Osteoporosis is a dangerous and painful disease of the spine involving degenerative-dystrophic changes in the structure of the disc and neighboring joints and bone tissue. Often the pathology develops correctly in the cervical spine. The disease is accompanied by a feeling of discomfort and reduces the quality of life significantly. In this case, cervical bone necrosis can occur at any age. Nowadays, this disease is diagnosed even among students and adolescents, is related to the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles.
Causes of cervical bone necrosis
There are many factors that lead to pathological changes in the spine. Usually, the appearance of necrosis of the cervical spine precedes a combination of several reasons contributing to the pathological displacement and destruction of the disc. Including:
- various neck injuries, including at birth;
- in a stretched position (drive, computer);
- genetic predisposition;
- metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and vitamin deficiency;
- loads too much and incorrectly, resulting in quick disc erasure;
- hormonal and autoimmune disorders;
- natural aging;
- less often - infectious diseases, hypothermia, stress, etc. v.
Characteristics and stages of the development of the disease
The neck area is the most mobile part of the spine. It is composed of seven vertebrae (C1 - C7), connected by elastic and elastic disc. The second includes the myeloid nucleus and the annular fibrosus. Due to different factors, the position of the disc and the structure of their tissues changes, leading to the appearance of osteonecrosis.
The disease develops in several stages:
- Due to injury or improper load, the normal position of the disc is broken.
- The metabolic decline reduces the strength and elasticity of the rings, so the spacing between the vertebrae is reduced.
- The reduced elasticity of the disc leads to an incorrectly distributed load leading to convex of the nucleus, the formation of herniated masses, and curvature of the spine.
- Due to the reduced distance between the discs, neighboring nerves and blood vessels are pinched, pain occurs and the work of other organs is interrupted.
- As a result of the friction of the vertebrae, bone growth (osteoporosis) arises. The ligaments of the cervical spine practically become immobile and the symptoms of the disease become evident.
Starting treatment at any stage allows you to prevent irreversible changes in the structure of the spine and avoid dangerous disturbances in the work of other body systems.
Symptoms of necrosis of the cervical spine
Pathological changes in this part of the spine have very specific manifestations. The most typical symptoms of cervical bone necrosis are:
- persistent pain in the back of your head, neck, shoulders, or arms, exacerbated by exertion, sneezing, or coughing;
- scratching the spine of the neck when turning or tilting the head;
- numbness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- frequent dizziness and fainting;
- persistent tinnitus and hearing loss;
- dull pain between the shoulder blades and in the heart area;
- general weakness and increased fatigue.
Diagnose
If you suspect that you have degenerative cervical spondylosis, you should have a comprehensive examination, which helps to determine the condition of your spine and the degree of disease progression. For an accurate diagnosis, traditionally, physiological examination by touching and tapping on the neck, as well as by instrumental examination:
- X-ray (side, direct);
- Computerized tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
To determine the cause of the onset of the disease, ultrasound of the neighboring organs, an electrocardiogram, two-sided scanning of blood vessels, blood and urine tests may also be ordered.
Treatment for cervical bone necrosis
Stopping the pathological change and eliminating existing manifestations of the disease is only possible with the help of complex therapy. In the early stage, you can get rid of cervical bone necrosis without surgery - with the help of conservative treatment.
Experts select an individual treatment course for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, age and lifestyle. Usually, the complex consists of several types of treatment at the same time, the main purpose is to eliminate symptoms, stop the progression of the disease and restore normal function of the spine.
- Drug treatment.During the exacerbation stage, various means are used to help relieve pain and other manifestations of the disease. The patient may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, chondroprotectors, warming ointments, cartilaginous tissue restoration drugs and others.
- Physical therapy.Allows you to relieve pain and neutralize inflammation by using ultrasonic waves, lasers or a magnetic field. In addition, manual therapy, acupuncture, electrophoresis and other procedures aimed at normalizing the metabolic processes in the affected area and reducing unpleasant symptoms may be included in the treatment of the tumor. cervical fibrosis.
- Massage.Has a firming and relaxing effect on the neck spine. Eliminate excessive muscle tension, increase the intensity of metabolism. Massage therapy is performed using many different techniques: classical, acupressure, segmental reflexes or vacuum aspiration. A good result is given by the hard methods of acting on the cervical spine, such as hydraulic massage or vibrating.
- Traction.Do it once before starting treatment to release pinched blood vessels and nerve ends. During the stretching process, the spine is stretched using special equipment and simulations. It provides adjustment of the position of the disc and the uniform distribution of vertebrae along the entire length to normalize blood flow and correct load distribution.
- Exercise therapy.Therapeutic exercise is the basis for the treatment of degenerative cervical vertebrae. Regularly performing a special set of exercises allows you to restore the natural motility of the vertebrae and ensure normal nutrition of the disc with helpful substances. Therapeutic exercises often include flexing, twisting, and other neck movements performed by the patient in the clinic or at home.
The course of treatment for cervical osteonecrosis takes a month and a half. Pain and other acute manifestations of the disease usually go away by the end of the first week of complex therapy. In severe cases, when a disc herniation or a bone tumor (a bone spine-like bone) is detected during the diagnosis, surgery is indicated for the patient.
Why are destructive changes in the neck dangerous?
Due to the structural characteristics (constriction of the vertebrae) and the proximity of the nerves and blood channels that feed the brain, tarsal bone tumor is considered a quite dangerous disease. Pathological changes in this part of the spine if not treated promptly can lead to serious consequences, for example:
- violation of cerebral circulation;
- vegetative vascular dystonia;
- hypertonic disease;
- ischemia of the spinal cord and brain;
- spinal stroke;
- respiratory problems;
- loss of mobility of the spine due to growth;
- radiculopathy (pinched nerve roots);
- impaired hearing, vision and coordination;
- compression of the spinal cord;
- disc herniation and so on.
Prevention of cervical bone necrosis
In order to keep your spine healthy and prevent disease from coming back after treatment, making lifestyle changes is very important. The following methods of prevention of cervical bone necrosis have been shown to be effective:
- use orthopedic mattresses and low pillows to sleep;
- maintain correct posture when sitting at a table and walking;
- regularly keep your neck warm when working with the computer for a long time;
- nutrition rich in vitamins and drink plenty of water;
- General physical activity throughout the day.
You can learn more about cervical fibroids, how to treat it and about prevention methods in consultation with your doctor.