Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that affects the upper spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let go of the problem on their own, without going to the doctor for help.
Reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck
Second and third degree osteochondrosis of the cervical region causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine. First, the fibrinous ring is destroyed, then there is protrusion and prolapse of the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. The pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that adversely affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis of varying degrees:
- physical inactivity (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to disease;
- immune response problems;
- unbalanced diet, on the background of a lack of minerals, trace elements or certain groups of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, propensity to inflammatory processes;
- systemic endocrine disorders;
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal injuries;
- hard physical work.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of the second and all subsequent stages is considered the most severe. The reason is the close position of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition, innervation of the brain.
The pathology is more common in people older than 50, and 3rd degree 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, on the soft tissues that are nearby.
With the development of degenerative-destructive pathology of the cervix, the discs lose their protective properties.
Gradual destruction, movement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- cartilage partially or completely loses its damping characteristics;
- disc deformation;
- destruction of the fibrous ring (begins in the initial stage);
- formation of osteophytes - bone growths on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by special manifestations. If in the initial stages (first and second phase) a person suffers from mild discomfort, then in the advanced form the disease causes a number of complications.
First degree
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis may occur without clinical manifestations. The main complaint of patients is neck pain.
Massage helps relieve discomfort. On palpation, the patient feels muscle stiffness in the neck area, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment on time, you can stop the initial process of first and second degree osteochondrosis anomalies.
Second degree
Symptoms of grade 2 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are more pronounced. The period of exacerbation is accompanied by severe discomfort. Urgent and complex treatment with injections is needed.
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 time;
- lethargy;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- reduction of working ability levels;
- holding times, a person can not freely occupy a comfortable position;
- dizziness.
Manifestations depend on which arteries, veins or nerve bundles are constricted. The muscles of the cervical-neck zone and the face, ears, head may become numb. A person may be disabled.
Third degree
The third stage is characterized by an active lesion of the fibrous ring.
Violation leads to the appearance of bulges, intervertebral hernias.
The stage of progression of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which is not always possible to stop with strong analgesics. Neurological disorders gradually progress.
fourth degree
In the last phase, degenerative-destructive processes reach their peak. It is difficult for patients to move, stiffness reaches its maximum. Sometimes the pain can subside, but it is a dangerous sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral elements, which will cause even greater deterioration, worsening well-being.
Stage diagnostics
The instability of the spinal discs, questions about the elimination of the consequences of tissue destruction are considered by a neurologist. The doctor checks the neck reflexes with a hammer, performs coordination.
Instrumental research:
- radiography;
- CT scanner;
- M. R. I;
- Ultrasound of vertebral arteries.
X-rays are recorded from the front and side.
MRI and CT 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 spine. The results will help in forming the prognosis of the disease.
Treatment of second degree cervical osteochondrosis
The basis of any therapeutic effect in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is taking medications that help eliminate the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - therapist, neurologist.
Patient anesthesia
Treatment of patients with second-degree osteochondrosis of the neck begins with a complex of pain medications. The doctor selects analgesics from the standpoint of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Fighting hotspots of inflammation
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate foci of inflammation and reduce pain levels in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
Non-steroidal drugs have one negative consequence - they aggressively affect the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics can be prescribed in tablets or injections, as in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis in the second and third stages of development. Gels, ointments and creams are often used for external treatment.
Chondroprotectors
In the treatment schemes of second-degree neck osteochondrosis, a special role is attributed 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, then 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 cervical osteochondrosis) will help simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises. Such recreational activities are not expensive, easy to perform, do not bring pain, do not cause discomfort.
In the later stages of the formation of cervical osteochondrosis 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 right. The main goal: to strengthen the neck muscles and relax at the same time.
It is important that the patient strives for recovery, carefully following the recommendations of experts, doctor's prescriptions.