Neckband osteochondrosis called progressive burned-degenerative defeat of the intervertebral discs in the field 1-7 vertebrae, relating to the cervical department.
As A result of cervical osteoarthritis occurs, the strain, the exhaustion, and then the defeat of the vertebral bodies. This interrupts the normal blood flow and nerve conductivity in the area of the neck and in those areas, which are the roots of the nerves the cervical.
Cervical back pain can be isolated, and combined with osteochondrosis of other departments – thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes
The causes of dystrophic and degenerative alterations of the intervertebral discs yet studied enough. The hypothesis that low back pain – related phenomenon has not been confirmed. It also meets with in children and adolescents.
It stands out for a number of predisposition to the development of degenerative disc disease factors. To him is attributed:
- the lack of physical activity and a sedentary life-style,
- sedentary types of work with static load on the neck,
- overweight, lack of physical development,
- dysplastic processes of the connective tissue,
- the circulation of the blood in the area of the neck,
- injury to the neck,
- scoliosis of the spine, postural defects, uncomfortable mattresses and pillows,
- hereditary predisposition, defects of metabolism.
The symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis
Cervical spine because of the characteristics of the skeleton, standing, and also because of the large size of the head is particularly vulnerable to the development of degenerative disc disease – the vertebrae in it smaller compared to other departments of the spine, and the muscle structure is not very pronounced.
The symptom that is most characteristic, and complaining about the sick – the pain in the neck. Depending on the area of defeat, the pain can be localized
- in the collarbone (clavicle) and the shoulder;
- in all the cervical department of the spine;
- on the anterior surface of the chest.
Pain in the cervical osteochondrosis due to the characteristics of cervical.
The first signs of cervical arthrosis, mild and little specific:
- pain in the neck, in the evening,
- the feeling of heaviness in the head, headache in the occipital area,
- numbness or tingling in the shoulders and the hands,
- scrunch in the area of the neck turning the head, the ticking of the vertebrae.
The main symptoms are:
Self-dystonic
- quite severe pain in the neck and, in particular, in the area just below the nape of the neck;
- the pain occurs after a long stay in a position (e.g., after sleep);
- the neck muscles are constantly tense;
- you observe difficulties in diverting the arms from the side;
- on the affected side with the fingers of one hand fettered in its movements.
Because the compression of the vertebral arteries, we can observe the neurological manifestations: headache, nausea, frequent fainting spells.
Spinal symptom
pain localized behind the sternum to the left.
This type of pain it is necessary to differentiate the pain from angina (angina brings relief nitroglycerin, osteochondrosis – no).
When the gradual violation of the configuration of the intervertebral discs are compression (compression), and violations of the nerve roots, and also the contraction or the violation of the arteries and veins, which are held in the area of the vertebral bodies.
This leads to the formation of particular syndromes – create and ischemic.
- the defeat of the roots of the first cervical vertebra (C1): the violations concern the nape of the neck, reducing the sensitivity of the skin;
- defeat C2 gives pain in the area of the head and the nape of the neck;
- defeat C3 gives pain in the neck by the violation, the reduction of the sensitivity of the tongue and sublingual muscles, in some cases with language disorders and loss of control of the language;
- defeat, C4, and C5 gives pain in the shoulder and clavicle, reduction of the tone of the muscles of the head and neck, hiccups, respiratory disorders and heart pain;
- defeat the C6 happens often, giving pain from neck to shoulder, forearm, up to the large fingers of the hand, can suffer from the sensitivity of the skin:
- defeat the C7 gives similar symptoms with pain in the neck, the back of the shoulder, to the back of the brush, the violation strength of the hands, and decreased reflexes.
Circulation problems due to compression of blood vessels in the area of the cervical vertebrae, damage to the headache up to migraine, severe dizziness, vision disturbances and noise in the ears, flickering flies before the eyes, disturbances in vegetative functions.
May be manifestations cardiac syndrome from compression of the heart pain, shortness of air and palpitations, rhythm disturbances.
Complications
Serious complications of cervical arthrosis are
- protrusion of the intervertebral discs with the formation of a hernia (protrusion);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc with a violation of the nerves and blood vessels, it is possible to compression of the spinal cord, which can lead to death;
- can also be radiculopathy (defeat the roots), the formation of osteophytes (the thorns on the bodies of the vertebrae) with the manifestation of paresis and paralysis.
Diagnostics
The presence of the above complaints it is necessary to use a orthopedic doctor or neurologist.
First of all, the doctor will assess the mobility and pain in the area of the neck, the sensitivity and other disorders of the functions. Then you'll need an x-ray of the cervical spine in the position projections, if necessary – computerized tomography or resonance in the case of suspected hernia.
The circulatory need of rheoencephalography and study of the back of the eye.
The treatment of cervical osteoarthritis
The same symptoms can be signs of different diseases, and the disease may flow not from the manual. Do not try to heal yourself — see your doctor.
Today there are traditional and non-traditional methods of treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.
It is mainly used conservative techniques:
- symptomatic therapy analgesics to relieve the pain
- intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, series – to relieve the inflammation and edema of the tissues
- to eliminate the spasms of the muscles used antispasmodics, medications to improve circulation.
In the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis is used substances, by reducing the structure of the intervertebral discs.
Shown in the course of vitamin therapy group, apply external means for the treatment – gels and ointments, creams, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving components. This stimulating the regeneration of the intervertebral disc.
In the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis it is recommended to wear a special collar.
Complications of cervical arthrosis with between vertebrates hernias, violate the sensitivity and circulation of blood, can be treated quickly.
The duration of treatment depends on the negligence of the state, as well as the low back pain is progressive is a chronic disease. The treatment can be long-term and prevention training conducted for the whole life.
Greatly facilitate the status of osteochondrosis will help proper nutrition. Read more on the principles of the diet when osteochondrosis in our separate article.
Exercises for the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis:
- Drive traction: position with the back straight, you need to lower your shoulders as low as possible, while the neck is necessary to pull upwards. You must make at least 10 approaches no less than 3 times per day.
- Self-massage: bind with a towel in the neck, taking him to the end and pull for them, alternatively, flexing the muscles of the neck. When this you need to follow for the towel, has not scratched in the neck (do not rub).
- Gymnastics for the cervical osteochondrosis: this small bending of the neck, but also twists and tilts the head. Sometimes it's done for 5-7 slopes in every direction. The more useful this exercise will be run after the self-massage of the cervical spine.
Prevention
The basis of the health of the cervical spine is strong and healthy back, exercise, a comfortable bed with pillows mattresses and mattress, good posture and a proper diet.
It is worth to avoid injury to the neck, and lifting weights. It is necessary to combine prolonged sitting, with periods of rest and exercise.