Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against a background of degeneration and dystrophy of the intervertebral disc tissue in 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 the scheme chosen by him. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyethological pathology. It can be provoked by:
- trauma;
- reduce motor activity;
- prolonged 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 diseases;
- irrational eating;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- contagious disease;
- poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- the appearance of salt deposits in the collar zone.
Along with this, factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.
Cervical spine symptoms: symptoms
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is intense 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 the head. Secondary symptoms of this disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- Headache;
- numb hands;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- throbbing in the neck when moving.
In the final stages, patients may experience 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 in the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated with conservative methods. Trauma-orthopedic specialists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend to patients:
- ensure motor rest in the affected area (for this it is advisable to use a special device Shants collar);
- taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- perform corticosteroid injections (with severe pain syndrome);
- engage in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides increased protein and fiber intake;
- take a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the time limit set by the doctor;
- avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
In cases where conservative treatment methods do not help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During surgery, the doctor:
- removing the affected intervertebral disc or its fragments;
- installing implants that replace destroyed segments;
- stabilize the vertebrae;
- perform laser recovery of destroyed tissue.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow the progression of the disease, restore the patient's ability to work and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.