Pathological diseases of the musculoskeletal system are more common than other known diseases. According to statistics, every person has symptoms of similar diseases after 40 years. 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.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a disease characterized by changes in the intervertebral discs and dystrophy of the 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 spine comprises 7 vertebrae of different structures that are very close to each other. Complex movements are performed in this area of the body. In the neck area there are many peripheral and spinal nerves that affect the internal organs. In addition, the neck is saturated with blood vessels, this is where the main vessels run: the carotid artery, the carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. With pathology, the vertebral artery, which is involved in supplying blood to the brain, often suffers.
The involvement of vessels and nerves in this process leads to the development of serious complications (cerebral ischemia, stroke), therefore, timely recognized signs and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are important topics 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 on the neck area or lead to a change in the structure of the vertebrae itself. They are:
- Violation of posture;
- Obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Spinal injury;
- increased physical activity;
- Stress;
- poor physical fitness;
- genetic predisposition;
- Overexertion of muscles during work;
- hormonal disorders;
- metabolic changes;
- poor diet;
- Anomalies 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 the neck, back of the head, 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 due to clinical manifestations and discomfort.
- 1 degree. There are practically no symptoms. There is slight pain and discomfort in the neck that increases with movement. Mild muscle strain is noted, which is associated with pinched nerves and the development of radicular syndrome.
- 2 degrees. The patient worries about severe neck pain radiating to other parts of the body caused by a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae and pinching of the nerves. In addition, headaches, severe general weakness and decreased performance occur. This is due to the addition of the vertebral artery syndrome (it is involved in the pathological process).
- 3 degrees. The symptoms are intense, increasing, the pain constant and unbearable. There is a violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs, weakness, limitation of the mobility of the neck 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, visual, hearing and coordination disorders. Persistent brain and movement disorders are characteristic.
Symptoms and photos of cervical osteochondrosis show the severity of the pathology. When the first signs appear, it is imperative to consult a doctor.
treatment
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are interrelated concepts as therapy methods lead to a reduction and disappearance of symptoms. The disease can only be completely cured in its early stages, but few seek help during this time. In other cases, therapy can stop further degenerative-dystrophic changes, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications from developing.
Many people wonder how to treat symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. There is no clear answer because every patient is individual and the treatment methods should be selected for each individual case. But all principles of therapy are limited to relieving inflammation and pain, relieving muscle spasms, improving blood circulation and nutrition of the cervical spine, and strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
The main treatment methods:
- Taking medication;
- Physical therapy;
- Massage;
- Exercise therapy.
Medication:
- NSAIDs (relieve inflammation and pain);
- B vitamins (improve metabolism and nutrition of nerve fibers);
- Muscle relaxants (relieve muscle spasms);
- Chondroprotectors (stop the destruction of cartilage tissue and help restore it);
- warming creams and ointments (relieve pain and muscle spasms).
You shouldn't limit yourself to taking medication. It is important to use all therapy methods comprehensively and systematically. The combination of drugs, massage and exercise therapy will help to achieve quick results and maintain the achieved effect for a long time.