Headache, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness, loss of hand sensitivity are signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The disease is associated with dystrophic changes in the vertebral body, intervertebral discs and ligaments.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear at any age, the disease becomes younger.It is related to a sedentary lifestyle, the specifics of work, and studying at the computer.The probability of developing the disease increases with increasing physical inactivity.Normally, the spine moves continuously, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.If the body is forced into a monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and cannot cope with the function assigned to them.The cause of the disease is incorrect posture and malformations of the skeleton.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
As a result of changes in the vertebrae, discs, and ligaments, the functioning of the nerve endings and blood vessels leading from the spinal cord to the internal organs and the brain is disturbed.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with compression of nerve endings and blood vessels.Depending on the involvement of the organs in the pathological process, three groups of clinical symptoms of the disease are distinguished.
The first group includes the neurological manifestations of the disease, which are related to effects on the peripheral nervous system.The second group includes symptoms recorded as a result of effects on the spinal cord.The third group of symptoms is related to disorders of the nerve endings leading to the brain.
If there is a disturbance in the peripheral nervous system, pain comes to the fore.They are of different intensity and character;general - pain is registered at the beginning of the disease in the back of the neck.
Shortness of breath often occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Patients have difficulty breathing and a lump in the throat.The neck pain is often dull and worsens after a night's rest, the muscles are tense.
With the development of the disease, the hands become involved in the process - a feeling of weakness and numbness appears.Pain appears in the area of the heart.The signs indicate that cervicothoracic osteochondrosis has developed, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests itself as lung, liver, stomach pain, and sometimes as a cough.Dystrophic disorder of articular cartilage is disguised as other diseases - angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies oxygen to certain parts of the brain;it is pinched by dystrophic changes of the vertebrae and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of vascular bundle compression.Headache caused by osteochondrosis is not reduced by taking the usual painkillers.The pain increases when turning or tilting the head.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, blood pressure instability and signs of neuroses can be observed.A VSD appearing earlier is a sign of an incipient disease.These diseases have similar symptoms.In order to prescribe the treatment, a full examination of the body with tests, photographs and MRI is required.Symptoms of worsening cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, poor sleep, fatigue).Aggravation of the disease occurs after physical effort or nervous strain.
Osteochondrosis of the spine reduces the quality of life, prevents you from doing what you love, and due to the gradual destruction of the discs, replacement is necessary.It is therefore worth identifying the symptoms, thinking about the first signs of the disease, and taking your time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
During the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved with treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massage, physiotherapy, diet and light exercises.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
Medicines solve several problems at the same time - they eliminate inflammation, painful phenomena, and stimulate the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs are pain relievers.In the case of a prolonged course of the disease, if the pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.Medicines relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
Tablets are prescribed for minor inflammations;injectable drugs are prescribed for better results.In order to improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and eliminate pain, it is recommended to use medical ointments.Sometimes pain relievers are prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories (for stomach ulcers).
For symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, injection treatment is prescribed.The dosage of the drugs is selected based on the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that enhance the restoration of cartilage and have an analgesic effect.
In case of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, the treatment includes examination of the internal organs, as the function is impaired.Ten days are enough to treat acute pain in uncomplicated forms of the disease, followed by a rehabilitation period according to the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture help recovery.Daily exercises are visible.For those who are forced to spend the day in one position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure.In order not to suffer from the disease, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, with constant physical activity and alternating sports.The diet should be nutritious, fortified, and smoking should be avoided.By following the rules, you have a chance to live into old age without pain or deterioration.