The degenerative injury of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves in the cervical column is a fairly common pathology, which is called cervical osteochondosis.
With this disease, the records, which are by nature, are fibrose-chrya formations, gradually lose their properties of strength, elasticity and amortization.In fact, they seem to ignore and decrease in size.For this reason, the spine becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, consequently, the nerve roots, the blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae subject to discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, dystrophic changes occur.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growths on the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone peaks).With the "non -successful" arrangement of these osteophytes, compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondosis
This pathology in the elderly is in most cases an inevitability, which sooner or later is almost unpleasant symptoms of the cervical osteocondrosis.And the reason for this are the physiological processes of aging in the bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at a young age, it is necessary to look for factors that contribute and eliminate them so that the pathology does not progress.
Therefore, the main reasons of the cervical osteochondrosis include:
- SEATIONERY.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spinal lesions.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Weak physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Violation of posture.
- Long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable poses with a lowered head or an exposed neck.
- Connective tissue diseases.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoke.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondosis complain about painful pain and pain in the neck, in the shoulders, in the headache, numbness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteochondosis of the cervical column, as a rule, constantly pursue patients.The aggravation of the pathology and the aggravation of all its manifestations occur after the overload, the physical effort, the "non -successful" turns of the head.
Possible complications
The simple osteochondosis of the spine in the neck, although it brings many inconveniences to the patient, is not a serious danger to health.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Very often, cervical osteochondosis is complicated by a root syndrome, which is a response from the body to pinch cerebrospal roots.This pathology occurs with various neurological symptoms (acute pain in the neck, shoulder, altered sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteochdrosis in the cervical column can be called hernia of intervertebral discs and the vertebral artery syndrome.With hernias, there is a great danger of compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, up to the patient's disability.
The vertebral artery syndrome occurs due to the transfer or spasm reflection of the artery with the same name, which provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of the blood supply altered to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly exacerbated.
How is cervical osteochondosis treated?
The simple osteochondosis of the cervical column is treated with mainly conservative methods:
Medical physical education
Its main tasks are strengthening the muscle frame in the neck, improving blood circulation in the tissues and guaranteeing the structures of the cartilage of the spine with the necessary nutrients that only penetrate the intervertebral discs with their reduction, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases with cervical osteochondrosis, this method of treatment helps to reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasm in the neck and the upper shoulder belt.
Massage
Patients with osteochondrosis are recommended to regularly undergo medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps to eliminate pain, to reduce the compression of the nerve formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and the elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of exacerbation of the pathology, when intensive pain appears, patients are prescribed analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs for the activation of the tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, condroppering and vitamin mineral complexes are shown.
However, it is worth noting that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteocondrosis is possible only when using all these methods overall.
Disease prevention
For the cervical column, three points are very important: this is a comfortable orthopedic cushion, which allows the spine to relax during sleep, downloading five minutes by the neck during the work hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take a rule for yourself, not to damage your health in parallel (do not smoke, eat, move more to the right) and treat pathologies in a timely manner that contribute to the occurrence of records, you can easily survive old age without cervical osteochondosis.