Osteochondrosis is called the pathological process in the cartilage of the disc and neighboring tissues. The disease can occur on any segment of the spine, however, the cervical spine is more susceptible to bone necrosis. This is due to the anatomical characteristics of the body. The vertebrae in the neck are smaller than the vertebrae in the thoracic and lumbar region and very close together. In addition, the neck is characterized by increased mobility and is subject to constant pressure while holding the head.
Why does the disease appear
The development of the disease is mainly related to changes due to age. Other reasons are noted:
- lack of physical activity;
- diseases of the spine;
- excessive overload;
- incorrect posture;
- adverse genetics;
- increase in body weight;
- autoimmune disorder in which cartilage is damaged.
Bone and cartilage tissue conditions are seriously affected to the diet. The development of pathology facilitates a diet deficient in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, E, and vitamin D. The high-risk group includes office workers, professional athletes, and tuberculosis workers. hard work.
How to determine cervical bone necrosis
Symptoms of the disease depend on the clinical case and the stage of development. The most common signs are:
- the pain not only affects the neck and head but also affects other parts of the body;
- weakness, decreased hand sensitivity, facial numbness;
- a crack in your neck when you need to turn;
- dizziness, weakness, dark eyes caused by pinched blood vessels;
- impaired vision and hearing.
Pain from cervical vertebral necrosis annoys almost every patient. With pathology, the vessels, nerve bundles in the neck area are pinched. As a rule, pain is most felt in the head, occipital, and shoulder areas and spread to the scapula and chest.
Against the background of the disease, the heartbeat can be disturbed. In the neck area, there are several arteries responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When the blood vessels are compressed, the patient faces problems such as impaired motor coordination, arrhythmia, and myocardial anemia. In severe cases, the obstruction of blood circulation leads to strokes and other life-threatening conditions.
Stages of the disease
The progression of the disease is divided into four phases:
- In the early stages, bone and cartilage tissue begins to break down. The manifestation of the disease is slightly pain and fatigue, the patient is related to stress.
- At the second stage, there is a decrease in the disc, cracks appear. The pain increases, there may be facial numbness and decreased sensitivity of the extremities.
- In the third stage, disc herniations begin to form. The process affects muscles and blood vessels. The patient not only feels pain, but also develops dizziness.
- In the terminal stage, bone tissue growth occurs, nerve ends are pinched. The disease manifests itself with obvious symptoms: pain, dizziness, numbness. Many patients have impaired mobility.
Diagnose
If cervical bone tumors are suspected, the patient should see a neurologist and make a diagnosis. Its job is to evaluate the condition of bone and cartilage tissue. Previously, X-rays were used to diagnose diseases of the spine. Now priority is given to more advanced research methods:
- Computerized tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Parallel scanning of vessels of the cervical spine.
Usually, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis. It allows you to determine the presence and location of hernias, blood flow velocity, the presence of obstacles to normal blood circulation.
Treatment
A patient diagnosed with cervical fibroids should review his lifestyle, ensure regular physical activity, and eat in moderation. To improve this, sleep on an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow to relieve tension from your spine.
Medicine
With cervical osteoporosis, the patient is prescribed drugs that reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and relieve pain. The doctor prescribes vasodilators, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that improve cerebral circulation, chondroprotectors - means of repairing cartilage tissue. To slow the breakdown of bone tissue, the body needs B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and niacin.
Physical therapy
Physiotherapy is the main treatment for cervical fibroids. Specialists use a variety of therapies, the task is to improve metabolism in bone and cartilage tissues, relieve pain, reduce spasm and improve blood circulation. Here are the basic techniques:
- Shock wave therapy. . . Low frequency sound waves affect the cartilage tissue of the cervical spine. They contribute to the repair of tissues, slowing the formation of osteogenesis cells - substances growing on bones press the nerve and blood vessel ends. The source of low frequency waves is a special device, so SWT courses can only be taken at a medical institution.
- Massage. . . This is the most common conservative treatment for cervical bone necrosis. Massage helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle spasm. Therapeutic techniques of massage are chosen depending on the stage of the disease and the clinical situation. This is a very important condition, because unprofessional massage can be harmful to the patient, impairing the health. It is worth the effort to treat vascular diseases, high blood pressure. During the exacerbation, the massage should be as subtle as possible. Allowed to caress, rub, ie act on the upper layers of tissue.
- Therapeutic exercise (therapeutic exercise). . . Exercise therapy helps to strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. There are special exercises for patients with bone necrosis. Fitness can not only be done in the office of a medical institution, but can also be performed at home. As a rule, exercise therapy is most effective during remission, when the patient is not feeling severe pain. Health training exercises should be combined with walking, water procedures.
- Acupuncture. . . This is a necrotic support treatment of bone necrosis based on the effect of special needles on bioactive sites. Thanks to this, the metabolic process is activated, the pain syndrome is reduced.
- Kinesitherapy. . . This is a hardware technique used to treat ailments of the spine, to restore function from an injury. Thanks to the exercises, the load is removed from the spine, its mobility is improved and blood circulation is restored. Kinesitherapy classes are performed under the guidance of a trainer. There are many methods and equipment for performing the exercises, so a suitable set of exercises is selected for each patient.
- Laser therapy. . . Thanks to laser radiation, a positive effect is achieved, the patient's health is improved. This process reduces inflammation and pain and has a positive effect on metabolism.
- Electrotherapy. . . Experts use the device as a source of power, pulses, ac. The purpose of the procedure is to relieve pain, reduce spasm and irritation.
- Water supply process. . . Water is the best medicine for osteonecrosis. Patients with this disease are indicated to bathe therapy, swim, massage underwater. Very useful for the prevention and treatment of the pathology of frequent visits to the pool.
Bone necrosis surgery
Spine spine surgery is indicated for patients who are already in advanced stage, unable to be relieved by conservative methods. Surgery is used to remove herniated disc and affected disc. In addition, surgeries are performed to enlarge the diameter of the spinal canal, removing the vertebrae. Their goal is to remove the pressure on nerves and spinal cord, helping you to get rid of discomfort.
All operations are performed under general anesthesia using X-rays and microsurgical control.
For disc convexity, laser disc removal surgery is used. This is a minimally invasive technique that allows you to evaporate the marrow nucleus of the disc using a laser and thus remove the compression.
Nutrition for bone necrosis disease
Inappropriate nutrition increases the risk of developing degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including necrosis of the bones. To slow down the pathological process of bones and cartilage, it is necessary to provide the body with adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. The diet should include:
- dairy products - a source of calcium;
- fresh vegetables and herbs;
- legumes, nuts, seeds - good sources of protein, magnesium, and B vitamins;
- cereals, baked goods with the addition of whole grains;
- lean;
- Fish and seafood;
- olive oil and other vegetable oils;
- jelly, jelly meat, jelly dishes.
There are no strict dietary restrictions, but there are foods that are not recommended for consumption in large amounts. First of all, it is intense tea and coffee, which impair the absorption of calcium and vitamins. Foods high in salt aren't helpful either.