The reasons for the development and treatment of cervical-brachial radiculitis

Cervical-brachial radiculitis is a rare disease, which is based on the pain in the neck, chest, shoulders and arms. Pain may be sharp and long, which violates the efficiency and vitality of the whole organism.

Reasons

Cervical-brachial radiculitis has its reasons, among which the first place is the pinching or inflammation of the nerve roots. Sometimes there is a hernia of one of the cervical disks of the spine. In this case, pain is a protective reaction of the body which is necessary that a person paid attention to his pathological condition and be sure to see a doctor.

Primary cervical-brachial radiculitis can be triggered by infections, most often viral. Secondary pathology develops on the background of degenerative changes in the spine. It can happen in osteochondrosis, trauma, circulatory disorders in the back, tumors or intoxications.

Also precipitating factor can be considered weight lifting, prolonged stress on the spine that usually occurs in athletes, the long being in one position, hypothermia.

The main manifestations

The main manifestations of the pathology occur on the affected side and in the area, which Innervate the affected nerves.

The main symptoms include:

1. Sudden pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, burning character.
2. The pain increases during inspiration and during movement.
3. Forced position of a person that helps to reduce pain.
4. Numbness in the head.
5. Decrease muscle strength in the hands.

The pain may radiate to the area blades, the upper half of the chest, ear. Can appear symptoms of angina, but the attack does not develop. It is therefore very important to take this into account when providing first aid.

The stage of the disease

Cervical-brachial radiculitis occurs in two stages. The first is called neurological. The patient usually complains of sharp pain, increased sensitivity in the affected area, the muscle tension, which is constantly increasing, increased tendon reflexes. Palpation can be detected tender points in the area of the supraclavicular depression at the region of the subclavian basin, in the region of the cervical spine, on the inner side of the forearm, on the shoulder.

The second stage is called neurotic. In this case the pains are not as sharp and tangible, in the affected area is completely absent skin sensitivity, tendon reflexes drastically reduced, it may be the initial stage of atrophy. At the same time tensions and soreness of muscle tissue. In the future, can cause contractures, which will not allow the joints to work properly. Appear swelling and soreness during movements of the head and hands.

Some doctors distinguish, and the third stage – remission chronic process. In this case, patients complain of fatigue in the neck muscles, shoulders and arms. When the weather changes, as well as in the evenings, there may be mild aching pain. When you work with your hands to have swelling, cyanosis, excessive sweating and cold hands.

Diagnosis

In the diagnosis of this disease is very important to correctly diagnose because the same symptoms can be present in other pathological conditions, e.g., tumors of the spine, myelitis, systemic neuritis, spinal stroke and atherosclerosis.

Therefore, along with the inspection and survey of the patient it is necessary to carry out other research, among which the most important are:

1. General analysis of blood and immunological tests for the infection in the body.
2. X-rays, CT scans, electromyography, MRI that can detect the presence and nature of the lesion of the vertebrae and muscle tissue, and the degree of their changes.
3. Neurological examination.
4. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Once the disease is diagnosed, the doctor may proceed to the appointment of certain medicines and other treatment methods.

Conservative therapy

The treatment is performed in an outpatient setting. And only in severe disease may require hospitalization. To get rid of this kind of sciatica treatment must pass completely under the supervision of experienced professionals, without the use of methods of self-medication.

If sciatica is caused by an infection and is the primary, then the main treatment is antibiotics, treatment with corticosteroids and the use of aspirin and other drugs from the group of NSAIDs.

The secondary radiculitis on the basis of treatment is anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, procaine blockade, the use of external means in the form of ointments, gels, poultices, biogenic stimulants and vitamins.

Comprehensive treatment of neck-shoulder sciatica includes use of such methods as physical therapy, massage, the application of leeches, acupuncture, homeopathy, balneotherapy.