Cervical osteochondrosis refers to the "disease of the century. "Its manifestation most often affects people aged 25-40 years, which gives them a lot of inconvenience in everyday life.
The cervical spine is constantly in motion, which is why it is under serious stress during the day.
In addition, it is here that a large number of nerve endings and vascular formations are concentrated, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the brain and its timely saturation with blood.
The problem lies in the dysfunction of the articular cartilage located in the bone tissue.
Acute osteochondrosis with changes in the intervertebral discs and their displacement leads to a decrease in blood flow, developing a lack of oxygen in the human brain.
The development of a dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs can lead to serious consequences, which is why the disease requires mandatory treatment.
Signs of illness
It is possible to determine the development of cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage of neck cartilage, which occurs during head rotation.
Affected people also report tinnitus and general neck discomfort, which manifests as painful sensations (may even appear in the fingers).
It is often not possible to locate the pain. It all depends on which parts of the cervical spine have been damaged. Dislocation of the intervertebral disc is described by patients in different ways, but they report pain in the sutures.
A pinched joint or injury from friction with the discs of the spine is described differently: dull pain in the collar area is present almost constantly and does not subside even in the absence of sudden movements.
How osteochondrosis of the neck manifests
If you start to develop strange back and neck pain, you should consult a doctor immediately. It may be entirely psychosomatic, but the disease is often confirmed by a doctor.
That is why we have formed some excerpts and emphasize the main signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Headache accompanied by dizziness. This is the first and most common symptom among all patients. In the spine, additional pressure is created on the sensitive vessels of the head and neck, which slows down their filling with the required amount of blood. Against the background of the general background, efficiency and mental activity decrease, a person quickly gets tired of even simple tasks.
- Dizziness when turning the head to the side. For a short period of time, the access of blood through the vessels and capillaries is blocked, which causes a "blur" in the activity of the human brain system.
- Chest and arm pain. Often this manifestation of a serious illness is confused with increasing angina pectoris or pain in the heart muscle, so you do not have to deal with establishing the correct diagnosis and subsequent self-treatment.
- Lumbago in the cervical region. Back pain is also a common symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It resembles a point electric shock and can later spread to the elbow joints and fingers.
- Numbness of the tongue. The lack of blood in the vessels causes a restriction in the movement of the tongue. If you have a change in the tone of your voice or it has become much more difficult to speak, consult a doctor immediately so as not to cause further development of the disease.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In some patients, the disease may present with other symptoms, so if you are not sure what could cause back or neck pain, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Tinnitus, deterioration of teeth and vision - all this can cause developing osteochondrosis. Numbness of the fingers can occur at any time of the day, which is associated with a sharp compression of the nerve endings in the vertebrae.
Unfortunately, the disease is increasingly beginning to manifest itself in young people who do not pay enough attention to it. Over time, the disease can become chronic with changes in posture, the appearance of overweight and the development of infectious diseases for no apparent reason.
Even experienced doctors in this case find it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis against the background of such indicators, differing in symptoms.
Types of exacerbations
Often people's inattention to their own health leads to exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis. So what are the exacerbations and what are they caused by?
On the nerves
Unfortunately, stressful situations that occur in everyone's life lead to a deterioration in the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
We do not even notice that during strong excitement or excitement we start to move chaotically, which leads to exacerbation of osteochondrosis with all its consequences (dizziness, tinnitus, headache).
If you suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is recommended that you take sedative tablets "Glyceside" and "Novo-Passit" with a mandatory visit to a neurologist or psychotherapist.
After the massage
Massage for weight loss in most cases leads to exacerbation of the disease.
Before the session begins, the masseur should be informed that you have a confirmed diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis.
Neurologists often advise professional masseurs who perform massage, taking into account the recommendations of doctors.
Seasonal
Changes in weather and climate conditions cause seasonal exacerbations of the disease and this is a scientifically proven fact. The intervertebral discs are sensitive to temperature and weather changes, so pain and other symptoms may occur.
After drinking
Another typical example of exacerbation of osteochondrosis is drinking alcohol. The body is affected not only by the alcohol contained in the drinks, but also by the stay of a person in an awkward position for a long time.
It should not be ruled out that hot people simply forget to dress warmly because of the "heat" that has enveloped them, exposing the nerve endings to hypothermia.
During the period
In women, menstruation is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the level of estrogen, which is responsible for the integrity of bone tissue in the body.
If the pain in the lumbar region, chest and neck does not disappear for a long time, this is a reason to visit a doctor, as they may be caused not by the menstrual cycle and its symptoms, but by the manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
During a cold
Changes in body temperature during illness cause inflammatory processes in the nerve endings located in the intervertebral discs. Which in turn can cause exacerbations.
What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
Advanced cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the development of vascular dystonia, hypertension, impaired memory and hearing. In extreme cases, patients experience impaired arm function as well as constant forearm pain.
Hypertension is a scourge of society, not without reason it is called "silent death". It is unlikely that any of the patients will imagine that untimely treatment of osteochondrosis can lead to hypertension, which occurs without visible manifestations and symptoms.
Anxieties should also concern possible changes in a person's vascular system, as they can then develop a host of diseases and complications.Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
Tactile method is used to diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It allows you to assess the painful sensations in the spine, the sensitivity of the nerve endings, as well as other characteristics that are important for a correct and accurate diagnosis.
After examination by a neurologist, the patient is referred for an X-ray of the cervix, which is performed in multiple projections to obtain a clearer picture.
If even then the doctor cannot accurately diagnose the disease or there are other suspicions, a computed tomography or MRI scan is performed. It, unlike radiography, shows very well the condition of soft tissues.
Treatment
Traditional and non-traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are good in their own way, but do not forget about the need to consult a doctor, because he is able to prescribe the right treatment.
Conservative treatment includes:
- Analgesic therapy
- Taking non-steroidal drugs
- Taking antispasmodics
A mandatory requirement in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is the use of chondroprotectors, which allow to restore the damaged structure and integrity of the intervertebral discs.
The doctor prescribes a general and acupressure massage, and also prescribes B vitamins. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to wear a Shants collar and training therapy.
In this way, it is possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but it must be done at an early stage of the disease to exclude its occurrence in the future.