The tendency to grow degenerative-dystrophic lesions in the spine grows steadily every year, and all because the problem of hypodynamia and hypokinesia is acute due to urbanization.The damage to the cervical spine causes frequent, different intensities of headaches and a feeling of stiffness in the neck and forearms.Today, our topic is the causes, symptoms and treatment of osteocondrosis in the cervical region.
The causes of the development of cervical osteocondrosis
When we talk about the causes of degenerative damage to the spinal of the cervix, genetic, toxic, metabolic, endocrine, infectious and others can be stated.First, however, you can place a sedentary lifestyle and sit at the computer, the desk and run.
Frequent loads that involuntarily create attitude of bending, leading to blood vessels in the nerves help help this pathology.
Pain symptoms in the neck should not be ignored as this leads to the development of the disease and the development of such complications as shoulder -bearing periartrose, the syndrome of the spine, the anterior stair syndrome and the roying syndrome.
About the anatomical structure
Now let's see what anatomical and physiological features of the structure of cervical spine contribute to the development and progression of osteocondrosis:
- The cervical department is the most mobile part of the spine.Since all types of movements are possible in it, this increases the risk of subluxation and frequent violations;
- The rumored rumor of artery takes place in the canal formed in the holes in the transverse processes of the vertebrae.It is the bloodsuvering of the brain, auditory organs, spinal cord nerve and cerebellum.With the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes, the artery and nerve can squeeze in this department.
- In the cervix region, intervertebral disks are not everywhere between the vertebrae.In front of the vertebrae are associated with joints that can provoke the subluxation of the joints.
- The holes on the three lower cervical vertebrae have a triangular shape, and with the growth of bone tissue with osteocondrosis, the nerve roots can violate.
- Throughout the cervical department, vegetative ganglia are located.
These features will help us present the mechanism of the development of complications of osteochondrosis of cervical spine.
Mechanisms to develop changes in cervical spine
The pathological process begins on the intervertebral disk with loss of moisture with a pulpos -the discs.The fibrous ring of the disk gradually becomes thinner, its elasticity decreases and microwaves appear.
As a result, the disk loses its ability to solve, depreciation and support.The load on the lower vertebrae gradually increases, after which the back itself is involved in the process.
Small defects appear in it, and osteophytes (excessive bone growth) grow to withstand an increased load.
With the growth of bone tissue, the nerve roots are pressed along the back wall of the vertebrae, and if it is violated on the side surface.
Subluis in the joints appears due to a violation of the stability between the vertebrae.This leads to compensatory tension of the neck muscles, which helps preserve the cervical vertebrae in a normal position.
As the muscles become tired, the load on the vertebrae increases again, leading to the development of the disease.Thus, a vicious circle is formed in which spasmodic muscles and damaged vertebrae negatively affect each other and lead to a deterioration of the patient's condition.
Based on pathological mechanisms, symptoms of the disease are formed.So to squeeze the nerve roots manifest by intense paroxysmal pain along the offended nerve.
And when compressing the spine, symptoms associated with a decrease in blood flow in the brain are displayed, namely: noise in the ears, dizziness and headaches, in the first place.
The main symptoms of cervical osteocondrosis.
The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are conditioned in 3 groups:
The first group of symptoms - pain
It manifests itself in the form:
- local pain on the back of the head/neck;
- Straining pain that extends to the right or left hand, and can also go to the fingers, to the brush itself, to the forearm and even locate on the shoulder joints.
This pain can be sore and constant, irritating and spread through the neck or hand.Or it is a local more acute shooting pain that occurs as a result of clamping of the nerve red.
The second group of symptoms are motor disorders
First of all, it is the stiffness of the muscles of the neck and nape, as a result of the fact that it is impossible to turn or tilt your head normally or make any movement in the spine of the cervix.
In addition, this is a limitation of mobility in the shoulder joint, called the syndrome of the shoulder -brave periartrose.It is also possible to spread to the whole hand, including numbness in the fingers, numbness in the hands and numbness along the side of the side surface of the shoulder or forearm.
The third group of symptoms are vegeto vascular manifestations, manifestations from the vessels
In the process of this, either a spasm of blood vessels or clamps occurs in the spine.As a result, such symptoms of cervical osteocondrosis may appear as headache, dizziness, flickering of "flies" in front of the eyes.
There may also be hearing impairment - noise in the ears and the feeling of a "sulfur plug" where a person does not hear well.These symptoms belong to the syndrome of the spine.
Methods for traditional treatment of cervical osteocondrosis
Modern medicine offers many methods for treating degenerative-dystrophic lesions in the spine.Among them, they distinguish: drug treatment, manual therapy, folk remedies, therapeutic physical culture (training therapy) and, in a long run, bull to surgical treatment.The effectiveness of therapy depends on which step the treatment and a complex of selected methods have begun.
The treatment must first and foremost be aimed at normalizing the muscle tone in the cervical muscles.The action with other means is aimed at removing inflammation and pain in the development of pathological changes.
An important point in the treatment of osteocondrosis is a good comfortable dream that experts recommend using an orthopedic pillow.
In the early stages of the development of the disease, the use of massage in an experienced specialist and self -mass will be effective.This method will help relax the spasmodic muscles and stop the development of the pathological process.
Medical physical exercise
Treatment of osteocondrosis should include physical therapy exercises in the form of gymnastics of therapeutic or morning hygiene.When performing a complex of treatment exercises, you must comply with the following recommendations:
- Put comfortable clothes and shoes on;
- So there is no lack of shortness of breath, alternative common breathing exercises;
- The load should increase gradually, and if you started marking complaints from the cardiovascular system during the lesson, stop the exercise and seek advice to the doctor;
- If pain appeared in the cervical spine during the lesson, replace them with relaxation and stretching exercises;
- During the lesson, check your general well, breathing and heart rate;
- If exercises with hand and burden cause you pronounced pain, you must give them up for a while;
- The complex of physical exercises with therapeutic exercises should be arranged with the doctor.
The following effects are expected from physical therapy exercises:
- Strengthening the muscles of the neck,
- Restoration of blood flow;
- Increased mobility of the vertebrae;
- Increase the amount of movements in the cervical region;
- Get rid of pain and restoration of innerving;
- Prevention of worsening.
Drug treatment
Most neuropathologists and other experts do not represent the treatment of osteocondrosis of cervical spine without medication.The most popular are drugs from a group of non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used in the form of injections, tablets, gels and ointments.
Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs relieve pain, inflammation and relieve swelling, as a result is the tone of the neck muscles restored, metabolism in the affected area improves, and nerve roots and blood vessels are released from compression.
It is advisable to use drugs from a group of muscle relaxants that also effectively relieve muscle spasms and at the same time restore their tone.However, drugs should be used with caution, especially in allergies.
Preparations from the group of corticosteroids have obtained good reviews in the treatment of osteocondrosis of cervical spine.
The injection medicine is very popular because of its anti -inflammatory and neuro -protective effects.
If the treatment described is not effective, they go to the use of paravertebral blockade with painkillers or steroids.
How to treat cervical osteocondrosis with non -traditional methods
Supporters of non -traditional treatment methods can use the following treatment methods.
- AcupunctureIt helps to save the patient from pain, relieve swelling and relax the spasmodic muscles as well as eliminate the functional clamp of nerves and arteries.If the fingers are numb on the hands, it is advisable to put needles in biologically active points on the arm and the earwash;
- Manual therapyIt helps to recover normal blood flow in the neck, relieves muscle spasms and releases squeezed nerves.Stretch of the spine must be performed by a skilled specialist with great caution;
- Hirudotherapy (LEECH -TREATMENT)It is a cheap and quite effective treatment method.The procedure consists of placing leeches for biologically active points, which must be repeated with a course of 10 sessions.This method helps restore blood circulation in the cervical region, relieving swelling and inflammation;
- Supreme massageIt consists of the finger effects on biologically active points and helps to relieve muscle spasms, improve blood circulation, relieve swelling, pain and inflammation;
- Folk methods for treatmentYou can successfully use it at home.These are various decoctions and infusions that can be made by yourself (infusion of wormwood, infusion of purple, garlic infusion).The therapeutic baths made of mint, chamomile, sage, rhizomes of calamus have a good effect.
According to the above methods of treatment and confidentiality with the mechanisms of the development of the disease, you must make a decision that you contact your problem yourself: to a neuropathologist or private clinic.