Infringement roots extending from the cervical spine - rather frequent disease. It can occur just pain in the neck, which in itself is unpleasant, but there may be more serious symptoms - signs of compression of cerebral vessels.

Why develop a pinched root of the cervical spine

Such impairment may develop after an injury, a sharp turn of the head, on the background of the growing tumor, scarring, compressing the nerve and for many other reasons. But most often it occurs in metabolic disorders in the spine - osteochondrosis.

It promotes nerve entrapment sedentary lifestyle (in this case develops muscle weakness that support the spine), severe physical stress, emotional stress, hypothermia, acute disease and frequent exacerbations of chronic diseases, exposure to chemicals with toxic properties, endocrine disorders.

Signs

Infringement of nerve roots of the cervical spine has its own characteristics due to the complex anatomical structure of the department. Vertebrae in it have a different structure, more tightly interconnected than in other parts of the vertebrae of the spine. The muscles in the neck less powerful than in the other parts of the spine.

A feature of the structure is the fact that the side branches from the 2nd to the 6th cervical vertebra has a small hole through which the vertebral artery leaves that carry blood to the brain. In some states (such as osteochondrosis) there is a shift of the cervical vertebrae and compression of the vertebral artery. At the same time the patient has a headache, dizziness Dizziness - if the ground is slipping from under his feet Some violations of coordination, visual disturbances ("sand" in the eyes, darkening). The headache has a pulsating vascular in nature and is characterized by high intensity. It starts from the back of the head and spreads to the front of the head, aggravated by head movements. Such a condition can lead to ischemic stroke.

When depreciation is reduced ability of the intervertebral disc in different segments of the cervical spine can develop pinched nerves, which is accompanied by certain motor and sensory disorders.

Thus, when the spine lesion, exiting from the first cervical vertebra, disturbed sensitivity in the occipital region. If it affects the spine, coming out of the second cervical vertebra, there is pain in the parietal and occipital regions. If it affects the spine, leaving the third cervical vertebra (quite rare), there is pain and a decrease in sensitivity to the half of the neck, which infringe upon the nerve, reducing the sensitivity of language, hypoglossal paresis of muscles, speech disorder. If it affects the spine, coming out of the fourth cervical vertebra (also occurs rarely), there is pain and decreased sensation in the collarbone and upper arm, decreased contractility of the muscles of the head and neck, and occasionally can appear respiratory disorders, hiccups Hiccups - and if this is something serious?   and heart pain, and pain in the liver. The defeat of the root coming out of the fifth cervical vertebra (rare) - a pain in the upper and outer surface of the shoulder, muscle weakness and impaired sensitivity to the outer surface of the shoulder. If it affects the spine, coming out of the sixth cervical vertebra (very common), pain extending from the neck to the shoulder blade, upper arm, the outer surface of the shoulder and forearm to the thumb. If it affects the spine, coming out of the seventh cervical vertebra (rare), pain begins in the neck, spreading shoulder blade, upper arm, back of the shoulder and forearm to the rear of the hand and fingers to 2-4. If it affects the spine, coming out of the eighth cervical vertebra pain and impaired sensitivity extends from the neck to the little finger of his hand.

Treatment

Treatment pinching roots of the cervical spine begins to reduce the load on the cervical vertebrae, and limitation of movement in this area. For this purpose, neck wear special collar that supports the spine. Appointed as pain relievers, most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs - ketorol, Voltaren Voltaren - relieve inflammation and pain , Nise). Appointed by acupuncture Acupuncture - the ancient traditions in the service of modern science Which may well also relieves pain.

To relieve pain using external preparations - ointments, creams, gels that contain NSAIDs (Fastum gel emulgel Voltaren), irritants (and bee venom). Helps to relieve pain and physiotherapy.

As soon as the pain diminished, recommended massages and therapeutic exercises.

Galina Romanenko

Exposure to bacterial infection is a major cause of inflammation of the meninges. Bacterial meningitis can occur in different age groups, the highest prevalence rates recorded in childhood and old age. In this context, much attention is paid to the state of the immune system, since the immune deficiency is a risk factor for the disease.

As the disease develops

The bacteria enter the body through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (nasopharynx, pharynx). The main causative agents are various members of the group streptococci, staphylococci. There is a difference between those agents which cause an inflammatory response in children and adults. In adults, almost half of all clinical cases detected Streptococcus species Streptococcus pneumoniae. Inflammation of the meninges may also cause Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, various representatives of the staphylococci and streptococci.

Predispose to bacterial infection of the following states:

• transferred neurosurgical operations, operations on the abdominal organs
• brain trauma
• a state of immune deficiency

The main pathogenic effect of bacteria due to the action of toxins that penetrate the brain by hematogenous. Toxic effect is manifested in the form of systemic change, developing multiple organ failure. Bacterial meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the meninges, only when the pathogen penetrates into the substance of the brain, is the development of meningoencephalitis.

Due to the presence of inflammatory reaction is disturbed microcirculation in the vessels of the brain, it changes the nature of the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid. Against the backdrop of increased production of high-grade liquor is no fluid intake, so naturally develop brain swelling. This feature is reflected in the nature of the clinical manifestations of bacterial meningitis.

The characteristic features of bacterial diseases

Various forms of meningitis have differences depending on the nature of the pathogen. Bacterial meningitis is acute, for it is not characterized by a gradual development of symptoms. The most prominent are the meningeal symptoms, which allows to distinguish on the basis of the clinical picture of the various forms of meningitis. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis have a rapid development, until the appearance of the classical picture of the disease can take from several hours to two days.

The main complaints are severe headache, high body temperature and changes in the muscles of the neck ("stiff" neck). Other symptoms may include a minor, their presence adds clinical picture. Diagnostic difficulties arise when developing bacterial meningitis Meningitis - an inflammation of the meninges   children, since children can not clearly describe their complaints. It is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms that indirectly indicate the presence of disease. These symptoms are a inactivity or sluggishness baby, irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper , The presence of vomiting and poor appetite. Marked fluctuations in body temperature from excessively high value to a low temperature.

Due to the progression of the disease appear seizures, which are short-lived or long flow-type attack. This complication occurs in patients of any age, it is an indicator of the severity of the patient's condition. To exclude the presence of a brain tumor, as the cause of convulsions, meningitis shows a study of the brain using computer tomography method or a magnetic resonance scan.

Existing methods of prevention and treatment

Antibiotic therapy effectively suppresses pathogenic properties of a bacterial infection. If therapy is appointed in due time, it allows to reach almost 90% survival rate of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. It is recommended to initiate therapy before the results of the study of cerebrospinal fluid to determine the sensitivity to antibiotics. In the first stage treatment prescribers from the group of penicillin or aminoglycosides, as well as their combination.

If the result antibiotikogrammy drug can replace or continue its use. The most frequently used drugs penicillin or cephalosporins. The efficiency of third generation cephalosporins, so they are often included in the therapeutic scheme with meningitis. Treatment of bacterial meningitis involves the appointment of hormonal drugs Hormonal treatments - not only contraceptives   (glucocorticoids), means for reducing the severity of cerebral edema.

Inadmissibility of treatment in the home or clinic, as an adequate amount of therapy can be provided in an intensive care unit, where he is a patient. Detoxification, anti-inflammatory therapy ensures restoration of water-salt volume, elimination of bacterial toxins from the body. If therapy was carried out in full, you will not have seen the development of severe complications of meningitis Complications of meningitis   in the period after discharge from inpatient.

Preventive measures for the prevention of meningitis is to isolate the sick person, and personal hygiene. There are also drugs to prevent bacterial meningitis and the vaccine, but the massive use they have not yet received. Develop a vaccine against several of the most common strains of bacteria, their effectiveness is confirmed by clinical trials. The degree of protection of the body is largely determined by the virulence of the pathogen, as well as age and residence rights.

Marina Solovyov