Cervical fibroids are a degenerative-dystrophic disease affecting the discs in the cervical spine. Degenerative changes most often develop in the most mobile parts of the spine, therefore, in the neck region, due to a violation of the structure of the vertebrae, nerve roots at the C5, C6 and C7 levels are most often affected.
Symptoms of cervical osteonecrosis
One of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is a compressive, squeezing headache, often radiating to the temples.
The clinical manifestations of cervical osteonecrosis are divided into reflex and granular forms.
Reflex symptoms
The patient is worried about the so-called low back pain - a sharp pain that occurs in the cervical spine, which is aggravated with movement. There may be a crackling sound when turning the head, sometimes the patient has a forced position of the head due to severe pain.
People with fibroids often complain of pressing or spasm-like headaches, which can spread to the temples and eyeballs. Sometimes vision can be reduced, patients say things are floating before their eyes.
When the nerve plexus of the vertebral artery is irritated, vertebral artery syndrome can occur, often misdiagnosed as a violation of cerebral circulation, the patient experiences dizziness. They can occur with intense head movements, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
One of the reflex syndromes in the cervical spondylosis clinic is the cardiomyopathy, in which the patient experiences sensations resembling an angina attack. Often, this phenomenon is combined with other signs of disease, so it rarely causes difficulties in the differential diagnosis of heart disease.
Lens syndrome
Lens syndrome is the result of compression of the spinal roots. The motor and sensory disturbances present in this case depend on which nerve roots are affected:
- C1 - violation of sensitivity in the occipital region;
- C2 - pain in the occipital and parietal region;
- C3 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the half of the neck where the spinal nerve is compromised, possibly due to a violation of tongue sensitivity, impaired speech due to loss of tongue control;
- C4 - decreased sensitivity and pain in the shoulder-and-neck region, decreased tone of the head and neck muscles, possible respiratory disorders, pain in the liver and heart;
- C5 - pain and decreased sensitivity on the outer surface of the shoulder;
- C6 - pain extending from the neck to the collarbone, the forearm, the outer surface of the shoulder, the outer surface of the forearm to the thumb;
- C7 - pain extending from the neck to the collarbone, behind the shoulder, forearm to the II - IV fingers of the hand, reducing sensitivity in this area.
- C8 - pain and impaired sensation radiating from the neck to the shoulder, forearm to the little finger.
Treatment of cervical osteonecrosis
Cervical fibroids are a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the affected area.
The patient is prescribed pain medication. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate the pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug contained in their composition is difficult to reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle. However, caution is required when using these external agents, as when they are rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve regeneration and metabolism in the affected nerve roots, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Very often, doctors recommend giving patients a combination vitamin preparation, which is administered intramuscularly.
Non-pharmacological treatments for cervical osteosarcoma include acupuncture, exercise therapy, physical therapy, exercise therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Preventive
Daily exercise for the cervical spine is a good way to prevent osteoporosis.
Prevention of the development of cervical osteonecrosis is not difficult. You should lead an active lifestyle, play sports or at least exercise in the morning.
The proper organization of the workplace and the mode of work and rest play an important role in disease prevention. Sedentary people need to warm up several times during the working day. During the working process, it is necessary to monitor the posture and head position.
Choosing a good, comfortable mattress and pillow when sleeping is also important. People with diseases of the spine are advised to use special orthopedic products.
Which doctor to contact?
Patients with osteonecrosis of the spine are monitored by a neurologist. There are many doctors from other specialties who help patients with this condition: physiotherapists and massage therapists, osteopathic physicians, reflexologists, physiotherapists, and physiotherapists. therapists and others.