Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine

Treatment includes not only receiving painkillers, but also massages, physical therapy.

Unkovertebralny osteoarthritis of the cervical spine - what is it?

Osteoarthritis is quite a dangerous disease, because the osteophytes affect nerve endings, squeezing them. Unkovertebralny osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is different from the usual that to him appear bony growths that when pinching the nerve can damage the vessel or nerve itself.

The disease affects all groups of people, regardless of age, because it is innate or acquired.

About osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, what it is, methods of research and the fight against this disease can be found in a medical facility.

osteoarthritis treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. It is aimed at pain relief during movement, the establishment of muscle rest and recovery of muscle tissue. For the treatment we use special medicated drugs and physiotherapy.

The change in the spine that occur during disease

Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine - it is a serious disease in which the chondrocytes changes, which affects the properties of cartilage. Cells die, causing a decrease in collagen and reducing the elasticity of cartilage. In the spine, there are painful.

Bone formation appear gradually, with the course of the disease, they injure the joints. Gradually there is soft tissue damage, damaged blood vessels, spine changes shape.

Deformation and bulging of intervertebral discs lead to the emergence of a hernia, which in turn puts pressure on blood vessels and affects the nerve endings.

pathology Causes

There are many reasons for such diseases as arthritis of the cervical spine - it speaks about the fact that every person is subject to its appearance.

Which contributes to the development of osteoarthritis of the disease:

• Regular stress on the joints;
• Scoliosis, kyphosis, and flat feet;
• Congenital anomalies when the vertebrae are spliced ​​together;
• Inflammation in the area of ​​the vertebrae;
• Fractures and back injuries;
• Dislocations of the hip joint;
• Hernia formation;
• Diseases associated with endocrine system operation;
• Gout;
• Infectious diseases, as well as reception of antiallergic drugs;
• Factors such as the ecological situation of poor quality water, hypothermia.

Experts say that over time, more people are susceptible to arthrosis of the cervical spine due to sedentary work and the lack of sports in their lives.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine

The main symptom is pain in the neck and spine. Most often it occurs during exercise, sudden movements. Pain can cause changes in weather conditions.

Symptoms of the disease at an early stage:

• Periodic, irregular pain;
• Crunch;
• Blurred vision;
• Limiting the mobility of the spine;
• Dizziness and tinnitus.

Symptoms of the last stages of the disease:

• Numbness, tingling in the neck and spine;
• Nausea;
• The change of posture;
• Visible protrusion of the intervertebral disc;
• Increased blood pressure.

If several symptoms is recommended to seek the assistance of a doctor-expert, since running arthrosis often leads to complete immobilization.

types of arthrosis

Experts identify several types of osteoarthritis, which are different symptoms and treatments:

1. Unkovertebralny typical for the elderly. It appears in connection with the fact that a natural cartilaginous tissue loses its elasticity and reduces the amount of synovial fluid;
2. Secondary arthrosis there have caused severe disease patients due to injuries, or after complications. Its symptoms are limitation of joint movement, pain and swelling;
3. localized arthrosis characterized in that it affects only one joint. To this species belong ankle, knee, neck, shoulder, and hip arthrosis. Localized arthrosis most susceptible to the elderly;
4. deforming arthrosis modifies joints, depriving them of their mobility and delivering painful. It can cause both age-related changes and injuries, fractures, congenital dysplasia;
5. Tsikovertebralny arthrosis cervical spine - what is it becomes clear after examining the structure of the spine. It appears in the process of wear of cartilage. A form of the disease characterized by headaches, dizziness.

All kinds of osteoarthritis have common symptoms, such as pain and limited movement of joints.

What doctor treats arthritis of the cervical spine

With the advent of the first overt symptoms of osteoarthritis are advised to contact a physician. He will inspect, will direct to the necessary tests and give directions to such doctors as a neurologist and vertebronevrolog.

Neurologist and orthopedist - vertebronevrolog appoint medication drugs, pick up preventive treatments.

Chiropractor can help at any stage of the disease. It affects on the affected areas, reducing discomfort and pain.

A physical therapist will select the exercise therapy for each patient individually. Exercise therapy is aimed at strengthening the muscles, recovery of motor function and improvement of the affected tissues.

Acupuncture uses oriental medicine. Thin needles act on the active points, relieve stress and improve the quality of joints.

Diagnosis of the disease, the methods used in the diagnosis

Doctors pay attention to the fact that the diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine - it is a complex event, which includes a visual inspection and laboratory tests.

When contacting the patient's primary medical examination reveals the localization of disease, visible violations of the structure and deformation of joints, hands groping those areas that cause painful Feel. It also allows you to identify edema and swelling.

Laboratory studies include:

• General analysis of blood and urine tests. They help identify the presence of inflammation or tumors;
• X-rays makes it possible to get a detailed picture of the joints;
• Computed tomography allows us to see the joint in any projection;
• MRI helps professionals to study in detail the deviation in the joints;
• Ultrasound is used to diagnose in pregnant women and children.

Podiatrist can prescribe instrumental examination using a goniometer. It is such a tool that evaluates the joint movement, the amplitude and angle of movement, so you can find out about the presence of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.

Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, treatment

Scheme arthrosis treatment is made for each patient individually. Primarily recommended preventive measures:

• The use of orthopedic pillows;
• Decreased physical activity;
• The use of a special diet.

The next step for treatment of the patient is the appointment of drugs to improve the tissue and muscle relaxation, as well as the relief of acute pain.

For successful treatment additionally prescribe physiotherapy that improve blood circulation and restore joint mobility.

Treatment necessary medication

Drug treatment includes receiving anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. They help to relieve puffiness, swelling and pain in the joints.

To restore the properties of cartilage are used hondroprotektory. The active components stimulate the production of the main components of cartilage and synovial fluid helps formation.

To relax muscles and relieve spasm prescribed muscle relaxants. During the action passes discomfort and reduced pain.

It is mandatory the use of vitamin and mineral complexes. They are necessary for the supply of joints and their proper operation.

Auxiliary treatments

Massage carried out by specialists, will help relieve spasm, improve blood circulation, thus improving the supply of nutrients to the cartilage and muscles. He has pursued a course of 8 to 12 treatments.

Exercise therapy is considered the most simple yet effective treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis. A set of exercises is chosen individually, depending on the localization of the disease site. Exercise therapy strengthens muscles, gradually improving tissue repair.

Fizprotsedury used for acute pain and severe inflammation. They help to reduce the symptoms and reduce the load on the joint.

Treatment of folk remedies

arthrosis treatment does not preclude the use of traditional means, prepared in the home. Methods of treatment:

1. Compresses, using slightly warmed sea buckthorn oil;
2. The application of the ointment. For its preparation was mixed 4 parts of flax oil, one part of propolis in solid form and 1 part of turpentine. Slightly heating all of the components, the tool is applied to a place where there was discomfort and wrapped in a warm cloth;
3. Effectively arthrosis sunflower oil mixed with geranium oil and infused for 14 days.

Does surgery for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine. In some cases, surgery is needed

Depending on the stage of the disease, the physician can offer the patient surgical treatment of arthrosis. It is divided into 2 types:

1. Denervation surgical treatment. This effect on the nerves, relieves pain;
2. Transplant surgical treatment. It is effective in the third stage of osteoarthritis. During the operation involves the exchange of the natural destruction of the joints in the artificial.

Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and Gymnastics

We have developed a set of exercises aimed at improving the condition of the joints, pain relief and stress. Exercising is effective in the initial stages of the disease and completely contraindicated in the acute phase.

Exercises are performed with caution in order not to damage the vertebrae. The optimum position for gymnastics - lying on the floor, under the back enclose a small pillow.

During the exercises the patient should feel the muscles relax, there is a slight tingling sensation.

Gymnastics is recommended daily. The course of treatment is not less than 14 days. For the prevention of disease exercises can be done every morning.

Osteoarthritis of the neck, its complications and consequences

Osteoarthritis of the neck, if you do not take any action that leads to joint destruction. effects of danger:

• Complete loss of mobility, which reduces the motor activity of the joint. In the later stages of osteoarthritis often comes complete immobility;
• Thinning of hyaline cartilage leads to restricted movement, pain;
• Herniated intervertebral disc is able to put pressure on the spinal cord. Poor circulation leads to numbness and loss of sensation. If time does not begin treatment, may develop scoliosis;
• Compression of the neck arteries carries a coronary artery disease, vascular encephalopathy. Such complications are considered to be hazardous and ends disabilities.

Prevention of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine

For prevention of such diseases as arthritis of the neck, experts recommend that adhere to the following rules:

1. Daily to do morning exercises. Articular gymnastics helps warm up the muscles and joints, affecting their health, and also causes the body to tone;
2. Walk more and drive, especially elderly people;
3. Proper diet, eliminating alcohol and fatty foods;
4. Vitamins and minerals;
5. Every 6 months is recommended to take a course of massage therapy.

Nutrition and diet for osteoarthritis

The diet helps the body to function properly and helps reduce excess weight. Arthrosis power is based on the following rules:

• Daily ration calculated based on the parameters of a patient, and is divided into 5-6 meals;
• The diet should be a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs. Particular attention is given to products such as apples, pumpkin and cranberries;
• Completely exclude alcoholic beverages;
• Every day to eat dairy products, as they are the prevention of osteoarthritis;
• Eliminate fatty and fried foods;
• To restore cartilage tissue useful to use the dishes prepared on the basis of gelatin.

Orthopedic agent for arthrosis

For the treatment of the knee and reduce the burden on them use orthopedic knee. They contribute to the distribution of the load, provide an opportunity to move smoothly. Knee pads are in the form of a bandage orthoses - with rigid fixation and the ability to move the foot and splints - complete recording of the knee joint.

With osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is often used Schantz collar. It helps to reduce, has a warming effect and massage the load on the neck. It is recommended for patients of all ages.

Whether calling in the army with osteoarthritis of the cervical spine

Medical draft board decides on the validity to military service on the basis of a complete picture of the health of the recruit. For the unsuitability of status will be required to provide a study of the joints and results.

Doctors have the right to appoint additional tests individually for each recruit, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine.

In the presence of the disease with lesions more than 3 joints and a ban on the exercise, the recruit is considered to be of limited usefulness and is serving in the army.

What is it and how to cure arthritis of the cervical spine becomes clear after studying the works of the joints. This disease requires prompt treatment. preventive measures to help people of all ages avoid the problems associated with the functioning of the joints.

Videos about arthrosis

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