Signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

A very common disease nowadays is cervical osteochondrosis. The number of people suffering from this pathology is increasing every year. If in the past people in adulthood faced the disease in question, now there are many young people at risk.

neck pain with osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men

Many factors contribute to the development of cervical osteochondrosis in men. The progression of the disease is provoked by:

  • sedentary way of life
  • weakened immunity;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • Overweight;
  • injuries of the cervical spine.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men are:

  • Cracking when turning the door. If this symptom is not eliminated in time, neck mobility is likely to deteriorate significantly in the short term. Crunching in the neck is a direct consequence of the destruction and displacement of the intervertebral joints.
  • Pain in the temples and back of the head. The painful sensations initially appear only in the area of the cervix, but gradually move to the back of the head. Muscle spasm causes such pain.
  • Weakness. It is about squeezing and damaging the nerves that are responsible for the normal movement of the limbs. This in turn leads to muscle weakness.
  • Fainting. Poor blood supply caused by osteochondrosis leads to brain dysfunction.
  • Deterioration of vision. This signal indicates an advanced stage of the disease.
  • Heart pain. The pain does not cover the heart itself, but the chest. Osteochondrosis causes a strong heartbeat, which contributes to arrhythmias.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women

In women, the muscular corset is less toned, and the vertebrae are much thinner than in men. That is why the fairer sex has a faster deformation in the cervical spine.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis in women:

  • lack of regular simple physical activity;
  • individual anatomy;
  • heavy loads on the spine during pregnancy;
  • hormonal changes that can provoke the appearance of a hormonal hump, which impedes the movement of the cervical spine.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women include:

  • pain in the cervical and shoulder spine;
  • acute lumbago when turning the head;
  • feeling of stiffness in the cervical spine;
  • burning in the shoulders and neck;
  • crunching in the neck when tilting and turning the head;
  • muscle spasms with shoulder pain;
  • I feel tired;
  • frequent headaches.

Symptom of vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis

To prevent serious side effects (stroke), it is necessary to know the symptoms of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis. Such symptoms occur due to poor blood flow to the brain.

Vertebral artery syndrome manifests itself with the following symptoms:

  • throbbing pain that occurs with seizures in one part of the head;
  • impaired coordination of movements, dizziness and nausea;
  • cases of loss of consciousness are common;
  • sparks and "floats" in the eyes.

Vertebral artery syndrome is characterized by pain during movement of the neck and head. The feeling of fatigue can become a constant sleepy state, as a result of which the ability to work is significantly reduced. Over time, a lump may appear in the throat.

If you get any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately. In this case, it is impossible to postpone the trip to the doctor. Delays can lead to irreparable consequences.

Treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with exacerbation

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is almost always accompanied by severe, intense pain. Worsening of the disease can be provoked by:

  • Stress. Constant worries cause spasm of the occipital muscles, leading to poor circulation and headaches.
  • Autumn season. During this period there is a high probability of hypothermia of the neck, there is a restructuring of biological rhythms.
  • Exacerbation of other chronic diseases. Even the common cold can exacerbate cervical osteochondrosis.
  • Prolonged static position of the head.
  • Improperly chosen treatment or self-medication. Improper treatment, unprofessional massage, gymnastics (may be contraindicated) can worsen cervical osteochondrosis.

In case of an attack, relax the tense muscles by leaning your head on something. We recommend using a warming anti-inflammatory ointment, taking painkillers in tablets. Try wearing a cotton gauze collar for a few days.

If the first attack occurs, be sure to see a doctor. After diagnosis, you will receive complete information about the stage of your disease.

The complex treatment of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation includes:

  • professional massage;
  • therapeutic gymnastics;
  • physiotherapy procedures;
  • taking anti-inflammatory painkillers;
  • healthy diet. Reduce your intake of meat, legumes and coffee.

To prevent osteochondrosis of the neck, you need to lead an active life, it is important to exclude severe stress on the spine.

Treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with injections

Injections have traditionally been highly effective in treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The advantages of injections are:

  • almost instantaneous penetration of the drug to the nerve endings;
  • injection of the drug directly into the lesion;
  • analgesics have no healing properties, but are able to relieve pain in 10-15 minutes;
  • antispasmodics help increase mobility in the affected areas and neutralize muscle spasms;
  • chondroprotector injections help to restore cartilage tissue;
  • injections of non-steroidal drugs have an antipyretic effect and relieve swelling;
  • injections of B vitamins help to restore nerve endings.

Medicines for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be prescribed:

  • in a standard way, ie intramuscularly;
  • use of a dropper;
  • therapeutic blockade, ie the injection is made directly into the nerve endings of the affected part of the body.

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is a very difficult and long process. If you do not want to face complications, be sure to consult a doctor when symptoms of the disease appear.