Cervical osteochondrosis - causes, signs and treatment

Osteochondrosis of the cervix region is a disease of the intervertebral disc that consists of the occurrence of pathological metabolic disorders.If the pulp that performs the shock -absorbing role begins to harden due to the active ossification processes, the nerve roots are connected.

Without timely treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervix region, there are serious consequences that hinder normal life.You need to know what symptoms the alarm suffer.

Osteochondrosis of the neck - classification

The problem of the disease is the out of date.The patient has classic neurological manifestations - headache, dizziness, flies in the eyes, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, chest.The patient can become deaf, which visits a cardiologist, neurologist, therapist or orthopedic surgeon without recognizing the real causes of malaise.

The disease has a physiological nature because the human spine is forced to withstand long static stress in a vertical position.The bone tissue weakens with age, which negatively influences the health state of the spine.Destructive and depth processes develop, which leads to osteochondrosis.The osteochondrosis in a cervical way occurs more often, since the neck has good mobility, which makes this department a traumatic damage.

The disease is one of the most common among the diseases of the spine.Osteochondrosis also reduces age.When people aged 40 to 60 are addressed 20 years ago with complaints about pain in the back, people between the ages of 30 and 40 will rather complain.Such an unfavorable change is associated with the deterioration of health indicators, which is due to a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and reduced nutritional quality.

The pathology is not only associated with physiological side changes, but also with the pathological condition of the body.Physiological processes are due to the occurrence of destructive processes against the background of the aging of the body and cartilage.Over time, natural unfavorable changes do not seem to be prevented - metabolic processes are disturbed, calcium reserves are exhausted.Pathological factors - the destruction of the cartilage and wear of the intervertebral discs in connection with an unhealthy lifestyle.

In addition, the pathological course of the wear of the intervertebral discs and the ossification of the elastic content through the band apparatus, the pathological wear of the vertebrae (spondylose), the press (development of the type of hernia) and the formation of calcium salt deposits can be complicated.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

In the early stages it is difficult to identify clear signs of the disease, since the symptoms are paroxysmal and sometimes completely pass.The diagnosis is often difficult in patients who use pain relievers regularly.With a reduction in sensitivity to pain, the disease is disguised and it becomes more difficult to diagnose it through external signs.Usually the patient does not believe that he has problems until the disease reaches the final stage.In addition to the pain in the neck and head, dizziness and blood pressure jump occur.

Dizziness for osteochondrosis occurs regularly, but does not always indicate this disease.Usually this state is observed with the development of inflammatory processes in the ears, with cramps of the vessels of the brain and against the background of the inner vation.Sometimes such a condition is associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, impairment of the coordination of movements or anemia.If the patient has dizziness regularly, accompanied by a feeling of fouling, lack of air and weakness, you prefer to seek medical help.

What signs against the background of dizziness are the reason for the patient's emergency hospital center:

1. Dustiness of the upper shoulder belt on one side, accompanied by a parallel paralysis of the muscles of the face.
2. Migraine attacks, a very strong headache against the background of general malaise.
3. Problems with the coordination of movements.
4. Violation of consciousness, its loss.

Headaches are one of the most common and unspecific signs that occur against the background of cervical osteochondrosis.Most of the time, a headache of tension occurs in women.This state is associated with a characteristic of the hormonal background (excess of estradiol in the body compared to men) and the vascular weakness, which is also associated with hormone status (increased progesterone relaxes the vessels and makes it less durable).

In the case of osteochondrosis, headaches occur due to the frequent cramps of the vessels of the brain, against the background of the clamping of the nerve roots and with increasing indicators for intracranial pressure.ATECHONDRASS PASSIONALS often resemble high blood pressure, an IBS or a stroke attack (it is important to consider that the older one person is, the higher the risk of pathologies).

If the patient has other diseases associated with an impairment of the heart muscle, pain in the heart of osteochondrosis attacks is also observed.In people with a cardiovascular diseases, an attack by angina pectoris is typical, blood pressure, extra -tired, arrhythmia and chest pain begin.If the patient does not get better when using the first aid medication and the attack takes a long time, it is urgent to call an ambulance so that the patient is taken to the hospital to the cardiologist.

Pain syndrome for osteochondrosis

Regardless of this, the characteristics of the pain syndrome of the disease should be described.Unpleasant sensations do not always result in the occipital area or in the head.There are attacks in which pain in very different places are localized more often.Sore throat often radiate into the hands or shoulders.Different signs of unpleasant sensations are the occurrence of symptoms immediately after waking up or carrying out sudden movements.An example is sneeze or laugh.Even with such mild physiological reactions, an attack of pain syndrome can occur.

If the pathology is not too neglected, unpleasant sensations will soon disappear and symptoms are often accompanied by an improved crunch in the cervical vertebrae.The disease often occurs in people with cervical lordosis - a pathophysiological disease associated with increased flexibility on the neck.If a person often lifts his head back, this condition can occur.The more progressive the pathological state is, the worse the patient is, since the pain returns over time, intensified and provides increasingly powerful agony.

Which sensations and signs in pain are most often described by patients:

1. The pain goes out of the "depth" of the neck.
2. When turning the head to the side, a crunch or a strong feeling of the cracker is observed.
3. When unpleasant sensations are observed, the patient has stiffness in the cervix region, accompanied by muscle weaknesses.

According to statistics, the disease most often affects 6 and 7 cervical vertebrae.The disease also occurs in one of the hurricanes of the cervix.

Development of arterial hypertension with cervical osteochondrosis

There is a clear connection between a certain disease and increasing pressure.The cervical vertebrae are also penetrated by nerve endings and vascular channel.When calculated on the surface of the vertebra, pathological pressing of the nerve endings and blood vessels occurs.As a result, the microspasus occurs and the patient has characteristic deterioration in the fountain.

Hypertension that occurs against the background shows specific differences:

1. Persistent, acute headache is the most characteristic characteristic of Shokh.
2. Chest pain when inhaling, symptoms in the limbs.
3. Reduction of sensitivity in the collar zone.
4. The appearance of sharp pressure jumps after nervous tension, muscle overvoltage or after a long stay in the Antalgic pose.

Causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

For the most part, this disease is associated with natural aging processes and the occurrence of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.It is worth noting that not all people in old age suffer from osteochondrosis.Usually this disease overtakes a seated lifestyle with obesity.

The provocative factors that cause pathology include:

1. A sitting lifestyle, including hypodynamics.
2. The occupation of an unpleasant attitude in connection with a long, static stress.An example is a long sitting on the desktop without maintaining the correct posture.
3. Obesity or excess body weight.Great weight is not always associated with fat deposits.An increased body weight index is often observed in bodybuilders or massive athletes.The recommended weight is not only overloaded with early wear on the spine, but also with the premature wear of the spine, but also with the cardiovascular system.
4. Chronic stress in connection with nervous overload.
5. Previously, injuries to the head or neck injuries suffered.
6. Local hypothermic - blow your neck.
7. The presence of a pathological autoimmune process in the body, which negatively influences the condition of the cartilage and the bone tissue.Examples are rheumatoid arthritis that lead to the development of such diseases like Shokh.
8. The presence of congenital anomalies in the structure of the cartilage spine.

The presence of lectured physical exertion, proper nutrition and rejection of bad habits is the best way to minimize the deterioration associated with osteochondrosis.

Development stages of the disease

There are several stages of developing the pathological state in connection with the appearance of symptoms of osteochondrosis:

1. The preclinical stage is the first.In the initial phase, it is difficult to notice signs of the disease because there are still no specific symptoms.The only thing an experienced specialist can notice is the smoothness of the cervix lordosis.As a result of such a slight change, minimal symptoms with a sharp neck change to the side is possible.Over time, tensions, pain in the lumbar region and the muscles of the back can occur, since the cervical zone often pulls the lumbar spine.If the patient was lucky at an early stage and osteochondrosis was found, you can go out with a change in nutrition and the correction of lifestyle so that the pathology does not progress further.Patients often ignore this stage because symptoms rarely cause significant changes in the body.
2. The second stage occurs when the preclinical conclusion has been successfully ignored.Usually there are signs of instability of the cervix region at this time.At this stage, the patient is already concerned about pain syndrome.Unpleasant sensations are often given to the hands of the upper shoulder strap.The pain with sharp tendencies and headlamps can be felt more.Since a pathological lowering of the distance between the intervertebral discs already takes place, the nerve endings are caught, which leads to the development of a neurological syndrome in the patient.As a result, the patient has simultaneous symptoms, including increased tiredness, reduced performance, distraction and headache.
3. The third degree.At this stage, pain syndrome becomes even more pronounced than before.It becomes impossible to ignore such pain, so even the most persistent patients are already forced to consult a doctor in order to make an appropriate diagnosis.The pain often radiates in the limbs and shoulders, and in the morning there are weakness in the hands.A simultaneous disease can occur at this stage - a hernia of the intervertebral disc.In the morning, the patient feels a strong rigidity, which also indicates a deterioration in the mobility of the cervix region.Dizziness and severe weakness are observed in patients.
4. Terminalosteochondrosis, fourth stage.The destruction of the intervertebral discs is observed at this stage.The slices themselves are replaced by the time of the connective tissue.An improved pathological process can already influence other segments of the spine, including the thoracic and lumbar industry.The quality of life suffers greatly in such patients - the coordination of movements worsens, headache and dizziness become unbearable, noise in the ears also appears, other serious disorders - vascular disorders, problems with the respiratory system.

Syndromes that occur with cervical osteochondrosis

The danger of untreated symptoms is further progress.If the patient continues to ignore the pathology, various types of syndromes occur - symptom complexes.There are such types:

1. Wirting or vertebrae.
2. Wirting artery.
3. Cardial or warm.
4. Rook syndrome.

The combination of these signs often develops into the overall picture of the manifestation of osteochondrosis.

The vertebral syndrome often develops.In the patient, the mobility of the cervical spine is disturbed over time.First, the stiffness occurs after awakening.Pathology will be constantly present in the future.Pain also appears when trying to turn your neck to the side.Some deteriorations are also set in the X rays.A characteristic feature of the vertebra syndrome is the presence of all the above signs.If there is no sign, this is an exception or axiom.The complexity of the diagnosis is that the vertebral syndrome is often confused with other inflammatory diseases of the cervix region - myositis, injuries and stretching.

The vertebral artery syndrome is associated with the pathological arterial process, which occurs when compression.If the blood flow is lacking due to a partial overlap of vertebral arteries in the neck area, the following sign complications occur:

1. The inadequacy of venous blood flow manifests itself in such signs - the appearance of noise in the ears, dizziness, pressure jumping, vomiting or nausea.
2. The occurrence of irritation of the nerve ends, which manifests itself through migraines or severe headaches.Often a feeling of deafness or temporary viewing view can be recorded through an eye in a patient.
3. Oxygen hunger due to pressed arteries.The patient has signs of hypoxia - shortness of breath, heartache, fainting, dizziness and weakness with the lowest physical stress.

A similar state is also characteristic of atherosclerosis and oncology.

In addition, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are characterized by the development of the syndrome according to cardiac type.The patient has signs of a disorder of the heart muscle.Many signs can resemble a heart attack or coronary heart disease.During the deterioration, the patient feels a burning and pressing in the heart muscle, weakness, shortness of breath and an increase in tachycardia attacks.In order to exclude cardiac syndrome against the background of osteochondrosis, you must have an echo of the heart, EKG.If there are no signs of disorders from the heart, this is a heart syndrome that has arisen due to the fact that the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine continues.

Rooser syndrome is associated with the main diseases - bastards in the area of the spine and limbs.The reason is the transmission of the nerve end.During the deterioration time, the patient must observe the bed rest and use painkillers.Pathology is treated using neurotropic drugs.The prevention of seizures aims to improve blood circulation, the implementation of physiotherapy and physiotherapy.The rotor syndrome is dangerous for complications.If even a small nerve is completely trapped, this is hindered with the immobilization of the limbs and an impairment of the innervation in the fingers, hands.

Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the neck

To determine the pathology, you must contact the therapist.The doctor carries out a first examination, fills out the patient's hospital card and sends the patient to a narrow specialist - a traumatologist or a neurologist.The doctor then examines the patient, creating a primary diagnosis during the examination, which must be confirmed using laboratory tests.

Which diagnostic methods are recommended for suspicion of the neck osteochondrosis:

1. X -Ray.This is a quick and general option for the initial investigation that is necessary to evaluate the condition of the patient's bone system in the distant spine.If the patient has osteochondrosis, the distance in the annoying area of the spine is reduced.
2. To find out for a specific diagnosis, you can carry out magnetic resonance imaging.MRI is the most accurate diagnostic method.The device takes into account both bone structures and cartilage, soft tissues.You can notice disorders - trapped nerves, the stage of the bandhore and the degree of development of osteochondrosis.
3. Computer tomography.The research method is suitable if there is no suspicion of the presence of Schwandebebralernie.
4. Ultrasound -Duplex scanning.If the patient of venous blood is affected, this type of study is carried out.If there is physical obstacles, this type of diagnosis helps to identify it.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Treatment of the neck osteochondrosis of the spine aims to eliminate symptoms.There is no radical way to return the development of pathology.It must be understood that the type of disease lies not only in pathological development, but also in natural physiological degenerative destruction.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication

Medicine therapy is the best way to reduce pain in a pain attack.Typically, drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis are prescribed on the basis of symptoms:

1. NSAIDS or analgesics.Non -steroids anti -inflammatory drugs are suitable for stopping an attack of headache, which is observed more often in women.The appointment of a certain drug depends on the causes of pain.An example of a woman has a headache due to the vascular spasm, analgesics or anti-spasmodics are advertised.If the pain occurs in the neck and is accompanied by inflammation, NSAIDs are required with a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect.It is better to clarify the specific trade name for the treating doctor.
2. Musorelaxants.These drugs are effective in the treatment of similar diseases associated with the destruction or damage of bone cerry tissue.Such diseases include hernia, lead and rheumatoid pathologies.Recent studies show that muscle relaxants not only have a relaxing effect, but also effectively anesthetes.A group of medication is prescribed due to excessive muscle spasticity in connection with its overload, which was created against the background of osteochondrosis.These drugs practically do not influence the activity of the central nervous system so that they can be taken during the day.The course of the therapy takes about 4 weeks.
3. B -Vitamine B combined injection agents of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 in large doses show an analgesic effect if pain syndrome is caused by nerve roots.A long course is required in combination with analgesics.In the case of deterioration attacks, it is advisable to watch the bed rest to unload the pain zone as far as possible.Within 2-3 weeks, injection medication will be used in accordance with the instructions and then drink tablets for 1-2 months. 
4. Chondroprotectors.Such drugs are required in the presence of degenerative processes in the cartilage.If improved destructive effects have already started, they are not eliminated.The long -term use of injection forms of medication can no longer slow the regression of cartilage destruction.The minimum use time is 3-4 months.
5. Hypotene active ingredients.If the patient regularly has pressure sticks in the direction of the climb, use medication that reduces the systolic and diastolic pressure.Medicines are carefully and only prescribed by a doctor.Tyta blockers or calcium channel blockers are usually prescribed.
6. Seastant.Sedding agents are required if neurological disorders occur against the background of autonomous disorders.Examples are seizures of anxiety, insomnia or sleep disorders.Planting releases are suitable in the initial phases.In the event of severe disorders, prescription drugs are prescribed.
7. Antihyxants.It is necessary if the patient suffers from a slight heart disease in connection with the lack of air.
8. Calcium and vitamin D3 preparations.In order to support the bone festival in the presence of active degenerative processes, it is necessary to take mineral complexes.Calcium is the necessary building material without the bones being porous and breaking.D3 is a vitamin without which the normal assimilation of calcium is impossible.In combination, these substances strengthen the bone tissue well.It is also useful to drink other minerals regularly to support the health of the musculoskeletal system silicon, sulfur, zinc, magnesium and boron.
9. Vitamin mineral complexes.In addition to special additives, it is necessary to take polyvitamins seasonal in order to maintain the general health of the patient.Take the complexes 2-3 times a year with breaks for 1-2 months.
10. External means.To get the neck state in order, if you feel stiffness, you can use warm up or therapeutic ointments that help improve blood supply.It is precisely in some ointments to heal a feeling of constant stiffness, but the use of a small amount of external remedies before going to bed makes it easier to get the condition in the morning.

Conservative methods of therapy

In the recovery period, a person with osteochondrosis should support the body using conservative treatment methods:

1. Therapeutic gymnastics.Special exercises with regular execution improve common mobility and temporarily accelerate the blood circulation.The patient feels improved over time.The main rule of training therapy is the regularity and consequence of actions.If you do sports lessons every day, the neck muscles are available in tone, which significantly relieves the load from the spine.
2. Massage.The process is carried out after an acute time to improve blood flow and relax the muscles.The contact effect is well combined with the course of muscle relaxants, which potentiates the effect of medicinal products.With the physical exposure of the fingers, the local temperature in the warm muscles increases, which improves blood flow.The massage leads to relaxing the clamped sections of the back.
3. Physiotherapy methods.The hardware treatment aims to improve blood flow in the damaged area.Using devices and exposure to the electricity or magnetic field of a low frequency, medication is administered via the skin.These remedies are well absorbed without achieving a systemic effect.Examples of procedural magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, laser effect, shock wave therapy.

In a neglected case, if conservative therapy is ineffective, the patient is offered to carry out surgical interventions.The radical therapy method in particular is effective in the presence of hernia or protrusions if there are simultaneous diseases of the spine that aggravate the situation.Indications for the operation are loss of limb sensitivity, unbearable pain.