Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let the problem go on their own, without going to the doctor for help.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis of the second and third degree cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spinal column. First, the fibrinous ring is destroyed, then protrusion and prolapse of the intervertebral disc nucleus occurs. Pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that adversely affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis of various degrees:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to the disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- unbalanced nutrition, against the background of which there is a deficiency of minerals, trace elements or a specific group of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, a tendency to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failures in the work of the endocrine system;
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal injuries;
- hard physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent degrees is considered the most severe. The reason is the close location of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, innervation of the brain.
Most often, the pathology is found in people over the age of 50, 3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed.
What is it and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilage that form the spine, on the soft tissues located nearby.
With the development of degenerative-destructive cervical pathology, the discs lose their protective properties.
Gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- cartilage partially or completely loses its depreciation qualities;
- deformation of the disc;
- destruction of the fibrous ring (begins at the initial stage);
- the formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each degree of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If in the initial stages (first and second stages) a person is bothered by mild discomfort, in an advanced form the disease causes a number of complications.
First degree
1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervix can occur without clinical manifestations. The patient's main complaint is pain in the neck.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels stiffness of the muscles in the collar area, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment in a timely manner, you can stop the initial process of first and second degree osteochondrosis abnormalities.
Second degree
Symptoms of 2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are more pronounced. The period of exacerbation is accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main manifestations:
- persistent headache;
- discomfort when moving the head;
- stiffness of movements in the neck area;
- during the period of exacerbation, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- decrease in the level of work capacity;
- posture suffers, a person cannot freely assume a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
The manifestations depend on which artery, vein, or nerve bundles are blocked. The muscles of the cervical neck area and the face, ears, head can become numb. The person may be disabled.
Third grade
The third degree is characterized by an active lesion of the fibrous ring.
Violation leads to the occurrence of protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of progression of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which can not always be stopped with strong analgesics. Neurological disorders progress gradually.
fourth degree
In the last stage, the degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. It is difficult for patients to move, stiffness reaches its maximum. Sometimes the pain may subside, but this is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral elements, which will cause an even greater aggravation, a deterioration in well-being.
Stage diagnostics
The instability of the discs of the spine, questions about the elimination of the consequences of tissue destruction are considered by a neurologist. The doctor checks the reflexes in the neck with a hammer, coordination test.
Instrumental research:
- radiography;
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance;
- Vertebral arteries ultrasound.
X-rays are taken from the front and sides.
MRI and CT are informative research methods. The only drawback is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is performed if it is necessary to determine the degree of damage to the vertebral arteries, to assess the condition of the cervical region of the spine. The results will help form the prognosis of the disease.
Therapy of osteochondrosis of the second degree cervical region
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the intake of drugs that help get rid of the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists: a therapist, a neurologist.
Patient anesthesia
Treatment of patients with second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck begins with a complex of painkillers. The doctor selects analgesics from the point of view of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Combat foci of inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs help to eliminate foci with inflammation and reduce the level of pain in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non-steroidal drugs have a negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics of the non-steroidal group can be prescribed in tablets or injections, as in exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Often for external treatment, gels, ointments, creams are used.
Chondroprotectors
In the schemes for the treatment of second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck, a special role is assigned to the protectors of cartilage and bone tissue.
Surgery
If therapy of second and sometimes third degree cervical osteochondrosis with drugs takes place at home, radical treatment requires hospitalization of the patient. Indications for surgery:
- instability of the spine;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- formation of hernias.
It is impossible to completely solve the problem of pathological destruction of the neck with the progression of osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic gymnastics and physical therapy
If it is impossible to fully restore the functional potential of the spine, it is possible to stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (first and partially second degree of cervical osteochondrosis), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help. Such recreational activities are inexpensive, easy to perform, do not cause pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the later stages of the formation of second or third degree osteochondrosis of the neck, gymnastics and physical therapy are recommended. Exercises are performed under the supervision of a specialist. It is important to do everything right. The main goal: to strengthen the neck muscles and relax at the same time.
It is important that the patient is committed to recovery, carefully follows the recommendations of specialists, the prescriptions of doctors.