Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that is characterized by the development of changes in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and the reactive processes in the surrounding tissues.

Cervical osteochondrosis spineIt differs in its manifestations of thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the anatomical characteristics of the cervical spine.The dimensions of the vertebrae of the cervical region are smaller than the size of the other departments.The cervix department is constantly experiencing a load, holding the head and at the same time is a lot of mobility.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The causes of osteochondrosis 

The reasons for the development of the disease, first of all, are due to the age associated with the aging of the body and the developing destruction of the bones and cartilage.The following causes of osteochondrosis can also be called:

  • Stand violation,
  • Reducing motor activity as a result of a sedentary lifestyle,
  • Excess weight that is the result of metabolic disorders, has a load on the intervertebral discs,
  • hereditary factor,
  • Long -term physical activity,
  • Spinal abnormalities.

Uniform physical activity, proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this disease, and also reduce the effect on overall well -being.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

The manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis differ from the symptoms in another spine.This is due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae have a different structure and are very close.Therefore, any displacement is manifested by severe pain.In addition, a nervous package and arteries are often pressed into the cervical spine.

Cervical osteochondrosis of the spineIt manifests itself with the following symptoms:

  • Feelings of pain - pain can be felt in different parts of the body.This is due to the fact that it presses the nerve endings and muscles of the respective part of the body.
  • Weakness in the upper limbs is considered due to the pinching of the nerve endings responsible for motor activity.
  • Difficulties in turning the head, the appearance of crunching from the vertebrae in the anifa of the cervical region due to changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc, the appearance of bone formations.
  • Low sensitivity of the hands.
  • Weakness and dizziness occur due to the pinching of the artery, which provides blood and nutrition in the brain.
  • Reduction of hearing and vision - occurs at the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum is impaired.

Signs of the cervical osteochondrosis department

  • RIN syndrome - characterized by pinching the nerve beam in the neck.It manifests with severe pain that can be felt in the shoulders, a spatula.
  • Syndrome of spinal animals - manifested by the most severe headache, pain in the temples and back of the head.
  • Reflex syndrome - characterized by severe pain in the cervical area, which can be enhanced with any movement of the head.The pain can be moved into the shoulder and on the chest.
  • Cardinal Syndrome - looks like an attack on angina, which is extremely difficult to determine.

The degree of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

As it develops, the disease passes several stages.Each stage has its own characteristics and is characterized by certain characteristics.

  • Stage 1.The bone-chris tissue of the vertebrae gradually begins to collapse.The symptoms of the disease are not noticeable.And very often patients simply do not notice them, but associate fatigue and pain with fatigue and stress.
  • Stage 2. At height, the disc begins to decrease, cracks appear on it.The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face.
  • Stage 3. Drops of discs begin to form, the cervical vessels and muscles are damaged.There are complaints of dizziness, pain in the back of the head.
  • Stage 4.Bone tissue, which protects the vertebrae from excess load, begins to grow, resulting in the nerve endings is pressed.There is stiffness in movements, the adjacent joints are damaged.

The dangers of cervical osteochondrosis

A large number of nerves and arteries are located in the cervical region that provide brain nutrition.In the event of a violation of their work, the brain will not receive enough nutrition for normal functioning.This situation can disrupt a person's motor activity, cause limb pain, and loss of coordination.

In the advanced stage of osteochondrosis, ischemia, stroke and many other diseases that are dangerous to human life, they can develop.

Therefore, when any symptoms associated with this disease occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

Diagnosis of cervical spine

The following types of diagnosis are used to test spinal diseases:

  • X -ray picture is an ineffective way to diagnose this disease,
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows bone structures formed by disc hernias and their size,
  • CT (computed tomography) is ineffective compared to MRI, since using this diagnostic method it is difficult to determine the size of the hernia,
  • Ultrasound duplex scan is used when the total blood flow is disturbed.This study shows the existing blood flow rate as well as the presence of barriers on its way.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine should be performed in the complex depending on the situation.A positive effect can be achieved thanks to a comprehensive and individual approach, which includes the treatment of drugs, a physiological procedure, physiotherapy exercises, massage and traditional medicine are also used.

During the deterioration period, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is aimed at increasing blood circulation, getting rid of muscle cramps.In this case, agents are prescribed that improve blood flow, anti -inflammatory and painkillers and the vitamin complex.

Media Physical Education for Osteochondrosis of the Cervical Region

Therapeutic gymnastics produces visible results and is less dangerous at the stage of recovery.The principle of action of physiotherapy exercises is to restore blood flow to damaged parts of the body.By performing physiotherapy exercises, the patient should not experience pain and discomfort.

The set of exercises for the cervical spine is designed to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and also acts as a prevention for the development of cervical osteochondrosis.

Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

Massage is performed to strengthen the tone in the muscles and relieve pain.Depending on the stage of development of the disease, different massage methods are made.Classic massage techniques include:

  • Placement - this technique consists in the effect on the surface layers of the skin.The massage begins with the collar area and continues to keypone and armpits.
  • Squeezing - in this case the effect during the massage occurs on the deeper layers of the skin.Reduction of the neck with the thumb and index finger performs movements to capture the skin that resemble squeezing.
  • Rubbing - done for the purpose of warming and relaxing the skin to improve the blood supply in the area of the collar of the cervical spine.
  • Knead - there are special restrictions as it affects deeply lying tissues.If this technique is implemented, the patient may be harmful.

In cases where the patient's pain occurs on one side only, the massage should begin to be performed from the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving to that part of the cervical area where the pain occurs.

Massage can be performed both at home and at a medical institution.However, during its implementation, you must be very careful in order not to provoke the exacerbation of the disease or not to cope more.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

In order to prevent the onset and development of the disease, it is recommended to follow simple rules:

  • Lead a healthy lifestyle, perform exercise, visit the pool regularly;
  • Diversify the diet of foods rich in magnesium and calcium;
  • In the case of stuck work, it is necessary to heat several times a day;
  • For sleep, you should choose an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.