Uncomfortable neck pain accompanied by dizziness, weakness and fatigue? All of this should be a wake-up call for each person, as any of the symptoms listed could indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worth treating such alarming symptoms with full responsibility, because without timely treatment, pathology can cause the formation of more serious consequences, including herniadisc.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical fibroids are a degenerative disease of the spine, in the process of development, the structure of the connective tissue is changed.
This disease is often disguised as another type of violation, but a timely visit with a specialist allows you to make a timely diagnosis and begin treatment directly.
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are most commonly found in the histories of people of adult age (45-59) and old age (60-74).
However, it is worth noting: in modern society, this disease is tending to be younger, which is confirmed by the routine diagnosis of cervical spondylosis in children and adolescents.
Importantly, osteonecrosis can occur both isolated and in association with the dissolution of other organs, especially the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions.
Causes of cervical osteonecrosis
Today it is not possible to name the exact reasons for the occurrence of degenerative processes occurring in the intervertebral discs. There is nothing to confirm that cervical osteonecrosis is an aging phenomenon.
Many studies conducted by scientists from different countries have determined that the degenerative process of the cervical spine is mainly provoking factors.
Among the reasons that predispose to the development of osteonecrosis of the neck are:
- low activity level, sedentary and mostly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work associated with static loads on the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient physical development;
- violation of the developmental processes of connective tissue;
- chronic spinal cord injury;
- spinal deformities, using pillows, mattresses are not comfortable enough for rest;
- genetic predisposition.
Most of the reasons are in one way or another related to the natural obsolescence of body systems, as well as the possible development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the danger of cervical osteonecrosis?
Reduced mobility and limited flexibility of joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in the processformed.
The discomfort of pain that occurs during movement much earlier than the natural age of aging often leads to a decrease in quality of life and even disability.
To determine how to treat cervical fibroids, you need professional advice from your doctor. Without expertise, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease will progress, causing not only deterioration in health, but also serious disruption of the functioning of the nervous system and blood vessels.
Main signs and symptoms of cervical osteonecrosis
The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk and the impressive size of the head have led to the fact that certain parts of the spine are most vulnerable, especially the cervix.
Among the salient features of the cervical spine structure, it is necessary to highlight the presence of vertebrae, which are mainly small in size and have a relatively small number of muscles, associated with the fact that in this area often occurs. disease such as osteonecrosis. happen.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spina bifida. Depending on the area affected, it can focus on:
- in the collarbone and / or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the main signs of the disease, because in most cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmainly in the evening;
- severity,back-ache;
- mild numbnesstingling in the shoulders, hands;
- crispy,clicking sound when turning head.
Progression of the disease is accompanied by some of the leading symptoms that are already easily noticeable.
Symptoms of Vegetative Dystrophy
It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck, especially felt in the area just below the back of the head.
Pain is often present for a long time in the same place, such as in the morning.
Tight neck muscles, difficulty moving the hand to the side, stiffness in the fingers.
Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are commonly seen:
- recurrent headaches;
- nausea;
- faint.
Spine symptoms
Localization of the area - left behind the chest.
During the gradual breakdown of the disc's structure, compression and consequent invasion of the nerve roots lead to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of ischemic and lens syndromes. . .
Circulatory disorders cause:
- severe headache, migraine;
- dizzy;
- visual impairment, tinnitus;
- autonomic dysfunction.
In rare cases, manifestations of cardiac syndrome are observed, accompanied by pain due to myocardial compression, lack of air and arrhythmias.
The degree of development of osteonecrosis of the cervical spine and their characteristic symptoms
The development of the disease is quite slow, but at the same time there are 4 clear stages:
- osteonecrosis of the cervical spine 1st degree - the appearance of mild discomfort and pain during long walks, in a static position. Initiation of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs;
- 2nd degree cervical osteonecrosis - bright pain. To eliminate pain, manual therapy and appropriate drugs are used;
- osteonecrosis of the cervical spine 3rd degree - the presence of pronounced lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- Grade 4 cervical spondylosis - the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of the disease requires surgical intervention, prolonging the recovery time.
Diagnostic
When there are symptoms characteristic for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis, you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist.
As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, assess sensitivity, and identify other dysfunctions.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is usually necessary to distinguish:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in different projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if hernia/bulging is suspected.
In the case of circulatory disorders, additional encephalography can be used, as well as orbital examination.
Possible complications
Without prompt treatment, it can lead to serious complications, including:
- convexity of the disc(hernia / protrusion formation);
- disc rupture, accompanied by compression of nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- etiological disease(injury to nerve roots), formation of vertebrae (spine on the vertebral body) with manifestations of paralysis and multiple paralysis.
How is cervical spine tumor treated?
Treatment of cervical fibroids is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of the process and the features of the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Today, the most effective treatments for the disease are:
- treatment with conservative methods, including pharmacological / non-pharmacological;
- surgical intervention;
- a complex combination of techniques.
Physical therapy
Assume the impact of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and competent conduct of all procedures, the improvement becomes evident already in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most common areas of physical therapy indicated for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- acupuncture therapy;
- therapeutic therapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibration massage.
Neck massage to treat osteonecrosis
The massage must be done carefully, without using force. Violation of massage technique can have negative consequences.
The starting position for the massage is the "down on your stomach" or "straight back" position.
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- caressing - affects the surface layers of the skin. This move is done with the palms and fingertips pointing down from the back of the head, level with the upper third of the back;
- squeeze - affects the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is done with two fingers of the hand (thumb and index finger), performed on the neck;
- rubbing - the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow in the desired area;
- kneading - affects deep-seated tissues, must be used with caution, since illiterate use can aggravate the situation.
Physical therapycervical bone necrosis
There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them are:
Self-stretching
Starting position: sitting / standing with a straight back.
Order of execution: while holding the starting position, try to lower your shoulders as low as possible, while stretching the top of your head upwards.
Exercise intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: cotton towels.
Starting position: sitting / standing, wrap your neck with a towel, grab your head with your hands.
How to do it: pull the two ends of the towel in turn, gently massaging the muscles of the neck area.
Important! During the practice, it is necessary to make sure that the towel does not slip and does not chip the neck.
Gymnastics (bending / stretching, twisting, flexing)
Starting position: sitting / standing with a straight back.
Order of execution: from the starting position, perform a smooth flexion/extension, rotation or tilt of the head, first in one direction, then in the other.
Exercise intensity: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Drugs to treat cervical osteonecrosis
What's especially important during an exacerbation is because of the important blood vessels that pass through the cervical spine, providing nourishment to the brain.
As a means of treatment, tablets, injections, ointments, as well as other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used.
Important! Self-medication with multiple drug classes is unacceptable and can lead to disability and death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, commonly used for osteonecrosis, is in the form of injections, but is also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The main direction of action is to relieve pain, eliminate swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Effectively relieves muscle tension and relieves pain.
The recommended duration of treatment is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointment for cervical osteochondrosis
To increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving drugs contain steroid substances in their composition.
The warming action of the ointment is intended to relieve pain, as well as to warm, activate blood flow at the site of application.
Chondroprotectors
They are used to slow down degeneration and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. Has cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage: from 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical spine degenerative disease
Proper nutrition is an undeniably important ingredient for maintaining the health of the body.
In the context of prevention or treatment of cervical spondylosis, diet, although an adjunct, is at the same time a very important component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteonecrosis are:
- eliminates the possibility of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral disc;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- reduce the risk of developing vascular changes, prevent circulatory disorders.
Diet principles
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and function:
- Minimize inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
- Adherence to the oral regimen is an important component in preventing the degeneration of disc tissue.
- Reduce salt intake - eliminates the possibility of increased load on the blood vessels and maintains water and electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starch and sugar, to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Prohibited and recommended foods
Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical spondylosis should exclude products that clog the body such as:
- alcohol disturbs the water-electrolyte balance and causes tissue dehydration;
- fatty and smoked meats are difficult to digest;
- acidic, spicy foods increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products have an adverse effect on the digestive process;
- Sweets and sugars cause blood circulation disorders.
The recommended food list consists mainly of easily digestible foods of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- cereals of all kinds;
- whole wheat bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive action
The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is due to:
- adequate level of physical activity;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and quality mattress;
- maintain correct posture;
- combination of prolonged sitting with periods of rest and physical warm-up;
- adhere to a healthy diet.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, lifting unbearable weights.