Cervical osteochondrosis refers to the “disease of the century”. Its manifestation most often affects people aged 25 to 40 years, which gives them a lot of inconvenience on a daily basis.
The cervical spine is constantly in motion, so it is under great stress during the day.
In addition, it is here that a large number of nerve endings and vascular formations are concentrated, 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 decreased blood flow, developing oxygen starvation in the human brain.
The development of a dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs can have serious consequences, therefore the disease requires compulsory treatment.
Signs of illness
It is possible to determine the development of cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage by the tightening of the neck that occurs when the head is rotated.
People with the condition also report tinnitus and general discomfort in the neck area, which is manifested by painful sensations (may even appear in the fingers of the hand).
It is often impossible to locate the pain. It all depends only on which parts of the cervical spine have been damaged. The defeat of the intervertebral disc with displacement is described by patients in different ways, but they note seam pain.
A pinched joint or friction injury with the discs of the spine is described differently: a dull ache in the collar area is present almost constantly and does not go away even in the absence of sudden movements.
How osteochondrosis of the neck manifests itself
If you start to develop strange back and neck pain, you should see a doctor immediately for treatment. It is possible that all of this is psychosomatic, however, the disease is often confirmed by a doctor.
This is why we have formed an extract and highlighted the main signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Headache with dizziness. It is the very first symptom and the most common in 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 general background, efficiency and mental activity decrease, a person quickly gets tired, even from simple tasks.
- Dizziness on turning your head to the side. For a short period of time, the access of blood through the vessels and capillaries is blocked, causing "turbidity" in the activity of the human brain system.
- Pain in chest and arms. Often this manifestation of a serious disease is confused with increasing angina or pain in the heart muscle, so you yourself should not be engaged in establishing the correct diagnosis and subsequent self-medication.
- Lumbago in the cervical region. Back pain is also a common symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It looks like a point electric shock and can later spread to the elbow joints and fingers.
- Numbness of the tongue. Lack of blood in the vessels causes restriction of the movement of the tongue. If you have a change in the tone of your voice or if it has become much more difficult to speak, seek medical help immediately so as not to trigger further development of the disease.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In some patients, the disease may present with other signs, so if you are not sure what could have caused the back or neck pain, it is advisable to see your doctor.
Ringing in the ears, deterioration of teeth and vision - all of these can cause developing osteochondrosis. Numbness of the fingers can occur at any time of the day, associated with strong compression of the nerve endings of the vertebrae.
Unfortunately, the disease is increasingly beginning to appear in young people who do not pay enough attention to it. Over time, the disease can acquire a chronic course with changes in posture, the appearance of excess weight 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 indicators that differ in symptomatology.
Types of exacerbations
Often, people's inattention to their own health leads to exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis. So what are exacerbations and what are they caused by?
On the nerves
Unfortunately, the stressful situations that occur in every person's life lead to a deterioration in the nutrition of the intervertebral disc.
We do not even notice that during strong excitement or overexcitement we begin to move chaotically, which leads to exacerbation of osteochondrosis with all the ensuing consequences (dizziness, tinnitus, headache).
If you suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is recommended to take the sedative tablets "Glycesid" and "Novo-Passit" with a mandatory visit to a neurologist or psychotherapist.
After the massage
Slimming massage in most cases leads to an exacerbation of the disease.
Before starting the session, the massage therapist should be informed that you have a confirmed diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis.
Neurologists often advise professional massage therapists who perform massage taking into account the recommendations of doctors.
Seasonal
Changes in weather and climate conditions cause a seasonal exacerbation of the disease, and this is scientifically proven. Intervertebral discs are sensitive to changes in temperature and weather, so pain and other symptoms may appear.
After drinking
Another typical example of exacerbation of osteochondrosis is alcohol consumption. The body is affected not only by the alcohol in drinks, but also by the prolonged stay of a person in an uncomfortable position.
Do not rule out situations where hot people, because of the "heat" that has taken hold of them, simply forget to dress warmly, exposing the nerve endings to hypothermia.
During your 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 pains in the lumbar region, chest and neck do not go away for a long time, this is a reason for a visit to the doctor, as it can 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 nerve endings located in the intervertebral discs. Which in turn can cause an exacerbation.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
Advanced cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypertension, impaired memory and hearing. In extreme cases, patients experience impaired hand function, as well as persistent pain in the forearms.
Hypertension is a scourge of society, it is not without reason that it is called "silent death". It is unlikely that any of the patients could imagine that untimely treatment of osteochondrosis could lead to the manifestation of hypertension, which proceeds without visible manifestations or symptoms.
Concerns should also be about possible changes in a person's vascular system, as after that he can develop a whole bunch of diseases and complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
A tactile method is used to diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It allows you to assess painful sensations in the spine, sensitivity of nerve endings, as well as other features important for a correct and accurate diagnosis.
After being examined by a neurologist, the patient is referred for a cervical x-ray, which is taken in several projections to obtain a clearer image.
If even after this the doctor cannot accurately diagnose the disease or there are other suspicions, a CT or MRI scan is performed. Unlike x-rays, it shows the condition of soft tissue very well.
Processing
Both 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, since it is he who is able to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Conservative treatments include:
- Analgesic treatment
- Taking non-steroidal drugs
- Taking antispasmodics
A mandatory requirement in the process of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the use of chondroprotectors, which allow to restore the damaged structure and integrity of the intervertebral discs.
The doctor prescribes general massage and acupressure, as well as B vitamins. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to wear a Shants collar and exercise therapy.
So, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is possible, but it should be done at an early stage of the manifestation of the disease in order to exclude its occurrence in the future.