Description of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a pathological state of the bone-cheat 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 of the fixing ability of the spinal column due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in the tone of the vertebral muscles and ligaments.
Several forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the localization of dystrophic changes: cervical, chest, lumbar, sacral.One of the most common is cervical osteochondrosis (up to 25% of the total).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 in schoolchildren and students, which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and long -term stay at the computer and textbooks (subject to the wrong body position).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis progresses, symptoms become more pronounced, complications often occur: intervertebral hernias, pinches of nerve, circulatory, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteochondrosis, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region occurs, from which they become brittle, and the distance between them decreases greatly.At the same time, bone tissue becomes prone to the growth and formation of bone growths (osteophytes).In the later stages, the growths move and begin to squeeze nearby tissues, vessels and nerves taking place in the cervical region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- Chronic, gradually developing disease.Therefore, the symptoms of pathology at different stages are different.
- Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 1st degree
At the initial stage of the disease, there is a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disk of the cervical spine.Pathology has mild symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck, which can spread to the shoulders.In some cases, pain in the neck may appear, manifested in physical activity. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree
At this stage, the height of the disk continues to decrease, there is incorrectly growing cartilage tissue, protrusion develops.Cracks can form in the fibrous ring.The pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can radiate into the hands and along the spine.There is a sensation of stiffness with turns of the neck, a crunch and the appearance of headaches are possible. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree
At the 3rd stage of the disease, a fibrous ring breaks and the formation of intervertebral hernias.The spinal column is deformed, dislocations or subluxation of the vertebrae may occur.The patient feels acute, prolonged pain in the neck, numbness, partial loss of sensitivity of skin areas in the nape, neck, shoulders or hands. - Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the 4th degree
At an advanced stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur - numerous osteophytes develop, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced by scar fabric.The resulting hernia presses on the blood vessels and nerves, a person has hypoxia of organs, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain lasts for a long time, the neck and the upper shoulder belt become immobilized, the quality of life is significantly worsened.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient can have such symptoms as headache, noise or ringing in the ears, nausea, various visual impairment (flicker, darkening, pain).
Reasons
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to improperly distributed load on the cervical spine.At the same time, the neck muscles cannot cope with mechanical pressure, spasm, which leads to circulatory disorders.From this, degenerative changes come in the upper spine.
Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- hereditary predisposition;
- neck injury;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- long stay in one position - at the computer, driving, etc.;
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
- scleroderma;
- violation of metabolism;
- the presence of endocrine diseases - gout, diabetes;
- Excessive body weight.
Diagnostics
If there is a suspicion of the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact a medical institution in a timely manner.Comprehensive diagnosis will help to identify the disease, evaluate its degree and understand the causes of the development of pathology.A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of inspection and palpation - with osteochondrosis, the tension of the cervical muscles is noted, in some cases the deformation of the spine is noticeable.
After objective diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to additional studies.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- magnetic resonance tomography;
- radiography (lateral and straight);
- Multilayer computed tomography.
To determine the cause of the development of pathology, an ultrasound examination of nearby organs, ECG of the heart, duplex scanning of blood vessels, blood tests and urine can be additionally prescribed.
Therapeutic treatment
With timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease is well lend itself to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, however, 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.For this, the following groups of drugs can be used: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow -action drugs, muscle relaxants, etc.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment.In addition to taking drugs to relax the cervical muscles, eliminate cramps and normalize blood circulation will help physiotherapeutic procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonophoresis, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises will help the patient strengthen the muscle frame, align the posture and improve blood supply to the upper part of the spinal column.
Surgical treatment
In the case of advanced stages of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or with insufficient effectiveness of conservative methods, surgery is required.
The following surgery methods can be used depending on a specific clinical case:
- Small invasive removal of the vertebral hernia.
- Laminectomy is an operation to remove vertebral processes.
- Removal of a hernia and stabilization of the operated segment using a system consisting of four titanium screws and two peaks of rods.
- Endoscopic removal of a hernia.