Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against a 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. It is for this reason that the detection of any of its symptoms should become the basis for a visit to an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist, who knows exactly how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, and further treatment according to thescheme chosen by him. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyetiological pathology. It can be caused by:
- trauma;
- reduced motor activity;
- a long stay in a sitting position (for example, while driving a car or working at a computer);
- increased load on the spine;
- congenital features in the structure of the spine;
- metabolic disease;
- irrational nutrition;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- Infectious diseases;
- poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- the appearance of salt deposits in the collar area.
Along with this, factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal disturbances.
Cervical spine symptoms: 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 your 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;
- creaking in the neck area when moving.
In later stages, the patient may have decreased hearing and visual acuity. In some patients, the development of pathology is accompanied by the appearance of chest pain.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated with conservative methods. Traumatologists-orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend to patients:
- providing motor rest in the affected area (for this it is advisable to use a special device for collar Shants);
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- giving corticosteroid injections (with severe pain syndrome);
- practicing therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides an increased intake of protein and fiber;
- take courses in physiotherapeutic acts, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the time limits set by the doctor;
- avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
In cases where conservative treatment methods do not allow to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgical intervention. During surgery, the doctor:
- removes affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- installs implants that replace destroyed segments;
- stabilizes the vertebrae;
- performs laser restoration of destroyed tissues.
Prompt treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow down the development of the disease, restore the patient's working capacity and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.