Cervical osteochondrosis — symptoms and treatment

Osteochondrosis is a comprehensive degenerative change in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, and often in the initial phase has no distinct symptoms, apart from a slight pain which very often people are not given the necessary attention. In today's world, osteochondrosis is a very common Problem is to be able to cover different age groups of people.

The disease can the spine in any area of the. To divided the main places of localization in:

  1. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
  2. Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine of the
  3. Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

Cervical osteochondrosis is not unusual and is perhaps the most dangerous, since in the executed Form is able to bring people with a disability. The fact that the neck vertebrae are much smaller in comparison with the other vortices, but have the greatest mobility. In the neck area, a large amount of concentrated blood vessels and nerve fibers, also through the neck, the arteries, the blood supply to the brain run. Therefore, the slight shift of the cervical vertebrae is the feeling of pressure to nerve roots and vessels. Because of the cervical spinal canal has small dimensions, there is always the possibility of spinal cord compression. This is the main danger that can end disability.

Cervical Osteochondrosis

The reasons for the emergence of osteochondrosis

The causes of osteoarthritis are not fully understood by scientists, but, nevertheless, there are some factors in the development of this disease. Among the most important of these factors:

  • Predisposition passed down through genetic.
  • Improper diet, due to which overweight and a lack of trace elements in the body.
  • Intoxication or the presence of an infection.
  • Disturbed Metabolism.
  • The presence of injuries of the spine.
  • The leadership of lack of exercise, implementation of Minimum body movements.
  • The presence in humans of diseases such as scoliosis, flat feet, as well as the instability of the segments of the spine.
  • Physically uneven load on the body.
  • Frequent Stress and mental tensions.
  • The sudden change in the already established Lifestyle.

Basic stages of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four stages. In the first Phase, only complaints in the area of the back obviously. For the second Phase is characterized by: the destruction of the Anulus fibrosus and the appearance of a protrusion of the intervertebral disc, or perhaps a pinched nerve. In the development of the third stage, the formation of a hernia is. In the fourth, last stage of osteochondrosis of the man is very poor and moves almost constantly in severe pain feel. This is due to the deformation of the vertebral body in the Form of them appear to be osteophytes (bony growths).

Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease

The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease accompanied by several syndromes, the role of the main symptoms of the disease:

  1. Irritative reflex syndromes. If it exists, appears to be the neck a slight pain in the area, and the back of the head, worse on motion.
  2. The syndrome of the vertebral artery. Accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noise in the ears, is also quite possible disorder of the visual system. The likelihood of a breach of cerebral circulation appears.
  3. Syndrome scalenus anterior. Characterized by pain, aching in the neck. The pain is worse when tilting or turning the head.
  4. Cardiac Syndrome. Accompanied by pain in the neck, the heart, and in the vicinity of the shoulder blades. The pain has the property at the turn of the head and sneezing. Symptoms in this case is strongly reminiscent of Angina pectoris.
  5. Radicular Syndrome. If it occurs, happens roots, the squeezing of the nerve. The area the pain spreads to the extensive area of the organism. In this area of the neck, shoulder blades, shoulders and fingers include:.
  6. Root-vascular syndrome. Usually characterized by motor and sensitive disorders.
  7. Spinal Syndromes. Pressing the spinal cord, the affected vertebral osteochondrosis appear when together. In this case, there is pain in the neck, numbness, weakness of the limbs.

Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease

The first step on the path to healing — the determination of the exact diagnosis. Only then can the complex treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease, which is mainly due to the reduction of the pain sensation, as well as the elimination of the inflammation. Consider the basic methods of the complex treatment:

  • The drug therapy. With the exacerbation of the disease. With your help, the inflammation removed and docked pain syndrome.
  • Physiotherapy Treatments. Via the flows with low-frequency, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and Laser. As a result, the feeling of pain and muscle, removes spasms, reduces inflammation.
  • The Manual Therapy. This therapy selected for each patient individually. After its application, facilitates pain, increases corrected the mobility and body posture.
  • Physiotherapy. Depends primarily on the decompression of the nerve root. Special exercises will help greatly reduce the stress fall in the spine, through the strengthening and development of the muscles of the back. During the acute illness, sports lessons don't usually use. The exercise should only be performed by a qualified specialist.
  • The Treatment Massage. In the specialized clinics of Tibetan medicine, acupressure, as well as techniques of Chinese medicine – acupuncture and Moxibustion are used.
  • Reflex zone massage. Effectively eliminates pain, improves metabolic processes in the body.

It should be noted that the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease during pregnancy is almost impossible. So the women need to pay attention to this disease before pregnancy. There are also a number of recommendations for sleep, people with osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient should be medium-hard. Do not use very soft or very firm mattress. The pillow do not use high, is desirable, an orthopedic. As this unpleasant disease, with regular prophylaxis avoid. Among the methods of prevention, proper nutrition, physical exercise and change of lifestyle to being more active.