Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper part of the spine and causes specific symptoms at all stages of development. Most patients let the problem go away on their own without consulting a doctor.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the second and third degree cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spinal column. The fibrin ring is destroyed first, followed by protrusion and prolapse of the intervertebral disc nucleus. Pathology is accompanied by pain and dysfunction.
Causes that negatively affect the spine and the development of varying degrees of cervical osteochondrosis:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to the disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- an unbalanced diet due to a lack of minerals, trace elements or certain vitamin groups;
- frequent hypothermia, predisposition to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failures in the work of the endocrine system;
- at any stage of obesity;
- spinal cord injuries;
- hard physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent stages is the most severe. The cause is the proximity of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, the nerves in the brain.
The pathology is more commonly found in people over the age of 50, and grade 3 cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed.
What are the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilage that make up the spine, the nearby soft tissues.
With the development of degenerative-destructive cervical pathology, the plates lose their protective properties.
The gradual destruction and displacement of the anatomical elements has negative consequences:
- the cartilage loses some or all of its damping properties;
- plate deformation;
- destruction of the fibrous ring (begins in the initial stage);
- formation of osteophytes - bone growth on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If a person is bothered by mild discomfort in the initial stages (first and second stages), the disease in its advanced form causes a number of complications.
First degree
Grade 1 osteochondrosis of the neck may occur without clinical manifestations. The patient's main complaint is neck pain.
Massage helps to relieve discomfort. By touch, the patient feels muscle stiffness in the collar zone, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment on time, you can stop the initial process of first and second degree osteochondrosis anomalies.
Secondary
Symptoms of grade 2 cervical spine osteochondrosis 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-collar area;
- during the exacerbation period, the pain syndrome can be stopped for a short time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- decrease in the level of ability to work;
- the posture suffers, one cannot freely assume a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
Manifestations depend on which artery, vein, or nerve bundle is pinched. The muscles of the neck-collar zone and the face, ears and head may be numb. The person may be disabled.
Third degree
The third stage is characterized by an active lesion of the fibrous ring.
Violation leads to protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of cervical disease progression is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome that cannot always be stopped with strong analgesics. Neurological disorders develop gradually.
fourth degree
In the last stage, the degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. Patients have difficulty moving, stiffness reaches a maximum. Sometimes the pain can be relieved, but it is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral elements, which causes even greater aggravation and deterioration.
Stage diagnostics
Issues related to the instability of the spinal plates and the elimination of the consequences of tissue destruction are considered by a neurologist. The doctor checks the neck reflexes and coordination tests with a hammer.
Instrumental research:
- radiography;
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
The X-ray is taken from the front and side.
MRI and CT are informative research methods. The only downside is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is performed to determine the extent of damage to the arteries in the vertebrae and to assess the condition of the cervical region of the spine. The results help to make a prognosis of the disease.
Therapy for osteochondrosis of the second degree cervical region
In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the therapeutic effect is based on taking medications that help get rid of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - a therapist, a neurologist.
Anesthesia of patients
Treatment of patients with second-degree cervical osteochondrosis begins with a complex of analgesics. The physician selects analgesics based on their effectiveness and contraindications in the patient.
Fight against inflammatory foci
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate inflammatory foci and reduce pain levels in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non-steroidal drugs have one negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the digestive system.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed in tablets or injections as in the second and third stages of development when osteochondrosis worsens. Gels, ointments and creams are often used for external treatment.
Chondroprotectors
Protectors for cartilage and bone tissue are given a special role in the treatment regimens for second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck.
Surgery
If drug therapy for second- and sometimes third-degree cervical osteochondrosis is performed at home, radical treatment requires hospitalization of the patient. Indications for surgery:
- spinal instability;
- spinal cord compression;
- hernia formation.
It is impossible to completely solve the problem of pathological destruction of the neck with the progression of osteochondrosis.
Physiotherapy and gymnastics
If it is impossible to fully restore the functional potential of the spine, the progression of the disease can be stopped.
In the early stages (first and partly second degree of osteochondrosis of the neck) simple folk methods and therapeutic practices help. Such leisure activities are not expensive, easy to perform, do not cause pain, do not cause discomfort.
Exercise and gymnastics are recommended in the later stages of the development of second or third degree cervical osteochondrosis. The exercises are performed under the supervision of a specialist. It is important that we do everything well. The main goal is to strengthen and relax the muscles of the neck at the same time.
It is important that the patient strives for recovery, carefully following the recommendations of specialists and doctors.