Osteochondrosis is a degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, and often in the early stages does not have distinct symptoms, except for slight pain which very often people do not pay enough attention. In the modern world, back pain is a very common condition, which can include a variety of age groups.
The disease can manifest in any part of the spinal column. The main locations are divided into:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Cervical degenerative disc disease is very common, and it is perhaps the most dangerous, because it is in an advanced form, it may be that the person before the disability. The fact that the cervical vertebrae are much smaller in comparison to the other vertebrae, but they have the greatest mobility of the. In the neck region is concentrated a large number of blood vessels and nerve fibers also go through a neck artery carrying blood to flow into the brain. Therefore, there is a slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae contributes to the compression of the nerve roots, and blood vessels. Because of the cervical spinal canal is small, there is always the possibility of compression of the spinal cord. This is a major danger which can lead to disability.
The causes of osteoarthritis
The causes of osteoarthritis are not fully understood by scientists, but there are some of the factors that contribute to the development of the disease. The main factors include the following:
- The tendency, which has been transmitted genetically.
- An improper diet, which is the reason for the excess weight and a lack of trace elements in the body.
- A poison or an infection.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Damage to the spinal column.
- Keeping a sedentary way of life and carry a minimum of movement.
- The presence of such a disease, such as scoliosis, flat feet, and instability of the spinal segment.
- The natural one-sided burden on the body.
- Frequent stress and mental tension.
- A sudden change in a previously established way of life.
The main stages of the degenerative disease of the disk
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four phases. In the first phase, it will be seen, only minor discomfort in the back. The second stage is characterized by: destruction of the fibrous ring, and an appearance of protrusion of intervertebral disc, it can also be a pinched nerve. With the development of the third phase of the design of the intervertebral hernia. In the fourth quarter, the last stage of osteochondrosis of the people a very bad move, and an almost constant feeling of pain. This is due to the deformation of the vertebrae, in the form in which the appearance of osteophytes (bone spurs).
The symptoms of cervical degenerative disease of the disk
The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease is accompanied by several symptoms, which acts as the main symptoms of the disease:
- Irritative-reflex syndromes. When it is on, it is quiet a pain in the neck and in the nape of the neck, to increase the movement.
- The vertebral artery syndrome. Accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noises in the ears, is also very likely to disorders of the visual system. There is a possibility of disturbance of a cerebral circulation.
- The syndrome of anterior scalene muscle. It is characterized by pain, a pain in the neck. The pain is worse when tilting or rotating the head.
- One of the syndrome. Accompanied by a pain in the neck, the heart, and the levator scapulae. The pain is usually worse when you turn your head and sneeze. The symptoms in this case are strongly reminiscent of angina pectoris.
- Radicular syndrome. When this occurs, there is compression of the nerve roots. The area of the pain is spread over a large area of the body. This area includes the neck, scapula, shoulders, and fingers.
- The root-vascular syndrome. It usually is characterized by motor and sensory disturbances.
- The backbone of the syndromes. Occurs when the compression of the spinal cord affected with osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a pain in the neck, loss of sensation, weakness in the limbs.
The treatment of cervical degenerative disease of the disk
The first step in the treatment — to determine an accurate diagnosis. Until then, you can implement a comprehensive treatment of the cervical degenerative disc disease, which basically is to reduce the pain and reduce the inflammation. You should consider the main methods of complex treatment of:
- The treatment with the medicine. Held at the time of exacerbation of the disease. With its help reduce the swelling and mitigate the pain in the joints.
- Physiotherapy. Supplied with the currents having a low frequency, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and lasers. To remove this, so there is a sense of pain and muscle spasms, reduces inflammation.
- The manual therapy. The therapy selected for each patient individually. According to the application, ease pain, increase mobility, correct posture.
- Physiotherapy. Aimed primarily at the spread of the nerve roots. Specific exercises can help to significantly reduce the load falling on the spinal column, due to the strengthening and development of muscles. During the exacerbations of the exercise usually are not using it. Exercises should be prescribed only by a qualified technician.
- The treatment with a massage. In the specialized clinics of Tibetan medicine and uses acupressure and methods of Chinese medicine – acupuncture and moxibustion.
- Reflexology. Effective for the treatment of pain, it improves the metabolic processes in the body.
It should be noted that the treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease during pregnancy, it is almost impossible not to. This is why women need to be aware of the disease prior to the pregnancy. There are also a number of recommendations for accommodation, people who suffer from osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient to be a medium hardness. You should not use very soft or very hard mattress. The pillow should not be used is high, it is advisable to purchase orthopedic. In order to prevent this unpleasant disease, all you need to do it with the help of scheduled questions. The method of prevention is proper diet, physical mobility, and a change in lifestyle, more active.