Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that manifests itself in the form of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. Lack of treatment leads to structural and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational disease for people working in an office who are forced to stay in one position for a long time. It occurs in every second person after 30 years.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Therefore, early osteochondrosis occurs.
Office workers are most susceptible to disease. They are in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly tense. Prolonged stress leads to impaired blood circulation in the spine, which leads to dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Reasons:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into account: diet, proper nutrition, the presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in relation to the previous cause;
- autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- hypothermia of the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruises on the spine;
- flat steps;
- infectious diseases;
- incorrect position during sleep;
- curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- metabolic disorders, overweight.
In the absence of competent treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, irreversible consequences occur in the spine, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed. Over time, an intervertebral hernia develops. Restoration of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not identified the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- pain in the back of the head;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- strong headache;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of diseases. For example, the fingers are numb, osteochondrosis of the chest is possible.
The clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine, which increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, soreness.
- Radicular syndrome is often called cervical sciatica. There is a decrease in sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor area are possible. Neurological symptoms appear:
- noise in the ears;
- hearing, vision impairment;
- pain in the arm, neck.
Subsequently, hypertension may develop, accompanied by tinnitus.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients experience tingling in the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression-spinal, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in the elderly.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has similar symptoms to migraine. Often headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are interrelated. The disease often causes headaches, which can be called chronic. The nerve roots between the vertebrae of the neck are compressed, the regulation of the blood vessels of the head is disturbed. Feeding stops flowing to the bulbs, hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial tingling occurs in cervical osteochondrosis. Accompanied by headache, crunch in the neck.
Few people think about what cervical osteochondrosis leads to. There is compression of the spinal artery, which supplies blood to part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. In the absence of treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing levels, vision are reduced and stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial stage, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck on the side of the spine, in rare cases pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes chronic. It is characterized by severe, constant pain.
- The last stage of osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities. The hand tingles with cervical osteochondrosis, consult a doctor urgently.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results for normalizing blood circulation, nourishing the spinal discs and eliminating compressed nerve roots. First of all, doctors concentrate their efforts on relieving pain, static muscle tension.
The course of treatment is prescribed individually for the patient. The duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Therapies are often used: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, a surgical method of treatment is used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as an additional measure. Consult a doctor before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are often used compresses, ointments:
- Mix equal proportions of aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Apply the resulting mixture on the affected areas before bedtime, covering the top with cellophane and a towel.
- Boil the potatoes, mash. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture on the neck, wrap it in a plastic bag, then with a towel. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two peppers, pour a glass of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5-7 days. Rub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure to the course of treatment. Use as a preventive measure. Consult your doctor, as unusual, sudden movements will worsen the condition.
The advantages of therapeutic gymnastics: it takes little time, quickly brings effect.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the correct organization of the regime of rest, work. Alternate statically and dynamically. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overload;
- choose a quality mattress, sleeping pillow.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur over a long period of time, symptoms appear, but few know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, do not rush to see a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.