser therapy for cervical osteochondrosis.

The main goal of therapy for degenerative changes in the spine is to prevent the development of pathology and complications.To achieve a favorable result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is not enough to use only one method;It is important to use an integrated approach.

In the early stages of therapy, doctors' recommendations are aimed at eliminating pain and restoring circulatory function.At the next stage, you can move on to physiotherapy procedures, manual therapy and exercise therapy.

Types of conservative therapy include:

  1. Drug treatment.This method is characterized by the use of drugs with various effects: analgesics, antispasmodics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, condoprotectors, sedatives, vitamins, minerals.Drug treatment can be prescribed during an exacerbation of the disease with significant pain and increased muscle tone.Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated with ointments or gels only for mild inflammation.In other cases, these measures are not effective.
  2. Physiotherapy.Treatment with physical factors (magnetic fields, ultrasound, low-frequency currents) can be applied at any stage of the development of the pathology.Physiotherapeutic procedures help reduce pain, stimulate blood circulation, metabolism, and also allow you to reduce medication doses.To cure cervical osteochondrosis, electrophoresis with the administration of drugs, darsonval, ultrasound, laser therapy and magnetic therapy can be prescribed.Each of these types of physiotherapy procedures has its own contraindications.For this reason, the treatment method must be selected by a doctor.
  3. manual therapy.The goals of this method include normalizing muscle tone, improving blood circulation and eliminating deformation of the cervical spine.The therapeutic effect is achieved through the application of physical influence in the form of pressure, vibration and friction.To achieve a noticeable long-term effect, manual therapy should be combined with medications, physiotherapy and physiotherapy.
  4. Physiotherapy.The course of cervical osteochondrosis can be alleviated by performing a course of special exercises.This allows you to build muscles and significantly reduce the load on damaged segments of the spine.Only the treating doctor can select a series of gymnastic exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the patient.It is recommended to start classes under the supervision of a specialist.It is not recommended to perform physical therapy when pain occurs.

surgical method

surgical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

If cervical osteochondrosis does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.Most often this occurs with spinal cord compression or herniated discs.

The goal of the surgical operation is to eliminate compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the cervical spine.In this case, the following methods are used:

  • Discectomy– total or partial removal of the intervertebral disc.The procedure is performed using microsurgical instruments.This reduces damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Laser disc reconstruction.During the operation, a needle is inserted into the affected area and a special wire is passed through it.Under the influence of laser energy, the intervertebral disc heats up.This stimulates cell growth and in 3 to 6 months they fill all the gaps formed as a result of the disease.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
  • Arthrodesis.All manipulations are performed through a small incision in the front or back of the neck.As a result of the operation, compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings is removed and artificial implants or special metal structures are installed.They correct the line of curvature of physiological lordosis.

Cervical osteochondrosis can be treated surgically only in the most difficult cases of the disease.This is associated with a high risk of complications.Possible consequences of surgery include damage to nerve endings or the spinal cord, narrowing of the spinal canal as a result of scarring, the development of infections and many other unpleasant consequences.

Prevention methods

Osteochondrosis of the neck can develop in both women and men at any age.Many factors contribute to this.The onset of the disease can be prevented with simple preventive measures.To do this, just follow some basic rules:

  1. Do not expose your spine to heavy loads.Avoid sudden movements and injuries, periodically change your body position, evenly distribute the load when moving heavy objects, and choose comfortable shoes.
  2. Do gymnastic exercises regularly to strengthen your neck muscles.
  3. Harden.
  4. Maintain balance in your food intake.
  5. Give up bad habits.

It is important to remember that preventing the development of the pathology is much easier than later dealing with its prolonged and expensive treatment.Following simple measures to prevent the disease will allow you to never know what cervical osteochondrosis is.