The tendency to grow degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine is steadily growing every year, and all because the problem of hypodynamia and hypokinesia is acute due to urbanization.The damage to the cervical spine causes frequent, various intensities of headaches and a sense of stiffness in the neck and forearms.Today our topic is the causes, symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
The reasons for the development of cervical osteochondrosis
Speaking about the causes of degenerative damage to the cervical spine, genetic, toxic, metabolic, endocrine, infectious and others can be listed.However, in the first place you can put a sedentary lifestyle and sitting at the computer, desk and driving.
Frequent stresses that involuntarily make posture of stoop, which leads to infringement of blood vessels of the nerves neck, help to help this pathology.
Pain symptoms in the neck should not be ignored, as this leads to the progression of the disease and the development of such complications as shoulder -bearing periarthrosis, the syndrome of the vertebral artery, the anterior staircase syndrome and the roying syndrome.
About the anatomical structure
Now let's see what anatomical and physiological features of the structure of the cervical spine contribute to the development and progression of osteochondrosis:
- The cervical department is the most mobile section of the spinal column.Since all types of movements are possible in it, this increases the risk of subluxation and frequent infringements;
- The vertebral artery takes place in the channel formed in the holes of the transverse processes of the vertebrae.It is bloodsuvering the brain, auditory organs, spinal nerve and cerebellum.With the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the artery and nerve can clamp in this department.
- In the cervical region, intervertebral discs are not everywhere between the vertebrae.In the front, the vertebrae are connected by joints, which can provoke the subluxation of the joints.
- The holes on the three lower cervical vertebrae have a triangular shape, and with the growth of bone tissue with osteochondrosis, the nerve roots can infringe on.
- Throughout the cervical department, vegetative ganglia are located.
These features will help us present the mechanism for the development of complications of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Mechanisms for the development of changes in the cervical spine
The pathological process begins in the intervertebral disk with the loss of moisture with a pulpoose disk core.The fibrous ring of the disk is gradually becoming thinner, its elasticity decreases, and microwaves appear.
As a result, the disk loses its ability to fix, depreciation and support.The load on the lower vertebrae gradually increases, after which the vertebra itself is involved in the process.
Small defects appear in it and osteophytes (excessive bone growths) are growing to withstand an increased load.
With the growth of bone tissue, the nerve roots are squeezed along the back wall of the vertebra, and if on the side surface, the vertebral artery is infringed.
Subluis in the joints appear due to a violation of stability between the vertebrae.This leads to compensatory tension of the neck muscles, which helps to maintain the cervical vertebrae in a normal position.
When the muscles get tired, the load on the vertebrae increases again, which leads to the progression of the disease.Thus, a vicious circle is formed in which spasmodic muscles and damaged vertebrae adversely affect each other and lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition.
Based on pathological mechanisms, symptoms of the disease are formed.So, squeezing the nerve roots is manifested by intense paroxysmal pain along the infringed nerve.
And when compressing the vertebral artery, symptoms associated with a decrease in blood flow in the brain, namely: noise in the ears, dizziness and headache, appear in the first place.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are conditionally divided into 3 groups:
The first group of symptoms - pain
It manifests itself in the form:
- local pain in the back of the head/neck;
- Irradiating pain, which extends to the right or left hand, and can also go to the fingers, to the very brush, to the forearm and even localize on the shoulder joints.
This pain can be aching and constant, irritating and spreading throughout the neck or hand.Or it is a local more acute shooting pain that appears as a result of pinching of the nerve root.
The second group of symptoms is motor disorders
First of all, it is the rigidity of the muscles of the neck and nape, as a result of which it is impossible to turn or tilt the head normally, or make any movement in the cervical spine.
In addition, this is a limitation of mobility in the shoulder joint, which is called the syndrome of shoulder -pave periarthrosis.It is also possible to spread to the whole hand, including numbness of the fingers, numbness of the hands and numbness along the side of the side surface of the shoulder or forearm.
The third group of symptoms is vegeto-vascular manifestations, manifestations from the vessels
In the process of this, either a spasm of blood vessels or pinching in the spine occurs.As a result, such symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can appear as headaches, dizziness, flickering of “flies” in front of the eyes.
There may also be hearing impairment - the noise in the ears and the feeling of a “sulfur plug”, in which a person does not hear well.These symptoms belong to the syndrome of the vertebral artery.
Methods of traditional treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Modern medicine offers many methods of treating degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the spine.Among them, they distinguish: drug treatment, manual therapy, folk remedies, therapeutic physical culture (exercise therapy), and in far running cases resort to surgical treatment.The effectiveness of therapy depends on what stage the treatment and a complex of selected methods have begun.
Treatment should first of all be aimed at normalizing the muscle tone of the cervical muscles.The action of other means is aimed at removing inflammation and pain in the field of development of pathological changes.
An important point in the treatment of osteochondrosis is a good comfortable dream, for which experts recommend using an orthopedic pillow.
In the early stages of the development of the disease, the use of massage in an experienced specialist and self -massage will be effective.This method will help to relax the spasmodic muscles and stop the progression of the pathological process.
Medical physical education
Treatment of osteochondrosis should include physiotherapy exercises in the form of gymnastics of therapeutic or morning hygienic.When performing a complex of treatment exercises, adhere to the following recommendations:
- put on comfortable clothes and shoes;
- so that there is no shortage of shortness of breath, alternate ordinary breathing exercises;
- The load should increase gradually, and if during the lesson you began to mark complaints from the cardiovascular system, then stop the exercise and seek advice to the doctor;
- If pain appeared in the cervical spine during the lesson, then replace them with relaxation and stretching exercises;
- During the lesson, control your overall well -being, breathing and pulse;
- If exercises with hand and burden cause you pronounced pain, then for a while, abandon them;
- The complex of physical exercises of therapeutic exercises should be agreed with the doctor.
The following effects are expected from physiotherapy exercises:
- Strengthening the muscles of the neck,
- Blood flow restoration;
- Increased mobility of the vertebrae;
- Increase the volume of movements in the cervical region;
- Getting rid of pain and restoration of innervation;
- Prevention of exacerbations.
Drug treatment
Most neuropathologists and other experts do not represent the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine without medication.The most popular are drugs from a group of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used in the form of injections, tablets, gels and ointments.
Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs relieve pain, inflammation and relieve swelling, as a result, the tone of the neck muscles is restored, metabolism in the affected area improves, and nerve roots and blood vessels are freed from compression.
It is advisable to use drugs from a group of muscle relaxants, which also effectively relieve muscle spasm and at the same time restore their tone.However, drugs should be used with caution, especially in allergies.
Preparations from the group of corticosteroids have earned good reviews in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The injection drug is very popular due to its anti -inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
If the described treatment is not effective, then they resort to the use of paravertebral blockade with painkillers or steroids.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis with non -traditional methods
Supporters of non -traditional treatment methods can use the following treatment methods.
- AcupunctureIt helps to save the patient from pain, relieve swelling and relax the spasmodic muscles, as well as eliminate the functional squeezing of the nerves and arteries.If the fingers are numb on the hands, it is advisable to put the needles in biologically active points on the arm and ear sink;
- Manual therapyIt helps to restore normal blood flow in the neck, relieves muscle spasm and frees pinched nerves.Stretching the spine should be carried out by a skilled specialist with great caution;
- Hirudotherapy (leech treatment)It is an inexpensive and quite effective treatment method.The procedure consists in placing leeches for biologically active points, which should be repeated by a course of 10 sessions.This method helps to restore blood circulation in the cervical region, relieve swelling and inflammation;
- Supreme massageIt consists in the finger effects on biologically active points and helps relieve muscle spasm, improve blood circulation, relieve swelling, pain and inflammation;
- Folk methods of treatmentYou can successfully use it at home.These are various decoctions and infusions that can be prepared by yourself (infusion of wormwood, infusion of lilacs, garlic infusion).The therapeutic baths made of mint, chamomile, sage, rhizomes of calamus have a good effect.
After the above methods of treatment and familiarization with the mechanisms of the development of the disease, make a decision to whom you yourself contact your problem: to a neuropathologist or private clinic.