2nd degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires professional treatment. With the development of this pathology, the integrity of the intervertebral discs is interrupted and the gap between them also diminishes. Of all the forms of osteochondrosis, cervical is the most common. The neck is mobile, in this sense it is regularly subject to tension. Early stage osteochondrosis is normally tolerated. Released - poses a major health threat.
Why does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are numerous. The pathology can develop in people who lead a sedentary life. The veins pass through the vertebrae in the cervical region, supplying blood to the vessels in the brain. Osteochondrosis SHOP usually occurs due to increased stress on the neck. First-degree spinal osteochondrosis occurs in young and old. It is not age that plays an important role, but lifestyle and body characteristics.
Second-degree cervical osteochondrosis is common in adolescents. In medicine, there is the concept of "adolescent osteochondrosis". A common cause of 1. 2 degree osteochondrosis is incorrect head position. When this disease develops, the pulp breaks down. The types of osteochondrosis depend on how pronounced the pulp rupture is. Early treatment of first-degree osteochondrosis leads to progression of the pathological process. In the third stage of the disease, the degenerative-dystrophic processes are pronounced: the patient is more concerned about back and neck pain.
First phase characteristics
With 1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the pathological process extends to the muscles. The initial stage is characterized by the formation of fissures in the fibrous ring. It is made up of collagen fibers.
1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine leads to uncomfortable symptoms:
- The first stage of osteochondrosis manifests as pain in the back of the head. Some people get swollen. In first-degree cervical osteochondrosis, severe cramps may appear.
- If a person has been diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, they need to see an ophthalmologist. Pupils may be dilated.
- First-degree cervical osteochondrosis often leads to Wright syndrome. If the patient places the hand behind the head, the pain intensifies.
- Neck pain syndrome usually develops early in the disease. Inflammation in this case affects the muscles. Progression of neck pain syndrome is associated with an abscess. A person begins to experience pain in the neck, joint mobility is limited.
- In the first stage, an anterior scalene muscle syndrome may arise, in which case the subclavian artery is affected.
How is the treatment done? The goal of therapy is to repair pulp ruptures and prevent unpleasant symptoms. The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is surgically performed. The duration of the postoperative period is 7 days. In a month or two, the sutures gradually grow together.
To ensure disease prevention, it is necessary to wear a special collar, which is worn around the neck. The doctor recommends using a calcium gluconate solution. The medicine helps to heal wounds.
What happens in the second stage of the disease?
Second-degree cervical spine osteochondrosis develops with ineffective therapy at an early stage. Inflammatory reactions become pronounced, the intervertebral foramen decreases.
Grade 2 cervical osteochondrosis leads to the formation of osteophytes. These are bone processes that form in the context of dehydration.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis can last from 4 to 5 years. The disease periodically diminishes and worsens. A feature of the disease is the head drop syndrome.
Treatment involves manual therapy. The goal is to provide the cervical muscles with normal fixation. Depending on the situation, orthopedic treatment (vertebrae connection) may be prescribed. Drug therapy is needed. Calcium chloride is prescribed to eliminate pain. Corrective gymnastics is recommended: it should be administered 30 minutes a day. The main load must be at the joints.
How does the third stage manifest?
The treatment of third-degree osteochondrosis is quite difficult. With this disease, the structure of the intervertebral discs changes.
The pathological process involves tissues and joints:
- The vertebral body is torn, there are characteristic signs of an intervertebral hernia. The person begins to experience severe pain in the back, neck and limbs. Degenerative dystrophic reactions affect much of the neck.
- Third-degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by vestibular disorders. Periodically, a person experiences pain in the temples. Some patients may partially lose consciousness.
- The danger of third-stage disease is that it leads to endocrine pathology. Therapy involves the operation and use of manual techniques. In the third stage of cervical osteochondrosis, medications are not prescribed.
- The patient may have polysegmental osteochondrosis. With this disease, segments of the cervical spine are affected, shoulder mobility is impaired, and elbow pain develops.
To restore spinal functioning, you will need to wear a cervical collar.
disease syndromes
Cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by syndromes:
- Vertebral occurs when cartilage and bone tissue are involved in the pathological process. Neck mobility is impaired. If the person tries to turn their head to the side, pain will appear in the occipital region of the neck. The vertebrae undergo morphological changes that are visible on radiography. The symptoms of a syndrome are interrelated. An important sign of vertebral syndrome are morphological changes in cartilage tissue and bone structures. This syndrome is difficult to diagnose. A similar symptom complex is present in myositis.
- Vertebral artery syndrome is another manifestation, which can occur regardless of the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. The pathological process affects the arteries that supply the brain. Periodically, there is a feeling of being stunned. Vertigo is a symptom of vertebral artery syndrome. Blood pressure may jump, periodically there is nausea, vomiting. The nerve endings get irritated, so a headache occurs. With vertebral artery syndrome, fainting and lack of oxygen are possible. The disease is accompanied by the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
- Cardiac syndrome manifests as pain in the sternum. Fast fatiguability and decreased performance are noted. The heartbeat accelerates. Diagnosis involves angiography and functional testing. Root syndrome is associated with spinal nerve damage. It's one-sided. In radicular syndrome, pain in the neck is seen, combined with paralysis.
It should be noted that osteochondrosis causes damage to a large number of vertebrae.
What is osteochondrosis of the thoracic region?
Thoracic spine osteochondrosis is detected in young and old: age does not matter. The pathology leads to degenerative dystrophic changes in cartilage and bone structures. Late treatment entails a violation of the structure of ligaments, joints and intervertebral discs. At an advanced stage, thoracic osteochondrosis leads to destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Complications of the disease can be:
- pneumosclerosis;
- infertility;
- malignant formations.
If the disease develops in a young person, premature aging of the musculoskeletal system is observed. The functioning of cartilage structures and tissues is significantly impaired.
Clinical presentation and causes
- With the development of this pathology, chest pains arise. They occur in a calm position and while driving. Unpleasant sensations intensify after lifting weights, sudden turns.
- The disease manifests itself when tightening the back. Breathing is impaired as a result of this problem.
- Chills may occur.
- Some people complain of peeling skin, thinning of the nail plate.
The disease is associated with pathological reactions in the intervertebral discs. It can be inherited. A predisposing factor is the defeat of the intervertebral discs. In some people, the disease is diagnosed in the context of osteophytes. The reason could be an underdose of physical activity or, conversely, physical inactivity.
Therapeutic activities
If there are no neurological symptoms, complex treatment is still needed. Therapy cannot be delayed, otherwise, destruction of the intervertebral discs will occur.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to make a diagnosis. If a person has identified at least one of the above symptoms, he or she needs to see a neurologist. The doctor will take an anamnesis, probe the thoracic region. Palpation reveals herniated disc. If the doctor finds any, he or she prescribes an additional test. Radiograph required. The magnetic resonance procedure allows studying the musculoskeletal system and identifying neoplasms.
Treatment depends on the degree of breast osteochondrosis and starts after the diagnosis is confirmed. Doctors prescribe medications that help relieve pain and restore functioning of the musculoskeletal system. For the treatment of this pathology injections, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises are necessary. Additional procedures - magnetotherapy, vacuum therapy, physiotherapy exercises.
Daily exercise has a complex effect on the body, improves the functioning of the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory system. Massage reduces pain intensity, increases muscle tone, relieves fatigue and improves blood circulation in tissues. The procedure is performed by an experienced specialist.
Conclusion
How old can you live with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine? The pathology is not fatal, but its symptoms cause severe discomfort. The clinical picture of the disease can change: everything depends on the effectiveness of the therapy.