Description
Osteochondrosis is the pathological condition of the spinal cord tissue.The disease is characterized by dystrophic changes and a decrease in shock function that absorbs the intervertebral disc.Pathology causes deterioration of the ability to set the spinal column due to decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, as well as decreased vertebral and ligaments.
Some forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the localization of dystrophic changes: cervix, chest, lumbar, sacral.One of the most common is cervical osteochondrosis (up to 25% of the total).The disease accompanies unpleasant sensations that significantly reduce the quality of human life.
It should be noted that cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age.Currently, the disease is often diagnosed even in schools and students, associated with inactive lifestyle and long accommodation on computers and textbooks (subject to incorrect body position).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis occurs, symptoms become more prominent, complications often occur: intervertebral hernia, nerve pinch, circulation, hypoxia, and others.
Symptom
With cervical osteochondrosis, inadequate nutrition of the intervertebral disc cervical area occurs, from which they become fragile, and the distance between them decreases.At the same time, bone tissue is exposed to the growth and formation of bone growth (osteophytes).In later stages, growth moves and begins to squeeze tissues, vessels and nerves in the cervix region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- chronic, gradually develop the disease.Therefore, pathological symptoms at different levels are different.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis in the first stage
In the early stages of the disease, there was a slight decrease in the height of the cervical spinal intervertebral disc.Pathology has mild symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck, which can spread to the shoulder.In some cases, pain in the neck may arise, indicated in physical activity. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis level of -2
At this stage, the height of the disc continues to decrease, there is improper cartilage tissue, the protrusion develops.Cracks can be formed in fibrous rings.The pain begins to rise, longer, can emit hands and throughout the spine.There is a sensation of stiffness with the neck round, crisis and the appearance of headaches. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis level –3
In the 3rd stage of the disease, fibrous rings and the formation of intervertebral hernia.Defective spinal columns, dislocations or vertebral subluxation may occur.Patients feel acute, prolonged neck, numbness, loss of sensitivity part of the skin area in the neck, neck, shoulders or hands. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 4th level
In the further stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur - many osteophytes develop, the structure of the intervertebral disc is gradually replaced by scars.Press the hernia produced on the blood vessels and nerves, one has an organ hypoxia, the pathology of the blood circulatory system.The pain lasted, the neck and the upper shoulder belt become moving, the quality of life is getting worse.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient may experience symptoms such as headache, sound or ringing in the ear, nausea, various visual disorders (flicker, dark, pain).
Cause
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to improper loads of the cervical spine.At the same time, the neck muscles cannot overcome mechanical stress, cramps, leading to blood circulation disorders.From this, degenerative changes come in the upper spine.
Factors contributing to the development of cervical spinal osteochondrosis:
- descent tendency;
- neck injury;
- SEDENTARI LIFE;
- stay long in one position - on computers, driving, and other;
- The presence of autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
- Scleroderma;
- violation of metabolism;
- presence of endocrine disease - gout, diabetes;
- Excessive weight.
Diagnostics
In the event of suspicion of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact the medical institution on time.Comprehensive diagnosis will help identify the disease, evaluate his degree and understand the cause of pathological development.Early diagnosis is made based on examination and palpation - with osteochondrosis, cervical muscle tension is observed, in some cases, spinal deformation is significant.
After the objective diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to an additional study.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- Magnetic resonance tomography;
- Radiography (lateral and straight);
- Tomography is considered multilayer.
To determine the causes of pathological development, ultrasound examination of nearby organs, cardiac ECG, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood tests and urine can be supplemented.
Therapeutic treatment
With timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease lends itself to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, however, therapy will help prevent further disease development, relieve unpleasant symptoms and normalize upper spinal mobility.
The following methods are used for this:
- Drug treatment.Medicines relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate cramps in the neck muscles.For this, the following groups of drugs can be used: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow medications, muscle relaxants, etc.
- Physiotherapy treatment.In addition to taking medication to relieve cervical muscles, eliminating cramps and normalizing blood circulation will help with physiotherapeutic procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effects, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonophyesis, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises will help patients strengthen muscle frames, adjust posture and increase blood supply to the upper part of the spinal column.
Surgical
In the case of osteochondrosis stages of the cervical spine or with the effectiveness of inadequate conservative methods, surgery is required.
The following surgical methods can be used depending on specific clinical cases:
- Small removal of vertebral hernia.
- Laminectomy is an operation to eliminate the vertebral process.
- Removal of hernia and stabilization of segments operated using a system consisting of four titanium screws and two stems.
- Removal of endoscopic hernia.