Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against the background of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissue of the intervertebral discs 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 become 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 he chose. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyetiological pathology. This can be caused by:
- trauma;
- reduced motor activity;
- long stay in a sitting position (for example, when driving a car or working at a computer);
- increased load on the spine;
- innate characteristics 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 area.
In addition, factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.
Symptoms of the cervical spine: symptoms
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is intense pain in the back of the head and neck. Unpleasant feelings can spread to the shoulder girdle and arms, be more pronounced when sneezing, coughing, trying to turn your head. Secondary symptoms of the disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- headache;
- numbness of the hands;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- cracking in the neck area when moving.
In 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 disorders in the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated by conservative methods. Traumatologists-orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend to patients:
- provide motor rest in the affected area (for this it is recommended to use a special device Shants collar);
- take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- make corticosteroid injections (with severe pain syndrome);
- engage in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides for increased protein and fiber intake;
- attend courses in physiotherapy procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture within the deadlines set by the doctor;
- avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure to awkward positions.
In cases when conservative treatment methods do not help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During the operation, the doctor:
- removes affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- installs implants that replace destroyed segments;
- stabilizes vertebrae;
- performs laser restoration of destroyed tissues.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow the development of the disease, restore the patient's ability to work and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.