Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let the problem go by itself, without going to the doctor for help.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis of the second and third degree cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine. First, the fibrinous ring is destroyed, then protrusion and prolapse of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc occurs. Pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that negatively affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis of various degrees:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to the disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- unbalanced nutrition, against the background of which there is a deficiency of minerals, trace elements or a specific group of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, tendency to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failures in the work of the endocrine system;
- obesity at any stage;
- Spinal injuries;
- heavy physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent degrees is considered the most severe. The reason is the close location of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, innervation of the brain.
More often, the pathology is found in people over 50 years old, 3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed.
What is Osteochondrosis of the Neck and Symptoms
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilages that form the spine, on the soft tissues located nearby.
With the development of degenerative-destructive cervical pathology, discs lose their protective properties.
Gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- cartilage partially or completely loses its depreciating qualities;
- disk deformation;
- destruction of the annulus fibrosus (begins at the initial stage);
- the formation of osteophytes - bony growths on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each grade of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If in the early stages (first and second stages) a person is bothered by slight discomfort, in an advanced form the disease causes various complications.
First degree
1st degree cervical osteochondrosis can occur without clinical manifestations. The patient's main complaint is neck pain.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels stiffness of the muscles in the collar area, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment in a timely manner, you can stop the initial process of first- and second-degree osteochondrosis anomalies.
High school
Symptoms of 2nd degree cervical spine osteochondrosis are more pronounced. The period of exacerbation is accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main manifestations:
- persistent headache;
- discomfort when moving the head;
- stiffness of movements in the collar area;
- during the period of exacerbation, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- decreased level of work capacity;
- posture suffers, a person cannot freely assume a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
Manifestations depend on which artery, vein, or nerve bundles were clamped. The muscles in the neck brace area and the face, ears and head may feel numb. The person may be disabled.
Third degree
The third degree is characterized by an active lesion of the annulus fibrosus.
Violation leads to the occurrence of protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of progression of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced painful syndrome, which is not always possible to stop with strong painkillers. Neurological disorders progress gradually.
fourth degree
In the last stage, the degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. It is difficult for patients to move, rigidity is at its maximum. Sometimes the pain may subside, but this is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral elements, which will cause an even greater aggravation, deterioration of well-being.
stage diagnostics
Instability of spinal discs, questions about eliminating the consequences of tissue destruction are considered by a neurologist. The doctor checks the neck reflexes with a hammer, tests for coordination.
Instrumental research:
- radiography;
- computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasonography of the vertebral arteries.
X-rays are taken from the front and side.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are informative research methods. The only downside is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is done if it is necessary to determine the degree of damage to the vertebral arteries, to assess the condition of the cervical region of the spine. The results will help form the prognosis of the disease.
Therapy of second-degree cervical region osteochondrosis
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is taking drugs that help to get rid of the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - a therapist, a neurologist.
patient anesthesia
Treatment of patients with second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck begins with an analgesic complex. The doctor selects analgesics from the point of view of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Combats foci of inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs help to eliminate foci with inflammation and reduce the level of pain in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non-steroidal drugs have a negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics of the non-steroidal group can be prescribed in pills or injections, as in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Often, gels, ointments and creams are used for external treatment.
chondroprotectors
In regimens for the treatment of second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck, a special role is assigned to protectors of cartilage and bone tissue.
Surgery
If therapy of second- and sometimes third-degree cervical osteochondrosis with drugs takes place at home, then radical treatment requires hospitalization of the patient. Indications for surgery:
- spinal instability;
- spinal cord compression;
- hernia formation.
It is impossible to completely solve the problem of pathological destruction of the neck with the progression of osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic Gymnastics and Therapeutic Exercises
If it is impossible to fully restore the functional potential of the spine, it is possible to stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (first and partially second degree of cervical osteochondrosis), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help. Such recreational activities are not expensive, easy to perform, do not bring pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the later stages of the formation of second or third degree osteochondrosis of the neck, gymnastics and exercise therapy are recommended. The exercises are performed under the supervision of a specialist. It's important to do everything right. The main objective: to strengthen the neck muscles and relax at the same time.
It is important that the patient strives for recovery, carefully follows the recommendations of specialists, the prescriptions of doctors.