Description of the disease
Osteocondrosis is a pathological state of the tissue of the bone cheat of the spine.The disease is characterized by dystrophic changes and a decrease in the function of absorption of the shock of the intervertebral discs.The pathology causes the deterioration of the fixing capacity of the spinal column due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in the tone of the muscles and vertebral ligaments.
Different forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the location of dystrophic changes: cervical, chest, lumbar, sacral.One of the most common is cervical osteochondosis (up to 25% of the total).The disease accompanies unpleasant sensations that significantly reduce the quality of human life.
It is interesting to note that cervical osteochondosis can occur at any age.At the moment, the disease is often diagnosed also in schoolchildren and students, which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and long -term stays on the computer and textbooks (subject to the location of the wrong body).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced, often complications occur: intervertebral hernias, pinches of nerve, circulatory, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteocondrosis, insufficient nutrition of intervertebral discs of the cervical region occurs, from which they become fragile and the distance between them decreases considerably.At the same time, bone tissue becomes subject to the growth and formation of bone growths (osteophytes).In the following stages, the growth move and start squeezing fabrics, vessels and neighboring nerves that take place in the cervical region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- Chronic and gradually developing disease.Therefore, the symptoms of the pathology in different phases are different.
- Symptoms of osteochondosis of the 1st degree
In the initial phase of the disease, there is a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc of the cervical column.The pathology has mild symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck, which can spread on the shoulders.In some cases, neck pain may appear, manifested in physical activity. - Symptoms of osteochondosis of the 2nd degree
At this stage, the height of the disc continues to decrease, the fabric of the cartilage is developed incorrectly growing, the protrusion develops.Creps can form in the fibrous ring.Pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can radiate into the hands and along the spine.There is a feeling of rigidity with neck turns, a crunch and the appearance of headaches. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree
In the third phase of the disease, a fibrous ring breaks and the formation of intervertebral hernias.The spinal column is deformed, dislocations or subluxation of the vertebrae may occur.The patient feels acute pain, prolonged in the neck, numbness, partial loss of the sensitivity of the skin areas in the neck, neck, shoulders or hands. - Symptoms of osteochondosis of the 4th degree
In an advanced phase of the disease, irreversible changes occur - numerous osteophytes develop, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced by the scar tissue.The resulting hernia presses on blood vessels and nerves, a person has organs of organs, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain lasts for a long time, the neck and the belt of the upper shoulder are immobilized, the quality of life has significantly worsened.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient can have symptoms such as headache, noise or ringing in the ears, nausea, various visual damage (flicker, darkening, pain).
Reasons
Cervical osteocondrosis occurs due to the load distributed improperly on the cervical column.At the same time, the muscles of the neck cannot face mechanical pressure, spasm, which leads to circulatory disorders.From this, the degenerative changes arrive in the upper spine.
Factors that contribute to the development of osteochondosis of the cervical column:
- hereditary predisposition;
- neck injuries;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Long stay in one position - on the computer, driving, etc.;
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
- Scleroderma;
- violation of the metabolism;
- The presence of endocrine diseases - Gout, diabetes;
- Excessive body weight.
Diagnostics
If there is the suspicion of the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to promptly contact a medical institution.A complete diagnosis will help identify the disease, evaluate its degree and understand the causes of the development of the pathology.A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of inspection and palpation - with osteochondrosis, the tension of the cervical muscles is noted, in some cases the deformation of the spine is evident.
After the objective diagnosis, the doctor sends further studies to the patient.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- X -ray (lateral and straight);
- Multistrate computerized tomography.
To determine the cause of the development of the pathology, it is possible to prescribe an ultrasound examination of the neighboring organs, ECG of the heart, Duplex scan of blood vessels, blood tests and urine.
Therapeutic treatment
With the timely detection of the cervical osteochondrosis, the disease lends itself well to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely treated, however, therapy will help prevent further development of the disease, relieve unpleasant symptoms and normalize the mobility of the upper spine.
For this the following methods are used:
- Pharmacological treatment.Medicines relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate cramps in the neck muscles.For this, it is possible to use the following groups of drugs: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow drugs, muscle relaxants, etc.
- Physiotherapy treatment.In addition to taking drugs to relax the cervical muscles, eliminate cramps and normalize blood circulation will help physiotherapy procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF, sounds therapy, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises will help the patient to strengthen the muscle frame, align the posture and improve the flow of blood to the top of the spine.
Surgical treatment
In the case of the advanced phases of the osteochondrosis of the cervical column or with an insufficient effectiveness of conservative methods, surgery is required.
The following surgery methods can be used on the basis of a specific clinical case:
- Small invasive removal of vertebral.
- Laminectomy is an operation to remove vertebral processes.
- Removal of an hernia and stabilization of the segment operated using a system consisting of four titanium screws and two peaks of rods.
- Endoscopic removal of an hernia.