Osteoarthritis affects more than just the knee and hip joints.Sometimes the cervical spine undergoes degenerative processes.In advanced cases, if left untreated, complete loss of mobility or even disability may result from fusion of the vertebrae.
how it will develop
The neck area contains 7 vertebrae and is the most mobile of the entire spine.If certain pathological processes occur in the body, the cervical vertebrae, which are protected by elastic cartilage "plates" (intervertebral discs), become covered with osteophytes (bone growth).The cartilage in turn thins and is destroyed, and adjacent soft tissue atrophies.
The disc can bulge and put pressure on nearby tissue or nerves.The vertebrae change shape, causing spinal deformity.If they are noticeable, the patient has deformed neck joints.
Causes of cervical spondylosis
- Genetic pathology of the development of the entire musculoskeletal system, such as dysplasia, flat feet, scoliosis (if one link in the spine is damaged, the entire biomechanical chain is affected).
- Dystrophic changes in joints associated with age-related changes.
- Cervical spine injury.
- Overuse injuries, such as excess weight associated with occupational activities or sports.
- Herniated or herniated disc.
- Inflammatory diseases (arthritis, rheumatism).
- Endocrine system dysfunction.
- Metabolic disorders, etc.
How to identify
Cervical spondylosis is accompanied by dull pain, usually on one side, that worsens with movement.The patient complains of pain in the morning.The unpleasant sensation originates in the neck and then moves to the shoulder blades and arms, with symptoms intensifying on palpation.
Other characteristic symptoms of the disease are:
- Episodes of dizziness or migraines;
- Reduced head range of motion due to pain (e.g., a person can tilt the head 45-50°);
- A crunching sound when the neck is moved;
- specific sounds in the ears;
- visual impairment;
- chest pain;
- Numbness in the lower part of the face.
In the later stages, against the background of a complete lack of synovial fluid in the joints, spinal deformities appear, and systemic hypertension - an unexplained increase in blood pressure - may also develop.If the disease is complicated by radicular symptoms, such as nerve compression, the form is diagnosed as uncinate arthropathy.Recognizing this disease yourself is not easy: depending on its symptoms, it can easily be confused with pathologies of the cardiovascular system or the brain.
Difficulty in diagnosis
Before formulating complex treatment plans or intra-articular injection of synovial fluid prostheses, rheumatologists must ensure that the diagnosis is correct, since the symptoms of this disease duplicate those of many other pathologies.After taking a medical history and studying blood tests to confirm that no other disease is present (with arthrosis, blood cell counts will not change), perform one of the following studies:
- Radiographs of several projections;
- CT or MRI;
- Angiography.
Through examination, the doctor determines changes in the cartilage structure of the intervertebral disc, the joint space, the amount of synovial fluid and its lack in the joints, the nature of bone growth - osteophytes.
Why cervical spondylosis needs treatment
If treatment of cervical spine osteoarthritis is delayed, the disease can lead to the following complications:
- Compression of nerve endings, causing severe pain;
- Compression of the spinal canal;
- Stroke.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis
Typically, people with acute illnesses refer to a rheumatologist, so the main goals of treatment are as follows:
- Eliminate pain syndrome;
- Stop inflammation;
- Eliminate the compression of nerve endings in the spinal trunk.
In addition, for the normal function of the vertebrae, it is necessary to restore the damaged cartilage fibers of the intervertebral disc and to do this increase the blood circulation of the damaged tissue.
Treatment
1. Drug treatment.
NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation, and chondroprotectants are used to regenerate cartilage tissue.With the help of vasodilator drugs, blood circulation and nutrition of the affected tissues can be normalized.Muscle relaxants are used to relieve muscle spasms.
2.Physical therapy.
Physiotherapy is supportive in nature and aims to accelerate tissue metabolism.Most often, based on this diagnosis, doctors prescribe manual therapy, magnet therapy and acupuncture, phonophoresis and infrared radiation therapy.
If medications do not help, and vertebral artery syndrome may be present, surgery may be needed to treat cervical non-arthropathy.It involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an endoprosthesis.
To help prevent joint damage to your neck and help it, practice these morning exercises:
What are the orthopedic treatment options for cervical joint disease?
Patients with any arthropathy of the joints, including those using synovial prosthetic preparations or other medications, receive a special orthopedic treatment regimen that will help avoid complications:
- It is necessary to carefully control your posture and avoid bending.
- During sedentary work, short breaks are required for physical activity.
- Shants' orthopedic collars can help relieve neck pressure as directed by your doctor.
- Orthopedic mattresses and pillows will not be superfluous.
Comprehensive treatment of cervical spondylosis also includes special gymnastics and professional massage.Under the guidance of a trainer, you can develop mobility in this part of the spine by turning, rotating, bending and tilting your head back.
Intra-articular injection of synovial fluid substitutes is not performed for this type of arthropathy due to the specific location.Instead, patients can be provided with professional massage or hardware methods to locally and safely develop the deep and superficial back muscles.The most important thing is to find a good specialist, trust him and not let the disease progress on its own.