Pathology of the facet articular processes or intervertebral discs is called uncovertebral arthrosis. The disease leads to a structural change in the transverse canal, therefore, during its development, pinching of nerve and vascular bundles in the cervical region is observed.
The disease makes itself felt by pain every time you turn or tilt your head. The patient cannot move his shoulders freely.
There is a sensitivity disorder. Uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical vertebrae c5-c6 or c4-c6 is most often observed.
Uncovertebral are hook-shaped projections on the surface of a vertebra. In some cases, the c5 c6 vertebrae may be deformed in the cervical region, but arthrosis of the c4 c6 occurs much more often than on any other vertebrae.
Uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the joints of the cervical spine of a chronic nature, which is manifested by the presence of hook-shaped outgrowths in the cartilage that disrupt the normal functioning of brain structures, the mobility of the upper limbs and head due to impaired blood circulation, innervation and tissue compression.
If at first arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints does not cause severe inconvenience, then serious complications are possible in the future. Numbness, difficulty turning the head, dizziness and headaches should alert a person and force him to consult a specialist in order to prevent degenerative changes that cannot be cured.
Arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints of the cervical spine develops for the following reasons:
The reasons why neck arthrosis may develop are very typical for all osteoarthritis. Most often, athletes or people who work physically hard are susceptible to this disease.
No serious load is wasted on a person; constant pressure on the articular surfaces of the neck leads to bone deformities.
The formation of arthrosis of uncovertebral joints can be influenced by various causes, which are divided into two groups - acquired and congenital. The combination of two groups at the same time also occurs in medical practice, but is quite rare.
The cause of all degenerative joint diseases is the same - malnutrition of the articular cartilage, in this case the intervertebral discs, which causes their thinning and the appearance of specific bone growths, with their help the body tries to reduce the load on the intervertebral disc.
Arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints manifests itself in various syndromes:
The symptomatic picture of arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints largely depends on the location of the bone growth and the stage of the disease.
If in the early stages of uncovertebral arthrosis pain bothers you when moving your head, then as the disease progresses, discomfort is felt in the absolute rest of the torso, and it is of an increasing nature. Dislocations and subluxations in the cervical spine are becoming more frequent, and frequent and prolonged dizziness is a concern.
As the intervertebral disc is destroyed in Uncovertebral Arthrosis, pain impulses are felt in the back and chest. Increasingly, periods of changes in blood pressure and pain in different parts of the head appear.
An advanced stage of the disease can be complicated by the formation of a synovial cyst, manifested by pain in the limb. Instability appears in the neck. The condition is gradually worsening, and this will continue until the start of treatment.
Regardless of the degree of development of uncovertebral arthrosis, the disease manifests itself as pain in the cervical spine. Also, symptoms of the disease may be the following:
Since uncovertebral arthrosis is also accompanied by neurological disorders, with varying degrees of its development the following may be observed:
The most important symptom indicating the presence of degenerative-dystrophic damage is pain localized at the site of the damaged vertebra.
The feeling of constant discomfort knocks a person out of the usual rhythm of life. Muscle spasms occur voluntarily at the reflex level, this interferes with normal head rotation.
If at this stage of cervical arthrosis you seek help from a specialist, then with a properly selected therapeutic system you can eliminate the defect as soon as possible, otherwise the disease will begin to progress.
At the very beginning of arthrosis of the cervical region, pain is a periodic phenomenon. Later, when staying in one position for a long time, the pain intensifies.
Therefore, patients are advised to change positions frequently. Another alarming symptom is a crunching sound localized in the vertebrae when the head is tilted.
The provocateur of pain is the intervertebral discs, which, upon contact, bulge and touch the ligaments. In the later stages of arthrosis progression, pain is regular.
Without timely intervention, arthrosis of the uncovertebral joints can provoke a synovial cyst. The pain associated with this disease is transmitted to the limbs, and in advanced cases, paralysis occurs.
Symptoms indicating the presence of uncovertebral arthrosis:
The intervertebral discs bulge, causing hernias to appear, compressing the nerve roots and vessels of the circulatory system. This causes terrible pain to the patient.
At the initial stage of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms are most often absent. Only sharp, clearly localized pain in 1-2 vertebrae is possible with a sharp turn of the head or during heavy physical exertion.
As the disease progresses, pain and crunching are possible during normal exercise, during sleep or even at rest. Sleep usually becomes interrupted due to neck swelling or severe pain.
If you have initial symptoms of the disease, contact a specialist in a timely manner, and follow all treatment recommendations, you can prevent further spread of dystrophic changes in the cartilage fiber in almost two weeks.
When treatment is at a more advanced stage, it is not possible to talk about a complete recovery, since the recovery process will be very long, and the likelihood of relapses is high.
A doctor can diagnose uncovertebral arthrosis only based on the results of instrumental studies - radiography, CT or MRI. Without the use of these diagnostic methods, it is very difficult to establish that pathological symptoms are caused precisely by the formation and degeneration of the uncovertebral joint.
The diagnostic examination program for suspected uncovertebral arthrosis includes:
If there are pathological changes, they will be detected between the C3-C7 vertebrae, where joints and processes are formed.
Often, several specialists in different fields take part in the process of making a diagnosis - a vascular surgeon, cardiologist, otolaryngologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist and others.
To make an accurate diagnosis at the initial appointment, the specialist asks the patient about the symptoms, and then, after a thorough examination and palpation of the affected area, prescribes:
At the first appointment, the doctor finds out from the patient the nature of the pain and the presence of additional symptoms. This is necessary in order to make a preliminary diagnosis and know what to look for in the images. Next, an x-ray or MRI is prescribed.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is clearly visible on X-rays and MRI images, which are the main diagnostic methods.
The doctor diagnoses uncovertebral arthrosis if the cervical vertebrae are visually enlarged, there are osteophytes and uncovertebral joints on the vertebrae, and there are signs of impaired blood supply in the area of the cervical vertebrae.
Well-chosen medication treatment can lead to stable, long-term remission of the disease
The treatment plan includes:
You can’t beat a disease without establishing a healthy diet for your joints.
Avoid excess weight, and if it is present, then immediately reduce it with a relaxed diet and increased physical exercise. The diet should be enriched with vitamins.
Seasonal organic vegetables and herbs are especially useful. Parsley and celery, for example, have a powerful salt-removing effect, which is beneficial for suffering joints.
Be sure to include foods with plenty of B vitamins. Eat bananas and potatoes. Don't forget about protein foods - meat, fish. It is useful to take fish oil in courses. Today it is sold in gelatin capsules, so the specific taste and smell will not harm you.
Eliminate large amounts of salt, excess liquid, smoked foods, and fast food from your food. Replace them with fermented milk dishes, jellies, cartilage infusions and desserts containing gelatin.
Such dishes perfectly restore intervertebral discs suffering from pain and nourish tendons. Add freshly prepared juices from carrots, cucumbers, and celery.
Uncovertebral arthrosis can be treated well with traditional methods, which has been proven by many people with a similar diagnosis. The manifestations of the symptomatic picture can be reduced by using ointments and rubbing.
But such “grandmother’s methods” should only be used in tandem with modern methods of treating the disease.
To make fat-based ointments, poultry or pork internal fat is most often used. Propolis and turpentine give a good effect. The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed in equal proportions. Then rub thoroughly into the painful area.
You can make a herbal mixture, which will include:
Traditional medicine cannot cure uncovertebral arthrosis. The only manipulations based on folk remedies are compresses and various rubbings that help get rid of painful sensations. The rubbing mixture can be prepared using such products as:
For example, flaxseed oil is one of the most popular folk remedies for relieving pain in this type of disease. Mix 4 parts of this product with one part of propolis and the same amount of turpentine. This ointment is used for rubbing on the neck area.
It is much easier to treat uncovertebral arthrosis in its early stages, so when faced with the first symptoms in the form of pain in the neck, you should not refuse to visit a doctor and drink handfuls of painkillers.
This will only worsen the situation and treatment will subsequently become more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
In most cases, spondyloarthrosis (unco-vertebral) is treated on an outpatient basis. Treatment has the main goal of relieving pain and ensuring the normal condition of the muscles near the problem vertebrae.
This especially applies to the period when unco-vertebral spondyloarthrosis is in the acute stage. Treatment includes:.
In case of severe pain, non-steroidal painkillers are first prescribed, most often ibuprofen and aspirin.
Arthrosis has become a common problem, probably since the average human life expectancy exceeded 40 years, so traditional methods of treating this disease have long appeared.
First of all, these are rubbing and compresses. It should be noted that they can relieve pain quite effectively, but will not relieve you of its cause and most often do not slow down the development of the disease, therefore the use of any traditional methods should be combined with traditional ones and agreed upon with the attending physician.
Traditional medicine recommends using propolis, flaxseed oil, ficus tincture and animal fat as components for preparing an ointment for rubbing.
Here is a popular recipe for preparing an ointment: four parts linseed oil, one part propolis and one part turpentine. All components should be mixed into a homogeneous mass and rub the neck area with it.
The use of folk recipes during complex treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis provides a quick positive effect. The gifts of nature improve blood circulation and provide an antibacterial effect on the affected areas of the cervical spine. If the pain does not go away for a long time, use the following recipes:
Uncovertebral arthrosis of the spinal column in the cervical region destroys cartilaginous tissue. As a result, the intervertebral discs malfunction.
If treatment is not started in time, arthrosis will progress and the tissue between the vertebrae will become very thin. The intervertebral fluid will begin to evaporate, as a result, the function of extensibility and elasticity will be lost.
Therefore, the spinal disc bulges in both directions. All elements near the disk are clamped.
Uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic process, the progression of which leads to partial destruction of the layers of cartilage tissue located between the vertebral bodies. The pathological process leads to a pronounced disruption of normal movement in the cervical spine. At the same time, various neurological disorders occur associated with the involvement of blood vessels and nerve bundles in the disease.
Factors whose influence leads to the development of the disease can be divided into congenital and acquired. The combined influence of these reasons cannot be ruled out.
The most common congenital causes of the development of this disease is Oljenik's syndrome, which is expressed in a change in the normal structure of the first cervical vertebra (atlas). The most common acquired causes of uncovertebral osteoarthritis are:
The initial stage of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by the destruction of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc - because of this, the depreciation processes necessary for free and painless movement are disrupted. This leads to the fact that the loads on the spine are distributed unevenly, so the nerves, vessels and muscles of the neck are subject to constant trauma. The cartilage loses fluid, a gradual destruction of its structure occurs, and to compensate for the loads on the vertebrae, bone osteophytes are formed, directed towards each other. At the same time, calcium deposition occurs in the ligaments present in the cervical spine - this leads to a violation of their strength and a decrease in elasticity.
The ligaments no longer “contain” the intervertebral disc - it begins to protrude beyond the vertebral bodies in the posterior and anterior directions, which causes damage to the anatomical formations located near the spine. It is disc protrusions that most often cause pain in the neck - at first it appears only during movement, but in the later stages of the disease this unpleasant sensation also exists at rest.
The main symptoms of the disease are:
When the degenerative process in the spine reaches a significant degree of severity, severe neurological disorders may occur - chest pain, surges in blood pressure, visual and hearing impairment, dizziness, unsteadiness of gait and instability.
If the doctor suspects a patient has uncovertebral arthrosis, the examination program includes:
If necessary, additional studies and consultations with doctors of related specialties - cardiologist, vascular surgeon, otolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, neurosurgeon - may be prescribed.
In the stage of exacerbation of the disease, therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating pain and ensuring rest of the damaged segment of the spinal column. That is why in the acute stage of the disease it is recommended to wear a Shants collar - an orthopedic device that helps ensure proper immobility and relieve stress on the vertebrae and the muscles surrounding them. The specific timing of use of this orthopedic device is determined by the doctor who is observing the patient. As the condition improves, the treatment program for the degenerative-dystrophic process in the tissues of the intervertebral discs includes massage and a special set of physical therapy exercises.
Drug treatment in the acute phase to relieve pain and muscle spasm, which inevitably occurs with uncovertebral arthrosis, includes the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. A doctor must prescribe any analgesic and antispasmodic drug and monitor the therapy process - the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.
It is mandatory to prescribe drugs that activate circulatory processes in the structures of the spine and metabolism in tissues - antiplatelet agents and vascular drugs are prescribed in fairly long courses. At the same time, chondroprotectors can be prescribed - these drugs inhibit the processes of degeneration in cartilage tissue and help slow down the progression of associated symptoms.
The use of physiotherapeutic procedures is mandatory - electrophoresis and phonophoresis, amplipulse therapy and darsonvalization, as well as reflexology can be used in the treatment process.
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Uncovertebral arthrosis of the spinal column segments C3–C7 is a pathological process with dystrophic, degenerative manifestations and damage to the facet joints; discs located between the vertebrae can also be damaged. Osteoarthritis of the facet joints anatomically changes the transversely located canal of the spine, as a result of which the vascular and nerve bundle structures localized in this canal are displaced.
What is uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine? Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is a chronic pathology; in this disease, damage to the joints of the cervical spine is characterized by hook-shaped growths in the cartilage tissue. As a result, cerebral structures function poorly, movements of the arms and head are limited due to disruption of microcirculatory processes, compressive effects on tissue structures, and innervation is also impaired.
Arthrosis of the facet joints does not cause serious discomfort at first, but in the future, arthrosis of the cervical spine can lead to serious complicated conditions.
If the head is numb, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, the head constantly hurts and is dizzy, then the person needs specialized help, which will be provided by the attending doctor, otherwise the uncovertebral joints will undergo destructive processes.
What is it, uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine? Spondyloarthrosis of the cervical spine can occur in any person. The most common underlying causes of facet joint arthrosis are:
When uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine forms, the nutrition of the cartilaginous structures is disrupted due to:
With the initial manifestations of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine, the cartilage tissue is destroyed; in the future, the shock absorption function of the disc structures located between the vertebrae is disrupted.
The spinal column is loaded unevenly, vascular, muscle tissue and nerves localized near each cervical vertebra are injured.
The cartilaginous structures of the cervical segment lose cerebrospinal fluid, they gradually collapse, and osteophytic bone growths form on each vertebra.
Also, uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical vertebral segment causes the ligaments of this part of the spine to become less strong and lose elasticity, and calcium compounds are deposited in them. Due to the fact that the ligaments are not able to fix the discs located between the vertebrae, the disc structures protrude, and the person feels the greater cervical spinal segment. Such pain in the cervical area manifests itself during a person’s motor activity, and with the progression of uncovertebral changes, pain sensations appear in a calm state of a person.
Uncovertebral arthrosis, as a rule, affects the third to seventh vertebrae of the cervical segment. Uncovertebral arthrosis C5-C6 is the most dangerous, since in this segment the channel of the bone structures is too narrowed, the vertebral arterial vessel passing in this zone is more susceptible to compression.
With uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms initially do not cause serious discomfort to the person. A person experiences pain in the cervical area, which manifests itself during exercise and physical activity of the head.
Signs of uncovertebral arthrosis clearly manifest themselves with the progression of the pathology of the facet joints:
If uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical segment is strongly expressed, the artery canal is greatly narrowed, then the symptoms are as follows:
If a patient is suspected of having uncovertebral arthrosis of C4-C6, then he should be examined by a doctor who will carry out the following measures:
If necessary, you should consult a cardiologist, otolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, or neurosurgical specialist.
If the treatment process for this disease was not carried out in a timely manner or was not carried out at all, then the following complicated conditions will form:
If spondylosis is confirmed, the patient should put less stress on the problematic spinal segment. A special orthopedic collar is recommended.
How to treat pathology? In the treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical segment of the spinal column, therapeutic measures are used by various means. If a person is bothered by pain, then medications are used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Muscle spasms are relieved, pain with swelling is also eliminated. As a rule, they treat:
For severe symptomatic manifestations, muscle relaxants are used. As a rule, they are treated with Mydocalm. It will relax muscle fibers and relieve soreness. It cannot be used if:
To stop the processes of dystrophy and degeneration of vertebrogenic diseases, chondroprotective agents are used. These remedies are also characterized by restoration of metabolic processes and trophism of cartilaginous structures. The advantage of this group of drugs is that these drugs are almost not contraindicated for anyone.
But the positive effect of treatment with this group of drugs will occur after several long courses. They are treated with Teraflex, Structum.
Physiotherapeutic treatment measures are carried out by:
They perform massage procedures that are aimed at relieving painful sensations. The myofibers of the cervical spinal segment will also be strengthened, blood flow in the problem area will improve, and spasms of muscle tissue will be eliminated. Together with classical massage, the specialist acts segmentally, pointwise.
Acupuncture and manual therapy are used. The doctor, acting in a targeted manner, ensures that blood flows to the required segment, pain and swelling changes are eliminated, pinched vertebrae become unblocked, and regenerative changes are activated.
Therapeutic exercise is an important therapeutic measure in the treatment of this pathology.
Gymnastics will restore lost neck movements, and improve metabolic and regenerative processes of damaged tissue structures.
Treatment of this pathological process using traditional methods can give a positive result, but before doing so, you should definitely consult a doctor. Most often treated in the following ways:
Every person at any age is familiar with the manifestations of vertebrogenic pathological processes. If initial symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Timely treatment will prevent complicated conditions in the future that threaten to reduce the patient’s motor activity.
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Arthrosis of the uncovertebral cervical spine is a chronic degenerative-dystrophic disease accompanied by damage to one or several intervertebral discs, and sometimes facet joints. The spine is one of not only the most complex, but also the most vulnerable organs of the musculoskeletal system, which is directly affected by any unfavorable factors of both the external and internal environment. The condition of the spine directly affects the entire human body.
Considering that the cervical region includes small vertebrae and intervertebral discs, it is, as a rule, the one that suffers from degenerative changes more often and to a greater extent. Uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the formation of hook-shaped outgrowths, which significantly complicate the ability to move in this part of the spinal column. Any such disease requires complex treatment; cervical arthrosis is no exception.
The causes of the development of such a degenerative disease as uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine have now been studied quite well. All predisposing factors for the appearance of this condition can be divided into acquired and congenital.
Among the most common congenital anomalies that can subsequently provoke uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is Oljenik's syndrome, which causes a disruption in the formation of vertebrae in the cervical spine. Acquired diseases that can provoke arthrosis include:
At the same time, there are a number of certain factors that contribute to the development of arthrosis. Most often, this disease is detected in people who are overweight, and in addition, in those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Among other things, heavy lifting can provoke the development of arthrosis of the cervical spine. Most often, lifting weights provokes arthrosis in people who previously had an extremely low level of physical development. In rare cases, the appearance of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine may be associated with metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalances.
First of all, uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine affects the intervertebral disc, which performs a shock-absorbing function between two adjacent vertebrae, and in addition, does not allow bone elements to collapse under various mechanical overloads. As the disease progresses, the entire cartilage tissue is involved in the process, which gradually loses fluid, loses its elasticity and ability to perform its function. As a result of these changes, the height of the intervertebral disc decreases and special bone growths, called osteophytes, begin to form.
Osteophytes grow at the ends of adjacent vertebrae, and always in the direction of one another.
The calcification process also affects nearby ligaments. After a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral disc, a bulging of its fibrous ring is observed, which compresses the surrounding soft tissues and nerve endings, which leads to the appearance of severe symptoms.
One of the most characteristic manifestations of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is pain. As a rule, the pain syndrome is extremely localized and manifests itself in the area of the damaged intervertebral disc. In the future, the following signs of the disease may appear:
Increased pain can be observed against the background of various turns or lifting weights. In addition, discomfort may occur after a person remains in one position for a long time. Another characteristic sign of the development of the disease is a characteristic crunch in the neck with any movement. Among other things, against the background of existing destruction of the intervertebral disc, numbness of the upper extremities and other obvious symptoms of damage to nerve endings may appear. In the future, due to constant discomfort and pain in the neck, a person experiences the appearance of chronic fatigue and prolonged depression. In addition, when the fibrous ring ruptures and an intervertebral hernia forms, more serious neurological complications may occur, including disruption of the innervation of various vital organs and individual parts of the body.
If even minor signs of the development of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine appear, you should definitely consult a doctor for consultation and prescribe adequate treatment. It is worth noting that the sooner a patient turns to a specialist for help, the higher the chances of a complete cure or achieving stable remission. When visiting a doctor, the patient should describe the existing symptomatic manifestations as fully as possible. Next, inspection and palpation of the cervical spine is performed. After an external examination and history taking, the doctor may prescribe the following studies:
Various imaging tools can detect not only changes in the intervertebral discs and facet joints, but also osteophytes. Angiography allows doctors to verify the presence or absence of a disruption in the blood supply to the brain through the arteries running in this area. After the studies, the doctor can accurately determine the degree of development of arthrosis of the cervical spine and select the optimal treatment option.
In most cases, treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine is carried out on an outpatient basis. First of all, therapy is carried out aimed at eliminating the existing pain syndrome. The following are usually prescribed as drug support:
Medicines are selected for each patient individually. However, as practice shows, medications alone are not enough to achieve significant long-term remission. After the pain has subsided, the patient is prescribed a course of massage, which promotes improved tissue nutrition in the cervical spine and helps initiate regeneration processes. During the massage, special ointments and creams can be used that have a cooling or warming effect. In addition, in some cases, essential oils that have an analgesic effect can be used. Treatment of arthrosis requires targeted treatment. The use of a number of physical therapy tools is often indicated, including:
During the acute course of arthrosis of the cervical spine, the patient is shown a gentle daily regimen, which involves avoiding heavy lifting and heavy physical labor. In addition, in this case, certain sleep hygiene is often required. The patient should sleep on special orthopedic mattresses and pillows, which provide excellent support for the spine during sleep.
Treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine should be continued after achieving stable remission. Particular attention at this stage of treatment is paid to physical therapy. Specially designed exercises for the cervical spine can enhance the nutrition of soft tissues and intervertebral discs, as well as improve the condition of the muscles that create a corset around the spine and provide its support. Physical exercises are selected depending on the person’s spinal injuries and initial physical fitness. The intensity of training should increase gradually.
In addition to moderate physical activity, people suffering from uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine should adhere to a certain diet. Patients should give preference to lean meats, vegetables and cereals. Foods that contain large amounts of salt should be eliminated from the diet if possible.
In some cases, degenerative changes in the cervical spine are so serious that surgical intervention is required to improve the patient’s condition. It is especially important to perform surgical intervention in the presence of a herniated disc.
Uncovertebral cervical arthrosis (uncoarthrosis) is a chronic disease that is characterized by damage to the joints connecting the processes of the vertebrae on the back and lateral surfaces of the neck. This pathology is manifested by severe neurological symptoms resulting from pinching of nerve fibers by bone growths. When moving the neck and head, stiffness, limitation, and painful sensations appear.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is a consequence of wear and tear of the articular cartilage. Deformation of the cervical spine occurs as a result of friction between the vertebrae, inflammation of surrounding tissues and a decrease in the size of the intervertebral disc. When the vertebrae touch, pain occurs.
Over time, osteophytes, which are irregularly shaped bone outgrowths, appear on the vertebrae. They compensate for the load on the cartilage and reduce pain.
Osteophytes of the cervical spine form new articulations between the vertebrae - uncovertebral . They are easy to detect on x-rays.
This pathology usually affects:
The causes of uncovertebral arthrosis are:
Any of the above reasons disrupts the nutrition of the intervertebral cartilage, which leads to their thinning, destruction, and the appearance of bone growths. This disrupts the supporting functions of the spine.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is a disease characterized by a gradual increase in clinical symptoms.
The early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic or with minor discomfort in the neck, which patients attribute to normal fatigue. Acute pain sometimes occurs: with sudden turns of the head, with exertion, or with changes in weather. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the pain appears more and more often and disrupts the patient’s normal life rhythm.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is characterized by seasonality with exacerbations in the autumn or spring seasons.
What distinguishes this pathology from other degenerative-dystrophic diseases is its characteristic neurological symptoms.
The following symptoms are characteristic of arthrosis of the cervical spine:
Later, with the development of arthrosis, the pain becomes constant and debilitating, and the mobility of the neck is completely lost .
The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of stopping the process of destruction of spinal cartilage in the initial stages of the disease.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is dangerous because the spinal cord and nerve endings can be involved in the pathological process. This will lead to the development of certain neurological syndromes.
After interviewing and examining the patient, the doctor identifies objective symptoms of cervical uncoarthrosis and prescribes the patient the necessary laboratory and instrumental tests.
X-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are the main diagnostic methods for uncovertebral arthrosis. Pathology is found in the area of the C3-C7 vertebrae, between which there are processes and joints are formed.
Therapeutic measures for uncovertebral arthrosis include:
For uncovertebral arthrosis, patients are prescribed:
The main physiotherapeutic methods intended for the treatment of uncovertebral arthrosis are:
Traditional treatment for uncovertebral arthrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of rubbing and compresses. They effectively relieve pain, but do not eliminate the cause of the disease and do not slow down the progression of the disease.
To prepare an ointment for rubbing at home, you usually use:
One of the most popular recipes for preparing an ointment is the following: take 4 parts of linseed oil, 1 part of propolis and the same amount of turpentine, mix everything and rub the neck area with the resulting homogeneous mass.
Almost every person experiences some type of arthrosis as they age. When the first signs of the disease appear, you should seek help from a specialist as soon as possible. The sooner treatment is started, the less likely it is to reach the final stage of the disease, characterized by complete deprivation of the patient’s mobility and the appearance of severe neurological symptoms.