Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against the background of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissues of the intervertebral discs in the neck. The disease can be complicated by paresis and paralysis of the hands, ischemia, and cerebrovascular accident. 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 the further course of therapy according to the chosen scheme. for 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, when driving a car or working on 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 neck area.
Along with this, the factors that increase the probability of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal alterations.
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. Secondary symptoms of the disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- headache;
- hand numbness;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- crackling in the neck area when moving.
In the 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 in the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated conservatively. Traumatologists-orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend to patients:
- make sure that the engine rests on the affected area (for this, it is advisable to use a special device Shants collar);
- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- do corticosteroid injections (with severe pain syndrome);
- engage in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides a higher intake of protein and fiber;
- take courses in physiotherapeutic procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the time limits established by the doctor;
- avoid situations of stress, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
In cases where conservative treatment methods do not help to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During surgery, the doctor:
- removes the affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- installs implants that replace the destroyed segments;
- stabilizes the vertebrae;
- carries out laser restoration of destroyed tissues.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow down the development of the disease, restore the patient's ability to work and prevent dangerous complications of the disease.