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Cervical osteochondrosis

What is cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystophical disease of the column in which the structure of the cartilaginous discs and their bone base change.Depending on the stage of the disease, there is a deformation with the subsequent exhaustion of the vertebral bodies.As a result, blood microcirculation, nerve conductivity is interrupted.Cervical osteochondrosis can be an independent or combined disease with degenerative-divophical damage to another spine.

In the International Classification of ICD-10 diseases, cervical osteochondrosis does not have a separate encryption.The pathology is indicated by the M42.1 code - Osteochondrosis of the spine in adults.The hospital performs a complete range of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The exam is carried out using the last team that meets quality and safety standards.

Reasons

Doctors distinguish several reasons that can lead to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.These include:

  • obesity;
  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • a neck or column story;
  • excessive loads in the musculoskeletal system;
  • excess psychomotional excess;
  • Congenital deformation of cervical vertebrae;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • Scoliosis, rheumatism, flat feet;
  • Metabolic pathology;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • hypothermia.

It is difficult to identify and eliminate the etiological factor independently.It is better to contact professionals.Doctors select an individual diagnostic complex that allows you to determine the root cause of the osteochondrosis of the cervical column.This is necessary to prescribe correct therapy.

The degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by several stages.They determine the severity of the State and the presence of certain clinical symptoms.

  • First.In the early stages, there is a slight softness of neck lordosis.Clinically, this is expressed in pain syndrome, which intensifies when turning the head.Patients complain of muscle tension, headache, stiffness of movements.The first stage is without drug use.It is enough to adhere to a certain nutrition and perform exercises.
  • The second.At this stage, the instability of the cervical vertebrae appears.This is expressed in the strengthening of pain, which gradually passes to the shoulders or arms.The pain intensifies when making movements.The second stage is characterized by a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs.This leads to nerve violation.Patients complain of headaches, distraction, fatigue.
  • The third.It is accompanied by a severe deformation and destruction of the structure of the vertebrae.Pain syndrome becomes constant.Intervertebral hernias begin to form.Clinically, this is expressed in the appearance of dizziness, darkening in the eyes, instability of the march.
  • Four.The destroyed fabrics of the intervertebral discs are replaced by connective tissue.Several segments are involved in the pathological process.Patients complain of coordination, pronounced dizziness and headaches.There is a constant noise in the ears.

Symptoms and signs

The clinical symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine are the same for all ages.Many people postpone a visit to a doctor in relation to the presence of weakly expressed symptoms.Only when the disease acquires an obsessive character and is accompanied by the corresponding signs, it is a treatment for medical aid.

The modern team allows you to precisely determine the degree of development of cervical osteochondrosis.Thanks to this, the correct treatment that relieves the symptoms in the shortest possible time is prescribed.The main clinical signs of the disease include:

  • neck pain, accompanied by crunch;
  • tingling or numbness in the upper extremities;
  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • noise in the ears;
  • panic attacks;
  • rigidity of the movements;
  • Mobility restriction;
  • weakness, acute breakdown;
  • nausea;
  • Violation of orientation in space;
  • March instability;
  • Reducing visual acuity.

Symptoms depending on damaged vertebra

The cervical column consists of 7 vertebrae.The corresponding symptoms are distinguished depending on the level of damage:

Vertebra Symptoms
C1 Reduction of skin sensitivity.
C2 The pain syndrome is located in the neck and the parietal area.
C3 The sensitivity of the tongue and the hyoid muscles is altered;In severe cases, speech is altered and control over the language is lost.
C4 and C5 Pain syndrome is determined on the shoulders and the closest areas.A sense of discomfort is joined in the chest, which is often taken as a pathology.
C6 The pain feels in the neck, the blades, the forearms.Nerve damage reduces skin sensitivity.
C7 The pains are located on the neck, the back of the shoulders, the upper shoulder belt.The violations lead to a decrease in the reflexes and a violation of the force of the hands.

Diagnosis

Cervical osteochondrosis of the column requires a comprehensive diagnosis.She includes:

  • History and disease collection.The doctor clarifies existing complaints, the moment of his appearance, the dynamics of gravity.It is necessary to specify medications that were used to facilitate the condition.
  • Objective inspectionAfter the survey, the specialist begins to carry out the inspection.The skin is examined, the patient's march.In palpation, painful areas are determined.
  • Radiography.The first instrumental research method is the radiography of the cervical column.Very often 2 projections are investigated.
  • CT, MRI.Thanks to research, it is possible to establish an injury approach, its exact location.Tomography allows you to evaluate the condition of blood vessels and nerves.
  • Ultrasound.An ultrasound study of the head and neck vessels allows you to evaluate your permeability, the degree of stenosis.
  • General blood analysis.First, the indicators responsible for inflammation (leukocytes, ESR) are evaluated.

According to the data obtained, doctors establish the severity of cervical osteochondrosis.Doctors use modern equipment that allow you to quickly and effectively perform any volume of diagnostic measures.

Treatment varieties

Like the diagnosis, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis implies an integrated approach.The therapeutic volume is selected individually.It depends on the segment of the lesion, the severity of the disease and the severity of the clinical symptoms.The main treatment methods are:

  • take medications;
  • physiotherapy;
  • Therapeutic physical culture;
  • massage;
  • Surgical surgery

Among the medical treatment methods, several medicines are used:

  • AnalgesicsThey are used to reduce pain severity.
  • Non -specific anti -inflammatory medications.It is used to reduce tissue swelling and inflammatory syndrome.They are prescribed in several forms (tablets, means for external use).
  • Antispasmodics.They squeeze spasms, reduce pain syndrome.
  • Drugs for joints.Restore the structure of intervertebral discs.
  • B The vitamins of B. positively affect the state of the nervous system.

Physiotherapy

It is prescribed to improve the action of drugs.More often used:

  • acupuncture;
  • massage;
  • Manual therapy

Medical Physical Education

Regular exercise exercises will not only relieve the severity of pain, but will also have a preventive effect.Thanks to physical exercises, the muscle corset is strengthened, blood circulation in the affected area improves and load in the affected area decreases.Experienced instructors develop individual therapy programs for each patient.This helps to get rid of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The selected course can be repeated at home.

Massage

A massage properly performed from the cervical template zone can relieve the condition, relieve muscle spasm, improve mobility.The restrictions in the procedure are:

  • cardiovascular system pathology in the decompensation stage;
  • tumor formations;
  • skin diseases;
  • exacerbations of chronic somatic pathologies;
  • osteomyelitis.

When contacting a specialized institution, you will individually select a treatment course.Its average duration is 10-15 sessions.

Relapse and treatment

The exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis can occur at any time.In this case, the pain, the rigidity of the movements and the limitation of mobility appear.In some cases, it is enough to observe a search bed for 3-4 days to relieve exacerbation symptoms.However, if the pathological characteristics are preserved or intensified, they must consult a doctor.To stop the relapse of cervical osteochondrosis, medications of the NSAID group are used, muscle relaxants are used.

Prevention

To prevent the development or exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to participate regularly in prevention.Doctors recommend:

  • conduct an active lifestyle;
  • maintain the posture;
  • strengthen back and neck muscles;
  • adhere to a balanced and rational diet;
  • sleep in a correct and comfortable position;
  • Take the breaks periodically if the work is associated with a long stay in a sitting position.

If the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor.Experts will help to diagnose with precision, determine the stage of the disease and also prescribe the correct treatment.