Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disorder of articular cartilage tissues, which can be localized in any joint, as well as in the intervertebral disc.The cervical spine is subjected to high loads, which over time leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs and their flattening.The distance between the vertebrae decreases, blood circulation in the affected area worsens, and pain appears in the cervical spine.
Causes of osteoarthritis
The main cause of the development of osteoarthritis is imbalance and excessive load on the cervical spine.Loads can occur due to being overweight, being in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time or during sedentary work.Osteoarthritis is not always the result of direct stress on the vertebrae.The disease can be caused by metabolic disorders, lack of vitamins B, C, D, as well as hormonal and autoimmune diseases, chronic intoxication, trauma and age-related changes.
Currently, there is no accurate data on the cause of degenerative spine disease.Osteonecrosis can occur for a number of reasons:
- genetic factors - congenital weakness of connective tissue;
- age-related changes in the spine;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system (scoliosis, flat feet, torticollis, rheumatism, developmental abnormalities);
- vertebral instability (increased mobility of part of the spine);
- low physical activity;
- cervical spine injury;
- Heavy physical activity, carrying heavy objects.
Stages of osteoarthritis
Treatment of cervical spondylosis depends on the stage of development and clinical signs of the disease.Each stage is characterized by certain characteristics:
- Stage 1 - destruction of bone and cartilage tissue occurs.At this stage, the patient does not notice symptoms of the disease.This can be a feeling of discomfort, pain in the cervical spine, pain when moving.
- Stage 2 – MRI detects disc protrusion and spinal root compression (nerve root syndrome).Changes that occur cause pain in the cervical spine accompanied by radiation to the shoulders and upper limbs.Related symptoms include fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating.
- Stage 3 – the feeling of pain increases and becomes permanent, spreading to the upper part of the body.There is a feeling of numbness in the hands, muscle weakness in the upper limbs and usually affects one side of the body.
- Stage 4 – bone tissue is replaced, bone spurs are formed and neighboring joints are damaged.
Clinical manifestations
General signs of cervical spondylosis:
- pain in the cervical spine;
- radiculopathy – nerve root compression, manifested by pain, sensory disturbances and muscle weakness;
- upper limb numbness appears;
- neck pain spreading to the occipital area, dizziness.
Diagnose
The examination includes collection of patient history data, complaints, examination and palpation of the cervical spine, and assessment of neurological status.To determine the current changes and stage of the disease, digital radiography, MRI and CT and Doppler ultrasound of the main arteries of the brain (USGD) are performed.Diagnosis allows the specialist to create an effective treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteoarthritis
To achieve the most positive results and slow down the progression of the disease, comprehensive treatment is carried out.Treatment combines drug therapy with physical therapy procedures, massage, acupuncture, manual therapy, hardware traction of the cervical spine, and therapeutic exercises.
collar shants
In the severe stages of cervical spondylosis, it is prescribed to wear a special orthopedic device - a Shants necklace.The main purpose of the product is to fix the cervical spine in the correct position.
Surgical treatment
Surgical intervention is indicated in cases where medication and physical intervention cannot be avoided.People come to him if the patient's spinal canal is severely narrowed.
Surgical intervention is performed to remove hernias, replace destroyed discs with implants, and widen the spinal canal.
Massage to treat cervical spondylosis
Massage allows you to relax muscles, improve blood circulation in the affected area and reduce the load on the vertebrae.Massage combined with exercise and other treatments helps reduce pain.
Massage is performed when the pain decreases or the pain subsides, at a stable stage.
The procedure is performed by a qualified professional to reduce muscle tension, pain and improve blood circulation.During massage, stroking, kneading, kneading and other techniques of classical massage techniques are performed.
In the stage of exacerbation, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, ultrasound using glucocorticoids, magnetic laser and SMT with anesthetics are prescribed.
Basic exercises to treat cervical spondylosis
Basic exercises to treat cervical spondylosis:
- and.N. – lie on your stomach, palms pressed to the floor, arms straight, the upper part of the body should be raised, bent backwards, stay for a few minutes;
- And.N. – Lie on your stomach, arms stretched out along the body, turn your head left - right, try to touch your ears to the floor;
- And.P. – sit on the floor, inhale – bend towards the chest, exhale – bend back, tilt your head back.
Manual therapy
The impact of the orthopedist's hands on the spine allows you to increase the distance between the vertebrae, thereby reducing the load.Prescribed by a doctor after an X-ray, MRI or CT scan.
Treatment with medication
Treatment of cervical spondylosis is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammatory processes in the stage of exacerbation and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine.
For this purpose, topical gel therapy with anti-inflammatory effect is used.
Medicine:
- NSAIDs.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Opioid pain relievers.
- Blockade treatment with anesthetics or corticosteroids and drugs that regulate blood microcirculation.
- Metabolic therapy (vitamin B, thioctic acid preparations).
- The drug improves the conduction of nerve impulses.
In addition, chondroprotectors can be prescribed to improve the regeneration process.
Disease prevention
Prevention should include lifestyle adjustments - playing sports (swimming, yoga, gymnastics) to form muscle corsets, warm up the cervical spine, create comfortable sleeping conditions (comfortable mattress and pillows).
To prevent exacerbation of the condition, it is necessary to carry out a preventive course of massage of the neck and back area 2 times a year, acupuncture and traction of the cervical spine.
All of these procedures are performed on an inpatient and outpatient basis.