Degenerative lesions of intervertebral discs and the vertebrae itself in the cervical spine are quite common pathology called cervix osteochondrosis.
With this disease, the discs, which, by their very nature, are fibrous-rya formations, gradually lose power, elasticity and depreciation.In fact, it seems to be bone and decrease in size.As a result, the spine becomes less moving, the height of the intervertebral spaces decreases and, as a result, nerve roots and blood vessels are pinched.
The surfaces of the vertebrae under the discs also suffer from osteochondrosis, and they have dystrophic changes.In addition, osteochondrosis is accompanied by the formation of reactive growths of the vertebrae - osteophytes (or bone spikes).With the "unsuccessful" arrangement of such osteophytes, compression of nerves or blood vessels is possible.
Causes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix
In older people, this pathology is inevitable in most cases, which sooner or later manifests itself near the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix.And this is due to the physiological process of bones and cartilage aging.When the osteochondrosis develops at a young age, you need to look for contributing factors and eliminate them so that the pathology does not advance.
So the main causes of cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Sedomery.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Spine injuries.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Chronic infections and intoxication.
- Weak physical exercise.
- Irrational nutrition.
- A violation of posture.
- Long -term and systematic stay in uncomfortable poses, with a lowered head or exposed neck.
- Diseases of connective tissue.
- Unfavorable ecology.
- Voltage.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
People with the cervix complain of pain and pain and pain in the neck, shoulders, headache, numbness and weakening of hands.These symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix generally continue to continue patients.The worsening of the pathology and the aggravation of all manifestations occur after overloading, physical effort, and "unsuccessful" head turning.
Potential complications
The spine around the neck is complex osteochondrosis, although it causes many discomfort to the patient, does not pose a serious threat to health.But the complications of this disease are more dangerous.
Most often, cervical osteochondrosis is complicated by a radicular syndrome that is the body's response to the pinching of cerebrospinal roots.This pathology is shown by various neurological symptoms (sharp pain in the neck, shoulder, sensitivity of the upper limbs, muscle weakness, etc.).
Well, the most formidable complications of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine can be called intervertebral disc hernia and spinal artery syndrome.In the case of henias, there is a great danger with the compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord, the later onset of severe neurological disorders, until the patient's disability.
The spinal artery syndrome comes from the transfer of the artery of the same name or the reflex cramp that provides blood to the brain.This pathology is characterized by a pulsating headache, ear, dizziness, "flies" and "spots" in the eyes, as well as other symptoms of blood supply to the brain.In patients with cardiological problems with syndrome, heart disease is significantly worsened.
How is the cervix treating osteochondrosis?
The complex osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is mainly treated with conservative methods:
Medical physical education
Its main tasks are to strengthen the cervical muscle frame, to improve the circulation of tissues and to provide the spine cartilage with the necessary nutrients that penetrate exclusively between the vertebrae discs, ie during active movements.
Physiotherapy
In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, this treatment method helps to reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and eliminate muscle cramps in the neck and upper shoulder.
Massage
Patients with osteochondosis are recommended to go regularly in medical massage courses.
Manual therapy
This helps to eliminate pain and reduce the compression of nervous formations.
Reflexology
This type of treatment is used for anesthesia and elimination of neurological symptoms.
Medication
During the aggravation periods of the pathology, when intense pain appears, patients prescribe analgesic and anti -inflammatory drugs and drugs for activating tissue microcirculation.When the patient's condition improves, it presents chondroprotectors and vitamin mineral complexes.
It is worth noting, however, that the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is only possible if these methods are used in the complex.
Preventing the disease
There are three points very important for the cervical spine - a comfortable orthopedic cushion that best allows the spinal column to relax during sleep and unload five minutes during the cervical hours and regular exercises that strengthen the back and neck muscles.If you take this rule for yourself, not the parallel damage to your health (do not smoke, eat, move better) and treat the pathologies that contribute to the occurrence of plates, you can easily survive the elderly without osteocondrosis of the cervix.