Osteonecrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degeneration of the cartilage tissue structure of the intervertebral disc and bone base.The pathology manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can be different, which significantly complicates the process of diagnosis and further treatment.
Characteristics of the disease
The cervical region includes vertebrae and nerve endings.Cartilage degeneration in this area is formed during the degeneration of the vertebral body.In this case, the ongoing pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
This disease is cleverly disguised as other disorders, since the symptoms of osteoarthritis are characterized by headaches, as well as the appearance of significant discomfort in the neck.Patients complain of blood pressure problems and nausea.Many people often confuse such symptoms with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Often, amid ongoing problems, the patient begins to suddenly lose consciousness, lack air, and numb the tongue.The disease is mainly diagnosed in people over 30 years old, is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have been observed even in adolescents.
Level of development
Symptoms and treatment of cervical spondylosis largely depend on the degree of development of the disease.In the early stages, the nutrition of cartilage tissue is disrupted, leading to the production of a number of enzymes that have a destructive effect.The person feels severe discomfort.Daily morning exercise will help eliminate such symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes constantly increase and inflammation begins to develop in the body.The cartilage tissue gradually wears away, causing the vertebrae to begin to touch and compress nerve endings.The pain becomes more pronounced.It becomes very difficult for a person to work.
At the third level, tumors and growths on bone tissue begin to form.Symptoms of cervical spondylosis in this case manifest themselves in the form of severe pain.There is a metabolic disorder so salt begins to deposit on the spine, the inflamed area.The process of ossification of the vertebrae begins, which leads to the gradual development of intervertebral hernias.
It is not always possible to immediately determine the stage of the disease based on the existing symptoms of cervical spondylosis, since the degree of tissue destruction may not correspond to the existing signs.
reason
Before determining the symptoms and treating cervical spondylosis, you need to understand exactly what factors influence the formation of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely related to each other and are mainly considered together.
Physiological changes may be stimulated by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings are stimulated.Pathological changes occur due to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Most such disorders occur in adolescents and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteonecrosis may resolve spontaneously or present as a short-term disorder.Among the main provoking factors, the following should be emphasized:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- overweight;
- often in uncomfortable positions;
- incorrectly selected pillow or mattress;
- nervous tension;
- hypothermia;
- injuries to the back of the head and neck.
The cause of the development of osteoarthritis can be congenital defects, as well as various types of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
There are many blood vessels and nerve endings located in the neck area.It is for this reason that symptoms of cartilage degeneration in the cervical and thoracic spine are associated with ischemia in certain areas of the brain.In addition, nerve endings that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when compressed by destroyed vertebrae, can cause various manifestations.Symptoms and treatment of cervical spondylosis largely depend on which systems are affected by the pathological process.Specifically, the following signs can be recognized:
- microcirculation disorders due to compression of the vertebral artery;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- Severe neuropathy in advanced cases.
The first symptom of cervical thoracic spondylosis is pain in the neck, back of the head and neck area.Localization of pain can spread further, causing severe migraines.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the lesion and the severity of the pathology.In the early stages of the disease, the discomfort may quickly pass and gradually the pain becomes chronic and aching.In the stage of exacerbation, the pain becomes severe, the tone of the neck muscles increases, and head movements are limited.
Among the symptoms of cervical spondylosis in women and men are the presence of ringing and noise in the ears as well as congestion.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All of these manifestations are related to reduced blood flow.
Additionally, among the main features are:
- dizzy,
- pressure change,
- airless,
- nausea,
- visual impairment.
Dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of cervical thoracic spondylosis.They are caused by a violation of blood flow to organs that ensure the body's balance.Lack of air can occur due to irritation of nerve endings involved in the regulation of the respiratory process.Patients often complain that they cannot breathe deeply.In some cases, symptoms become more severe, leading to severe breathing difficulties or asthma attacks.
Hypoxia associated with respiratory problems is a major cause of increased fatigue, decreased attention span, and memory problems.In some cases, there may be a feeling of nausea due to poor circulation in certain areas of the brain.Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis manifest in the form of visual impairment.However, such violations occur quite rarely.It is worth noting that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses did not bring the desired results, and vision improved only after treatment of osteoarthritis.
Unstable pressure is due to impaired blood circulation in the brain area responsible for the activity of the vascular motor center.In some cases, a slight increase in temperature and local redness of the skin may be seen.
It is very important to promptly recognize the symptoms of cervical spondylosis.Discomfort and pain do not always occur, which is why it is important to carry out a comprehensive examination and promptly treat it.It is worth noting that each patient feels a characteristic crunching and clicking sound when moving the neck, and it is this sign that can identify the progression of the pathology.
Perform diagnosis
If symptoms of cervical spondylosis occur, treatment must be started immediately, which is why it is recommended to consult a neurologist immediately.To determine the cause of the existing symptoms, a comprehensive examination is required.
During a neurological examination, the doctor evaluates the degree of movement and pain in the neck, as well as the characteristics of blood circulation in the vertebral artery.Among the main diagnostic methods, the following should be emphasized:
- X-ray of cervical vertebrae,
- record,
- CT scan,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the lesion and the degree of progression of the disease, as well as choose the most effective treatment regimen.The treatment process is quite long and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore the cartilage structure, but it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and get rid of chronic pain.It is very important to monitor the course of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program if necessary and to predict possible improvements or complications.
Characteristics of treatment
Regardless of symptoms, treatment of cervical spondylosis is performed using conservative methods and is always comprehensive.The use of medication is necessary, especially:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesic,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- vitamin complex.
In severe cases, Novocaine blockade is prescribed in the most painful area.Sometimes the use of hormonal agents may be indicated.Additionally, local treatment is indicated, which includes the use of warming ointments and gels.Physical therapy and exercise therapy have good effects.Such techniques allow you to strengthen the neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, their use is possible only after the acute phase has subsided.
To increase the space between the vertebrae, hardware traction of the spine is prescribed.Severe cases require surgical intervention but must have appropriate indications.
Therapy can be supplemented by wearing a Shants orthopedic necklace.Because the cervical vertebrae are firmly fixed, treatment is performed much faster.This device allows you to quickly cope with painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the patient's overall health.
Drug treatment
Depending on the symptoms of cervical spondylosis, drug treatment is selected individually.Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation, as well as returning normal mobility to the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be emphasized:
- analgesic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotector;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complex.
Topical products are needed, which can be used in ointment and gel form.They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and spasms, and create a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation will help eliminate symptoms of cervical spondylosis in the spine.To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as restore thinking and memory, it is necessary to take nootropic drugs.
Physical therapy techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will help quickly and effectively eliminate symptoms of cervical spondylosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and medication, a variety of measures include the following methods of action:
- stretching the spine,
- massage,
- physical therapy effects.
The traction of the spine will increase the distance between the vertebrae.However, it is worth remembering that the load must be dosed.Impact is performed in various ways, in particular using special tables.
Massage gives very good results.This procedure normalizes blood circulation, nutrient and gas exchange of cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage, you can eliminate muscle tension and spasms, get rid of painful feelings.
Physiotherapeutic effects involve the use of various means, such as:
- exposure to laser beams,
- magnetic field,
- supersonic,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, drugs are also used in combination with physical therapy to increase effectiveness and avoid side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to enhance or slightly slow down processes in the body by influencing biologically active points.The greatest effectiveness of all these measures is achieved when they are used comprehensively.
Traditional method
When the first symptoms of cervical spondylosis occur, home treatment includes the use of medicated baths to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation.In addition, they also help relax the spine.Water procedures should be performed every other day and the course of treatment is 15–20 procedures.
You can add decoctions of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to the bath water.Yarrow infusion is very suitable for oral administration because it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms.Sea salt solution can be used as a compress.Home treatment will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis, but before using any means and techniques, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Practice prevention
The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle as well as developing posture from an early age.For prevention purposes, it is recommended:
- nutritional adjustment;
- use orthopedic pillows and mattresses for sleeping;
- Lift weights gently.
The initial form of the disease often has no obvious symptoms.If you feel pain in the sternum area, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Complications may occur
With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, cervical spondylosis occurs without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various types of pathological changes that can lead to disability.Among the main complications are:
- circulatory disorders in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- hernia and protrusion;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, you must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations.Eliminating discomfort at an early stage is much easier than treating an already advanced disease.It is important not to forget about prevention and prevention of bad posture in children.Folk remedies help fight diseases, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can worsen the problem when surgical intervention is needed.