Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine that develops in the background of degeneration and dystrophy of the tissues of the intervertebral discs of the neck. The disease can be complicated by paresis and paralysis of the hands, ischemia and stroke. This is why the detection of any of their symptoms should be the basis for a visit to an orthopedist, neurologist, or vertebrologist who knows exactly how to treat cervical osteochondrosis and during subsequent therapy according to the regimen of his choice. .
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its causes
Osteochondrosis of the neck region is a polyethiological pathology. You can trigger:
- injury;
- decreased motor activity;
- prolonged sitting (for example, while driving or using a computer);
- increased load on the spine;
- innate characteristics in the structure of the spinal column;
- metabolic disease;
- irrational nutrition;
- alcoholism, smoking;
- infectious diseases;
- poisoning;
- hypothermia;
- appearance of salt deposits in the collar zone.
However, autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders are factors that increase the likelihood of pathology.
Symptoms of cervical spine: symptoms
The main symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is intense pain in the back of the head and neck. Unpleasant sensations may radiate to the shoulder girdle and arms, and may become more pronounced during sneezing, coughing, and turning the head. Secondary symptoms of the disease include:
- general weakness, decreased body tone;
- increased fatigue;
- headache;
- numbness of the hands;
- dizziness;
- black out;
- noise in the ear;
- crackling in the neck area while moving.
In later stages, the patient's hearing and vision sharpness may be reduced. In some patients, the development of pathology is accompanied by the appearance of chest pain.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the tissues of the upper segment of the spine are treated conservatively. Traumatologists, orthopedists, vertebrologists and neurologists recommend the following to patients:
- ensure the rest of the motor in the affected area (for this purpose it is advisable to use a special Shants collar);
- take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamins and mineral complexes;
- use anesthetic ointments and creams;
- corticosteroid injections (severe pain syndrome);
- take part in therapeutic exercises, swimming;
- follow a diet that provides increased protein and fiber intake;
- completion of physiotherapy procedures, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture courses within the time limit set by the doctor;
- avoid stressful situations, prolonged exposure to hypothermia, neck injuries, and uncomfortable situations.
In cases where conservative treatments do not help relieve the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient is referred for surgery. During the operation, the doctor will:
- remove the affected intervertebral discs or fragments thereof;
- implants implants that replace broken segments;
- stabilizes the vertebrae;
- performs laser repair of dead tissue.
Timely treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can reduce the intensity of pain, slow the onset of the disease, restore the patient’s ability to work, and avoid dangerous complications of the disease.