Dorsopathy is a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, the main symptomatic complex of which is pain in the back and extremities of non-vascular etiology (not associated with pathologies of internal organs).
Dorsopathia of the cervical spine - dorsopathy, in which the spine is affected in the cervico-thoracic region with the appropriate localization of pain. Sometimes these diseases are also called vertebrogenic dorsopathies of the cervical spine (from the Latin "vertebra" - "vertebra"), which emphasizes the connection of the pathological process with the spine.
Dorsopathy of the cervical spine - symptoms
Dystrophic changes in the cervico-thoracic spine are manifested by the following signs:
- aching pain in the neck and shoulders;
- increased pain after physical exertion;
- sensation of pain in the area of scapula and heart;
- decreased motor ability of the neck (difficulty in tilting and turning the head);
- increased fatigue and stiffness of muscles;
- weakness, numbness in the hands, loss of sensation;
- violation of coordination of movements.
As the vertebral artery passes along the cervical vertebrae, it may be partially compressed if pathological processes occur. This leads to the fact that the brain lacks oxygen and basic nutrients. It is expressed by such symptoms:
- pulsating headache, dizziness;
- general weakness;
- noise in the ears ;
- darkening and "flies" before the eyes;
- decreased hearing and vision;
- sleep disorders;
- differences in blood pressure.
Dorsopathy of the cervicothoracic spine - causes
Sources of pain with dorsopathy of such localization may include:
- pathologically altered intervertebral discs;
- ligaments of the spine;
- periosteal tissue of the joints;
- spasms of the invertebral muscles.
The main factors contributing to the development and progression of destructive processes in the spine are:
- mechanical injuries of the cervical department;
- infectious diseases;
- metabolic disorders in the whole body or in the spine system.
Of great importance is also the influence of negative environmental factors: low air temperatures, dampness, drafts, vibrations, etc. Disorders in the spine are facilitated by uneven loads on it, caused, for example, by incorrect posture, abnormal weight transfer, etc., as well as a sedentary lifestyle. To the reasons for the development of dorsopathy also include hereditary predisposition.
Dorsopathy of the cervical spine - treatment
Basically, cervical dorsopathy is treated with conservative methods aimed at:
- withdrawal or reduction of pain syndrome;
- release of nerve endings;
- removal of muscle spasm;
- restoration of joint mobility;
- suspension of the progression of pathological processes.
As medicamental therapy, the following medications (in the form of tablets, injections or external agents - gels, ointments, etc.) can be prescribed:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- analgesics;
- muscle relaxants;
- anticonvulsants;
- chondroprotectors.
Also the treatment includes physiotherapy, massage, manual therapy. Of particular importance are special physical exercises with dorsopathia of the cervical spine, the purpose of which is:
- decompression of the nerve roots;
- correction and strengthening of the muscular corset;
- increased mobility of the joints;
- giving the ligament-muscle apparatus the necessary flexibility;
- improvement of blood supply and nutrition of intervertebral discs.
For this, regular classes are conducted on rehabilitation equipment, joint exercises are performed.
Surgical treatment is prescribed in rare cases, when conservative therapy does not bring improvements.