Unvertebral arthrosis is a problem that many do not know about. However, special attention should be paid to it, since this process is characterized by damage to the joints located between the cervical vertebrae. Because of this, motor ability and blood circulation are disturbed. This pathology can lead to serious complications.
Causes
It is necessary to consider the causes of the appearance of arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints. This problem can be both acquired and congenital. If we talk about the latter type, then an anomaly in the cervical spine can become the cause of this. Considering the acquired type, it should be noted that injuries of the musculoskeletal system, hip joint and polio are provoking factors. Also, a problem can develop if a person is overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and excessive stress.
The pathogenesis of the described disease
At the very initial stage, this problem is diagnosed in the vertebrae C3-C7. The described pathology initially affects only the intervertebral tissue. Bone formations are also able to grow. Because of this, the spine becomes less mobile, a hump appears. This formation compresses the nerves, limits the motor function of a person, so problems with blood vessels begin. Because of this, the symptoms become even more noticeable.
If the patient is diagnosed with C5-C6 uncovertebral arthrosis, then most likely the manifestations will be as strong as possible. After all, such a problem affects the neurovascular bundle. Unfortunately, all subsequent changes are difficult to bring back to normal.
Symptoms
At the very beginning, arthrosis may not manifest itself in any way. Rarely there is pain in the head and neck with sudden movements. Such symptoms are often attributed to fatigue, but over time, it begins to progress. Further, nausea, discomfort along the entire length of the spine, problems with mobility, high blood pressure, numbness of the fingers appear.
In the event that uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine proceeds in an acute form, then, most likely, one of the symptoms will also be shakiness during movement and problems with balance. The manifestation of the problem in each individual patient depends entirely on the degree of joint damage.
Diagnostic Methods
In order to diagnose uncovertebral arthrosis of the spine , it is necessary to conduct a personal examination, as well as instrumental examination methods. In most situations, an x-ray is effective. However, sometimes a CT scan or MRI is required. In certain cases, a checkup with a cardiologist, ophthalmologist and neurosurgeon may be prescribed.
Disease treatment
Treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine should be carried out in a hospital. This is the only way to achieve effective treatment. The technique should be selected from the general condition of the patient, as well as depending on how difficult the process is. Treatment should be prescribed as soon as possible. This will restore the joints.
Therapy involves not only the use of medicines, but also physical education. The process of treating uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine consists in physiotherapy, reducing joint movement with a special collar, diet and orthopedic correction. Surgery may sometimes be required. However, it is carried out in quite rare cases. As a rule, it is necessary only when the joint is strongly displaced, and the nerves are pinched. Also, unvertebral arthrosis can lead to paralysis. In this case, the operation is required.
Drug treatment
If a person has this disease, then you should not run to the store for pain medication. You need to see a doctor. He will prescribe special drugs that will not act on the whole body, but only on the focus of inflammation. As a rule, chondroprotectors are prescribed. Thanks to this medicine, you can slow down the course of the described inflammation.
Additional treatments
With the described form of arthrosis, magnetic, ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis and UHF irradiation are prescribed. It should be noted that it is forbidden to independently treat unvertebral arthrosis. Painkillers can only help in the first stage of the disease. It should be understood that unless complex and proper treatment is started on it, then it will be impossible to recover to a normal state. The course of therapy should be carried out completely, without neglecting it, even if the patient is already in pain. The fact that there are no symptoms does not mean a retreat of the disease. She can recur at any moment, and each new stage will manifest itself more radically.
Ultrasound therapy
This type of treatment is used only if the synovial membrane remains normal. In this case, pain can be recorded. The method is quite effective, but there are contraindications to its use. These include the presence of menopause, mastopathy, and so on.
Most often, this method of treatment eliminates unvertebral arthrosis in elderly patients.
Electrophoresis
When conducting electrophoresis, dimexide is most often used, since it is able to reduce pain and relieve joint inflammation. Analgin and novocaine are also often used. They allow you to remove all the unpleasant sensations. If you add magnesium, sulfur and zinc, then all inflammatory processes will be eliminated.
Physiotherapy
In the event that a person develops unvertebral arthrosis of C4 or any other vertebrae, it is necessary to pay attention to effective methods of the physiotherapeutic method. Thanks to them, you can normalize the metabolism. This method of treatment allows you to slow down the pace of development of complications. This procedure is characterized in that the circulation of all elements in the synovial membrane becomes maximum.
Barotherapy
Local barotherapy is excellent for the development of arthrosis in humans, when the number of capillaries begins to decrease sharply. Therefore, there are problems with blood supply. It is because of this that it is necessary to carry out local barotherapy to everyone who has been diagnosed with unvertebral arthrosis of C5 and other joints.
Thanks to this procedure, a special level of pressure is created around the affected area. Because of this, oxygen enters the body, improving blood flow. Also, this method allows you to open the closed capillaries and eliminate lymph congestion.
This technique is used only if drug treatment does not give the desired results. However, you should remember about contraindications: the development of synovitis, as well as problems with the cardiovascular system.
Traditional medicine methods
The methods of traditional medicine should be considered if it is necessary to cure unvertebral arthrosis of C6 and other joints.
It is allowed to put compresses that will relieve pain. As a rule, they use propolis, linseed oil. If we are talking about the occurrence of severe pain in the neck, then turpentine can be used. It should be supplemented with propolis. If you mix in equal proportions and rub, the effect will not take long.
If pain becomes sensitive, it is best to consult a doctor quickly. So you can prevent complications. It will be possible to cure the described disease, but it will not be easy to do. That is why you need to make an appointment with a specialist who can quickly diagnose the disease and prescribe the right course of treatment in the shortest possible time.
Preventative measures
No one is safe from the described disease. However, in order to protect themselves, special measures can be taken to prevent it. You need to eat right, move more, and also control your physical activity.
If a person has pain in the spine, problems with joints, then you should immediately consult a doctor. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the faster it will cure. Accordingly, the chances of a full recovery will be much greater.
Complications and consequences
If you ignore the treatment of arthrosis, complications may occur. They can appear against the background of constant compression and trauma of nerve nodes, arteries and veins. Most of the consequences occur against the background of a problem that affects the joints of C5-C6. It is in this place that the narrowing of the bone canal occurs.
If the patient refuses treatment, then his cerebral circulation may be impaired. There will be protracted migraine attacks. Hearing and vision can be reduced, and many different disorders associated with the nervous system will also spread. If a person has a strongly compressed vertebral artery, then fainting may occur. In this case, the doctor has the right to assign the patient a disability.
Forecast
If you start treatment at an early stage, the prognosis will be as favorable as possible. As a rule, therapy takes from 1 to 2 weeks. If we are talking about the onset of the disease at a young age, then a complete cure can be achieved.
However, if we are already talking about more advanced cases, then the forecast will be unfavorable. In order to prevent the occurrence of complications and various dystrophic processes, it is necessary to undergo several intensive courses, as well as conduct maintenance therapy to consolidate the results.
Summary
As conclusions, it should be noted that it is best to observe preventive measures. This will prevent the development of arthrosis. So you can protect yourself from various negative consequences in the body. You need to eat right, give up bad habits, and if you have sedentary work every 2-3 hours to perform special exercises for the neck. They should help relax your muscles.
Do not self-medicate. Even in the case of a mild illness, you need to consult a doctor for recommendations. When it comes to the treatment of such an injury, it is necessary to stop playing sports. You should leave for a spa treatment, as well as sign up for a massage. This will allow you to get rid of the problem in the shortest possible time. One of the most effective diagnostic methods will be x-rays, since it makes it possible to fully view the condition of the spine.