Osteochondrosis of the 1st class of the cervical spine is the initial stage of continuous destructive and degenerative changes in cartilaginous intervertebral discs and bone bodies.Since cervical osteochondrosis is not clinically manifested, it is rarely possible to diagnose the pathology in the early stage of development.Even on radiographic images, there are often no signs of characteristic damage to cartilage structures.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the cervical spine of the 1st degree is often discovered accidentally - when diagnosing other pathologies, not even related to the musculoskeletal system.But sometimes the patient himself comes to see the doctor, alarmed by the deterioration of his general health.Indeed, despite the lack of declared symptoms of osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs have already undergone degenerative changes:
- cartilaginous tissues became denser and expanded;
- Radial cracks appeared in the fibrous rings.
The loss of strength and elasticity of the intervertebral discs worsened the shock absorption properties.Due to the inability to fully relieve the load on the spine, mild instability of the cervical spine still occurs.Even a slight displacement of the cartilage or bone structure becomes a condition for osteochondrosis to progress even faster.
Clinical picture
With class 1 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, there may be no characteristic signs of this pathology.A person describes occasional discomfort after physical activity or muscle strain due to the body being in one position.Gradually, the intensity of pain in the back of the neck increases.
Periodic, painful and still mild, painful sensations, painful sensations appeared after lifting heavy objects or hypothermia.They often radiate to the shoulders and upper back, there is no clear localization.Shoulder pain syndrome develops, which is the first specific symptom of cervical osteochondrosis.At the initial stage of development, the pathology can manifest itself clinically:
- limited mobility in the neck.When bending or turning the head, stiffness of movements is not accompanied by pain;
- The sensitivity of the parts of the body innervated by common nerve plexuses to the cervical region begins to decrease.Graininess of shoulders and forearms decreases, less often - hands;
- The patient feels a decrease in the muscle strength of the arms;
- Headache and dizziness are more frequent, and the imperceptible acuteness subsides for a short time.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree can be indicated by attacks of sharp, piercing, burning pain.It usually occurs when the head is turned suddenly.The increased tone of the neck muscles is manifested.Their spasms are the body's compensatory response to the instability of the spinal segments.
Osteochondrosis is characterized by alternating relapses with stages of remission.Discomfort in the neck is constantly felt during malfunctions.The clinical picture includes vascular, neurological and static signs at the same time.In the remission stage, the disease is practically asymptomatic.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis was made based on the patient's complaints and a series of tests to determine the mobility of the cervical segments.A clue is a previous injury or systemic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (gout, rheumatoid, reactive arthritis).
The most informative diagnostic procedure is radiography.Grade 1 pathologies correspond to radiological stage 1 or 2.The resulting images display the typical symptoms of the disease.
| X-ray stages of cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree | Characteristic signs |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Small changes in the curvature of the spine in the cervical region affect one or more segments |
| Stage 2 | Slight thickening of intervertebral discs, deformation of marginal processes, correction of lordosis, small growths of bone structures |
Magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes required to clarify the diagnosis.With its help, you can detect an aseptic, slow inflammatory process and destructive-degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.
Therapy
Treatment of class 1 cervical osteochondrosis is long-term.At the initial stage of development, the pathology responds well to conservative therapy.Patients are recommended prescribed drugs and physiotherapeutic and massage procedures.
All treatment methods are aimed at improving blood circulation in the cervical spine.This allows you to prevent the deterioration of the cuboid of the intervertebral discs - the main reason for the development of osteochondrosis.Elimination of nutrient and oxygen deficiency stimulates partial regeneration of cartilage tissue.
Pharmacological drugs
Clinically, osteochondrosis of the 1st class is manifested by mild pain, which does not require the use of drugs in the form of tablets or solutions for parenteral administration.Patients are recommended, if necessary, ointments, gels or creams on the back of the neck include:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Local irritating, distracting, warming agents.
In this case, it is better to use drugs, but biologically active supplements for external use with camphor, formal alcohol, red capsicum extract and bee venom are better.
Onurrabite includes systemic chondroprotectors in therapeutic regimens.Injection solutions are used for several days.And then the therapeutic effect is combined with taking pills.The duration of the treatment course is from several months to 2 years.
Non-narcotic treatment
To treat grade 1 osteochondrosis, physiotherapeutic methods are used using various physical factors: low-frequency currents, magnetic fields, laser, ultrasound.Procedures help to relieve pain, relieve aseptic inflammation and eliminate the increased tone of the neck muscles.
Neurologists and ongurts recommend that patients regularly visit the massage room.Vertebrae, spasbing muscles are relaxed, blood circulation and microcirculation are improved and local immunity is strengthened.The following types of massage are used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- classic;
- point;
- vacuum.
Manual therapy with an individually selected effect method allows to increase the range of movements in the cervical spine and eliminate the first signs of changes in lordosis.
To restore the anatomically correct shape of the spine or to increase the distance between the vertebrae, traction (dry or underwater traction of the back) is used.
Regular exercise therapy can replace drugs, massage and physiotherapy.When performing exercise therapy, blood circulation improves, neck muscles that stabilize the spine are strengthened, and the tissue cup is normalized.Daily training is an excellent prevention of pain and stiffness of movement.
The first physical therapy (pininsherapy) lessons are conducted under the guidance of a physical therapy doctor.Shows how to perform exercises, load on the discs and vertebrae, so as not to compress the spinal roots.After a few days, the patient can practice independently at home.
The value of timely detection of the disease lies in the favorable prognosis for full recovery.The earlier the therapy was carried out, the more likely it is to fully restore the functional activity of the spine.