Cervical degenerative disc disease: symptoms and treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease, where the mass between the vertebrae, which acts as a shock absorber, becomes stiff fabric.

Pain in the neck? Dizziness? Crunch? Neck back pain? "Whether the lower back pain..." you think, typing in a query on the Internet. No need to panic! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is not a death sentence, it can be used to prevent, slow down and even improve. How? Let's deal with it.

Presentation

Unfortunately, cervical osteochondrosis – a disease, a silent and insidious. You may not be aware of its existence, until at some point experience is muscle spasm and pain in the neck. The use is added and dizziness numbness in the extremities.

The reason for these seemingly unrelated phenomena, the complex nature of osteoarthritis.

What is osteochondrosis of the General...

Osteochondrosis is the spine of the disease, which has damaged intervertebral disks performing as shock absorbers. Opening and closing, he will give the spine flexibility and elasticity, at the same time the body to maintain balance during movement. Their complete or partial destruction of this balance is lost, which will inevitably affect the motor activity of man. The reason for these changes is often and the physical deterioration of the deformation of the plate or, more simply, its "aging". Body part of Others can serve us faithfully for many years.

It is accepted that osteochondrosis – a disease of age. However, in recent years, the disease is much "younger" in the danger zone of people 25 years or younger. Blame lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and exercise irregular body. In addition, statistics show that the number of osteochondrosis affects women. Primarily, this is due to the anatomical features and the emotional background. However, the more difficult the disease occurs in men.

...private – cervical osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the most common. The fact that it is the largest part of the neck vessels and nerve endings, vertebral its kun are much smaller (about half compared to the lumbar spine) muscular system and considerably weaker.

Together and high mobility, is located in the spinal cord in the cervical our body requires special attention.

How is dangerous cervical osteochondrosis?

How dangerous is cervical osteochondrosis

Unfortunately, the danger of cervical degenerative disc disease is anatomically justified to the cervical spine are the vertebral arteries of the season, which provide blood to the main brain centers of the rear parts of the brain. And all the fault-circulatory disorders and can be irreversible in nature, the abnormal curvature of the spine (lordosis of the neck), until the complete loss of motor skills, stroke, and even death.

Fortunately, you do not notice the symptoms of impending calamity is almost impossible: the coordination problems, severely impaired vision hearing ny, ny often loss dizziness consciousness...

If along with regular neck pain you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately!

Diagnosis and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Lower back pain is a serious disease and qualified to diagnose it to no avail, the expert, the doctor-vertebrologist, which specializes in solving problems with the spine, the orthopedist or neurologist.

Accurate diagnosis of cervical degenerative disc disease: x-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be identified, it is unnecessary to symptoms of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis, and other related changes in the body.

With the emergence of a number of the listed symptoms, immediately seek the professional advice of a physician.

  • dull, aching, pain and intense neck head
  • neck back pain, crunch, when you turn your head
  • dizziness, "veil" before the eyes, fainting
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • numbness
  • in the ears, blurred vision
  • General muscle weakness

Pain in osteochondrosis are often aching in nature, is given to the head and are involved in the ny-numbness in hands legs and feet. This is primarily due to compression of the nerve endings and increased intracranial pressure.

The nature of osteochondrosis

Just like any disease, osteochondrosis of the spine has several stages of development.

A better understanding of the body processes we offer to first understand the structure of the disc, and then analyze, what changes are characteristic of each stage of degenerative disc disease.

He spinal disc consists of several parts: the core pulpo the nucleus pulposus (inner part), of annulus fibrosus (the outer shell) and a transparent cartilage that separates the vertebrae in the disc and performs the function of supply.

Purpose the core is rich in water and it is the responsibility of ground handling to catering, by adjusting the center of gravity, saliva, and moves like a ball of mercury. The surrounding fibrous ring, on the contrary, has a solid structure and it is composed of intertwined fibers. Because the main task in the fibrous ring – to protect the core from damage, it can withstand the "shock" it at high loads.

Stages of degenerative disc disease

Traditionally there are four stages of osteoarthritis.

Cervical osteochondrosis 1 waste – preclinical stage

At this early stage of the disease, occurs when the so-called "drying" of the disk: it-height and reduction in firmness.

Thus, the structural changes do not, however, and as the symptoms, therefore, is not complaining. You may not feel discomfort; in vain "precursors" may be morning stiffness in the deposits and the salt in the neck. Although we agree with the way of life are these feelings norm.

Cervical osteochondrosis 2 ° – at the beginning of structural changes

Here begins the irreversible changes polipozom core – necrosis and destruction caused by metabolic disturbances, simultaneously with the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring.

The body starts to send SOS signals in the form of sharp pain in the neck, reduced stamina, rapid fatigue.

Cervical osteochondrosis 3 degree – progressive discos

Impaired integrity of the fibrous ring, which purpose is core "bulge" into the spinal canal through the cracks.

If a complete rupture of the outer shell paid, the intervertebral disk can be restored. This process is called protrusion of the spinal disc, and it can be treated successfully on an outpatient basis. At the same time you feel persistent pain around the neck and back, progressing during a workout and stay in an uncomfortable position.

This is the complete destruction of the fibrous ring of increased pain, incoordination, dizziness, nausea; the table of disability. Quickly Need to seek medical help!

Cervical osteochondrosis 4 ° – reform

Result irreversible processes between the vertebrae to form outgrowths (osteophytes), which prevents the mobility of the joints. Purpose the core is replaced by scar tissue, nerve endings are injured, recovery is possible unnecessary surgery.

The paradox is that you can feel in terms of health key role in environmental improvement – the spine of the back of the stabilisation and association agreement download accept the the ability. However, pain and limited physical activity if for nothing increase.

Osteoarthritis Causes

The causes of osteochondrosis

Unfortunately, speaking about the reasons of such severe diseases as osteochondrosis, it is necessary to keep in mind the numerous factors of the external environment's natural tendency.

How to understand that you are in danger? Mentally tick the suitable for you all the items and way of life.

  • You have had a spinal injury?
  • Are overweight (obesity)?
  • Susceptible to harmful habits (Smoking, alcohol consumption), regular stress?
  • You have chronic infectious diseases, metabolic disorders?
  • The work involves heavy physical work?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with posture disorder and/or flat feet?
  • Do you have a regular load on the spine?

If at least one of these questions you answered yes, unfortunately, you're in danger. This is bad news. But it's good: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be stopped to improve and even prevent timely diagnosis and beginning of proper contraception.

How to prevent lower back pain

There are a number of preventive measures, we recommend that respect the game "cutting edge" with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Step 1. Stand up!

Lead a sedentary lifestyle? Sedentary work, long periods at the computer, irregular diet and improper, lack of sleep, stress... sound Familiar?

All this contributes to the "stalled" projects and in the body provokes the early stages of osteoarthritis.

To avoid the progression of the disease, maintain a sensible schedule for the day, take regular breaks (every hour for five minutes) and they care more about their health. Believe me, very soon you can say "thank you"!

The rule is: set reminders (or "running" cases – the alarm clock) so that the excitement won't forget the moment when the man must in vain to get up and walk.

Step 2. Take care of your comfort!

Under usability we mean the physical signals that the body take. Listen to and take care of yourself!

Firstly, to avoid excessive and unreasonable workload. If you're in the gym, batch weight, do not skip the warm up regular watch and training.

Secondly, refrain from uncomfortable shoes. We don't call relentlessly to get rid of your favorite weekend shoes or boots, let them stay in the party. It is important that these special cases do not become the norm 24/7. "Every day" choose shoes that have a comfortable fit which does not cause discomfort and does not affect the posture and gait.

Third, do not skimp on the furniture and sleeping accessories. If you are office chair expressly not suitable, please organise a replacement or take care of to comfort themselves. If a one-time investment this can save you from serious regular costs.

Use vain anatomically correct furniture, to reduce the load on the spine. State, choose a bed / firm mattress and comfortable, suitable density and height of the pillow. Anatomical or conventional – you decide, because a lot depends on the characteristics of the body.

Step 3. Don't forget prevention!

Forewarned is forearmed, isn't it?

If you feel intermittent tiredness and pain in the neck and back or, on the contrary, want to avoid them, we recommend simple exercises, particularly effective in the early stages (preclinical) stages of osteoarthritis.

Exercises with cervical osteochondrosis

Exercises with cervical osteochondrosis

Gymnastics in osteochondrosis of the cervical can you perform both at work and at home.

  1. Sit up straight, straighten your back, relax and slide your hands along the body. Alternatively, turn your head to the right and to the left about 90 ° (or allowed the joints). Presented in different hobby species evenly, avoid sudden movements.
    The first time you do 8 repetitions and then gradually increase the number of 15 rotations in each direction.
  2. In the same position tilt your head forward, tucking your chin to your chest and back, back pushing the head behind the neck. 8 repetitions Also start to increase and up to 15 times.
  3. Then go to the shoulders. First, raise both shoulders up (toward the ears), hold for a few seconds and lower back. So 8 repetitions.
    Move shoulders in turn: right-up, left-unfortunately -, change – of 8 repetitions.
  4. Put your hand on the forehead and pressed at the same time tilt your head forward. Pause 10 seconds and so on 8 times in a row.

Completion of the complex, be sure to massage the neck to relieve tension.

Attention! If you feel severe pain during exercise, consult your doctor carefully and take a load!

Cervical osteochondrosis: treatment

For the treatment of degenerative disease of the cervical spine of the payment may be a narrow-ranging, comprehensive, or, by combining several components at once.

Occupational therapy

treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease

Physical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is the way, the local effect directly on the inflammation. The therapeutic effect is achieved by improving blood circulation and metabolism. Neck pain is relieved, symptoms, reduced.

There are many options, physical treatment of cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis: electric treatment, the effect of magnetic -, laser -, water-and mud procedures, electrophoresis, acupuncture, and moderate warming in the inflamed area.

Before you sign up for the procedure, carefully check against, and consult a doctor.

Massage

With cervical osteochondrosis to help massage the neck area. You can register for the session or massage to massage yourself with expert vibro.

Drugs and diet

The most commonly used osteoarthritis drugs are anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, antispasmodics, anti-oxidants, and and medication to improve blood circulation metabolism. Selection of medications includes tablets, creams, ointments and solutions muscle.

Correctly remember to choose the drug can be useless to the doctor!

In order to increase the drug Efficiency and improve overall body tone help a balanced diet. Limit the consumption of fatty, spicy, smoked food, salt. Popular fruits and vegetables, properly cooked meat, fish and dairy products. Diet Add nuts and honey. Drink And plenty of fluids.

Although degenerative disc disease is not threatening you, a balanced diet has a positive effect on the General health condition and body. See you in a couple of weeks you will notice amazing changes! Tested on their own experience!