Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease, which is manifested by 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 hold a position for a long time. Appears in one in two people after 30 years.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Early osteochondrosis occurs because of this.
Office workers are the 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, leading to dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes:
- Way of life. All factors are taken into account: diet, good nutrition, presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It only plays a role in conjunction with the previous reason;
- autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- hypothermia of the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related body changes;
- injuries, contusions of the spine;
- flat foot;
- Infectious diseases;
- poor posture 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 squeezed. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not established 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;
- severe headache;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of disease. For example, the fingers become numb, chest osteochondrosis is possible.
The clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by sharp pain in the cervical spine, which increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, stiffness.
- Radicular syndrome is often called cervical sciatica. There is a decrease in sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms occur:
- noise in the ears;
- hearing impairment, vision;
- pain in the arm, in the neck.
Subsequently, hypertension may develop, accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome is manifested by muscle weakness of the shoulder girdle. Patients experience numbness in the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression-spinal, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck, sensitivity is altered. Myelopathy occurs in the elderly.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has symptoms similar to those of migraine. Frequent headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are interrelated. The disease causes frequent headaches, which can be described as chronic. The nerve roots between the vertebrae of the neck are pinched, the regulation of the blood vessels of the head is disturbed. The nutrition stops flowing to the bulbs, the hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by a headache, a cracking in the neck.
Not many people think about what cervical osteochondrosis leads to. There is compression of the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. If left untreated, coordination is impaired, the level of hearing, vision decreases, and a stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- At the initial stage, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck from the side of the spine, in rare cases aching pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes a chronic disease. It is characterized by intense and persistent pain.
- The last stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea Vomiting;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities. The hand becomes numb with cervical osteochondrosis, urgently see a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind is carried out in a complex manner. Only this approach guarantees effective results in the normalization of blood circulation, nutrition of the vertebral discs and the removal of pinched nerve roots. First of all, doctors focus their efforts on relieving pain, static tension in the muscles.
The course of treatment is prescribed for the patient individually. 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 a complementary measure. Consult a physician before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, compresses, ointments are often used:
- Mix equal proportions of aloe juice, vodka, tincture of propolis, mustard powder. Put the resulting mixture on the affected areas before going to bed, covering the top with cellophane and a cloth.
- 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 cloth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two capsicum 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 during treatment. To be used as a preventive measure. Consult your doctor, as abnormal and sudden movements will make the situation worse.
The advantages of remedial gymnastics: takes little time, quickly brings an effect.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the good organization of the regime of rest, of work. Alternate between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, a pillow to sleep on.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, symptoms appear, but few know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, they are in no hurry to see a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.