Even about 30 years ago, osteonecrosis was only associated with the elderly, whose joints became inactive and experienced pain with movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are changing their hard manual labor to computer sedentary work, less and less monitoring of nutritional quality and more and more people facing cervical degeneration more often. It is not without excuse that osteonecrosis is called the "disease of the century, " and almost everyone over the age of 25 will experience the symptoms of the disease.
This fatal disease, which begins with painful neck pain, quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of hearing and vision impairment, as well as memory loss to the point of losscompletely. That is why every person should know the cause of osteonecrosis and consult a doctor promptly in case of unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will talk about them in this article.
Causes of cervical bone necrosis
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in childhood, or rather in elementary school, when a child's posture deteriorates and scoliosis develops. . It is at this point that the head support system of the spine is disrupted, especially its thinnest and most vulnerable part - the cervix. The second most important factor that causes degenerative cervical spondylosis, which stems from childhood, is inadequate physicality, especially weakness of the spinal muscles and the so-called muscular vests designed to supportspinal aids.
These are the two most important causes of the disease. All that remains is a burden on the weakened spine, stimulating the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First of all, these include sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity, especially at work, which are associated with long periods of time in a position. This most often happens to drivers and office workers sitting at computers during work shifts. All of this is supplemented by excess body weight, which greatly increases the load on the spine.
Other causes of cervical bone necrosis are:
- past spinal injury; metabolic disorders
- ;
- genetic predisposition;
- excellent physical activity;
- constant stress and stress;
- anomalies of the cervical spine;
- bad habit (holding phone with ear and shoulder).
Development of bone necrosis
These adverse factors ultimately lead to an increase in the load on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the overloading of the neck muscles, their contractions occur, leading to a decrease in blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolism. All this translates into the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First, the vertebrae begin to thin and cluster, squeezing their contents (annulus fibrosus) out of the spine. Convexity like that in doctors' language is called concave.
In the case of the bulge, the annular fibrosis remains intact, but this bulge compresses the blood vessels and nerves that run along the spine and feed the brain. Furthermore, the converging and deformed vertebrae begin to pinch the roots of the peripheral nerves, leading to the development of the so-called "lens syndrome", manifested as intense pain in the back and neck. . If you fail to identify the problem (in which the unpleasant symptoms will be eloquent) and do not start treatment for osteonecrosis, the fibrosis will rupture and a hernia develops. In this case, there will be serious brain nutrition problems.
Symptoms of cervical bone necrosis
During its development, the disease goes through many stages, each with distinctive signs and symptoms. It should be noted here that osteoporosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The spacing between the vertebrae is minimal here, and so even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1. Grade I Bone Necrosis
This is a preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient feels mild pain and discomfort when turning his head, as well as rapid neck and back tension and fatigue for long periods of time in a position. (more often in a sitting position). At this stage, osteonecrosis is perfectly treated by making lifestyle changes, adjusting to nutrition, and exercising regularly.
2. Grade II fibroids
At this stage, instability occurs between the vertebrae of the neck. A person in this case faces severe pain spreading to the shoulder, neck or arm. When tilting or turning the head, pain increases significantly, as the distance between the vertebrae decreases, the nerve ends begin to decline. The patient begins to tire quickly, declines in productivity, distractions, forgetfulness and headache.
3. Grade III bone necrosis disease
When the disease starts in stage 3, the pain in the back and neck becomes stronger, the motor ability of the neck is significantly reduced, when the neck is turned, a clumping sound of the vertebrae can be heard. . At night, the patient's fingers begin to become numb (mainly the little and ring), which is why the patient wakes up several times during the night. Throughout the day, such patients have an unpleasant heavy feeling in the hands. And even a brief conversation on a phone, in which a person is forced to hold the cell phone to his ear, turns into an uncomfortable tingling and numbness in the fingers. All of these indicate an increase in convexity and a hernia may appear in the cervical spine.
4. Grade IV fibroids
At the end of the disease, the vertebral discs are destroyed, no longer carry out their functions and begin to be replaced with connective tissue. Patients in this state may lose motor coordination, have frantic noise and noise in their ears, increased headaches, and decreased vision and hearing. In some cases, tongue numbness may occur.
It should be said here that due to a pinched blood vessel, the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. As a result, patients develop neurological disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and frustration, frequent mood swings and inability to concentrate. Periodically, anger or fear may arise, and melancholy and depression may strike.
At a later stage of bone necrosis development, severe vascular spasm can lead to the appearance of the immediate "flies", a feeling of instability on a hard flat surface, severe dizziness, migraine headaches, nausea, vomiting, and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the unpleasant symptoms of his condition to the doctor. After listening to the patient, the therapist sent him one of the following research methods.
1. Take X-rays. At present, this diagnostic method is considered to be without knowledge, especially in the late stages of disease development.
2. Scan both sides with ultrasound. This method is used in cases where the therapist thinks there is a violation of blood flow in the arteries supplying nutrients to the brain. The study shows the speed of the blood flow and determines if there are obstacles in its path.
3. CT (computed tomography). This method is more informative than an X-ray, as it not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the herniated mass, albeit with difficulty.
4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The most informative method of diagnosis of osteonecrosis today, allowing you to see the bone structure, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of bone necrosis
Let's say right away that in order to deal with a serious problem like necrosis of the spine of the neck spine you should contact a neurologist. Yes, if the clinic has a chiropractor, you better contact him first.
Osteochondrosis can only be treated in complex ways. A complex of methods used include drug treatment, massage of the cervix, exercise, physical therapy as well as proper nutrition. Only the combination of all these methods will help cope with illness and normalize the patient's health.
Helps relieve severe pain
In case of severe pain, doctors recommend medications like Analgin, Baralgin or Tempalgin. When these medications no longer provide pain relief, you can switch to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In the general sense, drug therapy includes the following means:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These home remedies help eliminate pain, reduce swelling, and cope with nerve root inflammation.
- Chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissue.
- B vitamins. They are necessary for improving metabolism in nerve tissues.
- Muscle relaxants. These drugs work to reduce muscle spasm.
- Preparations that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to such means, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve ends is improved.
It should be noted here that it is possible to achieve a marked effect in the fight against bone necrosis process with the help of ointments and pills only if drug therapy is combined with methodsother therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will only have a temporary effect.
Many doctors tend to treat osteonecrosis by injecting drugs to act quickly on nerve endings and save patients from the possible side effects of the medication. However, vitamins are best taken by mouth because vitamins are well absorbed by the body by any method of absorption, but injecting them can be painful.
Physiotherapy
Drug treatment must be combined with physiotherapy methods. The most effective for this disease is:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs). In this case, the drug penetrates the damaged vertebra under the action of an electric current.
- Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to eliminate inflammation, relieve pain and improve metabolism in tissues.
- Magnetic therapy. This type of physical therapy helps to reduce puffiness and relieve pain.
- Laser therapy. It is a great way to fight inflammation and improve blood circulation.
Diet for osteonecrosis
Reconstruction of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents salt deposition, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue. , while strengthening the ligaments between the vertebrae.
To achieve this, it is necessary first of all to exclude the following from the patient's diet:
alcoholic beverages- ;
- fried and fatty foods;
- spicy and overly salty food;
- strong broth; Weakness of
- and pies;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and sauces;
- canned products.
A patient's diet with osteonecrosis should include the following foods:
- lean meat and fish;
- low-fat milk, cheese and kefir; butter
- (small quantity);
- whole grains and soups;
- jelly meat, aspic from fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jellies and wines.
When bone tumor is localized in the cervical spine, it is necessary to adhere to the regimen of activities, drink at least 1. 5 liters of water per day. If you are overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of those extra pounds, which adds stress to your spine. It is recommended to switch to meals 5 times a day in small amounts.
Also, as can be seen from the list of allowed foods, the basic foods should be low fat vegetarian soups, boiled lean meats, fish, seafood, vegetables and fruits without sugar.
The sample menu for the day should look like this:
Breakfast- : cheese, some apples, tea without sugar; Lunch
- : grilled pear, some oatmeal crackers;
- lunch: vegetarian borscht, boiled chicken with vegetable salad;
- afternoon snacks: dry biscuits and juice; Dinner
- : grilled fish with vegetables and unsweetened tea.
Therapeutic exercise for osteonecrosis
Exercise has great results in the treatment of osteonecrosis, although you can only exercise for the cervical spine during recovery. The important thing here is that during massage or exercise the patient does not feel discomfort and pain.
Here are some of the most effective exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles and improving blood circulation in this area.
Task # 1
Lie on your stomach with your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and body so that your back is still straight. Hold this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. Factor is repeated 2-3 times.
Task # 2
Lie on your stomach and stretch your arms along your body, slightly raise your head and start turning your head to the right, trying to touch the floor with your ear then left. Perform 6 turns in each direction.
Task 3
Sit on the floor, while inhaling, leaning forward, trying to touch your chest with your chin and when exhaling, return to starting position and tilt your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.
Task # 4
Put the palm of your hand on your forehead and try to press hard on your head. At the same time, while stretching your neck muscles, support your arms, preventing you from tilting your head. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your arms and relax. Repeat this movement 2-3 times, and then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, bringing your fists tightly behind your head.
Exercise # 5
Start slowly turning your head right and left, trying to look behind your back. Perform 10 turns on each side.