DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE
Osteochondrosis is a pathological state of the bone vertera tissue of the spine.The disease is characterized by distributing changes and a decrease in the shock absorption function of intervertebral discs.The pathology causes the deterioration of the fixation capacity 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 muscles and vertebral ligaments.
Several forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the location of the distribution changes: cervical, chest, lumbar, sacrum.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 a long -term stay in the computer and textbooks (subject to the incorrect position of the body).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced, complications often occur: intervertebral hernias, nerve pinch, circulatory, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteochondrosis, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region is produced, of which they become fragile, and the distance between them decreases largely.At the same time, bone tissue becomes prone to growth and formation of bone growth (osteophytes).In the posterior stages, the growth moves and begins to squeeze the nearby tissues, vessels and nerves that take place in the cervical region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- Chronic disease, in gradual development.Therefore, the symptoms of pathology in different stages are different.
- First degree osteochondrosis symptoms
In the initial stage of the disease, there is a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc of the cervical column.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. - Second degree osteochondrosis symptoms
At this stage, the album height continues to decrease, the cartilage tissue that grows incorrectly develops.Cracks can be formed in the fibrous ring.The pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can radiate in the hands and along the spine.There is a sense of stiffness with neck turns, a crunch and the appearance of headaches is possible. - Third -grade osteochondrosis symptoms
In the third stage of the disease, a fibrous ring and the formation of intervertebral hernias are broken.The spinal column is deformed, dislocations or subluxation of the vertebrae may occur.The patient feels acute and prolonged pain in the neck, numbness, partial loss of sensitivity of the skin areas in the neck, neck, shoulders or hands. - Fourth Degree Osteochondrosis Symptoms
In an advanced stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur: numerous osteophytes are developed, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced by the scar fabric.The resulting hernia presses the blood vessels and nerves, a person has organ hypoxia, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain lasts a long time, the neck and the upper shoulder belt are immobilized, the quality of life worsens significantly.
Regardless of the severity of the disease, the patient can have symptoms such as headache, noise or sound in the ears, nausea, various visual disabilities (flickering, darkening, pain).
Reasons
Cervical osteochondrosis occurs due to incorrectly distributed load in the cervical column.At the same time, neck muscles cannot cope with mechanical pressure, spasm, which leads to circulatory disorders.From this, the degenerative changes come in the upper column.
Factors that contribute to the development of the osteochondrosis of the cervical column:
- hereditary predisposition;
- neck injury;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Long stay in a position: on the computer, driving, etc.;
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
- scleroderma;
- Metabolism violation;
- the presence of endocrine diseases: gout, diabetes;
- Excessive body weight.
Diagnosis
If there is a suspicion of the presence of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to contact a medical institution in a timely manner.Integral diagnosis will help 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 the osteochondrosis, the tension of the cervical muscles is observed, in some cases the deformation of the spine is remarkable.
After the target 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);
- Computerized multi -layer tomography.
To determine the cause of the development of the pathology, an ultrasound examination of the nearby organs, the ECG of the heart, the duplex scan of the blood vessels, blood and urine analysis can be prescribed additionally.
Therapeutic treatment
With the timely detection of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease lends itself well to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured, however, therapy will help prevent the additional development of the disease, relieve unpleasant symptoms and normalize the mobility of the upper column.
The following methods are used for this:
- Pharmacological treatmentMedications relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate cramps in the neck muscles.For this, the following drug groups can be used: glucocorticosteroids, analgesics, slow action drugs, muscle relaxants, etc.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment.In addition to taking medications to relax cervical muscles, eliminate cramps and normalize blood circulation will help physiotherapeutic procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonoforesis, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises will help the patient strengthen the muscle frame, align posture and improve blood supply to the upper spine.
Surgical treatment
In the case of the advanced stages of the osteochondrosis of the cervical column or with an insufficient effectiveness of the conservative methods, surgery is required.
The following surgery methods can be used according to a specific clinical case:
- Small invasive extraction of vertebral hernia.
- Laminectomy is an operation to eliminate vertebral processes.
- Elimination of a hernia and stabilization of the operated segment using a system consisting of four titanium screws and two rod peaks.
- Endoscopic extraction of a hernia.