Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of the cartilaginous tissue of the disks and the 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.
Feature of the disease
The cervical region consists of vertebrae and nerve endings. Osteochondrosis of this area is formed during the degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus. At the same time, the ongoing pathology affects the nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease is well disguised as other disorders, since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by headache attacks, as well as the occurrence of significant discomfort in the neck. Patients complain of pressure problems and nausea. Often, many people confuse such signs with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Often, against the background of ongoing problems, the patient begins to lose consciousness abruptly, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue. Basically, the disease is diagnosed in people over the age of 30, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads. Recently, such violations are observed even in adolescents.
Degrees of development
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on the degree of development of the disease. At the first stage, the nutrition of cartilage tissue is disrupted, resulting in the production of certain enzymes that have a destructive effect. The person feels intense discomfort. Daily morning exercises will help get rid of such symptoms.
At the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes are constantly increasing, and inflammation begins to develop in the body. The cartilage tissue gradually wears out, 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 degree, neoplasms and outgrowths on the bone tissue begin to form. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case are manifested in the form of intense pain. There is a metabolic disorder, therefore, on the spine, in the area of inflammation, s alts begin to be deposited. The process of ossification of the vertebrae begins, which leads to the gradual development of an intervertebral hernia.
It is not always possible to immediately determine the stage of the disease by the symptoms of cervicalosteochondrosis, as the degree of tissue destruction may not correspond to the existing signs.
Causes of occurrence
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to understand exactly what factors affect the formation of the pathological process. The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely interconnected and are mainly considered together.
Physiological changes can be triggered by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue. Discomfort occurs when the nerve endings are irritated. Pathological changes occur as a result of malnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. Most of these disorders occur in adolescents and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can go away on its own or manifest itself in the form of short-term disorders. Among the main provoking factors, the following should be highlighted:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- overweight;
- often being in an uncomfortable position;
- wrong pillow or mattress;
- nervous strain;
- 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 kinds of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
There are many blood vessels and nerve endings in the neck area. It is for this reason that the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical andof the thoracic region are associated with ischemia of certain parts of the brain. In addition, the nerve endings that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when squeezed by the destroyed vertebrae, can provoke 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 distinguished:
- violation of blood microcirculation when squeezing the vertebral arteries;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- severe neurotic pathologies in neglected cases.
The first symptom of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is the presence of pain in the neck, neck and collar area. Localization of pain can be more extended, provoking severe migraines. The nature of painful sensations largely depends on the lesion and the severity of the pathology. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, discomfort can quickly pass, gradually the pain becomes chronic, aching. During an exacerbation, the pain becomes shooting, the tone of the neck muscles increases and head movement is limited.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men, one can distinguish the presence of ringing and noise in the ears, as well as congestion. In some cases, hearing loss is observed. All of these manifestations are associated with a decrease in blood flow.
Also, among the main features, the following can be distinguished:
- dizziness,
- pressure drops,
- 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 balance of the body. The lack of air can be observed as a result of irritation of the nerve endings involved in the regulation of the breathing process. Patients often complain that they cannot take a deep breath. In some cases, symptoms worsen to severe shortness of breath or breathlessness.
Lack of oxygen associated with impaired breathing is the main cause of increased fatigue, decreased attention and memory problems. In some cases, there may be nausea, which is caused by impaired blood circulation in some parts of the brain. Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested in the form of a deterioration in visual acuity. However, such a violation occurs quite rarely. It should be noted that therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the desired result, and vision improves only after the treatment of 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, there may be a slight increase in temperature and local reddening of the skin.
It is very important to recognize the symptoms of cervicalosteochondrosis. The feeling of discomfort and pain does not always occur, which is why it is important to conduct a comprehensive examination and competent treatment in a timely manner. It is worth noting that each patient has a crunch and characteristic clicks when moving the neck, and it is by this sign that the course of the pathology can be recognized.
Diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, treatment must be started immediately, which is why it is advisable to immediately consult a neurologist. To establish the cause of the existing signs, a comprehensive examination is required.
During the examination with neurological tests, the doctor assesses the degree of mobility and pain in the neck, as well as the characteristics of blood circulation in the vertebral artery. Among the main diagnostic methods, the following should be highlighted:
- x-ray of cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow to determine the localization of the lesion and the degree of neglect of the disease, as well as to select the most effective treatment regimen. The healing process is long enough and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore cartilage structures, but there is an opportunity to significantly improve the quality of life and get rid of chronic pain. It is very important to follow the course of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program if necessary andpredict possible improvements or complications.
Feature of treatment
Regardless of the existing symptoms, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using conservative methods, and it is always complex. Requires the use of medications, in particular:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, novocaine blockades are prescribed in the area of \u200b\u200bthe greatest pain. Sometimes the introduction of hormonal agents may be indicated. In addition, local treatment is indicated, which involves the use of warming ointments and gels. Physiotherapy and physiotherapy exercises have a good effect. Such techniques allow you to quickly and effectively strengthen the muscles of the neck. However, their use is possible only after the acute period subsides.
To increase the gap between the vertebrae, a hardware extension of the spinal column is shown. In severe cases, surgery is necessary, but there must be appropriate indications for this.
Therapy can be supplemented by wearing an orthopedic Shants collar. Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment is carried out much faster. This device allows you to quickly cope with pain, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the overall well-being of the patient.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervicothoracicosteochondrosis treatment with medications is selected individually. The therapy is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammation, as well as returning normal mobility to the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be distinguished:
- analgesics - Piroxicam, Diclofenac;
- anti-inflammatory - "Dexamethasone", "Prednisolone";
- chondroprotectors - "Neurobeks", "Teraflex", "Chondroxide";
- muscle relaxants - relax muscles and are used as aids to eliminate pain;
- vitamin complexes.
Requires topical products that can be used as ointments and gels. Nurofen and Voltaren have a good effect. They help to normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and spasms, and also produce a warming effect.
It will help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation. In particular, drugs such as Cavinton and Tanakan have a good effect. To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as restore thinking and memory, nootropics are required, in particular Cerakson and Piracetam.
Physiotherapy techniques
Quickly and effectively help eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home treatment with the help of special therapeutic exercises. In addition to exercise therapy and the use of medications, inThe set of measures includes the following methods of influence:
- stretching the spine,
- massage,
- physiotherapeutic effect.
Spinal traction will increase the spaces between the vertebrae. However, it is worth remembering that the load must be dosed. The impact is carried out in different ways, in particular with the use of special tables.
Massage gives very good results. Such a 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, get rid of pain.
Physiotherapeutic effect involves the use of various means, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, medications are also used in combination with physiotherapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to enhance or somewhat slow down the ongoing processes in the body due to the impact on biologically active points. The greatest effectiveness of all these measures is achieved with their complex application.
Folk techniques
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur, home treatment involves the use of therapeutic baths to quickly eliminate painfulsensation and inflammation. In addition, they help to relax the spine. Water procedures should be carried out every other day, and the course of therapy is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to the bath water. For oral administration, yarrow infusion is well suited, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms. As compresses, you can use a solution of sea s alt. Treatment at home will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, however, before using any means and methods, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Prophylaxis
The best way to prevent is a he althy lifestyle, as well as the formation of posture from childhood. For the purpose of prevention, it is recommended:
- nutrition adjustment;
- using an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping;
- smooth weight lifting.
The initial form of the course of the disease basically does not have severe symptoms. If you experience aching pain in the sternum, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible Complications
With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, cervical osteochondrosis proceeds without complications. Otherwise, there is a risk of various kinds of pathological changes that can lead to disability. Among the main complications are:
- circulatory disorders in the headbrain;
- pressure increase;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- hernias and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, it is imperative to strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending doctor. Getting rid of discomfort at an early stage is much easier than treating an advanced disease. It is also important not to forget about prevention and prevent violation of posture in a child. Folk remedies help in the fight against the disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse medical treatment. This can lead to an aggravation of the problem, when surgery is required.
