Osteochondrosis - a degenerative disease of the intervertebral disc, which is characterized by thinning of the disc, sclerosis of its surface and the increase in marginal osteophytes. The tissue of the intervertebral disc hardens, from the cartilage of rotation in the bone. Under the influence of these changes on the disk presses on nerve endings, which becomes the cause of the pain syndrome.
Symptoms of degenerative disc disease:
- pain back pain, which intensifies during sudden movements;
- pain around the extremities;
- atrophy of the limbs;
- cramps in muscles, difficulty moving.
If it is struck by the cervical spine, the disease manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- feelings of pain in the shoulders, hands, head;
- syndrome vertebral artery (dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots in the eyes, throbbing headache).
Disease can develop for the following reasons: heredity, metabolic disorders, intoxication, infection, obesity, eating disorders, aging of the body, spinal injuries, disorders of posture, sedentary work, bad environment, high load, stress situation, hypothermia.
Prevention and treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease
Treatment is aimed at elimination of pain syndrome, restoration of function of spinal roots, relief degenerative changes in the intervertebral disks. In the early stages of the disease treatment spending by conservative methods. In the later stages of resort to surgical intervention.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and can vary from 1 month to years.
Complex conservative therapy includes methods like:
- therapeutic physical training;
- massage;
- physiotherapy;
- manual therapy;
- traction of the spine;
- reflexology;
- intake of drugs.
As prevention is recommended to lead healthy life style, avoid excessive physical exertion, regularly to develop the back muscles.