Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine characterized by degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue structure of the intervertebral discs and bone base.Pathology manifests mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can vary, making the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment very complicated.
Disease characteristics
The neck area is made up of vertebrae and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis in this region develops during degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus.In this case, ongoing pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
This disease masquerades well as other illnesses, as symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by attacks of headaches and significant discomfort in the neck.The patient complained of blood pressure problems and nausea.Many people often confuse these symptoms with heart and blood vessel disease.
Often, against the background of ongoing problems, patients begin to suddenly lose consciousness, lack of air and numbness of the tongue.The disease occurs mainly in people over 30 years old and is associated with sustained dynamic and static load.Recently, such disorders have been observed even in adolescents.
Development level
The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis depend largely on the extent of the disease.In the first stage, the nutrients of the cartilage tissue are destroyed, leading to the production of certain enzymes with destructive effects.The patient feels severely unwell.Daily morning exercise will help eliminate such symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes continue to increase, and inflammation begins to occur in the body.The cartilage tissue gradually wears away, causing the vertebrae to come into contact, squeezing the nerve endings.The painful sensations became more pronounced.It becomes very difficult to work alone.
In the third degree, tumors and growths begin to form on the bone tissue.In this case, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis manifest as severe pain.Due to metabolic disorders, salt begins to be deposited in inflammatory areas of the spine.The ossification process of the vertebrae begins, leading to the gradual development of an intervertebral hernia.
From the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, it is not always possible to immediately determine the stage of the disease, since the extent of tissue destruction may not correspond to the existing signs.
reason
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to understand exactly which factors influence the development of its pathological process.The occurrence and development of diseases are affected by pathological and physiological processes. The two are closely related and should be considered comprehensively.
Irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue may induce physiological changes.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings become irritated.Pathological changes occur due to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Most often, such diseases occur in teenagers and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can go away on its own or manifest itself as a short-term illness.Among the main triggering factors, the following points should be emphasized:
- Lack of regular physical activity;
- being overweight;
- Frequently maintain uncomfortable postures;
- Incorrect pillow or mattress selection;
- excessive nervousness;
- low temperature;
- Injuries to the back of the head and neck.
Osteochondrosis can occur due to congenital anomalies or various types of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
The neck has many blood vessels and nerve endings.It is for this reason that symptoms of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis are associated with ischemia in certain areas of the brain.Additionally, nerve endings that provide movement and sensitivity in the shoulder girdle and upper extremities can cause a variety of symptoms when compressed by damaged vertebrae.The symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on which system is affected by the pathological process.In particular the following signs can be recognized:
- Blood microcirculation disorder due to vertebral artery compression;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- Severe neurotic pathology occurs in advanced cases.
The first symptom of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis is pain in the neck, back of the head, and collar area.The pain may be more localized and cause severe migraines.The nature of the pain depends largely on the location of the lesion and the severity of the pathology.In the initial stages of the disease, discomfort quickly disappears and gradually the pain becomes chronic.During an exacerbation, the pain becomes severe, neck muscle tone increases, and head movement is restricted.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men include tinnitus and noise as well as congestion.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All of these manifestations are associated with reduced blood flow.
Key features also include:
- Dizziness,
- pressure changes,
- lack of air,
- nausea,
- Visual impairment.
Dizziness is considered a symptom of cervicosternal osteochondrosis.They are caused by disruption of blood flow to the organs that ensure balance in the body.A lack of air may occur due to stimulation of the nerve endings that regulate the breathing process.Patients often complain that they cannot take deep breaths.In some cases, symptoms worsen into severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
The lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is a major cause of increased fatigue, decreased concentration, and memory problems.In some cases, nausea may occur due to poor blood circulation in certain areas of the brain.Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include decreased vision.However, such violations rarely occur.It is worth noting that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not achieve the desired results, and vision only improves after treatment of osteochondrosis.
Pressure instability is caused by impaired blood circulation in areas of the brain responsible for the function of the vasomotor centers.In some cases, a slight increase in temperature and localized redness of the skin may be observed.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis promptly.Feelings of discomfort and pain do not always occur, so it is important to get a thorough examination and effective treatment promptly.It is worth noting that every patient hears a crunching and characteristic clicking sound when moving the neck, through which signs the pathological process can be identified.
Make a diagnosis
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment must be started immediately, which is why it is recommended to consult a neurologist immediately.In order to determine the cause of existing symptoms, a comprehensive examination is required.
During a neurological exam, your doctor will evaluate the range of motion and pain levels in your neck, as well as the blood circulation characteristics of your vertebral arteries.Among the main diagnostic methods, the following should be focused on:
- cervical spine X-ray,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the lesion and the extent of advanced disease and select the most effective treatment option.The treatment process is quite lengthy and requires patience.
Complete restoration of cartilage structure is not possible, but it is possible to significantly improve quality of life and get rid of chronic pain.It is important to monitor the course of the disease in order to adjust treatment if necessary and to anticipate possible improvements or complications.
Treatment characteristics
Regardless of symptoms, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is conservative and always comprehensive.Medications are needed, especially:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- Vitamin complex.
In severe cases, use Novocaine blocker in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes hormonal medications may need to be introduced.In addition, topical treatments are required, including the use of warming ointments and gels.Physical therapy and exercise therapy have great results.These techniques allow you to strengthen your neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, they should only be used after the acute phase has subsided.
In order to increase the space between the vertebrae, hardware traction of the spine is used.In severe cases, surgical intervention is required but must be appropriately indicated.
Treatment can be supplemented by wearing a Shants orthopedic collar.Because the cervical spine is firmly fixed, treatment is faster.This device allows you to quickly respond to painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the patient's overall health.
drug treatment
Medication is selected individually based on the symptoms of cervicosternal osteochondrosis.The goal of treatment is to eliminate pain, inflammation, and restore normal mobility and circulation to the vertebrae.
Among the major drug categories, the following should be focused on:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory (drug;
- chondroprotectant;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Vitamin complex.
Topical products are required and can be used in the form of ointments and gels.They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and cramps, and produce a warming effect.
Treatment with medications that normalize cerebral circulation will help eliminate symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.Nootropics are needed to improve the metabolic processes of the brain, as well as restore thinking and memory.
physical therapy techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will quickly and effectively help eliminate existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and pharmacotherapy, the scope of measures also includes the following influencing methods:
- spinal extension,
- massage,
- Effects of physical therapy.
Traction on the spine increases the space between the vertebrae.However, it is worth remembering that the load must be quantitative.The influence is carried out in different ways, especially using special tables.
The massage was very good.The surgery normalizes blood circulation, nutrients, and gas exchange in the cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage, muscle tension and spasms can be eliminated and pain can be eliminated.
Physiotherapy results involve the use of various means such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, medications are also combined with physical therapy, which can increase their effectiveness and avoid side effects.
Acupuncture can enhance or slightly slow down processes in the body by affecting biologically active points.All these measures can be most effective when used together.
traditional method
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment includes the use of medicated baths to quickly relieve pain and inflammation.Additionally, they help relax the spine.The water procedure should be performed every other day, with a course of 15-20 sessions.
You can add a decoction of peppermint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm, or sage to your bath water.Yarrow infusion is ideal for oral administration as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain, and cramps.Sea salt solution can be used as a dressing.Home treatments 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.
Take preventive measures
The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle and posture developed from an early age.For preventive purposes it is recommended:
- nutritional adjustments;
- sleep on orthopedic pillows and mattresses;
- Lift heavy objects smoothly.
The initial form of the disease usually has no obvious symptoms.If you experience pain in your sternum area, seek medical attention immediately.
possible complications
With prompt diagnosis and correct treatment, cervical osteochondrosis does not develop complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various pathological changes leading to disability.Major complications include:
- Cerebral circulation disorders;
- increased blood pressure;
- Weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- Hernias and herniations;
- vegetative vascular dystonia;
- Neurological disorders.
To prevent complications, you must strictly follow all your doctor's recommendations.It is much easier to get rid of unpleasant feelings in the early stages than to treat the disease in its advanced stages.It is also important not to forget to prevent and prevent poor posture in children.Folk remedies help to combat this disease, but you should not rely entirely on them and refuse medical treatment.This may cause the problem to worsen when surgical intervention is required.