Osteochondrosis of cervical department of the 2nd degree: symptoms, possible causes and peculiarities of treatment

A long-term leader among all diseases of the musculoskeletal system is osteochondrosis. The site of its localization pathological process can choose any of the departments of the spinal column. Most often, problems arise precisely in the neck. The disease proceeds in stages, and without proper treatment it progresses. At the initial stages, patients rarely consult a doctor. Patients begin to beat the alarm when the osteochondrosis of the cervical department of the 2nd degree has already appeared. The main causes and symptoms of this form of the disease will be discussed in today's article. Also we will tell you what the modern medicine offers methods of treatment.

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 ailment negatively affects the functioning of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Also under its influence are the tiniest blood vessels and nerve bundles. The cervical department is recognized as a favorite localization site. It is second only to the lumbar region.

Doctors allocate 4 degrees of development of an osteochondrosis, including a cervical department. At first, the symptoms of the pathological process are practically absent. On impending problems with health may indicate weak pain in the neck. Discomfort can be easily eliminated by taking any analgesic. If at this stage to seek help from a doctor, he will certainly be able to consider the onset of osteochondrosis.

The transition to the second phase usually occurs against the background of discogenic radiculitis. Under such a terrible diagnosis is 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 department of the 2nd degree is manifested by a constant pain syndrome, in which even analgesics do not help. In addition, constantly pursues a sense of constraint, a decline in efficiency.

If at this stage the patient refuses to visit the doctor, osteochondrosis starts to progress. Relatively small deformation of the intervertebral discs is transformed into a hernia. The clinical picture is supplemented by severe pain, as the patient continues to sleep. He does not try to eliminate the cause of the disease, continuing to use analgesics as a treatment. Against this background, the disease passes to the next stage of its development.

At the third degree of osteochondrosis discomfort becomes so strong that the patient can no longer ignore it and seeks help from a doctor. Sometimes uncomfortable symptoms are poorly expressed. Many patients manage not to attach significant significance to the pain syndrome. As a result, the pathological process passes into the fourth phase.

It is characterized by the gradual filling of the destroyed structures of the spine with fibrous tissue. The disease changes the natural blood flow. Therefore, some parts of the brain begin to lack nutrients. As a consequence, vision and hearing deteriorate, frequent dizziness and difficulty in coordination appear.

Specificity of the cervical department

Many patients are interested in what kind of osteochondrosis of the cervical region has 2 degrees of symptoms. However, before considering this issue, it is advisable to get acquainted with the specifics of the structure of this part of the support apparatus.

1. One of the moving areas of the body is the cervical section. On the other hand, it is connected to a practically static section of the spine - thoracic.
2. The neck is represented by seven vertebrae. In this case, it includes 8 elements. The most extreme is in the zone of the transition of the column to the back of the head.
3. Each of the vertebrae is characterized by a unique anatomical structure.

The cervical department has a huge load, which makes it very vulnerable to various pathologies.

Symptoms of the disorder

Osteochondrosis of the cervical part of the 1-2 degree is dangerous because its signs are minimal or completely absent. Therefore, patients do not pay proper attention to it.

On the transition of the pathological process to the second degree indicates an increase in pain. Usually they appear in the neck, head and upper back area. The muscular frame weakens, which contributes to the formation of subluxation. These factors lead to the displacement of the intervertebral disc. As a result, the pain sensations increase not only when turning the head, but also during the simple extension of the neck.

Among other symptoms of the disease, there is a significant muscle strain in the back zone. 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 exchange. As a result, the body artificially creates conditions for the transition of the disease to the next stage of development.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical region of 2-3 degrees is already accompanied by dystrophic and various degenerative processes. Some patients begin to show symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. Pressure on the artery, which passes through the vertebrae, negatively affects the supply of oxygen and other elements to the brain. Therefore, patients feel reduced performance, lethargy and complain about problems with sleep.

Main reasons

Earlier, an osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree, the treatment of which will be discussed below, was diagnosed mainly in elderly people. Natural aging of the body, hormonal alteration 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 framework.

Recently there has been a tendency of "rejuvenation" of many diseases, including osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of 2-3 degrees. Such a diagnosis is increasingly found in young patients, whose age barely crossed the line in 20 years. Among the main reasons for the development of pathology, doctors call:

• Violation of blood circulation and metabolism;
• Deficiency of calcium in the body;
• Excessive physical loads;
• Weakened immunity;
• Frequent hypothermia.

Excess body weight and malnutrition increase the likelihood of an illness. Also at risk are people who have a low-active lifestyle.

Medical Examination

Osteochondrosis of the cervical part of the 2-3 degree is still treatable. Therefore, when the initial symptoms of the disease should immediately seek help from a doctor. First you need to visit a therapist, who will already give a referral to a narrow specialist. Treatment for osteochondrosis is carried out by vertebrologists, neuropathologists and traumatologists.

On consultation the doctor should examine the patient and spend a palpation of a backbone, to study the anamnesis. To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, the following studies may be required:

• MRI;
• CT;
• Radiography.

Due to complex diagnostics the doctor can easily determine the severity of cervical osteochondrosis, choose the optimal treatment tactics.

Peculiarities of the therapy

Osteochondrosis of the cervical department of the 2nd degree is a widespread and simultaneously dangerous disease. Therefore, doctors do not recommend self-medication. In this case, you can not only not eradicate the problem, but also cause serious damage to health.

In modern medical practice, the following options for affecting the pathological process are used:

• Drug therapy;
• Complex exercise therapy;
• massotherapy;
• Procedures in the physio-cabinet.

Let's consider each of the treatment options in more detail.

Application of medicines

To relieve the pain syndrome and stop the inflammatory processes in the cervical segment, patients are first appointed NSAIDs. Typically, preference is given to Diclofenac and its direct counterpart to Voltaren. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, but it should not exceed two weeks. Otherwise, there may be problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Also, medicines are prescribed to start the recovery processes. It is better to use them in the form of ointments. When applied, the active substances quickly penetrate the skin. Heating components increase the flow of blood 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 state of cartilage, you can take "Chondroxide" and "Glucosamine". No less useful in the course of therapy complex vitamins.

Physiotherapy and massage

To help with procedures from the physio-cabinet it is necessary to resort only in those periods when the disease recedes. To reduce pain and improve blood circulation, phonophoresis, ultrasound, is usually used.

The massage course is also a good therapeutic tool for cervical osteochondrosis. Classical technique includes the following stages: warm-up in a smooth rhythm, working out the damaged areas, rubbing the muscles of the upper limbs.

Some patients are advised to use Kuznetsov's applicator additionally. Outwardly it resembles a needle roller, covered with plastic spines. Applicator can be used at home. It should be applied to the neck and shoulder girdle for 30-60 minutes daily. A positive result becomes noticeable in just a week.

Exercise therapy

After cupping the acute stage of the disease, you can go to special gymnastics exercises. The main goal of the LFK course is to fix the effect of the above methods of therapeutic effect on the disease.

You can not prescribe treatment yourself. Only an experienced specialist can make a course of exercises. Usually it consists of a wellness exercise and exercises that load on the muscles of the neck and shoulders. After each session it is useful to take a warm shower. It allows the muscles to relax, and uric acid prevents stagnation.

Methods of prevention

It is not necessary to ignore osteochondrosis of the cervical department of the 2nd degree. Treatment, conducted in a timely manner, allows you to prevent the transition of the disease to the next stage of development. Also for this purpose, doctors recommend the following rules:

• Always follow the posture;
• Daily exercise in exercise therapy;
• Try to create the most comfortable conditions in the workplace;
• Healthy food.

With a deterioration of well-being and increased pain in the neck, you should immediately seek help from a competent doctor. In case of an aggravation of the pathological process, he will prescribe medications and give recommendations for further treatment.