Cervical spine degeneration

Every second inhabitant on earth faces spinal problems.Cervical osteonecrosis is one of the most common diseases that requires special attention.If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious consequences.In especially advanced cases, complications can have serious consequences.

Stage

Cervical spondylosis in women and men develops gradually and has periods of increased symptoms and remission.Signs of the disease occur when the process of vertebral destruction reaches a serious stage.

There are four levels of cervical osteoarthritis:

1. Initial stage.Characterized by disturbances in the structure of the intervertebral discs.Due to loss of moisture, they become thinner.Cracks appear on the fiber rings.Usually at this stage there are practically no signs of cervical spondylosis.However, if the pathology is identified, damaged discs can be completely restored.The first stage of development of cervical spondylosis is considered very favorable for starting treatment.
2. Second stageThe disease is associated with exacerbation of the tissue condition of the intervertebral discs.They are significantly reduced in size.This causes sagging of the muscle coat and spinal ligaments.Instability of the cervical spine occurs and the mobility of the vertebrae increases.Usually at this stage the first symptoms of osteonecrosis appear.
3. In the third stageDeformity of the spine becomes apparent.Protrusion and herniation occur.Symptoms of cervical spondylosis become obvious.
4. Fourth stageaccompanied by the formation of bone spurs, ossification (ossification) of ligaments and other deformities.These signs of osteoarthritis are evidence that the body is trying every way to stabilize the damaged spinal segments.

A special feature of the cervical spine is the small distance between the vertebrae.When structural disorders of these segments occur, the spinal cord, nerve endings and blood vessels of the circulatory system will be compressed.

Expression

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis may depend on the location of the affected object in which part of the spine.The following mechanisms of negative effects of pathology, as well as associated symptoms of cervical spondylosis, are distinguished:

1. Nerve root syndrome.Pain is transmitted from the cervical spine to the fingers.There is a tingling sensation in different parts of the upper limbs and a goosebumps effect.
2. Vertebral artery syndromecauses circulatory disorders in the brain.Accompanied by weakness, nausea, hearing and vision impairment, and vestibular system disorders.May cause severe or throbbing headache in the occipital, parietal, temporal and superciliary areas.
3. For heart syndromeSymptoms of osteonecrosis can be confused with angina.The attacks can last several hours and are accompanied by extrasystoles or tachycardia.
4. Reflex excitatory syndrome.This phenomenon causes acute pain in the back of the head or neck.The feeling of discomfort is transmitted to the shoulder or chest area.They appear when moving after a long period of rest.

It is unacceptable to ignore the signs of cervical spondylosis in men and women.

If such symptoms occur, you should contact a neurologist as soon as possible.

Types of diagnosis

Cervical spondylosis has symptoms similar to many other diseases.Therefore, before making a specific diagnosis, the doctor must find out exactly what symptoms worry the patient, then conduct an examination.

Based on his observations, the specialist can make a preliminary diagnosis.But to more accurately determine the cause of the disease, additional research is needed.The main methods for diagnosing cervical spondylosis are:

1. X-ray.The most accessible tool method.Almost any clinic has minimal technical facilities to carry out such a study.X-rays provide information about the location and severity of the pathological process.Allows you to determine what consequences caused osteonecrosis of the cervical spine.To get a complete picture of the disease, X-rays are taken in many different projections.
2. Computed tomography.Allows you to see all the changes in the structure of the spinal tissues thanks to the ability to examine each layer.Using this method, you can determine the stage of cervical spondylosis, the presence of protrusions and hernias.Computed tomography perfectly displays the condition of all components of the spinal region except the intervertebral discs.
3. MRI.The most accurate and informative method for diagnosing cervical spondylosis.The images obtained allow you to evaluate the condition of spinal segments, nerves and blood vessels.This becomes possible due to the absence of images of other organs on the projection.Magnetic resonance imaging helps to locate damaged segments, identify tissue changes, narrowing of the spinal canal as well as degenerative changes in the disc such as protrusion and herniation.

Treatment

Cervical spondylosis is associated with structural degenerative disorders of the intervertebral discs, as well as the tissues and ligaments of the spine located next to them.Both women and men of all ages can get the disease.This is due to a large number of adverse factors, among them a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and poor nutrition.

The issue of appropriate treatment of cervical spondylosis is very relevant.Treatment can be conservative (in cases that have not progressed) or surgical (isolated hernia).

If the patient has signs of cartilage degeneration, the treatment regimen must be selected individually for each patient.The treatment program may depend on the following factors:

• stages of the disease;
• periods of exacerbation or remission;
• individual characteristics of the patient.

Treatment for osteoarthritis should be prescribed by a doctor after a complete medical examination and accurate diagnosis.

Conservative method

The main goal of treatment of degenerative changes in the spine is to prevent the development of pathology and complications.To achieve favorable results in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, the use of any method is not enough;it is important to use an integrated approach.

In the initial stages of treatment, the doctor's recommendations are aimed at eliminating pain and restoring circulatory function.At the next stage, you can move on to physiotherapy, manual therapy and exercise procedures.

Types of conservative therapy include:

1. Drug treatment.This method is characterized by the use of drugs with different effects: analgesics, antispasmodics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, sedatives, vitamins, minerals.Drug treatment may be indicated in cases of exacerbation of the disease with significant pain and increased muscle tone.Cervical spondylosis can be treated with ointments or gels only if there is mild inflammation.In other cases, these measures are ineffective.
2. Physical therapy.Treatment with physical factors (magnetic field, ultrasound, low-frequency current) can be applied at any stage of pathological development.Physiotherapeutic procedures help relieve pain, stimulate blood circulation, metabolism, and also allow you to reduce the dosage of medications.To treat cervical spondylosis, electrophoresis with drugs, darsonval, ultrasound, laser therapy and magnetic therapy can be prescribed.Each of these types of physiotherapy procedures has its own contraindications.For this reason, the treatment method should be chosen by a doctor.
3. Manual therapy.The goals of this method include normalizing muscle tone, improving blood circulation and eliminating deformities in the cervical spine.The therapeutic effect is achieved by applying physical impact in the form of pressure, vibration and friction.To achieve noticeable long-term effects, manual therapy must be combined with medication, physical therapy and exercise.
4. Physical therapy.The process of cervical spondylosis can be reduced by performing a series of special exercises.This allows you to develop muscles and significantly reduce the load on damaged spinal segments.A set of physical exercises can only be selected by the attending physician, taking into account the patient's characteristics.It is recommended to start classes under the supervision of a specialist.Do not participate in physical therapy when pain appears.

Surgical method

If cervical spondylosis does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary.This most commonly occurs when there is spinal cord compression or disc herniation.

The purpose of surgery is to eliminate compression of nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as stabilize the cervical spine.In this case, the following methods are used:

• Discectomy- Complete or partial removal of the intervertebral disc.The procedure is performed using microsurgical instruments.This reduces damage to surrounding tissues.
• Laser disc reproduction.During surgery, a needle is inserted into the affected area and a special cable is passed through it.Under the effect of laser energy, the disc heats up.This stimulates cell growth and within 3–6 months they will fill all the spaces formed by the disease.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.
• Arthritis.All operations are performed through a small incision in the front or back of the neck.As a result of the surgery, the compression of the spinal cord and nerve endings is removed and artificial implants or special metal structures are installed.They correct the curve of physiological scoliosis.

Cervical spondylosis can only be treated with surgery in the most difficult cases.This is associated with a high risk of complications.Possible consequences of surgery include damage to nerve endings or the spinal cord, narrowing of the spinal canal due to scarring, development of infection, and many other unpleasant consequences.

Prevention methods

Cervical osteonecrosis can develop in both women and men of any age.Many factors contribute to this.The occurrence of the disease can be prevented by simple preventive measures.To do this, just follow some basic rules:

1. Don't let your spine bear heavy loads.Avoid sudden movements and injuries, periodically change your body position, evenly distribute the load when moving heavy objects, and choose comfortable shoes.
2. Exercise regularly to strengthen your neck muscles.
3. Get tough.
4. Maintain balance in your food intake.
5. Give up bad habits.

It is important to remember that it is much easier to prevent the development of pathology than to undergo long and expensive treatment.Following simple measures to prevent the disease will help you never know what cervical spondylosis is.