In medicine, osteochondrosis is usually called dystrophic changes on the intervertebral discs.This problem can appear in a person at absolutely any age.Dysfunction of the intervertebral discs can cause the development of many unpleasant related health problems.Therefore, it is necessary to immediately pay attention to the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and then start urgent treatment.
General description of the disease
The cervical spine includes 8 paired nerve nodes as well as 7 vertebrae.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as a rule, occurs due to the fact that the intervertebral pulp degenerates into vitrified tissue.At the same time, pathological changes negatively affect the endings of nerve fibers, as well as important blood vessels.This pathology mainly affects the 8th and 7th vertebra.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are easily confused with other pathologies.During the disease, headache attacks are observed, and discomfort is also felt in the neck area.Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are also accompanied by dizziness, nausea and problems with blood pressure.In most cases, this disease is mixed with diseases of blood vessels and heart.
It is important to note that often, against the background of pathology with the vertebrae, the patient suddenly begins to lose consciousness, feels short of breath, and sometimes even the tongue can become numb.Therefore, the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine must, as they say, "be known by sight."
This unpleasant disease is diagnosed mainly in people over 30 years old.This is explained by the peculiarities of the location of the human skeleton, as well as constant dynamic and statistical loads.But it is worth paying attention to the fact that the disease has recently rapidly become younger, which is why signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men are observed even in adolescence.
Causes of disease
The development of this unpleasant disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes.All of them are closely related to each other, and in medical practice experts constantly consider them together.
As for physiological changes, they are caused by irreversible aging-related processes that occur in the cartilage of the spine.These changes are localized in the central region of the intervertebral disc.Physiological signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men are manifested as pinching of the pulp by certain fibrous tissue.When the nerve endings are irritated, the patient begins to feel discomfort.
Pathological changes are a process when the area of inflammation extends beyond the zones of cartilage tissue.Pathological signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men can cause severe irritation in the area of nerve endings, as well as pinching of blood vessels.Such changes can appear against the background of poor nutrition due to a sedentary lifestyle.In addition, pathological changes are often observed in adolescents and middle-aged people.
It is important to note that the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men in some cases disappear on their own or occur as short-term episodes.The human body has many protective and compensatory functions, which over time are able to neutralize these pathological changes in the cartilage area.
Precipitating factors
The following factors can cause the development of this unpleasant disease:
- Excess weight.
- Lack of constant physical activity, as well as sedentary work.
- Stressful conditions and nervous stress.
- The patient's body is often in an awkward position.
- Neck and neck injuries.
- Hypothermia.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women can appear due to a congenital anomaly, as well as due to autoimmune diseases.
Main features
It should be noted that cervical osteochondrosis is sometimes not accompanied by pain in a specific part of the spine.Very often this disease has a vague clinical picture.The main signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women are dizziness, sudden changes in blood pressure and migraine.However, it is necessary to highlight the symptoms that will require immediate hospitalization of the patient:
- Increased headache, accompanied by deterioration of general health.
- Loss of mobility of the muscles of the shoulder girdle or face, numbness.
- Movement coordination disorder.
- Loss of consciousness.
When considering the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, you should pay attention to the fact that the pain often radiates to the upper limbs and shoulder girdle.The peculiarity of this is the pain syndrome, which is paroxysmal in nature.Basically, such pain occurs after waking up, during laughter, sudden movements, sneezing and coughing.
Answering the question about what signs of cervical osteochondrosis are bothering the patient, one should pay attention to the fact that in the initial stage of this disease, the pain disappears quickly, crunching is often observed in the neck, muscles become weaker, and the skin loses sensitivity.
If there are pathological changes on the sixth vertebra, then pain can be felt in the thumb.And if the changes affected the seventh vertebra, then the pain appears on the middle finger.
As a rule, signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine in women appear later than in the stronger half of humanity.
Relationship with other diseases
Manifestation of signs of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women can be associated with other diseases.For example, experts have long established a connection between blood pressure and cervical osteochondrosis.This unpleasant disease is characterized by sudden changes in blood pressure during the day, and permanent hypertension is irrelevant to this disease.
An increase in pressure during osteochondrosis can be accompanied by pain in the arms, chest, legs and noise in the head.Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine include reduced skin sensitivity in the neck area.Constant stress and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position can cause a spike in blood pressure.
Vertigo and cervical osteochondrosis are caused by severe pain, disturbed cerebral circulation, but also by the transmission of nerve signals.This can also happen due to existing problems with the vestibular system.Initial signs of cervical osteochondrosis include non-systemic dizziness.In this case, the patient does not feel rotating objects, but there is severe nausea.It is very difficult for the patient to be in a standing position.
It is important to note that during dizziness you should not only visit a neurologist, but also an ENT specialist so that this specialist can rule out the presence of a pathological change in the nasopharynx.
In most cases, osteochondrosis is accompanied by a headache.It occurs due to vascular spasms, increased intracranial pressure and pinched nerve endings.Pain can manifest itself in different ways, be it dull or throbbing.
During osteochondrosis, headache attacks are similar to feelings that occur with increased blood pressure, heart attack, angina pectoris and stroke.
Panic attacks can appear during osteochondrosis against the background of existing disorders in cerebral circulation.The patient experiences physical discomfort and unreasonable fear.The duration of such an attack can be from several minutes to 1 hour.Attacks can occur several times a day.In addition, panic attacks are accompanied by constant tears, a heavy head, lethargy and apathy.If the patient experiences severe attacks, then it is necessary to regularly visit a psychiatrist and take tranquilizers.
Depression and fears occur in this disease against the background of constant pain, as well as forced changes in the normal way of life.
Diagnostic method
Most patients with osteochondrosis feel pain in the back of the head, arms and chest.Such a blurred picture of the disease greatly complicates the initial diagnosis.In addition, uncontrolled use of painkillers inhibits timely diagnosis.A patient who does not feel pain feels completely healthy.As a result, people seek medical help too late, when irreversible processes already begin to develop in the tissues of the neck joints.
The diagnosis includes an X-ray, after which r-signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will be visible.After the X-ray, the patient is prescribed a course of treatment.If the r-signs of cervical osteochondrosis are unstable, the following symptoms will be observed:
- Angular deformity of the affected segments.
- Movement of the vertebrae to the side, back or forward.
- If within 2 vertebrae there are deviations on the vertical axis of more than 2 mm, this indicates pathology.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that radiography is an ineffective diagnostic method, especially in the last stage of the development of osteochondrosis.
Also during the diagnosis, the patient can be prescribed a magnetic resonance imaging.MRI signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help to establish a diagnosis for the patient.During tomography, the specialist can see bone structures, disc herniations, as well as their direction of development and size.If MR signs of cervical osteochondrosis are detected in time, the disease can be quickly overcome.
Computed tomography is no less effective solution than MRI.This procedure allows you to identify CT signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.In addition, it is worth paying attention to the fact that computed tomography is much better at identifying the presence and size of a hernia.
Drug treatment
After the diagnosis, the specialist diagnoses the patient and prescribes the appropriate treatment.Drug treatment is aimed at suppressing pain and inflammation.Drug treatment can restore normal mobility and circulation.The main groups of drugs in the treatment of this disease are the following:
- Various analgesics in the form of injections and tablets for pain relief.
- Steroidal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue.
- Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax the muscles.
- Additionally, vitamin complexes are prescribed, which should contain all vitamins B, C, D, as well as ascorbic acid and retinol.
- For external use, you can use products in the form of ointments and gels that improve blood circulation, relieve pain and spasms, relieve pain and warm.
You should also pay attention to the fact that vitamins contained in food products will not be enough to treat this unpleasant disease.Therefore, complex preparations can be used.
It is also recommended to take drugs that can improve cerebral circulation in the case of existing cervical osteochondrosis.Taking such drugs is a mandatory component of the treatment of this disease.
Operation
Surgical intervention for the treatment of osteochondrosis is used very rarely.However, the patient cannot do without surgery in cases where paralysis of the upper limbs is observed.Surgery will also be required if the patient has cerebral edema.
Complementary therapy
Massage is recommended as an additional therapeutic measure.Experts also advise the use of manual therapy in the form of sudden translational movements.The following are very effective: dosed traction, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.
Treatment at home
In combination with drug treatment, non-traditional recipes can be used.Therapy at home implies regular performance of special exercises and techniques, as well as the use of certain orthopedic aids.Traditional medicine recipes can be used as a maintenance treatment.
To remove tension in the spine, reduce stress and strengthen the neck muscles, you can use the Shants collar.The neck and head are fixed in a certain position.Thanks to this, you can overcome insomnia, as well as prevent the development of pathological changes.This collar must be worn a few hours before going to bed.Under no circumstances should it be used all day.
Self-massage can relieve pain and spasms.And during this procedure, additional fat rubbing is recommended, which can improve blood flow.The massage is done in a sitting position, the position should be comfortable and relaxed.During it, caressing and circular rubbing are performed.When carrying out such a procedure, not only the neck is affected, but also the shoulder girdle.
It is important to note that in the case of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, the use of any type of heating, except for a sauna or a steam bath, is prohibited.
Taking special baths
You can get rid of pain and inflammation with the help of medicinal baths.Such procedures are good for relaxing the spine.Baths should be performed every other day, and the course of treatment should include 15 to 20 procedures.Bath recipes:
- Mix 300 g of mint and chamomile.Season the herbs with 10 liters of boiling water.Let it stand for 2 hours and then filter.
- Take 40 g of lemon balm, the same amount of birch leaves and mint.Boil the obtained composition with 12 liters of boiling water and let it stand for 2 hours.After that, strain the soup and pour it into the tub.
- To prepare an infusion based on sage, it is necessary to take 300 g of this ingredient and 5 liters of boiling water.Leave the healing solution to boil for 2 hours, strain, after which you can use it.
For oral administration, you can use an infusion based on yarrow.Thanks to this, you can quickly get rid of inflammation, pain and cramps.To prepare the infusion, it is necessary to take 230 ml of boiling water and 6 g of the yarrow plant.Leave the soup to cook for an hour in a closed container.The finished product is taken three times a day for 15 ml.
A solution consisting of 1 liter of water and 15 g of sea salt is very effective in the fight against osteochondrosis.The brine must be brought to a boil, after which it must be completely cooled.The natural fabric is soaked with the obtained composition, and then it is applied to the back of the neck.
Possible complications
If the diagnosis is made on time and the treatment is correct, then the disease should pass without any complications.Otherwise, rather severe pathological processes may develop, which may cause disability in the future.Cervical osteochondrosis can be dangerous for human health.The main dangers include the following:
- Vertebral artery syndrome, in which organic and functional changes caused by circulation disorders in the brain are observed.
- Arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
- Muscle atrophy in the upper extremities, weakness, numbness.
- Formation of hernia, protrusion.
- Neurological disorders.
- VSD.
Implementation of prevention
Preventive measures for osteochondrosis include the simplest actions, which, if carried out regularly, can prevent serious problems with your health.Prevention is especially important for the elderly and those who spend too much time sitting.To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to:
- Take a warm shower every day for at least 10 minutes.
- Go to the sauna or bath from time to time to remove tension and spasms in the neck.
- Sleep only on a special mattress and orthopedic pillow.
- When you're sitting, do at least a 5-minute warm-up every hour.
Experts also recommend swimming, yoga, aerobic exercises, as well as special gymnastics that strengthens the neck muscles.
Patient reviews
Reviews of people about the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine indicate that success is observed if medicines and prescriptions of traditional medicine are combined.Sea salt baths are very effective.But in order to achieve success in the treatment, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist in time, immediately after the first symptoms of this disease are detected.