Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper part of the spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let the problem go away on its own, without going to the doctor for help.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and third degrees causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine. First, the fibrinous ring is destroyed, then the protrusion and prolapse of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc occurs. Pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that negatively affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis in varying degrees:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- unbalanced nutrition, against the background of which there is a deficiency of minerals, trace elements or a specific group of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, tendency to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failures in the work of the endocrine system;
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal injuries;
- hard physical labor.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent degrees is considered the most serious. The reason for this is the proximity of nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, innervation of the brain.
Most often, the pathology is found in people over 50 years old, cervical osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree is diagnosed.
What is osteochondrosis of the neck and symptoms
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilage that form the spine, on the soft tissues located nearby.
With the development of degenerative-destructive cervical pathology, the discs lose their protective properties.
The gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- the cartilage partially or completely loses its cushioning qualities;
- disc deformation;
- destruction of the fibrous ring (begins at the initial stage);
- the formation of osteophytes - bony growths on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each degree of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If at the initial stages (first and second stages) a person is bothered by mild discomfort, then in an advanced form the disease leads to a number of complications.
First degree
Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the cervical can occur without clinical manifestations. The main complaint of the patient is pain in the neck.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels stiffness of the muscles in the neck area, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment in a timely manner, you can stop the initial process of abnormalities of osteochondrosis of the first and second degree.
Second degree
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree are more pronounced. The period of exacerbation is accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main events:
- persistent headache;
- discomfort when moving the head;
- stiffness of movement in the neck and collar area;
- during the period of exacerbation, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short period of time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- decrease in the level of working capacity;
- posture suffers, a person cannot freely take a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
The manifestations depend on the artery, vein or nerve bundles that have been clamped. Muscles in the neck area and face, ears and head may become numb. The person may be disabled.
Third degree
The third degree is characterized by an active lesion of the fibrous annulus.
Violation leads to the appearance of protrusions, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of progression of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which cannot always be stopped with strong painkillers. Neurological disorders progress gradually.
fourth degree
At the last stage, degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. It is difficult for patients to move, the stiffness reaches its maximum. Sometimes the pain may subside, but this is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral elements, which will lead to even greater aggravation, deterioration of well-being.
Stage diagnosis
The instability of the discs of the spine, questions about the elimination of the consequences of tissue destruction are examined by a neurologist. The doctor checks the neck reflexes with a hammer, coordination tests.
Instrumental research:
- x-ray;
- computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Ultrasound of the vertebral arteries.
X-rays are taken from the front and from the side.
MRI and CT scans are informative research methods. The only drawback is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is performed if it is necessary to determine the degree of damage to the vertebral arteries, to assess the condition of the cervical region of the spine. The results will help form the prognosis of the disease.
Therapy of osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second degree
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is taking drugs that help get rid of the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - a therapist, a neurologist.
Patient anesthesia
Treatment of patients with osteochondrosis of the neck of the second degree begins with a complex of painkillers. The doctor selects painkillers from the point of view of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Fight against foci of inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate foci of inflammation and reduce the level of pain in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Nonsteroidal drugs have one negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers of the nonsteroidal group can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections, as in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Often gels, ointments, creams are used for external treatment.
Chondroprotectors
In the treatment schemes for osteochondrosis of the neck of the second degree, a special role is assigned to the protectors of cartilage and bone tissue.
Operation
If the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the second and sometimes third degree with drugs takes place 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.
Therapeutic gymnastics and exercise therapy
If it is impossible to completely restore the functional potential of the spine, then it is possible to stop the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (first and partially second degree of cervical osteochondrosis), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help. Such recreational activities are inexpensive, easy to perform, do not bring pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the later stages of the formation of osteochondrosis of the neck of the second or third degree, gymnastics and exercise therapy are recommended. Exercises are performed under the supervision of a specialist. It is important to do everything correctly. The main goal: to strengthen the neck muscles and relax at the same time.
It is important that the patient strive for recovery, carefully follow the recommendations of specialists, prescriptions of doctors.