Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against the background of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the neck. The disease can be complicated by paresis and paralysis of the hands, ischemia and stroke. For this reason, the detection of any of its symptoms should be the basis for a visit to an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist who knows exactly how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, and a subsequent course of therapy according to his chosen scheme. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyetiological pathology. It can be provoked by:
- trauma;
- reduced motor activity;
- long stay in a sitting position (for example when driving a car or working on a computer);
- increased load on the spine;
- congenital features in the structure of the spine;
- metabolic disease;
- irrational eating;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- infectious diseases;
- poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- the appearance of salt deposits in the collar area.
In addition, factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.
Symptoms of the cervical spine: symptoms
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is severe pain in the back of the head and neck. Unpleasant sensations can radiate to the shoulder girdle and arms, become more pronounced when sneezing, coughing, trying to turn his head. The secondary symptoms of the disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- headache;
- numbness of the hands;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- crunch in the neck when moving.
In the later stages, the patient may have reduced hearing and visual acuity. In some patients, the development of the pathology is accompanied by the appearance of chest pain.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated with conservative methods. Orthopedic traumatologists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend to patients:
- ensure rest of the engine in the affected area (for this it is recommended to use a special device Shants collar);
- take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- give corticosteroid injections (for severe pain syndrome);
- participate in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides increased protein and fiber intake;
- conduct courses of physiotherapy procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the time limits set by the doctor;
- avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure in awkward positions.
In cases where conservative treatment does not help get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During the operation the doctor:
- removes the affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- places implants that replace the destroyed segments;
- stabilizes the vertebrae;
- conducts laser repair of destroyed tissues.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow the development of the disease, restore the patient's ability to work and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.