Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine: causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine is a fairly common problem. And if a few decades ago the ailment affected only elderly people, today young patients aged 25 and over often face such a diagnosis. So what is the disease and what are its causes?

Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine and its causes

Spondyloarthrosis is a disease that is associated with gradual changes and degenerative processes of vertebral elements, as well as the formation of very characteristic bone growths. As already mentioned, in this case, the age of a person is of great importance. According to statistics, approximately 90% of elderly patients suffer from this ailment. After all, the aging process is accompanied by a change and wear of tissues.

On the other hand, ankylosing spondylarthrosis often occurs against the background of physical exertion. For example, physical overstrain can lead to a similar result, which is typical for professional athletes. On the other hand, static loads (for example, sedentary work) are also classed as risk factors. In some cases, the cause is congenital pathology of the spine, metabolic disorders, impaired blood flow and even hormonal failures.

Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms

As a rule, the disease progresses slowly, and the first stages of degeneration can occur at all without visible symptoms. Nevertheless, as the disease develops, a feeling of heaviness and stiffness in the neck appears. Gradually, the joints of the vertebrae lose mobility. In most cases, stiffness strikes the eye in the morning, after sleep, but passes after several hours. In the future there are pains that increase with physical exertion, uncomfortable posture, etc.

As already mentioned, the spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by the formation of bone growths on the vertebral body. These structures can clamp blood vessels or nerve endings, which leads to aggravation of the patient's condition. The disease is often accompanied by pain in the nape, shoulder blades, shoulders and hands. Depending on the degree of damage to the nerve endings, there may be noise in the ears, problems with vision and balance.

In any case, stiffness and pain in the neck are sufficient reason to consult a doctor.

Spondylarthrosis of the cervical spine and methods of treatment

A similar problem requires appropriate treatment. Therapy in this case depends on the degree of deformation. In the most severe situations, surgical intervention is indicated. But most often doctors manage to stop the process of degeneration with the help of conservative methods.

In the period of exacerbation, medication is mandatory. Patients are prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that quickly relieve stiffness and soreness. In the future, it is necessary to take chondroprotectors, medicines that improve blood circulation, as well as the use of vitamin B6, which provides conduction through nerve fibers.

Useful is therapeutic gymnastics. Specially selected exercises will help strengthen the muscles and create additional support for the vertebrae. In some cases, the patient is advised from time to time to wear a cervical corset that relieves pressure. Outside exacerbation, therapeutic massage, magnetotherapy and other physiotherapy procedures will be useful.