Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of the cartilage tissue of the discs and bone base.The pathology manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Characteristics of the disease
The cervical region consists of vertebrae and nerve endings.The osteochondrosis of this area is formed during the degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus.In this case, the ongoing pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease is well disguised as other disorders, as the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by headache attacks, as well as the appearance of significant discomfort in the neck.Patients complain of blood pressure problems and nausea.Many people often confuse such symptoms with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Often, in the context of ongoing problems, the patient begins to suddenly lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue.The disease is diagnosed mainly in people over 30 years old, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have even been observed in teenagers.
Degrees of development
The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on the degree of development of the disease.In the first stage, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue is disturbed, resulting in the production of certain enzymes that have a destructive effect.The person feels severe discomfort.Daily morning exercises will help you get rid of such symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes increase continuously and inflammation begins to develop in the body.The cartilage tissue gradually wears away, as a result of which the vertebrae begin to touch, pinching the nerve endings.Painful sensations become more intense.It becomes very difficult for a person to work.
In the third degree, neoplasms and increases in bone tissue begin to form.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case are manifested in the form of severe pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so salts begin to be deposited in the spine, in the area of inflammation.The process of ossification of the vertebrae begins, which leads to the gradual development of an intervertebral hernia.
It is not always possible to immediately determine the stage of the disease based on the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, since the degree of tissue destruction may not correspond to the existing signs.
Reasons
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to understand exactly what factors affect the formation of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely interrelated and are mainly considered together.
Physiological changes can be caused by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings are irritated.Pathological changes occur as a result of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Mostly, such disorders appear in teenagers and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can go away on its own or manifest itself in the form of short-term disorders.Among the main causative factors, the following should be highlighted:
- lack of regular physical activity.
- overweight;
- frequent stay in an uncomfortable position.
- incorrectly selected pillow or mattress.
- uptight?
- hypothermia;
- injuries to the back of the head and neck;
The cause of the development of osteochondrosis can be congenital anomalies, as well as various types of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
There are many vessels and nerve endings located in the neck area.For this reason, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are related to ischemia of certain areas of the brain.In addition, nerve endings that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when compressed by damaged vertebrae, can cause various manifestations.The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on which system is affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs can be identified:
- disruption of blood microcirculation due to compression of the vertebral arteries.
- signs of damage to nerve endings.
- severe neurotic pathologies in advanced cases.
The first symptom of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is the presence of pain in the neck, back of the head and in the collar area.Pain localization may be more widespread, causing severe migraines.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the damage and the severity of the pathology.In the initial stages of the disease, the discomfort can pass quickly, and gradually the pain becomes chronic and aching.During the period of exacerbation, the pain becomes shooting, the tone of the neck muscles increases, and there is a limitation in the movement of the head.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men are the presence of ringing and noise in the ears, as well as congestion.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All these manifestations are related to a decrease in blood flow.
Also, among the key features are the following:
- dizziness,
- pressure changes,
- lack of air,
- nausea,
- visual impairment.
Dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.They are caused by a violation of blood flow to the organs that ensure the balance of the body.Lack of air can occur as a result of irritation of the nerve endings involved in the regulation of the breathing process.Patients often complain that they cannot breathe deeply.In some cases, symptoms worsen into severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
Lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is the main cause of increased fatigue, decreased attention and memory problems.In some cases, there may be nausea, which is caused by poor circulation in certain areas of the brain.Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested in the form of deterioration of visual acuity.However, such a violation occurs quite rarely.It is worth noting that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the required result, and vision improves only after treatment for osteochondrosis.
Unstable pressure is caused by impaired blood circulation in the area of the brain responsible for the functioning of the vasomotor center.In some cases, a slight increase in temperature and local redness of the skin may be observed.
It is very important to recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in time.The feeling of discomfort and pain does not always appear, so it is important to carry out a comprehensive examination and appropriate treatment in time.It is worth noting that every patient experiences a cracking sound and characteristic clicks when moving the neck, and it is from this sign that the course of the pathology can be recognized.
Conducting diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment must begin immediately, so it is advisable to immediately consult a neurologist.To determine the cause of the existing symptoms, a complete examination is required.
During an examination with neurological tests, the doctor assesses the degree of mobility and pain in the neck, as well as the characteristics of blood circulation in the vertebral artery.Among the main diagnostic methods, the following should be noted:
- x-ray of cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the damage and the degree of advanced disease, as well as to choose the most effective treatment regimen.The healing process is quite long and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore cartilage structures, but it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and get rid of chronic pain.It is very important to monitor the course of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program if necessary and to anticipate possible improvements or complications.
Features of treatment
Regardless of the symptoms, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out by conservative methods and is always comprehensive.The use of drugs is required, in particular:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- pain relievers,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, novocaine blocks are prescribed in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes the introduction of hormonal agents may be indicated.In addition, local treatment is indicated, which includes the use of warming ointments and gels.Physiotherapy and exercise therapy work well.Such techniques allow you to strengthen your neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, their use is possible only after the acute period subsides.
To increase the space between the vertebrae, spinal material traction is indicated.In severe cases, surgery is necessary, but there must be appropriate indications for it.
The treatment can be completed by wearing a Shants orthopedic collar.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment is carried out much faster.This device allows you to quickly deal with painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the throat and improve the overall well-being of the patient.
Pharmacotherapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, drug treatment is selected individually.The treatment aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, as well as to return normal mobility to the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be noted:
- pain relievers?
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- Muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
Products for external use are needed, which can be used in the form of ointments and gels.They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and spasms and also produce a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation will help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine.To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as to restore thinking and memory, nootropic drugs are needed.
Physiotherapy techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will quickly and effectively help to eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and the use of drugs, the range of measures includes the following methods of influence:
- spine strain,
- massage,
- physiotherapeutic effect.
Traction of the spine will increase the gaps between the vertebrae.However, it is worth remembering that the load must be dosed.The impact is carried out in different ways, in particular with the use of special tables.
Massage gives very good results.This process normalizes blood circulation, nutrition and gas exchange of cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage you can eliminate muscle tension and spasms and get rid of painful sensations.
Physiotherapy results include the use of various means, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, drugs are also used in combination with physical therapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to slightly enhance or slow down processes in the body by affecting biologically active points.The greatest effectiveness of all these measures is achieved when they are used comprehensively.
Traditional methods
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment includes the use of medicated baths to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation.In addition, they help to relax the spine.Water procedures should be carried out every other day, and the course of treatment is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of peppermint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to your bath water.Egg infusion is suitable for oral administration, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms.A sea salt solution can be used as compresses.Home treatment will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but before using any means and techniques, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Conduct prevention
The best way of prevention is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of body posture from childhood.For prevention reasons, it is recommended:
- diet adjustments;
- use of orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping.
- smooth weight lifting.
The initial form of the disease generally does not have severe symptoms.If you feel pain in the sternum area, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible complications
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various kinds of pathological changes that can lead to disability.Among the main complications are:
- circulatory disorders in the brain.
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy.
- hernias and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To avoid the development of complications, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor.Getting rid of unpleasant sensations at an early stage is much easier than treating an advanced disease.It is also important not to forget about prevention and prevent the child's bad posture.Folk remedies help to fight the disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can lead to a flare-up of the problem when surgery is required.