Osteochondrosis is a complex of degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of intervertebral discs. The development of the disease is very slow, often in the initial stages provided a variety of symptoms, except for the slight pain which very often people don't have the necessary attention. In the modern world low back pain is an extremely common disease, which covers the different age groups of people.
The disease evident to any part of the spine. The main place, it is divided into:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Degenerative cervical disc disease is fairly common, this is perhaps the most dangerous, because of the special form able to the person before the disability. The fact that the neck vertebrae are much smaller compared to the other vertebrae, but they have the greatest mobility. The neck region is concentrated a large number of blood vessels and nerve fibers to the carotid artery, which blood flow to the brain. Therefore, the slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae contributes to the compression of the nerve roots, and blood vessels. Because the cervical spinal canal is small, there is always the possibility of compression of the spinal cord. This is the main danger that can result in disabilities.
The causes of osteoarthritis
The reasons for osteoarthritis is still not fully understood by scientists, but despite this, there are certain factors that contribute to the disease. The most important of these factors are the following:
- Predisposition, which is transmitted genetically.
- Improper nutrition due to which there is the excess or lack of trace elements in the body.
- Poisoning or infection.
- Reduced metabolism.
- Injuries to the spine.
- Keeping the sedentary lifestyle, the implementation of the minimum movements.
- The presence of such diseases as scoliosis, flat feet, or instability along the spine.
- A physically unbalanced load on the body.
- Frequent stress and spiritual tension.
- The sudden change, the already established lifestyle.
The main stages of the degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into four stages. In the first stage can be seen only unpleasant back. The second stage is characterized by: destruction of the fibrous ring, as well as the appearance of protrusion of intervertebral disc, it is also possible to have a pinched nerve. The development of the third stage of the formation of inter-vertebral hernia. The fourth and final stage of osteochondrosis of the people is a very bad move, almost constantly feels the pain. This is due to the deformation of the vertebrae in the form in which the appearance of arthritis (bone spurs).
The symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
The presence of the degenerative cervical disc disease is accompanied by other symptoms, acting as the main symptoms of the disease:
- Irritant reflex syndromes. If available, a weak pain in the neck, the nape of the neck, which increases the move.
- Artery vertebral syndrome. Accompanied by headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, noise in the ears, it is also quite likely that a disease of the visual system. There is a possibility of disorders of cerebral circulation.
- The syndrome front isosceles muscle. It is characterized by the pain in my neck hurts. The pain is worse when tilting or rotating the head.
- Heart syndrome. Accompanied by pain in the neck, heart, levator scapula of. The pain usually worsens when you turn your head and sneeze. The symptoms in this case are strongly reminiscent of angina.
- Radiculáriszt syndrome. When this occurs, the compression of the nerve roots. In the area of the pain is spread over a vast area of the body. This zone includes: neck, shoulder blade, shoulder and fingers.
- Root-vascular syndrome. Usually characterized by motor sensory disorders.
- Spinal syndromes. Appears when the compression of the spinal cord affected by osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, there is pain in the neck, loss of feeling in the limbs, weakness.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
The first step in treatment is determining the exact diagnosis. You can only perform a comprehensive treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease, which basically is to reduce the pain, relieve the inflammation. Consider the main methods of complex treatment of:
- Drug therapy. Held during exacerbation of the disease. The help, reduce the swelling and relieved the pain.
- Physiotherapy. Conducted currents, which are low frequencies, ultrasound, magnetic fields, laser. Removed, so the feeling of pain, muscle spasms, reduce inflammation.
- Manual therapy. This therapy selection for each patient, separately. After the application is submitted, to alleviate pain, increase mobility and corrected posture.
- Physiotherapy. Primarily designed for the decompression of the nerve roots. Special exercises will help you to significantly reduce the load below the spine due to the strengthening development of the muscles. During the exacerbations of practice don't usually use. Exercises should be prescribed only in a specialist.
- Treatment the massage. The specialized clinics of Tibetan medicine, have used acupressure, methods of Chinese medicine – acupuncture, and moxibustion.
- Reflexology. Effectively eliminates the pain, improves the metabolic processes in the body.
It should be noted that in the treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease, pregnancy is almost impossible. A woman should pay attention to the disease before pregnancy. There are also a number of recommendations of sleep, people suffering from osteochondrosis. The mattress the patient should be medium hardness. You can't use the very soft or too hard mattress. The pillow not be used high, it is advisable to purchase orthopedic. To prevent this unpleasant disease, you must do it through a regular prevention. The methods of prevention, proper nutrition, physical mobility, and the lifestyle is more active.