Headache, numbness in the neck muscles, dizziness, loss of sensitivity in the hands 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.Associated with a sedentary lifestyle, the specifics of work, studying on the computer.The likelihood of developing the disease increases with increasing physical inactivity.Normally, the spine is in constant movement, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced into a monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and are unable to fulfill the function assigned to them.The cause of the disease is incorrect posture and anomalies in the development of the bone skeleton.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
As a result of changes in the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, the functioning of nerve endings and blood vessels leading from the spinal cord to 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 organs in the pathological process, three groups of clinical signs of the disease are distinguished.
The first group includes neurological manifestations of the disease associated with 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 associated with a disorder in the nerve endings leading to the brain.
When there is a disturbance in the peripheral nervous system, pain comes to the surface.They come in different intensity and character;general – pain is recorded at the beginning of the disease in the deep region of the neck.
Often with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, shortness of breath appears.Patients have difficulty breathing and have a lump in their throat.Neck pain is often uncomfortable, worsens after a night's rest and the muscles become tense.
As the disease progresses, the hands are involved in the process - weakness and a feeling of numbness appear.The pain appears in the heart region.Signs indicate that cervicothoracic osteochondrosis has developed, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests as pain in the lungs, liver, stomach, and sometimes coughing.Dystrophic disorder in articular cartilage is disguised as other diseases - angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies oxygen to parts of the brain;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it becomes compressed and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of compression of the vascular bundle.Headaches caused by osteochondrosis will not be reduced by using common painkillers.The pain intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of blood pressure instability and neuroses are observed.VSD that appears earlier is a sign of an incipient disease.These diseases have similar symptoms.To prescribe treatment, it is necessary to carry out a complete examination of the body with examinations, photographs and MRI.Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, poor sleep, fatigue).An exacerbation of the disease occurs after physical exertion or nervous tension.
Osteochondrosis of the spine worsens the quality of life, prevents you from doing what you love, and the gradual destruction of the discs leads to the need to replace them.Therefore, it is worth identifying the symptoms, thinking about the first signs of the disease and taking time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved through treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massage, physiotherapy, diet and light exercise.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the illness and return to work.
Medicines solve several problems at once - eliminating inflammation, painful phenomena, stimulating the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.Anti-inflammatories have an analgesic effect.In the case of prolonged disease progression, when pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.Medications relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
Tablets are prescribed for mild inflammation;To obtain better results, injectable medications are prescribed.To improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and eliminate pain, the use of medicinal ointments is recommended.Sometimes pain relievers are prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories (for gastric ulcers).
For symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, treatment with injections is prescribed.The dosage of medications is selected based on the patient's age and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that improve cartilage restoration and have an analgesic effect.
In cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment includes examination of the internal organs, since their function is impaired.To treat acute pain in uncomplicated forms of the disease, ten days are enough, followed by a period of rehabilitation following the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture sessions help with recovery.Daily exercises shown.For people who are forced to spend the day in the same position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure.To avoid suffering 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 without pain and without deterioration in life until old age.