Osteochondrosis is a complex degenerative change of the cartilage of the intervertebral disc. The development of the disease takes place very slowly and often in the early stages does not have a clearly expressed symptoms except minor pain, to which very often people do not pay enough attention. In today's world of osteochondrosis is a very common disease, which is able to cover different age groups of people.
The disease can manifest itself in every department of the vertebral column. On the main sites of localization of its customary share on:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical
- osteochondrosis of the thoracic department
- osteochondrosis of the lumbar
Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs often enough and is perhaps the most dangerous, because in running form is able to bring the person to the disability. The point is that the neck vertebrae have a considerably smaller size, in comparison with the other vertebrae, but they have the greatest mobility. In the area of the neck a large concentration of blood vessels and nerve fibers, also through the neck to pass through the arteries, involved in blood supply to the brain. Therefore, a slight displacement of the cervical vertebrae contributes to the pressure of the nerve roots and blood vessels. Because of the cervical spinal canal is small in size, there is always the possibility of compression of the spinal cord. This is the main danger, which could end up disabled.
Causes of degenerative disc disease
Causes of degenerative disc disease are not yet fully explored by scientists, but still there are some factors contributing to the development of this disease. The main of these factors can be classified:
- Predisposition, which passed through a genetic route.
- Bad food that appears overweight and the lack of trace elements in the body.
- Intoxication or the presence of infection.
- Disorders of exchange substances.
- The availability of spinal injury.
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle, exercise a minimum of movements.
- Availability in humans such diseases as scoliosis, flat feet, and also the instability of the segments of the spine.
- Physically uneven load on the body.
- Frequent stress and mental tension.
- A sudden change in the already settled lifestyle.
Key stage degenerative disc disease
Osteochondrosis of the cervical divided into four phases. In the first stage may be visible only discomfort in the back area. For the second phase are characterized by: destruction of the fibrous rings and the formation of the protrusion of the intervertebral disc, it is also possible for a pinched nerve. In the development of the third stage is education of the intervertebral hernia. In the fourth, last stage, degenerative disc disease is a man of very bad moves and practically constantly experience severe pain. This is due to the deformation of the vertebrae in the form of a performance at the them osteophytes (bone growths).
Symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease
The presence of cervical degenerative disc disease is accompanied by several syndromes, acting in the role of the main symptoms of the disease:
- Irritative-reflex syndromes. When their presence appears weak pain in the neck area and the neck, which amplifies at movements.
- Syndrome vertebral artery. Accompanied by headaches, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, noise in ears, also quite possible disorders of the visual system. The probability that a will appear disorders of blood circulation.
- Syndrome front ladder muscles. It is characterized by pain whining character in the neck area. The pain is amplified when you tilt or turn of the head.
- Cardiac syndrome. It is accompanied by pain in the neck, the heart, and in the area of the blades. The pain tends to rise when turning your head and sneezing. The symptoms are in this case strongly resemble angina pectoris.
- Root syndrome. In its formation occurs squeezing of the nerve roots. Area of the head covers an extensive area of the body. In this field include: neck, shoulder blades, shoulders and fingers.
- Root-vascular syndrome. Usually characterized by motion and sensitive disorders.
- Spinal syndromes. They appear in the squeezing of the spinal cord, the affected osteochondrosis of the vertebrae. In this case, are observed pain in the neck, loss of sensation, weakness of the limbs.
Treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
The first stage on your way to a treat — to establish an accurate diagnosis. Only then it is possible to carry out comprehensive treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease, which mainly lies in the reduction of painful feelings, and the removal of inflammation. Consider the basic methods of complex treatment of:
- Medical therapy. Carried out during the deepening of the disease. With its help is removed the inflammation and docked painful.
- Rehabilitation procedures. Are conducted through currents of low frequency, ultrasound, magnetic field and laser. The result is that it removes the feeling of pain and muscle spasms, reduces inflammation.
- Manual therapy. This therapy rose to each patient individually. After its use facilitated pain, increases mobility, and adjust the posture.
- Therapeutic physical education. It is mainly focused on decompression of the nerve roots. Special exercises help to significantly reduce the load attributable to the spine, at the expense of strengthening and developing the muscles of the back. During exacerbation of the disease physical education is usually not used. Exercise should only appoint a qualified expert.
- The massage treatment. In specialized clinics of Tibetan medicine applies acupressure, as well as methods of chinese medicine – acupuncture and cautery from.
- Reflective therapy. Effectively removes feelings of pain, improves metabolic processes in the body.
It should be noted that the treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease at a time during pregnancy, is almost impossible. So women must pay attention to this disease in the pregnancy period. There are so many recommendations for sleeping, people suffering from osteochondrosis. The mattress of the patient should be of medium hardness. You cannot use a very mild or very firm mattress. A pillow should be used, is not high, it is advisable to purchase orthopedic. So, if possible, prevent the occurrence of this unpleasant disease, it is necessary to indulge her regular prevention. Methods of prevention include proper nutrition, physical mobility, but also a change in lifestyle to active.