Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of cartilage discs and the bone bases. Pathology is manifested mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease may be different, which complicates the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
A feature of the disease
Cervical spine consists of the vertebrae and nerve endings. Low back pain this area is formed by the degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus. While flowing the pathology of the affected nerves and important blood vessels.
The disease is well disguised as other disorders because the symptoms of osteoarthritis are characterized by bouts of headaches, as well as a significant discomfort in the neck. Patients complain of problems with pressure and nausea. Often, many confuse these signs with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Often in the background running problems the patient begins to rapidly lose consciousness, there is shortness of breath and numbness of the tongue. Mostly the disease is diagnosed in people after the age of 30 years, due to the constant dynamic and static loads. Such violations occur even in teenagers.
The degree of development
The symptoms and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease depend largely on the degree of development of the disease. In the first stage, disturbed nutrition of the cartilage tissue, resulting in the production of certain enzymes, characterized by the destructive impact. The person feels very uncomfortable. To get rid of these symptoms will help daily morning exercises.
In the second stage, the detrimental effect of pathological enzymes is constantly growing, and the body begins to develop inflammation. The cartilage gradually wears away, causing the vertebrae begin to touch, zadamlya nerve endings. Painful sensations become more pronounced. A person becomes very difficult to work with.
The third degree begins to form tumors, and growths on the bone tissue. Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease in this case manifested in the form of intense pain. There is a violation of metabolism, so the spine in the area of occurrence of inflammation, begin to deposited salt. Begins the process of ossification of the vertebrae, which leads to the gradual development of a herniated disc.
It is not always possible to immediately determine the stage of the disease according to the available symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease, as the degree of tissue destruction may not match the available evidence.
Causes
Before defining the symptoms and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease, you need to understand exactly what factors affect the formation of pathological process. The development of the disease influenced by the pathological and physiological processes, which are closely interrelated and are mainly considered in the aggregate.
Physiological changes can be triggered by irreversible aging processes in the cartilage. Discomfort occurs when irritation of the nerve endings. Pathological changes may occur as a result of improper diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Mainly such disorders are adolescent and middle-aged people.
In some cases low back pain can make or manifested in the form of short-term interruptions. Among the main precipitating factors need the following:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- weight;
- frequent stay in an uncomfortable position;
- improper pillow or mattress;
- nervous strain;
- hypothermia;
- injuries to the head and neck.
The reason for the development of degenerative disc disease can be congenital abnormalities, but also different types of autoimmune disease.
The main symptoms
In the neck has many blood vessels and nerve endings. That is why the symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the cervical and thoracic associated with ischemia of individual brain regions. In addition, nerves that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, destroyed when compressed vertebrae can cause different symptoms. The symptoms and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease depend largely on which system affected by the disease process. In particular, one can distinguish the following characteristics:
- violation of microcirculation of blood in the compression of the vertebral arteries.
- signs of lesion of the nerve endings;
- severe neurotic pathology in severe cases.
The first symptom of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis is the presence of painful sensations in the neck, the back of the head and neck region. Localization of pain may be more advanced, causing severe migraines. The nature of the pain largely depends on the lesion and severity of course of disease. In the initial stages of the disease the discomfort can quickly take place, gradually the pain becomes chronic, aching in nature. In the period of acute pain is shooting, increases the tone of the muscles of the neck and restricted head movement.
Among the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease in women and men can distinguish the presence of ringing and noise in ears and also nasal. In some cases the hearing impairment. All these symptoms are associated with a decrease in blood flow.
Also among the main features are the following:
- dizziness,
- the pressure drops
- the lack of air,
- nausea,
- blurred vision.
Vertigo is considered one of the symptoms of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis. They are caused by the blood flow to the organs, which provides a balance of the body. Lack of air can occur due to irritation of nerve endings, involved in the regulation of breathing process. Patients often complain that they can't breathe. In some cases, the symptoms exacerbated to severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing, is the main cause of increased fatigue, reduced attention and problems with memory. In some cases you may have nausea, which is caused by poor circulation of certain parts of the brain. Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are apparent in the deterioration of visual acuity. However, this violation occurs quite rarely. It should be noted that carrying out of therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses does not give the desired result, and eyesight improved only after treatment of degenerative disc disease.
Unstable pressure caused by poor circulation in the area of the brain responsible for the functioning of the vascular-motor center. In some cases, there may be a slight increase in local temperature and redness of the skin.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease. Discomfort and pain occurs not always, that is why it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive examination and competent treatment. It should be noted that each patient has the crunch and audible clicks when moving the neck and it is on this basis it is possible to recognize the course of the disease.
Diagnostics
If you experience symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease treatment need be started immediately, which is why it is better to consult a neurologist. To determine the cause of existing signs required comprehensive examination.
During the inspection by conducting neurological tests, the doctor assesses the degree of mobility and pain in the neck, and especially the circulation in the vertebral artery. Among the main methods of diagnosis is necessary to highlight the following:
- radiography of the cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- ultrasonic dopplerography.
All this will allow to determine the localization of damage and the degree of neglect of the disease and to choose the most effective scheme of therapy. The treatment process is quite long and requires patience.
To fully restore the cartilage structure is impossible, however, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and to get rid of chronic pain. It is very important to trace the course of the disease, if necessary, adjust the treatment program and predict possible improvements or complications.
The peculiarity of the treatment
Regardless of the presence of symptoms of treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease is carried out using conservative methods, and it's always complex. Requires the use of drugs, in particular:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, prescribe procaine blockade in the area of greatest pain. Sometimes, it may be shown introduction of hormonal methods. In addition, the shown local treatment, which involves applying warming ointments and gels. Good effect the physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise. Such techniques allow very fast and efficient to strengthen the muscles of the neck. However, their use is possible only after decrease in acute period.
To increase space between the vertebrae shown hardware stretching of the spine. In severe cases need surgical intervention, but this should be relevant evidence.
The therapy can be complemented by wearing orthopedic collar Trench. Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae treatment is done much faster. This device allows you to quickly deal with painful feelings, to normalize the blood circulation in the neck and improve the overall health of the patient.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis treatment medicaments prepared individually. Therapy aims to eliminate painful sensations, inflammation and the return of normal mobility of the vertebrae and the blood circulation.
Among the major groups of drugs have the following:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants — relaxes muscles and are used as auxiliary means to eliminate the pain;
- vitamin complexes.
The necessary funds for external use, which can be used in the form of ointments and gels. Good effect have "Nurofen" and "Voltaren". They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and spasms, and produces a warming effect.
Will help to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis treatment, normalizing the cerebral circulation. To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as the recovery of thinking and memory requires a nootropic drugs.
Physiotherapy techniques
Quickly and effectively helps eliminate the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease at home treatment using special therapeutic exercises. In addition to physical therapy and use of medicines, the range of activities includes the following methods
- stretching the spine,
- massage,
- physiotherapeutic effect.
Stretching the spine will help to increase the spaces between vertebrae. However, keep in mind that the load must be metered. The impact carried in different ways, in particular with the use of special tables.
Very good results gives the massage. This procedure normalizes blood circulation, nutrition and gas exchange in cartilaginous tissue. In addition, with the help of massage can eliminate muscle tension and cramping, to get rid of painful sensations.
Physiotherapeutic effect involves the use of various tools such as:
- laser treatment
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low-frequency current.
In some cases it is also used medication in combination with physiotherapy impact, which increases their effectiveness and avoids side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to enhance or slow down several processes in the body due to the impact on biologically active points. The greatest performance of all these measures is achieved when a complex application.
Folk methods
If you experience the first symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease treatment at home involves the use of therapeutic baths, allowing you to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation. In addition, they promote relaxation of the spine. Water treatment should be carried out in a day, and the course of treatment is 15-20 procedures.
In the water bath, you can add the decoction of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage. For intake good infusion of yarrow, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms. As a compress, you can use a solution of sea salt. Will help to quickly eliminate the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease treatment at home, however, before using any means and methods necessary to consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Prophylaxis
The best way to prevention is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of posture from childhood. With the purpose of prophylaxis is recommended:
- power adjustment.
- the use of orthopedic pillows and mattresses for sleeping;
- smooth lifting.
The initial form of the disease mainly has the expressed symptoms. If you experience any pain whining character in the sternum should immediately consult a doctor.