Description of the disease
Osteochondrosis is a pathological state of the bone battery fabric of the spine.The disease is characterized by dystrophic changes and a decrease in the function absorbing the shocks of the intervertebral discs.The pathology causes the deterioration of the fixing capacity of the spine due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs, as well as a decrease in the tone of the vertebral muscles and the ligaments.
Several forms of osteochondrosis are distinguished depending on the location of dystrophic changes: cervical, chest, lumbar, sacred.One of the most common is cervical osteochondosis (up to 25% of the total).The disease accompanies the unpleasant sensations which considerably reduce the quality of human life.
It should be noted that cervical osteochondosis can occur at any age.Currently, the disease is often diagnosed even in schoolchildren and students, which is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and a long -term stay in the computer and manuals (subject to poor body position).
In the absence of treatment, osteochondrosis is progressing, symptoms become more pronounced, complications often occur: intervertebral hernias, nerve, circulatory, hypoxia, etc.
Symptoms
With cervical osteochondosis, insufficient nutrition of the intervertebral discs of the cervical region occurs, from which they become fragile and the distance between them decreases considerably.At the same time, bone tissue becomes subject to the growth and formation of bone growth (osteophytes).In the last stadiums, growths move and begin to tighten the nearby fabrics, vessels and nerves that take place in the cervical region.
Cervical osteochondrosis- Chronic disease and developing gradually.Therefore, the symptoms of pathology at different stages are different.
- 1st degree osteochondrosis symptoms
At the initial stage of the disease, there is a slight decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc of the cervical column.Pathology has light symptoms.There is discomfort in the neck, which can spread to shoulders.In some cases, pain in the neck may appear, manifested in physical activity. - 2nd degree osteochondrosis symptoms
At this stage, the height of the disc continues to decrease, there is a cartilage fabric wrongly, the protrusion is developing.The cracks can form in the fibrous ring.The pain begins to intensify, becomes longer, can radiate in the hands and along the spine.There is a feeling of rigidity with neck turns, a crunchy and the appearance of headaches are possible. - 3rd degree osteochondrosis symptoms
At the 3rd stage of the disease, a fibrous ring breaks and the formation of intervertebral hernies.The spine is distorted, dislocations or a subluxation of the vertebrae can occur.The patient has acute and prolonged pain in the neck, numbness, partial loss of sensitivity of skin areas in the neck, neck, shoulders or hands. - 4th degree osteochondrosis symptoms
At an advanced stage of the disease, irreversible changes occur - many osteophytes develop, the structures of the intervertebral disc are gradually replaced by a scar tissue.The resulting hernia puts pressure on blood vessels and nerves, a person has organ hypoxia, pathologies of the circulatory system.The pain lasts a long time, the neck and the upper shoulder belt are immobilized, the quality of life is considerably aggravated.
Whatever the seriousness of the disease, the patient may have symptoms such as headaches, noise or ringing in the ears, nausea, various visual disorders (sparkle, darkening, pain).
Reasons
Cervical osteochondosis occurs due to a poorly distributed load on the cervical column.At the same time, neck muscles cannot cope with mechanical pressure, spasm, which leads to circulatory disorders.From this, degenerative changes come in the upper spine.
Factors contributing to the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical column:
- hereditary predisposition;
- neck injury;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Long stay in a position - on the computer, driving, etc.;
- The presence of autoimmune diseases is rheumatoid arthritis, the systemic lupus erythematosus,
- scleroderma;
- Metabolism violation;
- The presence of endocrine diseases - drop, diabetes;
- Excessive body weight.
Diagnosis
If there is a suspicion of the presence of cervical osteochondosis, it is necessary to contact a medical institution in a timely manner.The full diagnosis will help identify the disease, assess its diploma and understand the causes of the development of pathology.A preliminary diagnosis is made on the basis of inspection and palpation - with osteochondrosis, the tension of the cervical muscles is noted, in certain cases, the deformation of the spine is perceptible.
After an objective diagnosis, the doctor sends the patient to additional studies.
The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the diagnosis:
- Magnetic resonance tomography;
- radiography (lateral and right);
- Multilayed computed tomography.
To determine the cause of the development of pathology, an ultrasound examination of the neighboring organs, the ECG of the heart, the duplex scanning of the blood vessels, the blood tests and the urine can also be prescribed.
Therapeutic treatment
With a timely detection of cervical osteochondosis, the disease lends itself well to therapeutic treatment.Unfortunately, osteochondrosis cannot be completely healed, however, therapy will help prevent the subsequent development of the disease, relieve unpleasant symptoms and normalize the mobility of the upper spine.
The following methods are used for this:
- Drug treatment.Drugs relieve pain and inflammation, restore blood circulation and eliminate cramps in neck muscles.For this, the following groups of drugs can be used: glucocorticosteroids, pain relievers, slow action drugs, muscle relaxing, etc.
- Physiotherapeutic treatment.In addition to taking medication to soften the cervical muscles, eliminate cramps and normalize blood circulation will help physiotherapeutic procedures: massage, acupuncture, laser effect, magnetotherapy, UHF therapy, phonophoresis, etc.
- Therapeutic gymnastics.Special physical exercises will help the patient strengthen the muscle framework, align posture and improve blood supply to the upper part of the spine.
Surgical treatment
In the case of advanced stages of osteochondrosis of the cervical column or with insufficient effectiveness of conservative methods, surgery is necessary.
The following surgery methods can be used according to a specific clinical case:
- Small invasive elimination of vertebral hernia.
- Laminectomy is an operation to eliminate vertebral processes.
- Elimination of a hernia and stabilization of the segment operated using a system composed of four titanium screws and two peaks of stems.
- Endoscopic removal of a hernia.