Cervical fibroids are a common form of disease affecting the upper spine, causing specific symptoms at each stage of development. Most patients let the problem go away on its own without going to a doctor for help.
The reason for the development of osteonecrosis of the neck
Second- and third-degree cervical osteochondrosis causes degenerative-dystrophic changes in the tissues of the spine. First, the fibrous capsule is destroyed, then there is protrusion and prolapse of the disc. Pathology is accompanied by pain, dysfunction.
Causes that negatively affect the spine and the development of cervical osteochondrosis in different degrees:
- sedentary (sedentary work, minimal physical activity);
- genetic predisposition to the disease;
- problems with the immune response;
- unbalanced nutrition, on the basis of a lack of minerals, trace elements or a particular group of vitamins;
- frequent hypothermia, predisposition to inflammatory processes;
- systematic failures in the work of the endocrine system;
- obesity at any stage;
- spinal cord injury;
- hard manual labor.
Cervical Osteochondrosis of the second degree and all subsequent degrees is considered the most severe. The reason is due to the close location of the nerves and blood vessels responsible for nutrition and nourishment of the brain.
Usually, the pathology is found in people over 50 years old, diagnosed with grade 3 cervical fibroids.
What is osteonecrosis of the neck and its symptoms?
Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic process that has a devastating effect on the bones and cartilage that make up the spine, on the soft tissues located nearby.
With the development of degenerative, destructive cervical pathology, the intervertebral discs lose their protective properties.
The gradual destruction, displacement of anatomical elements leads to negative consequences:
- cartilage loses part or all of its qualities;
- disc deformity;
- destruction of the annulus (starting at an early stage);
- the formation of bone - bone growth on the surface of the vertebrae.
Each grade of cervical fibroids is characterized by specific manifestations. If in the early stages (the first and second stages) a person feels mild discomfort, then in the severe form the disease causes a number of complications.
First level
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis can occur without clinical manifestations. The patient's main complaint was pain in the neck.
Massage helps to relieve discomfort. When palpating, the patient feels tightness in the neck muscles, strong or moderate tension. If you start treatment in time, you can stop the initial process of first- and second-degree abnormal bone necrosis.
Second level
Symptoms of grade 2 cervical spondylosis are more pronounced. The exacerbation phase is accompanied by severe discomfort. Immediate and complex treatment with injections is required.
Main symptoms:
- persistent headache;
- discomfort when moving the head;
- stiffness of movements in the neck - collar area;
- in the period of exacerbations, it is possible to stop the pain syndrome for a short time;
- comatose;
- sleep problems;
- increased fatigue;
- decrease in working capacity;
- suffering posture, a person cannot freely have a comfortable posture;
- dizzy.
Manifestations depend on which vascular, venous, or nerve bundle is clamped. The muscles of the cervical region and the face, ears, and head may become numb. The person may be disabled.
The third level
The third degree is characterized by an active lesion of the annulus.
Violations lead to disc protrusion, disc herniation.
The advanced stage of cervical disease is characterized by a pronounced pain syndrome, which cannot always be stopped by strong analgesics. Neurological disorders progress gradually.
fourth degree
In the final stage, the degenerative-destructive processes reach their climax. Patients have difficulty walking, stiffness reaches the maximum level. Sometimes the pain can subside, but this is a danger sign. Bone tissue begins to grow between the vertebral components, which will cause an even worse condition, deterioration of health.
Diagnosis stage
Instability of the intervertebral discs of the spine, questions about the elimination of the consequences of tissue destruction are considered by a neurologist. The doctor checks the neck reflex with a hammer, testing coordination.
Research tools:
- X-ray;
- Computerized tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- Vertebral artery ultrasound.
Take X-rays from the front and side.
MRI and CT are informational research methods. The only drawback is the high cost of the procedure.
Ultrasound is performed if necessary to determine the extent of damage to the vertebral arteries, to evaluate the condition of the cervical spine region. The results will help shape the prognosis of the disease.
Treatment of second degree cervical osteonecrosis
The basis of any therapeutic effect in cervical osteosarcoma is the use of drugs that eliminate the manifestations of the disease. The treatment regimen is determined by several specialists - a therapist, a neurologist.
Anesthetize the patient
Treatment of patients with second-degree osteonecrosis of the neck begins with an analgesic complex. Doctors choose analgesics on the basis of their effectiveness, the presence of contraindications in the patient.
Against inflammatory foci
Anti-inflammatory drugs help eliminate inflammatory foci and reduce pain levels in patients with fibroids.
Non-steroidal drugs have a negative consequence - they positively affect the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics can be prescribed in the form of tablets or injections, as in exacerbation of osteonecrosis in the second and third stages of development. Most often, gels, ointments, creams are used for external treatment.
Chondroprotectors
In second-degree osteonecrosis treatment programs, a special role is assigned to the guardians of cartilage and bone tissue.
Surgery
If treatment of grade 2 and sometimes grade 3 cervical osteonecrosis is done at home, complete treatment requires hospitalization. Indications for surgery:
- instability of the spine;
- spinal cord compression;
- hernia mass formation.
It is not possible to completely solve the problem of pathological neck destruction with the progression of osteonecrosis.
Gymnastics and exercise therapy
If it is not possible to fully restore the functional potential of the spine, it is possible to halt the progression of the disease.
In the early stages (grade 1 and 1 part 2 of cervical fibroids), simple folk methods, therapeutic exercises will help you. Such recreational activities are inexpensive, easy to perform, do not bring pain, do not cause discomfort.
At a later stage in the formation of second- or third-degree cervical osteonecrosis, gymnastics and exercise therapy are recommended. Exercises are performed under the supervision of a specialist. The important thing is to do everything right. The main goal: to strengthen the muscles in the neck and at the same time relax.
It is important for the patient to try to recover, carefully following the recommendations of the specialist, the doctor's prescription.