According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population suffers from a disease such as osteoarthritis, which affects different parts of the spine.Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and factors that lead to its appearance.And cervical spine disease is no exception.The factors that predispose you to cervical spondylosis, its symptoms and treatment - these issues must be addressed by a qualified specialist.At the first sign of discomfort, reach out neurologist.A timely course of treatment will allow you to avoid serious and unpleasant consequences.
What is cervical spondylosis?
The first thing worth mentioning is the age of the patient diagnosed with the disease.Until recently, the pathology was identified in older people, but now the younger generation is also facing the problem and turning to doctors.This disease represents pathological changes in the intervertebral disc and spinal dystrophy in general, especially if left untreated.The cervical region is the most mobile region and consists of 7 vertebrae, each vertebra consisting of a fibrous ring and a nucleus pulposus.Vertebrae affected by cartilage degeneration lose their normal mobility and flexibility.The load is redistributed, so the fiber loops can shift and crack.If left untreated, cervical osteoarthritis will lead to the formation of intervertebral hernia and other consequences.
Stages of osteoarthritis (brief description)
Like any disease, cervical spondylosis has stages of development that doctors take into account when planning treatment and which patients must know in order to seek timely help.There are 4 stages:
- The first is characterized by a mild and mild pain that increases when turning the head.
- The second stage is characterized by: severe pain syndrome, in which unpleasant sensations can move from the neck to the arms.At this stage, nerve endings are compressed, causing the patient, in addition to pain, to feel weak and have a general feeling of poor health.
- In the third stage, the pain does not disappear but spreads to the arm or shoulder and can also be diagnosed as an intervertebral hernia.In some cases, hand sensitivity is lost and neck mobility is reduced.
- At the fourth stage, not only changes in damaged vertebrae are diagnosed, but also almost complete destruction.The patient is constantly tormented by severe pain, tinnitus appears and begins to have difficulty orienting in space.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis in men and women may differ due to physiology, which must be kept in mind by the doctor when planning treatment.
Reason
Cervical osteonecrosis occurs in different but very specific circumstances.When treating, the doctor must find the cause of the disease to begin to fight not only the symptoms but also the causative factor.
Heavy weight
Excess weight puts stress on the body.The larger it is, the stronger the load.Very often, excess weight provokes the development of osteonecrosis, since the spine is seriously damaged by overload, especially in diseased areas.Once the disease is detected, one of the first steps for overweight patients is to cure the disease.Of course combined with complex treatment.
Sitting at work, not active
Sedentary work, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of moderate physical activity are factors that lead to poor posture and improper load distribution on the cervix and other areas.Very often, office workers and people who just like to sit on the sofa at home have wrong posture, thereby exacerbating the problem.
Previous spinal injury
Injuries can occur for any reason, most commonly car accidents and traffic accidents.The neck is also one of the most vulnerable areas for professional divers and swimmers.When a neck injury occurs, many parts and areas of this part of the spine are damaged: muscles, ligaments, sympathetic trunks, discs and joints as well as spinal roots.Any trauma suffered can cause osteoarthritis in the already “sick” area of the cervical spine or lead to the appearance of osteoarthritis as a result.
Mental disorders
Unstable mental state, constant stress and anxiety are the causes of many health problems, some of which become provoking factors for cervical spondylosis.Many patients who complain of pain also report signs of depression, constant fatigue, and emotional exhaustion.Mental disorders themselves may arise due to the presence of osteonecrosis or exacerbation of the disease.Cervical spondylosis is a disease that physically affects the condition of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments and surrounding soft tissues.Due to the displacement of the vertebrae and narrowing of the channels, less oxygen enters the brain and blood flow is interrupted, which leads not only to the appearance of physical diseases, but also to mental disorders.
Poor physical condition
Every day, certain muscles and, as a rule, the same muscles are involved in our movements, and those that do not move gradually lose their elasticity and mobility, which when exposed to external factors can lead to injury, including to the neck.Everyone needs moderate physical activity to strengthen their muscles and reduce the risk of injury.Other causes of cervical spondylosis include: metabolic disorders, excessive physical activity, genetics and diseases and illnesses of the body.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical spondylosis can be easily distinguished from pathology in other parts of the spine by its symptoms.This happens because the vertebrae in the neck are located very close together and symptoms will be evident when any problem occurs, including osteoarthritis.Cervical spondylosis: symptoms - now more about the main problem:
- pain of varying intensity can be localized in the neck or spread to the head, shoulders, arms, etc.;
- weakness, numbness and lack of sensitivity of the hand due to nerve root compression;
- difficulty turning the head and a crunching sound when turning (this happens due to changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs);
- poor health, weakness, general malaise due to impaired blood flow and insufficient oxygen saturation;
- The final stage is characterized by hearing and visual impairment.
If symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment.
Why is osteoarthritis dangerous?
If the disease is not treated, the entire body is at risk of serious complications.The small neck region contains a large number of nerves and arteries that connect and supply blood to the brain as well as the organs and systems located below the neck.If the function of the cervical vertebrae is impaired, the nutrition of the entire body will be impaired.Cervical spondylosis can lead to impaired motor activity, stroke, ischemic heart disease and other diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as protrusion and problems with vision and hearing.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis
To begin treatment, the doctor needs to collect a medical history, find out the cause and timing of the appearance of neck discomfort, and conduct the necessary tests to get a complete clinical picture of your health.Only a doctor can tell you how and how to treat cervical spondylosis and whether it can be cured, so do not delay your visit and make an appointment with a therapist or neurologist.
Medicine
One of the first steps is selecting, prescribing and administering medications: analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain as well as existing inflammation and infection.The type and quantity of the drug is selected individually.
Physical therapy
Any physical therapy procedure is aimed at relieving pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.The following are used as physiotherapy: acupuncture, manual manipulation, hirudotherapy, shock wave therapy, etc.
Exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises are prescribed to the patient after the period of exacerbation has passed.These measures are aimed at restoring normal function of the cervical spine and avoiding deterioration of the condition.
Treatment at home
Home treatments may include self-massage and exercise, which should be selected and prescribed by a medical professional.Carrying out the procedures is possible only after the technique is prescribed by the attending doctors.
Massage
Neck massage is performed without strong pressure and rotation;Movement should be smooth and carried out along the lymphatic flow.Professionals use different techniques, including stroking, squeezing, rubbing and kneading.Professional massage should only be performed by professionals.Surgery is only chosen when conservative methods are ineffective.Treatment of cervical spondylosis is usually performed at home and only brings the desired results and relief of symptoms if you follow the recommendations and course prescribed by your doctor.
prevent
Doctors recommend choosing furniture (chairs, armchairs, etc.), as well as a sleeping place that has good support for the spine.It is recommended to sleep on an orthopedic mattress and low pillow.Saunas, steam baths and hot baths will help relieve muscle spasms (if there are no contraindications).Swimming, yoga and walking are recommended as physical activities, but strong stress on the spine (running, jumping, lifting weights, etc.) should be excluded.If you have a sedentary job, take breaks more often and do small amounts of exercise.