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 away on their own, without going to the doctor for help.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Second- and third-degree osteochondrosis of the cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine. The fibrous ring is destroyed first and then the protrusion and prolapse of the intervertebral disc nucleus appear. The pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that adversely 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 diet, in which there is a deficiency of minerals, trace elements or a specific group of vitamins.
- frequent hypothermia, tendency to inflammatory processes.
- systemic failures in the work of the endocrine system.
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal injuries;
- hard physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent degrees is considered the most severe. The reason is the narrow position of the nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for nutrition, the nerve of the brain.
Most often, the pathology is located in people over 50 years of age, diagnosed grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis.
What are the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilage that form the spine, in the soft tissues that are nearby.
With the development of degenerative-destructive pathology of the cervix, the discs lose their protective properties.
Gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- the cartilage partially or completely loses its damping properties.
- disk deformation;
- destruction of the fibrous ring (begins in the initial stage).
- the formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each degree of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by specific manifestations. If in the early stages (first and second stage) a person is bothered by mild discomfort, then in advanced form the disease causes a number of complications.
First degree
Grade 1 osteochondrosis of the cervix can occur without clinical manifestations. The patient's main complaint is neck pain.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels muscle stiffness in the collar area, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment on time, you can stop the initial process of first- and second-degree osteochondrosis.
Second degree
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree are more intense. The period of exacerbation is accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main events:
- persistent headache;
- discomfort when moving the head.
- stiffness of movements in the neck-collar area.
- during the period of exacerbation, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short time.
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- reducing the level of working capacity;
- posture suffers, a person can not freely take a comfortable position.
- dizziness.
Manifestations depend on which artery, vein or nerve bundle is constricted. The muscles of the cervical region and the face, ears, head may numb. The person may be disabled.
Third degree
The third degree is characterized by active damage to the fibrous ring.
Violation leads to the appearance of protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The development of cervical disease is characterized by severe pain syndrome, which is not always possible to stop with strong analgesics. Neurological disorders progress gradually.
fourth degree
In the last stage, the degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. It is difficult for patients to move, the rigidity reaches a maximum. Sometimes the pain can go away, but this is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral bodies, which will cause even greater deterioration, deterioration of well-being.
Stage diagnostics
Spinal disc instability, questions about eliminating the effects of tissue damage are examined by a neurologist. The doctor checks the reflexes of the neck with a hammer, tuning tests.
Instrumental research:
- x-ray?
- Computed tomography?
- Magnetic resonance imaging?
- Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
X-rays are taken from the front and side.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are methods of informative research. The only downside is the high cost of the process.
Ultrasound is performed if it is necessary to determine the degree of damage to the vertebral arteries, to assess the condition of the cervical spine. The results will help shape the prognosis of the disease.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second degree
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the taking of drugs that help get rid of the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by many specialists - a therapist, a neurologist.
Anesthesia of patients
Treatment of patients with second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck begins with a painkiller complex. The doctor chooses analgesics in terms of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Fighting foci of inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate foci of inflammation and reduce the level of pain in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a negative effect - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed in tablets or injections, such as in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Often, gels, ointments, creams are used for external treatment.
Chondroprotective
In schemes for the treatment of second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck, a special role is assigned to the protectors of cartilage and bone tissue.
Surgery
If second- and sometimes third-degree cervical osteochondrosis is treated with medication at home, then radical treatment requires hospitalization of the patient. Indications for surgery:
- spine instability;
- spinal cord compression;
- hernia formation.
It is impossible to completely solve the problem of pathological destruction of the throat with the development of osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic gymnastics and gymnastics
If it is impossible to fully restore the functional potential of the spine, then it is possible to stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (first and partly second degree cervical osteochondrosis), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help. Such recreational activities are not expensive, easy to perform, do not cause pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the later stages of the formation of second or third degree osteochondrosis of the neck, exercise and exercise therapy are recommended. The exercises are done under the supervision of a specialist. It is important to do everything right. Main goal: strengthening the neck muscles and relaxing at the same time.
It is important for the patient to strive for recovery, to carefully follow the recommendations of specialists, the prescriptions of doctors.