According to statistics, more than 80% of the world’s population suffers from diseases such as osteochondrosis, which affect different parts of the spine. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and factors that cause it to occur. The pathology of the cervical spine is no exception. The factors, symptoms and disease treatment that caused you to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis-these problems should be resolved by qualified experts. At the first sign of discomfort, contactNeurologist. . . Timely choice of treatment course will avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
The first thing worth mentioning is the age of the confirmed patient. Until recently, this pathology was found in the elderly, but now the younger generation is facing a problem and they go to see a doctor. The disease is generally intervertebral disc disease and spinal dystrophy, especially untreated. The cervical spine area is the most flexible and consists of 7 vertebrae, each of which is composed of an annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. The vertebrae affected by osteochondrosis have lost their usual mobility and flexibility. The load is redistributed, so the annulus will move and break. Without treatment, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the formation of intervertebral disc herniation and other consequences.
Stages of osteochondrosis (short description)
Like any disease, cervical osteochondrosis has stages of development. Doctors will consider these stages of development when formulating a treatment plan. Patients must understand these stages in order to seek help in time. There are 4 stages:
- The first is characterized by slight and slight pain, which increases with the rotation of the head.
- The second stage is characterized by severe pain syndrome, in which discomfort can be passed from the neck to the arms. At this stage, the nerve endings are squeezed, so in addition to pain, the person will feel weak, and he will have a general feeling of poor health.
- In the third stage, the pain syndrome does not disappear and radiates to the arm or shoulder, and disc herniation can also be diagnosed. In some cases, the hands will lose sensitivity and the neck mobility will decrease.
- In the fourth stage, not only the changes in the damaged vertebrae are diagnosed, but they are almost completely destroyed. The patient continued to suffer from severe pain and tinnitus, and he began to navigate poorly in space.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women may differ from physiology, and doctors must take this into consideration when formulating a treatment plan.
reason
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs in various but very special circumstances. In the course of treatment, doctors must find out the cause of the pathology in order to not only start to fight the symptoms, but also fight the factors that cause the disease.
Heavyweight
Being overweight can put pressure on the body. The larger it is, the stronger the load. In many cases, being overweight can cause osteochondrosis, because overloading can cause serious damage to the spine, especially in the affected area. When a disease is discovered, the first step for an overweight patient is to get rid of it. Of course there are complex treatments.
Sitting and working, with limited mobility
Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of moderate physical activity are factors that cause poor posture and incorrect load distribution on the cervical spine and other parts. Many times, office workers and those who like to sit on the sofa at home sit in the wrong position, which exacerbates the problem.
Previous spinal injury
Injuries can happen for any reason, the most common are car accidents and accidents. The neck is also one of the vulnerable parts of divers and professional swimmers. When the neck is injured, many parts and areas of the spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunks, intervertebral discs and joints, and spinal roots. Any trauma suffered may cause osteochondrosis in the "sick" part of the cervical spine, and consequently lead to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
Insanity
Unstable mental state, stress, and constant anxiety are the causes of many health problems, including them as predisposing factors for cervical osteochondrosis. Many patients who complain of pain syndrome also report signs of depression, persistent fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Mental disorder itself may either appear due to the presence of osteochondrosis, or it may worsen the disease. Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the condition of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues. Due to the displacement of the vertebrae, the passage narrows, the oxygen entering the brain is reduced, and the blood flow is disturbed, which will not only cause physical diseases, but also mental disorders.
Poor physical fitness
Every day, the same muscles are involved in our exercise, and those muscles that remain immobile will gradually lose their elasticity and fluidity. When exposed to external factors, they may cause injuries, including the neck. Moderate physical exercise is essential for everyone to strengthen the muscle corset and reduce the risk of injury. Other causes of cervical osteochondrosis include metabolic disorders, excessive physical activity, genetics, and physical diseases.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis can be easily distinguished from the pathology of other parts of the spine by its symptoms. This happens because the vertebrae of the neck are very close, and when any problems (including osteochondrosis) occur, the symptoms will be obvious. Cervical Osteochondrosis: Symptoms-Now learn more about the main content:
- Pain syndromes of different intensities can be located in the neck and head, shoulders, arms, etc. ;
- Weakness, numbness and poor sensitivity of the hand due to nerve root compression;
- It is difficult to turn the head, and there is a crunching sound when turning (this is caused by the structural changes of the intervertebral disc);
- Feeling unwell, weak, and generalized due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- The final stage is characterized by impaired hearing and vision.
If symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor and start treatment.
Why is osteochondrosis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, then the entire body is at risk of serious complications. The small neck area contains a large number of nerves and arteries, which connect and supply the brain and organs and systems below the neck. If the function of the cervical spine is impaired, the nutrition of the entire body will also be impaired. Cervical osteochondrosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, cardiac ischemia and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as vision and hearing problems.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to start treatment, the doctor needs to record the medical history, find out the cause and time of neck discomfort, and perform necessary examinations to fully understand your health status. Only a doctor will tell whether the treatment methods and methods of cervical osteochondrosis can be cured, so don't delay treatment, sign up to consult a therapist or neurologist.
drug
The first step is to select, prescribe and administer drugs: painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain syndromes and existing inflammations and infections. The type and quantity of drugs are individually selected.
physiotherapy
Any physical therapy procedure is designed to relieve pain syndromes, muscle spasms, and reduce inflammation. As physical therapy, they are used: acupuncture, manipulation, hydrotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
physiotherapy
After the exacerbation phase has passed, prescribe therapeutic exercises for the patient. These measures are aimed at restoring the normal function of the cervical spine and avoiding the deterioration of the condition.
Family therapy
Home treatment methods may include self-massage and exercise therapy, which must be selected and prescribed by an expert. Surgery can only be performed after the attending physician demonstrates the technique.
massage
When performing neck massage, do not use excessive force or rotation, and the movement should be smooth and follow the lymphatic flow. Experts use a variety of techniques, including stroking, squeezing, rubbing, and kneading. Professional massage can only be performed by experts. Surgery is only selected when conservative methods do not work. The treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis is usually carried out at home, and the necessary results and symptoms can be eliminated only when the doctor’s recommendations and treatment courses are followed.
prevention
The doctor recommends choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc. ) and sleeping places with good spinal support. It is recommended to sleep on orthopedic mattresses and low pillows. Sauna, steam baths and hot showers will help relieve muscle cramps (if there are no contraindications). As sports activities, swimming, yoga, and walking are recommended, but the strong load on the spine (running, jumping, weightlifting, etc. ) should be excluded. If you have a sedentary job, take a break and do some gymnastics.