Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, which is characterized by degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue of the discs and the structure of the bone base.Pathology appears mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which significantly complicates the process of diagnosis and further treatment.
Features of the disease
The cervical region consists of the spine and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis of this area is formed during degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus.In this case, the current pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease is well disguised as other disorders, since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by headache attacks, as well as 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, against the background of ongoing problems, the patient suddenly begins to lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue.The disease is mainly diagnosed in people over 30 years old, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such violations have also been observed in adolescents.
degrees of development
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, as a result of which certain enzymes are produced, which have a destructive effect.A person feels severe discomfort.Daily morning exercises can help you get rid of these symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes increase continuously and inflammation starts in the body.Cartilage tissue gradually wears out, as a result of which the vertebrae begin to touch, press the nerve endings.Painful sensations become more pronounced.It is very difficult for a person to work.
Neoplasms and formations on bone tissue begin at the third degree.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case appear in the form of severe pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so the deposition of salts begins on the spine, in the area of inflammation.The process of ossification of the spine 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 influence the formation of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely related to each other and are generally considered together.
Physiological changes can be provoked by age-related irreversible processes of cartilage tissue.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings are irritated.Pathological changes occur as a result of improper nutrition and sedentary lifestyle.Mostly, such disorders are found in teenagers and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can disappear on its own or manifest as short-term disorders.The following should be noted among the main provoking factors:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- overweight;
- being in an uncomfortable position frequently;
- Incorrectly selected pillow or mattress;
- nervous overload;
- hypothermia;
- Injuries to the back of the head and neck.
The reason for the development of osteochondrosis can be both congenital anomalies and various types of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
Many vessels and nerve endings are located in the neck area.For this very reason, symptoms of cervical and thoracic spine osteochondrosis are associated with 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 destroyed vertebrae, can provoke various manifestations.Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on which system is affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs may be detected:
- Violation of blood microcirculation due to compression of vertebral arteries;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- Severe neurotic pathologies in advanced cases.
The first symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the presence of pain in the neck, back of the head and collarbone area.The localization of pain can be more widespread, which provokes a severe migraine.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the injury 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 painful.In the period of exacerbation, the pain becomes shooting, the tone of the neck muscles increases and head movement is limited.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men is the presence of ringing and noise in the ears, as well as swelling.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All these manifestations are associated with a decrease in blood flow.
Also among the main features are the following:
- dizziness,
- pressure changes,
- lack of air
- nausea
- vision impairment.
Dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.They are caused by a violation of blood circulation in 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 with acute respiratory failure or asthma attacks.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is a major cause of increased fatigue, impaired concentration, and memory problems.In some cases, there may be nausea caused by poor circulation in certain areas of the brain.Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis are manifested in the form of deterioration of visual acuity.However, such a violation occurs quite rarely.It should be noted that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the necessary results, and vision improves only after treatment of osteochondrosis.
Unstable pressure is caused by blood circulation disorders in the area of the brain, which is responsible for the functioning of the vascular-motor 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, which is why it is important to have a comprehensive examination and competent treatment in time.It is worth noting that each patient experiences a crackle and characteristic clicks when moving the neck, and it is by this sign that the course of the pathology can be recognized.
Conducting diagnostics
In case of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, treatment should be started immediately, which is why it is recommended to consult a neurologist immediately.A comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of the existing symptoms.
During the examination with neurological tests, the doctor evaluates the degree of neck mobility and pain, as well as the characteristics of blood circulation in the spinal artery.The following should be noted among the main diagnostic methods:
- X-ray of the cervical spine,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the localization of damage and the degree of progressive disease, as well as to select the most effective treatment regimen.The treatment process is quite long and requires patience.
Cartilage structures cannot be completely restored, 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, if necessary, adjust the treatment program and predict possible improvements or complications.
Peculiarities of treatment
Despite the symptoms, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out by conservative methods and it is always comprehensive.It is necessary to use medicines, namely:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- Vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, novocaine blockade is prescribed in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes the administration of hormonal agents may be indicated.In addition, local treatment is indicated, which involves the use of heating ointments and gels.Physiotherapy and exercise therapy have a good effect.Such techniques allow you to strengthen the neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, they can be used only after the acute period has passed.
To increase the clearance between the vertebrae, the device traction of the spinal column is indicated.In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary, but there should be appropriate indications for this.
Therapy can be supplemented by wearing a Shantz orthopedic collar.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical spine, the treatment is carried out much faster.This device allows you to quickly deal with painful sensations, regulate blood circulation in the neck and improve the general well-being of the patient.
drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, drug treatment is selected individually.The therapy is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammation, as well as returning the normal mobility of the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be noted:
- Analgesics;
- 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 have a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs to normalize cerebral circulation will help to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine.Nootropic drugs are needed to improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as to restore thinking and memory.
Physiotherapy technique
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will quickly and effectively help eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to the use of exercise therapy and medication, the range of measures includes the following methods of influence:
- spine stretching
- massage,
- Physiotherapy influence.
Traction of the spinal column will increase the spaces between the vertebrae.However, we must remember that the load must be dosed.The impact is carried out in different ways, in particular, using special tables.
Massage gives very good results.This procedure normalizes blood circulation, nutrition and gas exchange of cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage, you can get rid of muscle tension and spasm and get rid of painful sensations.
The physiotherapeutic effect includes the use of various means, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, medications are used together with physical therapy, which increases their effectiveness and prevents the occurrence of side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to strengthen or slightly slow down the 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 involves the use of medicinal baths to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation.In addition, they help to relax the spine.Water procedures should be performed every other day, and the course of therapy is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to the bath water.The infusion of yarus is well suited for oral administration, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasm.You can use sea salt solution as a compress.Treatment at home will quickly help to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but before using any means or techniques, you must consult a doctor to avoid complications.
implementation of prevention
The best way of prevention is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of posture from childhood.For prevention, it is recommended:
- correction of nutrition;
- use of sleeping orthopedic pillow and mattress;
- Smooth weight lifting.
The initial form of the disease generally has no pronounced symptoms.If you have severe chest pain, you should see your doctor immediately.
Possible complications
In case of timely diagnosis and proper treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine proceeds without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various pathological changes that can cause disability.Among the main complications are:
- violation of blood circulation in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- Hernias and rashes;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor.It is much easier to get rid of unpleasant sensations in the early stages than to treat an advanced disease.It is also important not to forget about prevention and avoid bad posture of the child.Folk remedies help fight the disease, but you should not rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can cause the problem to worsen when surgery is required.