Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine that is characterized by dystrophic 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 greatly 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 degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus. While flowing the pathology of the affected nerves and important blood vessels.
Good disease masquerades 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 people confuse similarities with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Often in the background of the ongoing problems the patient begins to rapidly lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and the 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. In the last hour similar violations are observed even in adolescents.
The degree of development
The symptoms and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease depend largely on the hell of the degree of development of the disease. In the first stage, disturbed nutrition of the cartilage tissue, resulting in the production of certain enzymes that differ devastating impact. People feel very uncomfortable. Hell to get rid of such symptoms helps daily morning exercise.
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.
In the third stage begin 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 region of the passage of inflammation are beginning to be deposited salts. 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, we need to clearly understand what factors influence the formation of the 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. Basically, these disorders are teenagers 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 include 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, and 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 the hell which the system is affected by a pathological 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 phenomenon 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 pain depends largely on the hell of the lesion and the severity of flow pathologies. 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
- shortness of breath,
- nausea,
- blurred vision.
Vertigo is considered one of the symptoms of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis. They are caused by the blood flow and organs that provide the balance intact. Shortness of breath can occur due to irritation of the nerve endings that are involved in the regulation of breathing process. Patients often complain that they can't breathe. In some cases, the symptoms aggravated and severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing, the phenomenon 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. Hours 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 do not give the desired result, and eyesight improved only after treatment of degenerative disc disease.
Unstable pressure caused by poor circulation in the brain, which is responsible for the functioning of the vascular-motor centre. In some cases, there may be a slight increase in local temperature and redness of the skin.
It is very important to recognize the symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease. Discomfort and pain occurs not always, that is why it is important 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 definitely should 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 get the hell of chronic pain. 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. The clock can 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.
Therapy can be supplemented with wearing the 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
Based on the hell of 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 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 gymnastics and use of drugs, 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, remember that the load must be metered. Exposure is carried out in various 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 may mean the application 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 some of the processes that occur 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 that allow 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 s his 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 is mainly not may severe symptoms. If you experience any pain whining character in the sternum should immediately consult a doctor.