Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs and the bone base.The pathology manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which significantly complicates the diagnostic process and subsequent treatment.
Characteristics of the disease
The neck area consists of vertebrae and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis of this area occurs during degeneration of the intervertebral nucleus.In this case, the existing pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease can be easily disguised as other diseases, since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by attacks of headaches and the appearance of significant discomfort in the neck.Patients complain of blood pressure problems and nausea.Many people often confuse such symptoms with diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Against the background of persistent problems, the patient often suddenly begins to lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue.The disease is mainly diagnosed in people over 30 years old, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have also been observed in adolescents.
Degrees of development
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on the degree of development of the disease.In the first stage, there is a disruption in the nutrition of the cartilage tissue, which leads to the production of certain enzymes with a destructive effect.The person feels severe discomfort.Daily morning exercises will help eliminate such symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes constantly increase and inflammation begins to develop in the body.The cartilage tissue gradually wears away, as a result of which the vertebrae begin to touch each other and the nerve endings become pinched.Pain sensations become more pronounced.It becomes very difficult for a person to work.
In the third degree, neoplasms and growths begin to form in the bone tissue.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case are manifested in the form of severe pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so that salts are deposited on the spine in the area of inflammation.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 based on the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, since the degree of tissue destruction may not coincide with the existing signs.
Causes
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to understand exactly what factors influence the development of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes that are closely linked and are predominantly considered together.
Physiological changes can be caused by irreversible age-related processes in cartilage tissue.Discomfort occurs when nerve endings are irritated.Pathological changes occur as a result of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Most often, such disorders occur in adolescents and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can disappear 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;
- obesity;
- frequent stay in an uncomfortable position;
- incorrectly selected pillow or mattress;
- nervous overstrain;
- 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 types of autoimmune diseases.
Main symptoms
There are many vessels and nerve endings in the neck area.For this reason, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are associated with ischemia of certain areas of the brain.In addition, the nerve endings that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when compressed by destroyed vertebrae, can cause various manifestations.Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on which system is affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs are noticeable:
- Disruption of blood microcirculation due to compression of the vertebral arteries;
- signs of damage to nerve endings;
- severe neurotic pathologies in advanced cases.
The first symptom of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine is pain in the neck, back of the head and collar areas.The localization of pain can be more widespread and cause severe migraines.The nature of the pain largely depends on the location of the lesion and the severity of the pathology.In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms can pass quickly and over time the pain becomes chronic and painful.During the exacerbation phase, the pain becomes sharp, the tone of the neck muscles increases, and there is a limitation in head movement.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men include ringing and noise in the ears and constipation.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All of these phenomena are accompanied by reduced blood flow.
Key features also include:
- Dizziness,
- pressure changes,
- lack of air,
- nausea,
- visual impairment.
Dizziness is considered one of the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis.They are caused by a violation of blood circulation in the organs that ensure the balance of the body.Lack of air can occur due to irritation of the nerve endings that are involved in regulating the breathing process.Patients often complain that they cannot breathe deeply.In some cases, symptoms worsen to include severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
Lack of oxygen combined with breathing problems is the main cause of increased fatigue, reduced attention and memory problems.In some cases, nausea may occur caused by poor blood flow to certain areas of the brain.Sometimes it can be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested by a deterioration in visual acuity.However, such a violation is quite rare.It is worth noting that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses does not give the desired result, and vision improves only after 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, a slight increase in temperature and local redness of the skin may occur.
It is very important to recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in a timely manner.The feeling of discomfort and pain does not always occur, which is why it is important to carry out a comprehensive examination and competent treatment in a timely manner.It is worth noting that every patient feels a crunching sound and characteristic clicking sounds when moving the neck, and by this sign the course of the pathology can be identified.
Carry out diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment must be started immediately, which is why it is advisable to immediately consult a neurologist.In order to determine the cause of the existing complaints, a comprehensive examination is required.
During an 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 the cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- Tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this allows us to determine the location of the lesion and the degree of advanced disease, as well as select the most effective treatment regimen.The treatment process is quite lengthy and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore the cartilage structures, but it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and eliminate chronic pain.It is very important to monitor the progression of the disease in order to adjust the treatment program if necessary and to predict possible improvements or complications.
Features of treatment
Regardless of the symptoms, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out using conservative methods and is always comprehensive.The use of medication is particularly necessary:
- anti-inflammatory drugs,
- analgesics,
- corticosteroids,
- muscle relaxants,
- Vitamin complexes.
In severe cases, novocaine blocks are prescribed in the area of greatest pain.Sometimes the introduction of hormonal agents may be indicated.In addition, local treatment using warming ointments and gels is indicated.Physiotherapy and exercise therapy have a good effect.With such techniques you can strengthen your neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, their use is only possible after the acute phase has subsided.
To increase the distance between the vertebrae, hardware traction of the spine is indicated.In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary, but there must be an appropriate indication for this.
The therapy can be supplemented by wearing an orthopedic collar from Shants.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment is much faster.This device allows you to quickly cope with painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the patient's general well-being.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment with medications is selected individually.The aim of therapy is to eliminate pain and inflammation and to restore normal mobility of the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be highlighted:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- Vitamin complexes.
What is needed are products for external use that can be used in the form of ointments and gels.They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and cramps, and have a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation helps to eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine.To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as restore thinking and memory, nootropics are required.
Physiotherapeutic techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises helps to quickly and effectively eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and the use of medication, the range of measures includes the following influence options:
- stretching the spine,
- Massage,
- physiotherapeutic influence.
Due to the pulling force of the spine, the distances between the vertebrae increase.However, it should be noted that the load must be dosed.The effect is carried out in different ways, in particular with the help of special tables.
The massage leads to very good results.This procedure normalizes blood circulation, nutrition and gas exchange of cartilage tissue.In addition, with the help of massage you can eliminate muscle tension, spasms, eliminate painful sensations.
Physiotherapeutic effects require the use of various means, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- Ultrasonic,
- Low frequency current.
In some cases, medications are also used in combination with physiotherapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids the occurrence of side effects.
Using acupuncture, you can strengthen or slightly slow down processes in the body by influencing biologically active points.The greatest effectiveness of all these measures will be achieved when they are used comprehensively.
Traditional methods
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment includes the use of therapeutic baths to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation.In addition, they help relax the spine.Water treatments should be carried out every other day and the duration of therapy is 15-20 treatments.
You can add a decoction of mint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to your bath water.Yarrow infusion is good for oral administration as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms.A sea salt solution can be used as a compress.Home treatment will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.However, before using any means and techniques, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Carry out prevention
The best prevention is a healthy lifestyle and posture training in childhood.For prevention it is recommended:
- dietary changes;
- Using an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping;
- gentle lifting of weights.
The initial form of the disease generally does not have pronounced symptoms.If you feel aching pain in the sternum area, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine proceeds without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various pathological changes that can lead to disability.The main complications include:
- Circulatory disorders in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle wasting;
- hernias and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, you must strictly follow all of your doctor's recommendations.Getting rid of unpleasant sensations at an early stage is much easier than treating an advanced disease.It is also important not to forget about prevention and prevent the child from having bad posture.Folk remedies help in the fight against the disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can cause the problem to worsen if surgical intervention is required.