Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let the problem go on its own, without going to the doctor for help.
Causes of the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis of the second and third degree cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spinal tissue. First, the fibrin ring is destroyed, then protrusion and prolapse of the intervertebral disc nucleus occur. Pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that negatively affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis in various stages:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to the disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- unbalanced diet, against the background of which there is a deficiency of minerals, trace elements or certain groups of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, tendency to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failure in the work of the endocrine system;
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal cord injuries;
- hard physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the second cervical region and all subsequent stages is considered the most severe. The reason is the location near the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, preservation of the brain.
Often, the pathology is found in people over the age of 50, stage 3 cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed.
What are and symptoms of neck osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a detrimental effect on the bones and cartilage that make up the spinal space, on nearby soft tissues.
With the development of degenerative destructive cervical pathology, the disc loses its protective properties.
The gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- cartilage partially or completely loses its depreciation quality;
- disk deformation;
- destruction of fibrous rings (starting at an early stage);
- osteophyte formation - bone growth on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If in the early stages (first and second stages) a person is bothered by mild discomfort, then in the advanced form of the disease causes some complications.
first degree
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis can occur without clinical manifestations. The main complaint of the patient was pain in the neck.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels muscle stiffness in the collar zone, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment on time, you can stop the initial process of first and second degree osteochondrosis anomalies.
second degree
Symptoms of 2nd degree cervical spine osteochondrosis are more pronounced. Periods of exacerbation are accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main manifestations:
- persistent headaches;
- discomfort when moving the head;
- stiffness of movement in the neck collar area;
- during periods of exacerbation, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short period of time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- a decrease in the level of work capacity;
- posture suffers, one cannot freely take a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
Manifestations depend on the bundles of arteries, veins or nerves being clamped. The muscles of the cervical collar zone and the face, ears, head can become numb. The person may be lacking in effort.
third degree
The third stage is characterized by active lesions of the fibrous ring.
Violations lead to the occurrence of protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of development of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which is not always possible to stop with strong analgesics. Neurological disorders gradually develop.
year four
In the last stage, the degenerative-destructive process reaches its peak. It is difficult for the patient to move, the stiffness reaches a maximum. Sometimes the pain may subside, but this is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the elements of the vertebrae, which will lead to greater deterioration, deterioration of well-being.
Ranking diagnostics
Spinal column disc instability, questions about removal due to tissue destruction are considered by neurologists. The doctor checks the neck reflex with a hammer, a coordination test.
Instrumental research:
- radiography;
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Vertebral artery ultrasound.
X-rays are taken from the front and sides.
MRI and CT are informative research methods. The only drawback is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is performed if necessary to determine the degree of damage to the vertebral arteries, to assess the condition of the cervical region of the spine. The results will help shape the prognosis of the disease.
Second -degree osteochondrosis therapy of the cervical region
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is to take drugs that help eliminate the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - therapists, neurologists.
Patient anesthesia
Treatment of patients with second -degree cervical osteochondrosis begins with a complex of painkillers. Doctors choose analgesics from the point of view of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in patients.
Fights inflammatory foci
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate focus with inflammation and reduce pain levels in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non -steroidal drugs have one negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics of the non-steroidal group can be prescribed in tablets or injections, as in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Often, gels, ointments, creams are used for external treatment.
Chondroprotectors
In the scheme for the treatment of second -degree neck osteochondrosis, a special role is assigned to the protector of cartilage and bone tissue.
Surgery
If the therapy of second and sometimes third degree cervical osteochondrosis with medications takes place at home, then radical treatment requires hospitalization of the patient. Instructions for surgery:
- spinal column instability;
- spinal cord compression;
- hernia formation.
It is not possible to completely solve the problem of pathological destruction of the neck with the development of osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic gymnastics and exercise therapy
If it is impossible to fully restore the functional potential of the spinal column, then it is possible to stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (first and second half degree of cervical osteochondrosis), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help. Such recreational activities are inexpensive, easy to do, do not bring pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the final stages of the formation of second or third degree neck osteochondrosis, gymnastics and exercise therapy are recommended. Training is conducted under expert supervision. It is important to do everything right. The main goal: to strengthen the neck muscles and relax at the same time.
It is important that the patient strives for recovery, carefully following the recommendations of specialists, doctor's prescriptions.