The degenerative lesion of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical column is a fairly common pathology, which is called cervical osteochondrosis.
With this disease, discs, which are by nature, are fibrous-chrios formations, gradually lose resistance, elasticity and depreciation properties.In fact, they seem to ossify and decrease in size.Because of this, the column becomes less mobile, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, as a result, the nerve roots, the blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae subject to discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, distributing changes occur in them.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growth in the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone peaks).With the "non -successful" disposition of such osteophytes, compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
The causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This pathology in the elderly is in most cases an inevitability, which later or posterior is almost unpleasant symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.And the reason for this is the physiological processes of aging in the bones and cartilage.When osteochondrosis develops at an early age, it is necessary to seek contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not progress.
So, the main reasons for cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Sedomerio.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Column injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and poisoning.
- Weak physical training.
- Irrational nutrition.
- Posture violation.
- Long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable postures with a low head or an exposed neck.
- Connective tissue diseases.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with cervical osteochondrosis complain of pain and neck pain, shoulders, headache, numbness and weakening of the hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical column, as a rule, constantly persecute patients.The aggravation of the pathology and the aggravation of all its manifestations occurs after excessive work, physical effort, "without success" turns of the head.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis without complications of the spine in the neck, although it brings many inconveniences to the patient, is not a serious danger to health.But the complications of this disease are already more dangerous.
Very often, cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by a root syndrome, which is an response from the body to pinch the cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is manifested by several neurological symptoms (acute neck pain, shoulder, altered sensitivity of the upper extremities, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical column can be called the hernia of intervertebral discs and vertebral artery syndrome.With hernias, there is a great compression danger of nerve roots and spinal cord with the subsequent development of serious neurological disorders, to the patient's disability.
The vertebral artery syndrome occurs due to the transfer or spasm reflex of the artery of the same name, which provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ears, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in front of the eyes, as well as other symptoms of blood supply altered to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems in the development of this syndrome, the course of heart disease is significantly exacerbated.
How is cervical osteochondrosis treated?
Osteochondrosis without complications of the cervical column is mainly conservative methods:
Medical Physical Education
Its main tasks are to strengthen the muscle frame in the neck, improve blood circulation in the tissues and guarantee the cartilage structures of the column with the necessary nutrients that penetrate the intervertebral discs exclusively with their reduction, that is, during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In cases with cervical osteochondrosis, this treatment method helps reduce pain, improve blood circulation, eliminate muscle spasm in the neck and upper shoulder waist.
Massage
Osteochondrosis patients are recommended to regularly submit medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
It helps eliminate pain, reduce compression of nerve formations in the neck.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and the elimination of neurological symptoms.
Drug therapy
During periods of exacerbation of pathology, when intensive pain appears, patients receive analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs for the activation of tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, he is shown condroprotectors and complex mineral vitamins.
However, it is worth noting that a good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible only when all these methods are used in the complex.
Disease prevention
For the cervical column, three points are very important: this is a convenient orthopedic pillow, which best allows the spinal column to relax during sleep, five -minute discharge for the neck during work hours and regular exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.If you take it for you, not to damage your health in parallel (you do not smoke, eat, move rather) and treat pathologies in a timely manner that contributes to the appearance of discs, you can easily survive old age without cervical osteocondrosis.