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 stroke. That is why the detection of one 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 the 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 polyetiological pathology. It can be provoked by:
- Trauma;
- reduced motor activity;
- a long stay in a sitting position (for example, when driving a car or working at a computer);
- increased load on the spine;
- congenital features in the structure of the spine;
- metabolic disease;
- irrational diet;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- infectious diseases;
- Poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- the appearance of salt deposits in the collar zone.
Next to them are factors that increase the likelihood of pathology, autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.
Symptoms of the cervical spine: 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, and become worse when sneezing, coughing, and trying to turn your head. Secondary symptoms of the disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- A headache;
- hand numbness;
- Dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- Crunching in the neck area when moving.
In the later stages, the patient may have reduced 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 diseases in the tissues of the upper section of the spine are treated using conservative methods. Traumatologists-orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend patients:
- make sure that the engine rests in the affected area (for this it is advisable to use a special device shants-collar);
- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamin and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- Injections of corticosteroids (with severe pain syndrome);
- engage in therapeutic exercises, swim;
- follow a diet that provides for an increased intake of proteins and fiber;
- Take courses in physiotherapeutic procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the deadlines set by the doctor;
- Avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries and prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
In cases where conservative methods of treatment do not help to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During the operation, the doctor must:
- removes affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- installs implants that replace the destroyed segments;
- stabilizes the vertebrae;
- performs 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 working capacity and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.