Osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, and often the early stages are not separate symptoms, except for slight pain which very often people do not pay enough attention. In today's world of low back pain is a very common condition, which can cover different age groups of people.
The disease can occur in any part of the spine. The main site is divided into:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Cervical degenerative disc disease is fairly common and is perhaps the most dangerous, because the advanced form is able to bring the person before the disability. The fact that the cervical vertebrae are much smaller compared to the other vertebrae, but they are a great movement. The neck area is focused on a large number of blood vessels and nerve fibres also pass through the carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain. Therefore, a slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae to promote compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels. Because the cervical spinal canal is small, there is always the possibility of compression of the spinal cord. This is the greatest danger that can cause injury.
The causes of osteoarthritis
The causes of osteoarthritis are not yet fully understood, the researchers, but still there are certain factors that contribute to the development of this disease. The most important such factors are, inter alia:
- Predisposition, which was transmitted genetically.
- The wrong diet, which is why there is excess weight and lack of trace elements in the body.
- Poisoning or infection.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Injuries of the spine.
- Should lack of exercise, the implementation of at least movements.
- The presence of such diseases as scoliosis, flat feet, and instability of the spine segment.
- Physically asymmetrical load on the body.
- Often stress and psychological tension.
- Abrupt change is already an established way of life.
The main stages of degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four stages. The first stage may be visible only discomfort back. The second stage is characterized by: destruction of the fibrous ring and the appearance of protrusion of intervertebral disc, may also be a pinched nerve. The development of the third stage of the formation of intervertebral hernia. The fourth, last stage of osteochondrosis of the people very bad move and almost constantly feel pain. This is due to the shape changes of the vertebrae in the form, with the appearance of osteophytes (bone spurs).
Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease is associated with multiple symptoms, which acts as the main symptoms of the disease:
- Annoying reflex syndromes. When there is a weak pain in the neck and the nape of the neck, which increases with movement.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. Is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noise in ears, also possibly disorders of the visual system. It is possible that disorders of the brain blood circulation.
- The syndrome of anterior scalene muscle. It is characterized by pain sore neck. The pain is worse when tilting or rotating the head.
- Heart syndrome. Accompanied by pain in the neck, heart, and levator scapulae. The pain usually gets worse when turning the head and sneezing. The symptoms in this case are strongly reminiscent of angina.
- Radicular syndrome. When that happens, there is compression of the nerve roots. The area the pain is spread over a large area of the body. This zone includes: neck, scapula, shoulders and fingers.
- Root-vascular syndrome. Usually characterized by motor and sensory disorders.
- Spinal cord syndromes. Appear when compression of the spinal cord affected with osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a pain in the neck, numbness, weakness in the limbs.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
The first stage of treatment — in determining the accurate diagnosis. Only then can you implement a comprehensive treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease, which basically is to reduce pain and relieve inflammation. Consider the main methods of complex treatment:
- Medical treatment. Held during exacerbation of the disease. With its help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy. Is carried out using currents having low frequencies, ultrasound, magnetic field and laser. Removed so that the feeling of pain and muscle spasms, reduces inflammation.
- Manual therapy. This treatment is chosen individually for each patient. After its application, to ease the pain, increase mobility and corrected posture.
- Physiotherapy. Primarily aimed at the decompression of the nerve roots. Special exercises to help to significantly reduce the load falls on the spine, because to strengthen and develop the muscles. During exacerbations of exercise do not usually use. Exercises should be prescribed only by a qualified technician.
- Care and massage. Specialized clinic of Tibetan medicine uses acupressure and methods of Chinese medicine – acupuncture and moxibustion.
- Reflexology. To effectively eliminate pain, improve metabolic processes in the body.
It should be noted that the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease during pregnancy is almost impossible. So women need to pay attention to the disease before pregnancy. There are also a number of recommendations to sleep, people who suffer from osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient should be of medium hardness. You can use a very soft or very hard mattress. The pillow should not be used high, it is advisable to buy orthopedic. You can prevent this unpleasant disease, you must do it through a regular prevention. Prevention is proper nutrition, physical movement and a change of lifestyle more active.