Diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative process that captures the structure of the intervertebral disc in the initial stage, and the further development of the disease leads to damage to the rest of the human vertebral structure. Symptoms are diverse, which complicates the initial diagnosis, and treatment of the disease in the early stages has produced positive results.

The main risk factor for the development of the disease is related to the erect posture. The upright position causes specific loads on the spine in the static and active positions.

The causes of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar osteochondrosis include:

• Overweight, obese;
• Passive pastime, working on a computer, sedentary work such as dispatchers, drivers, etc. ;
• Food error;
• Poor posture;
• Flat feet;
• Hormonal changes;
• Pressure

Patients with a genetic predisposition (patients with congenital changes in the structure of the spine) are different from those who apply for a doctor. The driving force for the development of the disease may be injuries to the cervical spine and other parts of the spine.

During exercise, the vertebrae will bear too much burden. Such patients can be divided into two categories:

• Professionals who are under excessive continuous stress or who suddenly stop training;
• Newcomers who have just gone to the gym, they don’t follow the coach’s advice.

The development process of the disease is the same, regardless of the cause of it. Excessive pressure, weight-bearing will first cause muscle contraction, trying to keep the human bones in a physiological position. Continuous muscle spasms lead to impaired blood circulation, deterioration of tissue nutrition, and gradual changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc. In the future, lack of nutrition will cause the annulus fibrosus to loosen.

The result of the reduced density is to introduce the pulp part of the ring into the fibrous part, forming a hernia, which leads to changes in the position of the cervical vertebrae in osteochondrosis. At the same time, as the spinal nerve roots are squeezed, the lumen becomes narrower and the innervation of internal organs deteriorates. In some cases, a hernia can directly put pressure on the spinal cord.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis can manifest as a variety of neurological symptoms:

• Dizziness, dizziness, tinnitus or dizziness, difficulty keeping the body upright without feeling the rotation of surrounding objects;
• Headache caused by vasospasm, accompanied by increased intracranial pressure and nerve root compression.

If the occipital lobe of the brain does not have enough blood flow for a long time, tongue numbness, visual impairment and hearing loss may occur.

Impaired motor function performance:

• numbness, tingling, decreased strength, upper limb sensitivity;
• Pain, numb shoulder;
• violates the touch of the middle finger;
• Sit-ups, forced neck position

In the cardiovascular system, the signs of cervical osteochondrosis can be expressed as irregular increases in blood pressure.

Almost constant painful feelings can cause emotional stress, stress, and behavioral changes: outbursts of anger, resentment, sleep disturbance, unreasonable fear. The manifestations of these diseases limit comfort, freedom of movement, freedom of movement, and reduce the quality of life.

Development phase

The disease is divided into 4 stages:

• Stage 1-Onset of disease, pain is not constant, it is only possible when the head is rotated. Tension increases back muscle fatigue. Due to lack of symptoms, it is considered preclinical. Eliminate signs through proper nutrition and exercise
• Stage 2-Loss of spine stability. The height of the intervertebral disc is reduced, and the nerves and blood vessels are compressed. A person complained of periodic numbness in the arm, girdle shoulders, pain, and turning the head will exacerbate the pain. Reversible
• Stage 3-Pain, dizziness, and weakness of the upper limbs become common companions of the patient.
The mobility of the cervical spine is restricted and a hernia is formed.
• Stage 4-Complete the pathological process by destroying the intervertebral disc and replacing the intervertebral disc with the connective tissue structure. The clinical symptoms are headache, accompanied by vestibular, visual and hearing aid discomfort. Symptoms of the cardiovascular system

The specific structure of the cervical spine, the distance between the vertebrae is small, and the weight and size are small compared with other elements of the spine, which causes the disease to develop faster.

Diagnostics

The memory test and preliminary visual examination of patients with suspected cervical osteochondrosis can make a preliminary diagnosis of the disease. The examination is carried out in a standing position and the patient is asked to take off his clothes. The doctor should look at the entire line of the spine to assess the degree of curvature, the displacement of the spinous process line, and the level of the border of the neck and shoulder blade. When palpating, pay attention to the condition of the muscles next to the spine. In order to evaluate the activity level of each part of the spine, the patient is required to perform amplitude exercises: turning, bending, and stretching (standing against a wall or under the support of a safety net).

If there is no instrumental study, it is impossible to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis. The most useful information is to allow MRI, CT, and X-ray photography, but it should be kept in mind that these methods will not show the presence of intervertebral hernias and may pinch the spinal cord.

Cure

Osteochondrosis due to the rapid development of cervical spondylosis, so a comprehensive treatment is needed. Used in conjunction with medication, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, neck collar and shoulder massage.

First Aid

This kind of help is designed to relieve pain. You can use medicines, analgesics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in your home medicine cabinet.

Pepper is used locally for cervical osteochondrosis, which can improve peripheral circulation, warm the area and relieve pain.

If edema occurs, you should consult a doctor before using diuretics.

Preparations

Prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to combat soreness, inflammation, and edema. In difficult situations, muscle relaxants and corticosteroid-anticonvulsants should be prescribed.

Chondroprotectants and vitamins are designed to improve physical conditions and restore cartilage and bone tissue. Specifies the preparation method of B vitamins in tablets or injections

Drugs are used to improve cerebral circulation. Antidepressants can be taken as needed to improve the mental health of patients.

In the cervical area, the local area of ​​the neck ring is used in the form of ointment. These drugs can provide warming and pain relief.

Exercise therapy and massage

After the inflammatory process is eliminated, the doctor will prescribe a set of exercises that are individually selected for each patient. According to the list of general exercises recommended for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to be accompanied by a doctor at the first session and can be done at home in the future.

Exercise example:

• Lie on your back, place your hands on the floor, align gradually, with unacceptable back bending, and fix your posture for 30-120 seconds;
• At the same starting position, place your hands on your body, slowly rotate your head left and right, repeat 10 times on each side;
• When sitting, tilt your head forward and backward. The downward movement should be done during inhalation, and upward-during exhalation, the recommended number of repetitions is 10-15; 3
• The head can be rotated while sitting (not deep), and the number of repetitions depends on the patient’s health.

Be cautious when doing exercises. The movements should be steady, small in amplitude, and small in depth. The purpose of exercise therapy is not to develop joints, but to improve blood circulation in the area.

Massage plays an important role in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Procedures should be prescribed at all stages of the disease. Depending on the indication, the physical therapist appropriately combines the standard techniques of the procedure, including rubbing, stroking, kneading, squeezing, etc.

Physiotherapy

Regardless of the stage of the disease, appointed:

• Electrophoresis using chemical solution;
• Magnetic therapy;
• method, using hand movements for this point-acupuncture;
• Laser therapy;
• Reflexology

Through all these treatments, the symptoms can be relieved and the patient can be cured.

The current trend is that more and more people are showing cervical osteochondrosis, and the age threshold is lowering-early diagnosis is for people over 45 years old, and now many patients are under 25 years old. With limited mobility, sit at the computer and do a lot of work to more closely monitor the health of the spine of adults and children.