Cervical osteochondrosis - Causes, signs and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is an intervertebral disk disease, consisting of the occurrence of pathological metabolic disorders.When the pulp, which plays the role of shock absorption, begins to harden due to the active processes of ossification, there is discomfort associated with the pinch of nerve roots.

Without timely treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical region arise serious consequences that prevent normal life.You need to know which symptoms start to sound the alarm.

Neck osteochondrosis - Classification

The problem of the disease is premature.The patient has classic neurological manifestations - headache, dizziness, fly in the eyes, shortness of breath, neck pain, chest.The patient may be numb from the limbs, because of which he will visit a cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or orthopedist, without realizing the real causes of misleading.

The disease is physiological in nature, since the human spine, in a vertical position, is forced to support long static loads.With age, bone tissue weakens, which negatively affects the state of health of the spine.Destructive and depth processes are under development, which leads to the appearance of osteochondrosis.Cervical osteochondrosis occurs more often, as the neck has good mobility, which makes this department a prone to traumatic damage.

The disease is one of the most common among spinal diseases.Osteochondrosis also tends to reduce age.If 20 years ago, people from 40 to 60 years old approached with complaints about back pain, now people from 30 to 40 are more likely to complain.Such an unfavorable change is associated with the deterioration of health indicators due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and reduced nutrition quality.

The pathology is associated not only with physiological adverse changes, but also with the pathological state of the body.Physiological processes are due to the occurrence of destructive processes in relation to the background of body aging and cartilage.Over time, natural unfavorable changes that cannot be prevented - metabolic processes are disturbed, calcium reserves are exhausted.Pathological Factors - The destruction of cartilage and wear and tear of intervertebral discs associated with the leadership of a harmful lifestyle.

In addition, the pathological course of intervertebral discs and elastic content ossification can be complicated by the ligament apparatus, pathological wear of vertebrae (spondylosis), press (hernia type development) and the formation of calcium salts deposits.

Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis

In the early stages, it is difficult to identify clear signs of the disease, as symptoms are paroxysmal, sometimes completely passing.The diagnosis is more difficult in patients who use painkillers periodically.With a decrease in pain sensitivity, the disease is disguised and becomes more difficult to diagnose external signs.Generally, the patient does not believe he has problems until the disease reaches the terminal stage.In addition to neck and head pain, dizziness and heels occur in blood pressure.

The dizziness of osteochondrosis occurs periodically, but does not always indicate specifically for this disease.Generally, this condition is observed with the development of inflammatory processes in the ears, with spasms of the brain vessels, as well as against the bottom of innervation.Sometimes this state is associated with cardiovascular system diseases, impaired coordination of movements or anemia.If the patient periodically has dizziness, accompanied by a sense of shortness, shortness of breath and weakness, you should seek medical help.

That signs that occur against the background of dizziness are the reason for the patient's emergency hospitalization:

1. The numbness of the upper waist on one side, accompanied by parallel paralysis of the muscles of the face.
2. Migraine attacks, a very severe headache against the general's evil cloth.
3. Problems with movement coordination.
4. Violation of consciousness, its loss.

Headache is one of the most common and nonspecific signs that occur at the bottom of cervical osteochondrosis.Most of the time, a tension headache occurs in women.This condition is associated with a feature of the hormonal background (excess estradiol in the body compared to men) and vascular weakness, which is also associated with hormonal status (increased progesterone relaxes the vessels, making them less durable).

With osteochondrosis, headache occurs due to frequent crain cramps against the bottom of the pitch of the nerve roots and with increasing indicators of intracranial pressure.Atcondreous pain attacks usually resemble hypertension, an IBS or a stroke attack (it is important to consider that the older a person, the higher the risk of pathologies).

If the patient has other diseases associated with the impaired function of the cardiac muscle, with attacks of osteochondrosis, heart pain will also be observed.Normally, in people with cardiovascular disease, there is an attack by angina pectoris, blood pressure increases, extrystole, arrhythmia and pain in the chest area begin.If, when using first aid medications, the patient does not become better and the attack lasts long, it is urgent to call an ambulance so that the patient is taken to the hospital to the cardiologist.

Pain syndrome for osteochondrosis

Separately, the characteristics of disease pain syndrome should be described.Unpleasant sensations do not always appear in the occipital area or head.There are attacks, pain in which they are most often located in completely different places.Cervical pain usually radiates in the hands or shoulders.Distinguished signs of unpleasant sensations are the appearance of discomfort immediately after waking up or performing sudden movements.An example is to sneeze or laugh.Even with such light physiological reactions, a pain syndrome attack may occur.

If the pathology is not very neglected, unpleasant sensations will disappear soon and discomfort is often accompanied by an enhanced crisis in cervical vertebrae.Often the disease occurs in people with cervical lordosis - a pathophysiological condition associated with increased flexibility in the neck.If a person usually lifts his head backwards, this condition can occur.The more advanced the pathological condition, worse the patient feels, because the pain returns over time, intensifying, offering an increasingly powerful torment.

That sensations and signs of pain are described by patients more often:

1. The pain goes on the "depth" of the neck.
2. As it turns to the head to the side, a crisis or a strong sensation of a crack is observed.
3. When unpleasant sensations are observed, the patient has stiffness in the cervical region, accompanied by muscle weakness.

According to statistics, the disease most often affects 6 and 7 cervical vertebrae.The disease also occurs in any of the vertebral parts of the cervical location.

Development of arterial hypertension with cervical osteochondrosis

There is a clear connection between a specific disease and increasing pressure.Cervical vertebrae are also penetrated by nerve endings and vascular canal.If calculations on the surface of the vertebrae increase, the pathological tightening of nerve endings and blood vessels occurs.As a result, the microspassion occurs and the patient has characteristic deteriorations in the good -to -be.

Hypertension, which occurs in relation to the fund, has specific differences:

1. Persistent and acute headache is the most characteristic feature of Shokh.
2. Breast pain in inhalation, discomfort in the limbs.
3. Reducing sensitivity in the collar zone.
4. The appearance of sharp pressure jumps after nerve tension, muscle overvoltage or a long stay in the anthalgic pose.

Causes of neck osteochondrosis

Most of the time, this disease is associated with natural aging processes and the occurrence of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.It is worth noting that not all people in old age suffer from osteochondrosis.Generally, this disease goes beyond the obesity that leads a sedentary lifestyle.

Instigrating factors that cause pathology include:

1. A sedentary lifestyle, including hypodinamia.
2. The occupation of an uncomfortable posture associated with a long and static stress.An example is a long seated in the desktop without maintaining the proper posture.
3. Obesity or overweight body weight.Great weight is not always associated with fat deposits.In bodybuilders or massive athletes, an increase in body weight rate is observed.Exceeding the recommended weight is full not only with premature spine wear, but also to overload the cardiovascular system.
4. Chronic stress associated with nerve overload.
5. Previously suffered head injuries or dislocation of the neck.
6. Local Hypothermia - Blowing the neck.
7. The presence of a pathological autoimmune process in the body, which negatively affects the state of the cartilage, bone tissue.Examples are rheumatoid arthritis, leading to the development of such diseases, such as Shokh.
8. The presence of congenital anomalies in the structure of the spine.

The presence of dosed physical effort, adequate nutrition and bad habits rejection is the best way to minimize the risk of exacerbations associated with osteochondrosis.

Stages of disease development

There are several stages of development of the pathological state associated with the force of manifestation of osteochondrosis symptoms:

1. The pre -clinical stage is the first.In the early stages, it is difficult to observe signs of the disease, because there are no specific symptoms yet.The only thing a experienced expert may notice is the softness of cervical lordosis.As a result of such a light change, minimal discomfort is possible with clear curves from neck to side.Over time, tension, lower back pain and back muscles can occur, as the cervical zone usually pulls the lower back.If the patient was lucky and osteochondrosis was found at an early stage, you can make a change in diet and lifestyle correction so that the pathology does not continue to progress.Patients usually ignore this stage, since discomfort rarely causes significant changes in the body.
2. The second stage occurs if the pre -clinical degree has been successfully ignored.Generally, at this stage, there are signs of instability of the cervical region.At this stage, the patient is already concerned with pain syndrome.Unpleasant sensations are often given to the hands of the upper shoulder belt.The pain with clear inclinations and twists of the head is felt more strongly.Since the pathological subsidence of the distance between intervertebral discs is already occurring, nerve endings are compressed, which leads to the development of a neurological syndrome in the patient.As a result, the patient has concomitant symptoms, including greater fatigue, decreased performance, distraction and headache.
3. The third degree.At this stage, pain syndrome becomes even more pronounced than before.It is impossible to ignore this pain;Therefore, even the most persistent patients are already forced to consult a doctor to make an appropriate diagnosis.Pain usually radiates to limbs and shoulders, and in the morning there is weakness in the muscles of the hands.At this stage, a concomitant disease may occur - a hernia of the intervertebral disc.In the morning, the patient feels strong rigidity, which also indicates a deterioration in the mobility of the cervical region.In patients, dizziness and severe weakness are observed.
4. Terminal osteochondrosis, fourth stage.At this stage, the destruction of intervertebral discs is observed.The discs themselves are replaced by the time of connective tissue.An enhanced pathological process can already affect other segments of the spine, including the thoracic and lumbar region.In these patients, the quality of life suffers a lot - coordination of movements worsening, headache and dizziness become unbearable, ears noise also appears, other severe disorders - vascular disorders, problems with the respiratory system.

Syndromes that occur with cervical osteochondrosis

The danger of untreated symptoms is in additional progression.If the patient continues to ignore the pathology, various types of syndromes occur - symptom complexes.There are such types:

1. Vertebral or vertebral.
2. Vertebral artery.
3. Carcial or cordial.
4. Rook syndrome.

The combination of these signs usually develops in the general image of the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

Vertebral syndrome often develops.In the patient, over time, the mobility of the cervical spine is interrupted.First, rigidity occurs after awakening.In the future, the pathology will be constantly present.Also, when trying to turn the neck to the side, the pain appears.At root X, some deteriorations are also fixed.A feature of vertebral syndrome is the presence of all the above signs.If there is no signal, this is an exception or axiom.The complexity of the diagnosis is that vertebral syndrome is often confused with other inflammatory diseases of the cervical region - myositis, injury and stretching.

Vertebral artery syndrome is associated with the pathological arterial process that occurs when a tablet.If there is a lack of blood flow due to partial overlap of vertebral arteries in the cervical region, the following complications occur:

1. The insufficiency of venous blood flow manifests by such signs - the appearance of noise in the ears, dizziness, pressure heels, vomiting or nausea.
2. The irritation of nerve endings, which manifests itself by migraine or intense headache.Often, in a patient, it can record a feeling of numbness or temporary vision of vision by an eye.
3. Oxygen hunger due to squeezed arteries.The patient has signs of hypoxia - shortness of breath, heart pain, fainting, dizziness and weakness with the slightest physical stress.

A similar condition is also characteristic of atherosclerosis and oncology.

In addition, symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis are characterized by the development of cardiac type syndrome.The patient has signs similar to a heart muscle disorder.Many signs may look like a heart attack or coronary heart disease.During the aggravation period, the patient feels burning and squeezing in the cardiac muscle, weakness, shortness of breath and an increase in tachycardia attack.To exclude cardiac syndrome against the bottom of osteochondrosis, you need to conduct an echo from the heart, ECG.If there are no signs of heart disorders, this is a cardiac syndrome that arose due to the fact that cervical spine osteochondrosis continues to progress.

Rooser syndrome is associated with major diseases - bastards in the spine spine area and limbs.The reason is the transfer of nerve endings.During the aggravation period, the patient should observe bed rest and use painkillers.The pathology is treated using neurotropic drugs.The prevention of seizures aims to improve blood circulation, conducting physical therapy and physical therapy.Rotor syndrome is dangerous of complications.If even a small nerve is completely stuck, it is full of limb immobilization and impaired innervation in the fingers, hands.

Diagnosis of neck osteochondrosis

To determine the pathology, you need to contact the therapist.The doctor performs an initial exam, fills the patient's hospital card and sends the patient to a narrow specialist - a traumatologist or a neurologist.Then the doctor examines the patient, makes a primary diagnosis when examined, which should be confirmed using laboratory tests.

That diagnostic methods are recommended to suspect cervical osteochondrosis:

1. X -Ray.This is a quick and general option for the initial examination required to evaluate the patient's bone system condition in the distant column.If the patient has osteochondrosis, the distance in the spine uncomfortage will be reduced.
2. To find out certain diagnoses, you can perform magnetic resonance tomography.Magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate diagnostic method.The device will consider bone structures and cartilage, soft tissues.You may notice any disturbances - pinched nerves, intervertebral hernia stage and the degree of development of osteochondrosis.
3. Computed tomography.The research method is adequate if there is no suspicion of the presence of intervertebral hernia.
4. Duplex digitization by ultrasound.If the patient is suspected of impaired venous blood, this type of study is performed.If there are physical obstacles, this type of diagnosis will help identify them.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine aims to eliminate symptoms.There is no radical way that returns the development of back pathology.It should be understood that the nature of the disease is not only in pathological development, but also in natural degenerative destruction.

Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis with medicines

Drug therapy is the best way to reduce pain during a pain attack.Normally, medicines are prescribed to treat osteochondrosis based on symptoms:

1. NSAIDs or painkillers.Non -esteroid anti -inflammatory drugs are suitable for interrupting a stress headaches attack, which is most often observed in women.The appointment of a particular medicine depends on the causes of pain.An example is a woman has a headache due to vascular spasm, so painkillers or antismodic are written.If the pain occurs in the neck and is accompanied by inflammation, NSAIDs are required with a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect.It is better to clarify the specific business name of the assistant doctor.
2. Muslaxantes.These medications are effective in treating similar diseases associated with the destruction or damage of bone cherry tissue.Such diseases include hernias, protrusion and rheumatoid pathologies.Recent studies indicate that muscle relaxants show not only a relaxing effect, but also effectively anesthesia.A group of drugs is prescribed on excessive muscle spasticity associated with their overload, which emerged at the bottom of osteochondrosis.These medications hardly affect central nervous system activity so that they can be taken during the day.The course of therapy lasts about 4 weeks.
3. Combined injection agents of B1, B6 and B12 vitamins B vitamins B12 in large dosages show an analgesic effect if pain syndrome is caused by a pinch of nerve roots.A long course is necessary in combination with painkillers.In case of exacerbation attacks, it is advisable to observe the rest in the bed in order to unload the pain zone as much as possible.Within 2-3 weeks, according to instructions, injection medications are used and, for 1-2 months, drink tablets. 
4. Condropoprotectors.Such medications are necessary in the presence of degenerative processes in cartilage.If the improved destructive effects have already begun, the chondroprotectors will not eliminate them.Long -term use of drug injection forms can slow the regression of cartilage destruction, no longer.The minimum period of use is 3-4 months.
5. Hypotentine agents.If the patient has periodically pressure to increase towards the increase, use medications that reduce systolic and diastolic pressure.The medications are used carefully and only as prescribed by a doctor.Tyta blockers or calcium channel blockers are usually prescribed.
6. Sedatives.Sedding agents are required if, against the antecedents of autonomic disorders, neurological disorders occur.Examples are crises of anxiety, insomnia or sleep disturbance.In the early stages, vegetable sedatives are suitable.With more serious disorders, prescribed medicines are prescribed.
7. Anti -hixantes.It is necessary if the patient suffers from a slight cardiac disorder associated with shortness of breath.
8. Calcium and vitamin D3 preparations.To support the bone fortress in the presence of active degenerative processes, it is necessary to take mineral complexes.Calcium is the necessary construction material, without it bones become porous and break.D3 is a vitamin without which normal calcium assimilation is impossible.In combination, these substances strengthen bone tissue well.It is also useful to periodically drink other minerals to support the health of the musculoskeletal-silicon, sulfur, zinc, magnesium and boron system.
9. Vitamin-mineral complexes.In addition to specialized additives, it is necessary to take polyvitamins seasonally to maintain the patient's overall health.Take complexes 2-3 times a year for 1-2 months with intervals.
10. External funds.To put the neck condition in order when you feel stiff, you can use hot or therapeutic ointments, gels that contribute to improving blood supply.It is precisely in some ointments to cure a sense of constant stiffness, but applying a small amount of external medicine before going to bedtime will relieve the condition in the morning.

Conservative therapy methods

In the recovery period, when acute pain decreased, a person with osteochondrosis should support the body using conservative treatment methods:

1. Therapeutic Gymnastics.Special exercises with regular execution improve joint mobility, temporarily accelerates blood circulation.The patient feels improved over time.The main exercise rule of exercise is the regularity and sequence of actions.If you perform Physical Education every day, the neck muscles will come to Tom, which significantly relieves the column load.
2. Massage.The procedure is performed after an acute period to improve blood flow and relax the muscles.The contact effect is well combined with the course of muscle relaxants, enhancing the effect of drugs.With physical exposure of the fingers, local temperature in hot muscles -UP increases, which improves blood flow.The massage leads to relaxing the stuck sections of the back.
3. Physiotherapy methods.Hardware treatment aims to improve blood flow in the damaged area.Using devices and exposure to the current or magnetic field of a low frequency, medications are administered by the skin.These funds are well absorbed without creating a systemic effect.Examples of Maginetrapia, Electrophoresis, Laser Effect, Shock Wave Therapy.

In a neglected case, when conservative therapy is ineffective, the patient is offered to perform surgical intervention.In particular, the radical therapy method is effective in the presence of hernias or protrusions, when there are concomitant diseases of the spine that exacerbate the situation.Indications for operation are loss of limb sensitivity, unbearable pain.