Osteochondrosis is a long-term leader among all diseases of the supporting apparatus. Any of the departments of the spinal column can choose the pathological process as its location. Most often, problems arise precisely in the neck. The disease proceeds in stages, and without proper treatment, it progresses. In the initial stages, patients rarely go to the doctor. Patients begin to sound the alarm when osteochondrosis of the cervical spine 2 degrees has already appeared. The main causes and symptoms of this form of the disease will be discussed in today's article. We will also tell you what modern medicine offers treatment methods.
What is osteochondrosis?
This is a widespread disease characterized by deformation of the structures of the spinal column. The pathological process can extend to any of its departments: cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral. Progressing, the disease adversely affects the functioning of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. The smallest blood vessels and nerve bundles also fall under its influence. A favorite place for localization is the cervical spine. It is second only to the lumbar region.
Doctors distinguish 4 degrees of development of osteochondrosis, including the cervical spine. At first, the symptoms of the pathological process are practically absent. Mild pain in the neck can indicate impending health problems. Discomfort can easily be eliminated by taking any analgesic. If at this stage you seek the help of a doctor, he will probably be able to consider the onset of osteochondrosis.
The transition to the second phase usually occurs against the background of discogenic radiculitis. Such a terrible diagnosis hides the process of reducing the distance between the vertebrae. The blood vessels and nerve bundles located between them begin to experience increased pressure. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree is manifested by a constant pain syndrome, in which even analgesics do not help. In addition, a constant feeling of stiffness, a decrease in performance.
If at this stage the patient refuses to visit a doctor, osteochondrosis begins to progress. A relatively small deformation of the intervertebral disc is transformed into a hernia. The clinical picture is supplemented by severe pain, as the patient continues to be inactive. He does not try to eliminate the cause of the disease, continuing to use analgesics as a treatment. Against this background, the disease goes to the next stage of its development.
With the third degree of osteochondrosis, the discomfort becomes so strong that the patient can no longer ignore it and seeks help from a doctor. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms are mild. Many patients manage not to attach significant importance to pain. As a result, the pathological process goes into the fourth phase.
It is characterized by the gradual filling of the destroyed structures of the spine with fibrous tissue. The disease alters the natural blood flow. Therefore, some parts of the brain begin to experience nutrient deficiencies. As a result of this, vision and hearing are impaired, frequent dizziness and difficulty with coordination appear.
Cervical specificity
Many patients are interested in what are the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical 2 degree. However, before considering this issue, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific structure of this part of the supporting apparatus.
- The cervical region is recognized as one of the mobile areas of the body. On the other hand, it is connected to a practically static part of the spine - the thoracic.
- The cervical region is represented by seven vertebrae. At the same time, it includes 8 elements. The most extreme is in the zone of transition of the pillar to the back of the head.
- Each vertebra is characterized by a unique anatomical structure.
The cervical region has a huge load, which makes it very vulnerable to various pathologies.
Symptoms of the disorder
Osteochondrosis of the cervical 1-2 degree is dangerous because its symptoms are minimal or completely absent. Therefore, patients do not give him due attention.
The transition of the pathological process to the second degree is indicated by increased pain. Usually they appear in the neck, head and upper back. The muscle frame weakens, which contributes to the formation of subluxation. These factors lead to displacement of the intervertebral disc. As a result, pain is intensified not only by turning the head, but also during simple extension of the neck.
Other symptoms of the disease include significant muscle strain in the back. Displacement of individual vertebrae always occurs unevenly. Therefore, the patient can often observe a curvature of posture. This, in turn, entails a violation of the natural processes of metabolism. As a result, the body artificially creates the conditions for the transition of the disease to the next stage of development.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical 2-3 degree is already accompanied by degenerative and various degenerative processes. Some patients begin to show symptoms of nutrient deficiency. Pressure on the artery that passes through the vertebrae negatively affects the flow of oxygen and other elements to the brain. Therefore, patients feel a decrease in performance, lethargy and complain of problems with sleep.
Main reasons
Earlier, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree, the treatment of which will be discussed below, was diagnosed mainly in the elderly. Natural aging of the body, hormonal changes and a decrease in metabolic rate are the main causes of the development of the disease. Their appearance contributes to the weakening of the muscular skeleton.
Recently, there has been a tendency to “rejuvenate” many diseases, including osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd to 3rd degree. Such a diagnosis is increasingly found in young patients whose age has barely exceeded the threshold of 20 years. Among the main reasons for the development of pathology, doctors call:
- circulatory and metabolic disorders;
- calcium deficiency in the body;
- excessive physical exertion;
- weakened immunity;
- frequent hypothermia.
Overweight and malnutrition increase the likelihood of a disease. Also at risk are people who lead an inactive lifestyle.
Medical examination
Osteochondrosis of the cervical 2-3 degree is still treatable. Therefore, when the initial symptoms of the disease appear, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. First you need to visit a therapist, who will already give direction to narrow specialists. Osteochondrosis is treated by vertebrologists, neuropathologists and traumatologists.
At the consultation, the doctor should examine the patient and palpate the spine, study the anamnesis. The following studies may be required to confirm a preliminary diagnosis:
Thanks to a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor can easily determine the severity of cervical osteochondrosis, and choose the optimal treatment tactics.
Features of the therapy
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree is a common and dangerous disease at the same time. Therefore, doctors do not recommend self-medication. In this case, you can not only not eradicate the problem, but also cause serious damage to your health.
In modern medical practice, the following options are used to influence the pathological process:
- drug therapy;
- exercise therapy complex;
- massotherapy;
- procedures in the physiological office.
Consider each of the treatment options in more detail.
Drug use
To relieve pain and stop inflammation in the cervical segment, patients are primarily prescribed NSAIDs. Usually, Diclofenac and its direct analogue, Voltaren, are preferred. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor, but it should not exceed two weeks. Otherwise, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.
Medicines are also prescribed to start recovery processes. It is better to use them in the form of ointments. When applied, the active substances quickly penetrate under the skin. Warming components increase blood flow to the area of inflammation.
The use of vitamin complexes is mandatory for all patients with a diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree. The consequences of this disease are often irreversible. Some suffer from discomfort and severe pain for the rest of their lives. To restore the condition of cartilage, you can take "Chondroxide" and "Glucosamine." Complex vitamins are no less useful in the course of therapy.
Physiotherapy and massage
It is worth resorting to procedures from the physiotherapist only in those periods when the disease recedes. Phonophoresis and ultrasound are usually used to ease pain and improve blood circulation.
A massage course is also a good therapeutic tool for cervical osteochondrosis. The classical technique includes the following steps: warming up in a smooth rhythm, working out damaged areas, rubbing the muscles of the upper limbs.
Doctors recommend the use of the Kuznetsov applicator in some patients. Outwardly, it resembles a needle roller covered with plastic spikes. The applicator can be used at home. It must be applied to the neck and shoulder girdle for 30-60 minutes daily. A positive result becomes noticeable literally in a week.
Exercise therapy
After stopping the acute stage of the disease, you can proceed to special gymnastic exercises. The main goal of the exercise therapy course is to consolidate the effect of the above methods of therapeutic effect on the disease.
You can not prescribe treatment yourself. Only an experienced specialist can make an exercise course. Usually it consists of wellness exercises and exercises that exert pressure on the muscles of the neck and shoulders. After each session, it is useful to take a warm shower. It allows muscles to relax, and uric acid prevents stagnation.
Prevention Methods
Do not disregard osteochondrosis of the cervical spine 2 degrees. Treatment carried out in a timely manner helps to prevent the transition of the disease to the next stage of development. Also for this purpose, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:
- always monitor your posture;
- daily exercise therapy;
- try to create the most comfortable working conditions;
- eat properly.
In case of deterioration of health and increased pain in the neck, you should immediately seek help from a competent doctor. In case of an exacerbation of the pathological process, he will prescribe drugs and give recommendations for further treatment.