Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops against the background of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissues of the intervertebral discs in the neck. The disease can be complicated by paresis and paralysis of the hands, ischemia and stroke. That is why the detection of any of its symptoms should be the basis for a visit to an orthopedist, neurologist or vertebrologist who knows exactly how to treat cervical osteochondrosis and the next course of therapy according to the scheme he chooses. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is a polyetiological pathology. This can be caused by:
- trauma;
- reduction of motor activity;
- stay in a sitting position for a long time (for example, while driving or working on a computer);
- increasing load on the spine;
- congenital features of the structure of the spine;
- metabolic disease;
- irrational nutrition;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- infectious diseases;
- poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- appearance of salt deposits in the collar zone.
However, factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.
Symptoms of the cervical spine: symptoms
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is severe pain in the back of the head and neck. Unpleasant sensations may spread to the shoulder girdle and arms, and become more pronounced when sneezing, coughing, or trying to turn your head. Secondary symptoms of the disease are:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- Headache;
- numbness of hands;
- dizziness;
- loss of consciousness;
- noise in the ears;
- crunch in the neck area while moving.
In the later stages, the patient's hearing and vision acuity may decrease. In some patients, the development of pathology is accompanied by the appearance of chest pain.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders of the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated conservatively. Traumatologists, orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend patients:
- provide motor rest in the affected area (it is recommended to use a special device Shants collar);
- take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- injections of corticosteroids (with severe pain syndrome);
- to engage in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides more protein and fiber intake;
- to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures, hand therapy, massage, acupuncture courses within the periods determined by the doctor;
- Avoid stressful situations, hypothermia, neck injuries, prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
If conservative treatment does not help relieve the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During the operation, the doctor:
- removes affected intervertebral discs or their fragments;
- installs implants to replace destroyed segments;
- stabilizes the spine;
- carries out laser regeneration of destroyed tissues.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow the progression of the disease, restore the patient's ability to work and prevent dangerous complications of the disease.