Description of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a pathological state of the bone shit tissue of the spine.The disease is characterized by dystrophic changes and a decrease in the shock -absorbing function of the intervertebral discs.The pathology provokes the deterioration in the fixation ability of the spine due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs and a decrease in the clay of the spine muscles and tapes.
Depending on the localization of dystrophic changes, different forms of osteochondrosis differ: cervix, chest, lumbar vertebrae, sacral.One of the most common is cervical osteochondrosis (up to 25% of the total amount).The disease accompanies unpleasant sensations that significantly reduce the quality of human life.
It is noteworthy that cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any age.At the moment, the disease is often diagnosed even among school children and students, which is connected to a seated lifestyle and a long -term stay to the computer and textbooks (subject to the wrong body position).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis occurs, symptoms become stronger, complications occur frequently: intermediate hernia, nerves, circulation, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteochondrosis, an inadequate diet of the intervertebral discs of the cervix region, from which they become brittle, occurs and the distance between them decreases significantly.At the same time, bone tissue becomes susceptible to growth and the formation of bone growth (osteophytes).In the later stages, growth is moving and begin to press the neck rank near tissues, ships and nerves in the region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- Chronic, gradually developing disease.Therefore, the symptoms of pathology in different stages are different.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 1st degree
In the early stages of the disease, the height of the intervertebral disc of the cervical spine is slightly decreased.Pathology has slight symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck that can spread to the shoulders.In some cases, pain can occur in the neck that manifest itself in physical activity. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree
At this stage, the height of the hard drive continues, there is an incorrect growing cartilage tissue, a lead.Cracks can form in the fibrous ring.The pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can shine in the hands and along the spine.There is a feeling of stiffness with the neck change, a crunch and the appearance of headaches. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree
In the 3rd stage of the disease, a fiber ring breaks and the formation of intermediate shield hernia.The spine is deformed, may cause transfers or subluxation of the vertebrae.The patient feels acute, longer pain in the neck, deafness, the partial loss of sensitivity of skin areas in the neck, neck, shoulders or in the hands. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 4th degree
In an advanced stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur - numerous osteophytes arise, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced by scar tissue.The resulting hernia presses the blood vessels and nerves, one person has hypoxia of organs, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain takes a long time, the neck and the upper shoulder strap are immobilized, the quality of life deteriorates considerably.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient may have symptoms such as headaches, noise or ringing in the ears, nausea, different visual impairment (flickering, darkening, pain).
Reasons
The cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to an incorrectly distributed load on the cervical spine.At the same time, the neck muscles cannot be finished with mechanical pressure and cramp, which leads to circulatory disorders.This gives degenerative changes in the upper spine.
Factors that contribute to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hereditary disposition;
- Neck injury;
- sitting lifestyle;
- long stay in a 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.
Diagnosis
If there is a cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact a medical facility in good time.A comprehensive diagnosis will help identify the disease, to evaluate it and to understand the causes of the development of the pathology.A preliminary diagnosis is carried out on the basis of inspection and palpation - with osteochondrosis, the tension of the neck muscles is determined, in some cases the deformation of the spine can be felt.
After the objective diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to additional studies.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Radiography (lateral and straight);
- Multilayer computer tomography.
In order to determine the cause of the development of the pathology, an ultrasound examination of the nearby organs, the EKG of the heart, the duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood tests and urine can also be prescribed.
Therapeutic treatment
With timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease is well suited for therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be healed completely.However, the therapy will help prevent the further development of the disease, relieve unpleasant symptoms and normalize the mobility of the upper spine.
The following methods are used for this:
- Drug treatment.Medicines relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate cramps in the neck muscles.The following groups of drugs can be used for this: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow active ingredients, muscle relaxants, etc.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment.In addition to taking medication to relax the cervical muscles, eliminating cramps and the normalization of blood circulation, the physiotherapeutic interventions also help: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonophoresis, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises help the patient to strengthen the muscle frame, align the attitude and to improve blood supply to the upper part of the spine.
Surgical treatment
Operation is required for advanced stages of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or the inadequate effectiveness of conservative methods.
The following surgical methods can be applied depending on a certain clinical case:
- Small invasive removal of the vertebral hernia.
- The laminectomy is an operation to remove vertebral processes.
- Removal of a hernia and stabilization of the operated segment using a system that consists of four titanium screws and two peaks of rods.
- Endoscopic removal of a hernia.