Osteochondrosis is a complex degenerative changes in cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, and often in the initial stages has no distinct symptoms except for slight pain which very often people do not pay enough attention. In the modern world low back pain is an extremely common ailment that can cover different age groups of people.
The disease can manifest in any part of the spine. On the main locations of it is divided into:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Cervical degenerative disc disease is quite common and is perhaps the most dangerous, because in the advanced form is able to bring the person before the disability. The fact that the cervical vertebrae are much smaller in comparison with the other vertebrae, but they have the greatest mobility. In the neck region is concentrated a large number of blood vessels and nerve fibres also pass through the neck artery, carrying blood flow to the brain. Therefore the slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae contributes to 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 main danger that can result in disabilities.
The causes of osteoarthritis
The causes of osteoarthritis are not yet fully understood by scientists, but nevertheless there are certain factors that contribute to the development of this disease. The main such factors include:
- Predisposition which was transmitted genetically.
- Improper diet, due to which there is excess weight and lack of trace elements in the body.
- Intoxication or infection.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Injuries of the spine.
- Keeping a sedentary lifestyle, the implementation of the minimum movements.
- The presence of such diseases as scoliosis, flat feet, and instability of spinal segments.
- A physically unbalanced load on the body.
- Frequent stress and psychological tension.
- A sudden change in already established lifestyle.
The main stages of degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four stages. In the first stage may be visible only discomfort in the back. For 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. With the development of the third stage of the formation of intervertebral hernia. In the fourth, last stage of osteochondrosis of the people very bad move and almost constantly feel pain. This is due to deformations of the vertebrae in the form in which the appearance of osteophytes (bone spurs).
Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease is accompanied by several symptoms, acting as the main symptoms of the disease:
- Irritative-reflex syndromes. When available there is a faint pain in the neck and the nape of the neck that increases with movement.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. Is accompanied by headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noise in the ears, also quite possibly a disorder of the visual system. There is a possibility of disorders of cerebral circulation.
- The syndrome of anterior scalene muscle. It is characterized by pain aching in the neck. The pain is worse when tilting or rotating the head.
- Cardiac syndrome. Accompanied by pain in the neck, heart, and levator scapulae. The pain tends to worsen when turning the head and sneezing. The symptoms in this case are strongly reminiscent of angina.
- Radicular syndrome. When it occurs is the compression of the nerve roots. Area pain is spread over a vast area of the body. This zone includes: neck, scapula, shoulders and fingers.
- Root-vascular syndrome. Usually characterized by motor and sensory disorders.
- Spinal syndromes. Appear when compression of the spinal cord affected with osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, there are a pain in the neck, loss of sensation, weakness of the limbs.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
The first step in the treatment — determining an 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 of:
- Drug therapy. Held during exacerbation of the disease. With its help reduce the swelling and relieved pain.
- Physiotherapy. Performed using currents having low frequencies, ultrasound, magnetic fields and laser. Removed so that the sensation of pain and muscle spasms, decreases inflammation.
- Manual therapy. This therapy selects for each patient individually. After its application, ease pain, increase mobility and corrected posture.
- Physiotherapy. Aimed primarily at decompression of the nerve roots. Special exercises help to significantly reduce the load falling on the spine, due to the strengthening and development of muscles. During the exacerbations of exercise usually do not use. Exercises should be prescribed only by a qualified technician.
- Treatment with massage. In specialized clinics of Tibetan medicine used acupressure and methods of Chinese medicine – acupuncture and moxibustion.
- Reflexology. Effectively eliminates pain, improves 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 for sleep, people suffering from osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient should be of medium hardness. You cannot use very soft or very hard mattress. The pillow should not be used high, it is advisable to purchase orthopedic. To prevent this unpleasant disease, you need to do it through a regular prevention. The methods of prevention is the correct nutrition, physical mobility and change of lifestyle more active.