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

Spondylosis of the cervical spine is a pathology that is associated with changes in the basic vertebral structures, including articular surfaces and tendons, bone and cartilaginous tissues. In most cases, such deformations are associated with the age of a person. Statistics show that most often people of retirement age suffer from such an ailment.

Spondylosis of the cervical spine and its causes

As already mentioned, the main cause in this case is the age, since in the aging process of the body the intervertebral disc tissues gradually become thinner. In addition, the risk factors include sedentary work and lack of physical exertion.

Often spondylosis of the cervical spine is diagnosed among professional athletes. The reason may be flat feet, as the deformity of the feet disrupts the normal redistribution of weight on the spine, which increases the burden on the cervical region.

In some cases, deformation of the vertebrae and discs occurs against a background of progressive osteochondrosis.

Spondylosis of the cervical spine and its symptoms

During the development of the disease, the cartilage and bone structures change. In particular, quite large growths can form on the vertebrae. Such neoplasms are a danger, since they often squeeze the nerve roots and spinal cord.

But as the deformation occurs gradually, the clinical picture can be somewhat blurred. Some patients complain of stiffness and tenderness at turns of the neck - such sensations are most vividly manifested in the morning and gradually disappear during the day. Often, sick people can not sleep because of discomfort or wake up at night from pain in the cervical region.

Spondylosis of the cervical spine is a very dangerous disease. First, it increases the risk of developing an intervertebral hernia. Secondly, bone growths often squeeze the vessels, which leads to the appearance of severe headaches, pressure drops and hypoxia. If the nerve roots are squeezed, other symptoms may appear, for example, numbness of the upper or lower extremities.

In the most severe cases, the pain is strong and practically does not disappear, which, naturally, affects the quality of life of the patient, leads to nervous breakdown and exhaustion.

Treatment of spondylosis of the cervical spine

In fact, such a disease is difficult to treat. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prepare for the fact that the therapy will be long. To begin with, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory and pain medications that alleviate the underlying symptoms and prevent further complications.

Extremely important is regular gymnastics. With sedentary work, regular breaks and exercises are simply necessary, since this is the only way to avoid further deformation of the spine. In addition, the treatment uses methods of physiotherapy, acupuncture, manual therapy, massages and even laser correction. In some cases, experts recommend the temporary use of special corsets, which redistribute the load on the spine. And, of course, you need to choose the right mattress and pillow.

Such therapy helps to eliminate the main symptoms and discomfort, and also to avoid serious complications.