Cervical osteochondrosis is a very common disease in the modern world. Many people have it at the initial stage, but do not even suspect it. The widespread osteochondrosis of the neck was due to the fact that people began to sit more and move less. Let's take a closer look at the reasons for the development of this unpleasant disease and methods of combating it.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
So, cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of cartilage tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The disease is characterized by pathological changes in the structure of the cartilage, which lead to a violation of the anatomical structure of the spine elements, disrupt skeleton mobility and cause painful sensations. The disease can affect any part of the spine, but due to excessive mobility and miniature vertebral size, the cervical segment most often suffers from this pathology. The neck is experiencing impressive loads daily. Turns of the head and even the fact of its retention forces the vertebrae and intervertebral discs to work intensively. From regular exposure from the outside, intervertebral discs are thinner, microcracks appear on them. Over time, their height decreases, they begin to change in thickness in the smaller way and cease to fulfill their main function - depreciation of the vertebrae.
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The causes of the development of the disease, first of all, are due to the age -related aging of the body and the developing destruction of bone and cartilage. The following causes of osteochondrosis can also be called:
- violation of posture
- reduction of motor activity as a result of a sedentary lifestyle
- Excess weight, which is the result of metabolic disorders, has a load on the intervertebral discs
- Hereditary factor
- Long -term physical activity
- abnormalities of the spine
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has specific manifestations. This is due to the anatomical features of the cervical spine. Most often, patients complain of pain of various intensity, increasing from a long stay in one position. Other symptoms are often added to pain:
- weakness in the upper limbs
- numbness and tingling hands
- stiffness when moving the head
- dizziness (suggests that the damaged elements affected the arteries)
- Numbness of the lips
- Sensation of a coma in the throat
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis
In medicine, it is customary to separate signs of osteochondrosis based on the nature of symptomatic manifestations combined into a single syndrome. 4 of these syndrome are distinguished:
- Koreshka - indicates pinched nerve beams, which provokes severe pains, as well as a set of autonomic symptoms (dizziness, weakness, lump in the throat);
- vertebral artery - damaged elements clamp the large vertebral artery, which is the cause of severe headaches, dizziness;
- Vertebral - provokes pain in the neck itself;
- Cardial - is masked under an attack of angina pectoris, manifested by severe chest pain, similar to a heart attack.
Stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis
1 degree of osteochondrosis
It is characterized by the beginning of the destruction of the intervertebral discs. Cracks form in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disk are formed, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are squeezed. A characteristic aching pain appears. Sometimes at 1 stage (preclinical) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis proceeds with moderate discomfort in the neck.
2 degree of osteochondrosis
If osteochondrosis of the 1st degree was not treated or treatment was not effective, then osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree occurs - chronic. The pain becomes constant, the destruction and seal of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to small dislocations of the cervical vertebrae. With cervical osteochondrosis, a falling head syndrome may develop at this stage. This syndrome is characterized by severe pain, and a person is forced to support his head in a fixed state to reduce pain.
3 degree of osteochondrosis
The fibrous ring is already almost destroyed, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - protrusion of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia. At 3 stages of osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain can decrease, since the affected cartilaginous tissue in the disk between the vertebrae is no longer there, which means there is no source of pain, however, pinching of the nerve roots remains, so the pain does not completely leave.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
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)
- 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.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach. For temporary elimination of pain, painkillers are used, but the basis of therapy is physical therapy and massage. Massage helps relieve muscle hypertension, enhancing pain. The procedures also restore normal blood circulation, improving the supply of damaged tissues. Based on the results of the massage course, the voltage is removed from the cervical region, the load on the spine is redistributed. 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, muscle relaxants, etc. Physiotherapeutic treatment. In addition to taking drugs to relax near the cervical muscles, eliminate cramps and normalize blood circulation will help physiotherapeutic procedures: 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. In the case of advanced stages of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or with insufficient effectiveness of conservative methods, surgery is required.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
To prevent the development of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended: when sitting, be sure to do five -minute breaks every hour, avoid loads on the neck; Do not make sharp movements of the head, monitor posture; avoid hypothermia; engage in physical education, swimming; eat properly; The dream should be on a solid mattress and on a low pillow, the angle of bent the neck should not be more than 15 degrees; After 25 years, avoid shock load on the spine (jumping, running). In any case, when the symptoms of the disease appear - be sure to visit a doctor. Do not self -medicate!