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.Pathologically, it manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which makes the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment very difficult.
Features of the disease
The cervical region consists of onurebra and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis of this area is formed during the degeneration of the intervertebral core.In this case, ongoing pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease is well hidden, like other disorders, because the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by headache attacks, but also significant discomfort in the neck.Patients complain of blood pressure problems and nausea.Many people often confuse these 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 continuous dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have been observed in adolescents.
Development rates
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis mainly depend on the degree of development of the disease.In the first stage, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue is disturbed, which results in the production of certain enzymes.A person feels severe anxiety.Daily morning exercises will help you get rid of so many symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes are constantly increasing, and inflammation begins to develop in the body.Cartilage tissue gradually wears out, as a result, the vertebrae begin to touch, compressing the nerve endings.Painful sensations are more pronounced.It is very difficult for a person to work.
In the third degree, neoplasms and growths begin to appear in the bone tissue.In this case, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis manifest themselves in the form of intense pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so the salts began to be placed near 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 signs of the disease, which is the degree of tissue destruction, because the degree of tissue destruction does not correspond to the existing signs.
To be the cause
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to determine what factors affect the formation of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely related and are mainly viewed together.
Physiological changes can be induced by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue.Anxiety occurs when nerve endings are irritated.Pathological changes occur as a result of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Mostly, such disorders occur 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 motivating factors, the following should be highlighted:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- Overweight;
- often being in a state of restlessness;
- incorrectly selected pillow or mattress;
- nervous overstrain;
- hypothermia;
- injuries to the back of the head and neck.
The reason for 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 in the neck region.For this reason, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are associated with ischemia of certain areas of the brain.In addition, nerve endings that provide sensitivity to the shoulder girdle and upper limbs can cause various manifestations when compressed by the destroyed vertebrae.Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis mainly depend on the system affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs can be identified:
- 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 cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is pain in the back of the head and neck.The localization of pain can be more widespread, which provokes severe migraines.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the lesion 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.During the screen period, the pain is shooting, the tone of the neck muscles increases, and there is limitation in head movement.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men is the presence of noise and noise in the ears, as well as congestion.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All these manifestations are associated with a decrease in blood flow.
The main features are as follows:
- dizziness,
- Pressure changes,
- lack of air
- nausea
- Visual impairment.
Dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.They occur as a result of a violation of blood flow to the organs that maintain 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 take a deep breath.In some cases, the symptoms cause severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is the main cause of increased fatigue, attention 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 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested in the form of deterioration of visual acuity.However, such a violation occurs very rarely.It should be noted that therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the required result and improve vision after treatment for visual osteochondrosis.
Unstable pressure is caused by impaired blood circulation in the area of the brain responsible for the activity of the vascular-motor center.In some cases, a slight increase in skin temperature and local redness may be observed.
It is very important to immediately recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.Feelings of discomfort and pain do not always occur, so it is important to carry out a thorough examination and competent treatment in time.It should be noted that every patient experiences a sound and characteristic clicks when moving the neck, and this is a sign that the course of the pathology is recognized.
It carries diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, treatment should begin immediately, so it is recommended to consult a neurologist immediately.A thorough examination is required to establish the cause of the existing symptoms.
During an examination with neurological tests, the doctor evaluates 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 highlighted:
- x-ray of the cervical vertebra,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the lesion and the degree of advanced disease, as well as choose 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.If necessary, it is very important to monitor the course of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program and predict possible development or complications.
Treatment features
Regardless of the symptoms, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using conservative methods and is always comprehensive.The use of drugs is especially required:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- Muscle Streamers,
- Vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, Novocaine blocks are prescribed in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes the use 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 have a good effect.Such methods allow you to strengthen the neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, their use is possible only after the acute period has subsided.
To increase the clearance between the vertebrae, spinal traction is indicated.In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary, but there must be suitable indications for this.
Therapy can be supplemented by wearing a shunt orthopedic collar.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebra, the treatment is carried out faster.This device allows you to quickly overcome painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the general well-being of the patient.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, drug treatment is selected individually.Therapy is aimed at relieving pain, inflammation, as well as returning normal mobility to the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be highlighted:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- Chondroprotectors;
- muscle currents;
- Vitamin complexes.
For external use, products that can be used in the form of ointments and gels are required.It helps normalize blood circulation, relieve pain and spasms, and has a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that 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, restore thinking and memory.
Physiotherapy methods
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will help to quickly and effectively 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:
- the spine stretches,
- massage,
- physiotherapeutic effect.
Stretching the spine will increase the spaces between the vertebrae.However, it is worth remembering that the load must be born.The effect is carried out in different ways, especially by 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 relieve muscle tension and spasms and get rid of painful sensations.
Physiotherapy effects include the use of various tools:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- Low frequency current.
In some cases, drugs are also used together with physiotherapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids the occurrence of side effects.
Acupuncture allows to improve or slightly 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 signs of cervical osteochondrosis occur, home treatment includes treatment and the use of medicinal baths to quickly relieve inflammation.In addition, they help to relax the spine.Water procedures should be performed every day, and the course of therapy is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of peppermint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to your bath water.Yarrow infusion is well suited for oral administration, as it helps to quickly relieve inflammation, pain and spasms.A solution of sea salt can be used as compresses.Home treatment will help to quickly eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but before using any means and techniques, you must consult a doctor to avoid complications.
Prevention
The best way to prevent it is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of posture from childhood.For the purpose of prevention, it is recommended:
- nutritional adjustments;
- Using an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleep;
- smooth lifting of weights.
The initial form of the disease usually does not announce symptoms.If you experience aching pain in the sternum area, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various pathological changes that can cause disability.Among the main complications are:
- circulatory disorders in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- tears and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- Neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor.It is easier to get rid of unpleasant feelings at an early stage than to treat an advanced disease.It is also important not to forget about prevention and prevent the poor posture of the child.Folk remedies help in the fight against the disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can lead to an exacerbation of the problem when surgery is required.