Cervical osteochondrosis confidently occupies the first place in terms of prevalence among diseases of the spine.There is hardly anyone who has not heard about this disease, but few people know that osteochondrosis is not a disease, but a condition that includes a whole complex of diseases that arise when the spine tries to adapt to unfavorable conditions.And the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis or other types of osteochondrosis should be comprehensive.
Definition of osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs caused by a decrease in their water content.
What was formerly called osteochondrosis naturally results from a decrease in the water content of the intervertebral disc.
Mechanics of disease.Stages of osteochondrosis
In the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, the intervertebral discs are located between the vertebral bodies.The intervertebral disc consists of the nucleus pulposus - a special cartilage and water, and the annulus fibrosus, which is a denser cartilage.The main function of the intervertebral disc is shock absorption.If there is not enough fluid in the core, the disc cannot perform this function properly and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or other parts of the spine occurs.
When describing the stages of cervical osteochondrosis or other types of osteochondrosis, it is customary to use the classification of neurosurgeon A.I. The basis proposed in 1971.
Stage 1 osteochondrosis
By losing water, the intervertebral disc becomes less and less elastic, but it is still forced to support the same loads as before.As a result, the height of the disc decreases, the disc flattens and protrusions appear.
Stage 2 osteochondrosis
With continued pathological exposure, cracks may appear in the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc.Due to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc, instability of the entire segment occurs.
Stage 3 osteochondrosis
There is a complete rupture of the annulus fibrosus, through which the more liquid core partially flows (intervertebral disc herniation).
Most often, such changes lead to symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The thoracic region is the least susceptible to the formation of hernias, where even in case of pathology of the intervertebral discs, part of the load is borne by the sternum and ribs.
A bulging disc or herniated disc can affect the nerve roots of the spine, causing pain, inflammation, swelling, and disruption of nerve fiber conduction.
Stage 4 osteochondrosis
Without experiencing resistance from the damaged intervertebral disc, the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae move closer together.Disorders occur in the intervertebral joints (spondyloarthrosis) and the vertebrae may twist or move relative to each other (spondylolisthesis).
At this stage, the compensatory forces of the body come into play. To relieve the load on the damaged disc, the vertebra itself flattens, enlarges and increases its surface area.Additionally, the destroyed tissue of the annulus fibrosus can be partially replaced by bone.
In some cases, these processes can reduce pain, but often the growths on the vertebrae further narrow the spinal foramen and compress the nerve.
Symptoms of the disease.Degrees of osteochondrosis
The classification that doctors are accustomed to using does not include stages, but degrees of osteochondrosis.It describes the symptoms of osteochondrosis in more detail and starts from the moment the patient feels pain.
1 degree of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or other parts of the spine
Occurs when an intervertebral disc ruptures, caused by a sudden movement or overexertion.This manifests itself as sudden pain, a feeling of electric current passing through the spine, and reflex muscle tension.
Osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree of the cervical spine or other parts of the spine
The second stage of cervical osteochondrosis can manifest itself in the form of symptoms of intervertebral protrusion and spinal instability.Chronic pain that gets worse with exercise.The intervals of remission and exacerbation alternate.The cervical spine is characterized by neck pain that worsens after a long stay in one position, headaches, pain in the arms, shoulders, periodic discomfort or numbness of the fingers.For the lumbar region - pain in the lower back, pain in the gluteal region, periodic pain in the sacrum, frequent fatigue in the legs.
Osteochondrosis of the 3rd degree of the cervical spine or other parts of the spine
Cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the form of symptoms of a herniated disc (pain along the affected nerve, numbness in the arms or legs, changes in gait, headache) or remote symptoms of an intervertebral disc herniation (in the cervical region: frequent headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, decreased vision, hearing, muscle strength of the arms; in the thoracic region: heartbeatirregular, difficulty breathing in the lumbar region: kidney disease, gastrointestinal tract, sexual dysfunction, numbness or weakness of the legs).
Grade 4 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or other parts of the spine
It is generally accepted that the fourth degree of osteochondrosis begins from the moment when the hernia no longer manifests itself, the manifestations of the disease may decrease, but the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as instability of the spine, sliding or twisting of the vertebrae, or their complete fixation relative to each other remain.To these can be added manifestations of vertebral growths, which can also compress the spinal nerves, leading to their atrophy, or block the spinal canal (secondary stenosis of the spinal canal) and compress the spinal cord (spinal cord ischemia).In addition, the fourth degree includes the consequences of surgical intervention if the hernia was removed quickly (various types of innervation disorders, paresis, inflammation).
Prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which everyone is at risk.Don't think he will bypass you.If you have not yet discovered symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, it's time to think about prevention.
- In people leading a sedentary lifestyle, the nutrition of the intervertebral discs is often disrupted, which leads to dehydration - so move more.
- People who have bad habits are more likely to suffer from spinal diseases and the reason is dehydration of the body - drink more water and, if possible, lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Push-ups, pull-ups, dumbbells and fitness once a week are not a healthy lifestyle, sorry.To give your spine a beneficial load, you need to do special gymnastics for the spine.Every day.
- People who do not know how to properly hold their body in space often experience curvature of the spine, which also has a detrimental effect on the intervertebral discs.– Watch how you stand in line or attend a meeting...
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is as complex a process as osteochondrosis itself.Unfortunately, two basic principles do not apply: “It will go away on its own” and “It still cannot be treated.”This disease will not go away on its own, and if left untreated, it will turn the spine of its lucky owner into ruins.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is important not to miss the very beginning of the disease, when everything is still fixable and you can get by with “little blood”.About half of very young people are familiar with the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, and by the age of 40, almost everyone already knows them.