Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of the cartilage tissue of the disc and bone base.Pathology manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Characteristics of the Disease
The cervical region consists of vertebrae and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis of this area is formed during degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus.In this case, persistent pathology affects important nerve endings and blood vessels.
This disease is well disguised as another disorder, because the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by attacks of headaches, as well as the occurrence of significant discomfort in the neck.The patient complains 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 persistent problems, the patient begins to suddenly lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue.This disease is mostly diagnosed in people over 30 years old, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have been observed even in adolescents.
Degree of development
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on the stage of development of the disease.In the first stage, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue is disturbed, resulting in the production of certain enzymes that have a destructive effect.The person feels uncomfortable.Morning exercise every day will help get rid of the symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes constantly increase, and inflammation begins to develop in the body.Cartilage tissue gradually wears, as a result of which the vertebrae begin to touch, pinching the nerve endings.Painful sensations become more pronounced.It becomes very difficult for a person to work.
In the third stage, neoplasms and growths in bone tissue begin to form.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case manifest themselves in the form of intense pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so salt begins to be deposited on the spine, in the area of inflammation.The process of ossification of the vertebrae begins, which leads to the gradual development of intervertebral hernia.
It is not necessarily possible to immediately determine the degree of the disease based on the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, because the degree of tissue destruction may not correspond to the existing symptoms.
Cause
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 this disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are interconnected and are mostly considered together.
Physiological changes can be provoked by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings are shocked.Pathological changes occur as a result of poor nutrition and an inactive lifestyle.Mostly, such disorders occur in teenagers and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can disappear on its own or manifest itself in the form of a short-term disorder.Among the main provoking factors, the following should be highlighted:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- Overweight;
- Staying often in an uncomfortable position;
- improperly selected pillow or mattress;
- nervous overstrain;
- hypothermia;
- Injuries to the back of the head and neck.
The cause of 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 located in the neck area.Therefore, 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 motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when compressed by a destroyed vertebra, can cause various manifestations.Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on which system is affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs can be identified:
- Disruption of blood microcirculation due to compression of the vertebral artery;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- Severe neurotic pathology in advanced cases.
The first symptom of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is the presence of pain in the neck, back of the head and collar.The localization of pain can be more extensive, which gives rise to a severe migraine.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the lesion and the severity of the pathology.In the early stages of the disease, discomfort can quickly pass, and gradually the pain becomes chronic and painful.During the period of severity, the pain becomes shooting, the tone of the neck muscles increases and there is a restriction in the movement of the head.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men is the presence of ringing 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.
Also among 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 are caused by a violation of blood flow to the organs that ensure the body's balance.Lack of air can occur as a result of irritation of the nerve endings involved in controlling the breathing process.Patients often complain that they cannot breathe deeply.In some cases, symptoms worsen to shortness of breath or a severe asthma attack.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is the main cause of increased fatigue, decreased attention and memory problems.In some cases, there may be nausea, which is 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 manifest themselves in the form of deterioration in visual acuity.However, such violations are rare.It should be remembered that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the necessary results, and vision improves only after treatment for osteochondrosis.
Unstable pressure is caused by impaired blood circulation in the area of the brain responsible for the functioning of the vascular-motor center.In some cases, a slight increase in temperature and local redness of the skin can be observed.
It is very important to immediately recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.Feelings of discomfort and pain do not always occur, which is why it is important to carry out a comprehensive examination and competent treatment in a timely manner.It should be remembered that each patient experiences characteristic sounds and clicks when moving the neck, and with this sign that the pathological course can be recognized.
Run diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, treatment must be started immediately, which is why it is advised to immediately consult a neurologist.To establish the cause of existing symptoms, a comprehensive examination is required.
During the examination with neurological tests, the doctor evaluates the level of mobility and pain in the neck, as well as the characteristics of blood circulation in the vertebral arteries.Among the main diagnostic methods, the following should be highlighted:
- Radiography of the cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the lesion and the extent of the advanced disease, as well as choose the most effective treatment regimen.The treatment process is quite long and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore the cartilage structure, but it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and eliminate chronic pain.It is very important to monitor the course of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program if necessary and predict possible improvements or complications.
Treatment features
Regardless of the symptoms, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using conservative methods, and it is always comprehensive.The use of medication is required, in particular:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- Analgesic,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- vitamin complex.
In severe cases, Novocaine blockade is prescribed in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes the introduction of hormonal agents can be indicated.In addition, local treatment is indicated, which involves the use of ointments and heating gels.Physiotherapy and exercise therapy have a good effect.Such techniques allow you to quickly and effectively strengthen your neck muscles.However, its use is possible only after the acute period has subsided.
To increase clearance between the vertebrae, hardware traction of the spinal column is indicated.In severe cases, surgical intervention is required, but there must be appropriate indications for this.
Therapy can be supplemented by wearing shants orthopedic collars.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment is carried out faster.This device allows you to quickly overcome painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the overall well-being of the patient.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment with drugs is selected individually.Therapy aims to eliminate pain, inflammation, as well as restore normal mobility to the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be highlighted:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- Chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complex.
Products for external use are needed, which can be used in the form of ointments and gels.They help normalize blood circulation, relieve pain and spasms, and also produce a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation will help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine.To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as restore thinking and memory, nootropic drugs are needed.
Physiotherapy techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will quickly and effectively help eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and the use of drugs, various measures include the following methods of influence:
- spine stretch,
- massage,
- The influence of physiotherapy.
The traction of the spinal column will increase the space between the vertebrae.However, it must be remembered that the load must be lowered.Impact is done in different ways, in particular using special tables.
Massage gives excellent results.This procedure normalizes blood circulation, nutrition and gas exchange of cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage, you can eliminate muscle tension and spasms, and get rid of painful sensations.
The effects of physiotherapy involve the use of various methods, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, drugs are also used in combination with physiotherapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids the occurrence of side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to increase or slightly slow down processes in the body by influencing biologically active points.The greatest effectiveness of all these measures is achieved when they are used comprehensively.
Traditional method
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, home treatment involves the use of medicinal baths to quickly relieve pain and inflammation.In addition, they help loosen the spine.Water procedures should be carried out every day, and the course of therapy is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to your bath water.Yarrow infusion is very suitable for oral administration, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms.A sea salt solution can be used as a compress.Treatment at home will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but before using any means and techniques, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Conduct prevention
The best way of prevention is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of posture from childhood.For prevention purposes, it is recommended:
- dietary adjustment;
- the use of orthopedic pillows and mattresses for sleep;
- smooth weight lifting.
The early form of the disease generally does not have the mentioned symptoms.If you experience 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 types of pathological changes that can cause disability.Among the main complications are:
- circulatory disorders in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- hernias and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- Neurological Disorders.
To avoid the development of complications, you must follow all the recommendations of your doctor.Getting rid of unpleasant sensations in the early stages is easier than treating advanced diseases.It is also important not to forget prevention and to avoid poor posture in children.Folk remedies help in the fight against this disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can lead to problems when surgical intervention is required.