Headache, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness, loss of sensation in the hands are signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The disease is associated with dystrophic changes in the body of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear at any age, the disease becomes younger.Associated with a sedentary lifestyle, specifics of work, studying at the computer.The probability of developing the disease increases with increasing physical inactivity.Normally, the spine is constantly moving, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced into a uniform position, the vertebrae atrophy and cannot cope with the assigned function.The cause of the disease is improper posture and abnormalities in the development of the bone skeleton.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
As a result of changes in the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, the functioning of the nerve endings and blood vessels from the spinal cord to the internal organs and 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 consequence of effects on the spinal cord.The third group of symptoms is related to a disorder in the nerve endings leading to the brain.
When there is a disturbance in the peripheral nervous system, pain comes to the fore.They come in different intensity and character;in general - pain is registered at the beginning of the disease in the depth of the neck.
Shortness of breath often occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Patients have difficulty breathing and have a lump in their throat.Neck pain is often dull, worsens after a night's rest, and the muscles become tense.
As the disease develops, the hands are involved in the process - weakness and a feeling of numbness appear.The pain occurs in the region of the heart.Signs indicate the development of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests itself 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 parts of the brain with oxygen;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it becomes constricted and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of vascular bundle compression.Headaches due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by taking ordinary analgesics.The pain intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of blood pressure instability and neurosis are observed.A VSD that appears earlier is a sign of initial disease.These diseases have similar symptoms.To prescribe treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full body examination with tests, photographs and magnetic resonance imaging.Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, poor sleep, fatigue).Aggravation 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 for their replacement.Therefore, it is worth identifying the symptoms, thinking about the first signs of the disease and taking the time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved with treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massages, physiotherapy, diet and light exercises.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
Medicines solve several problems at once - they remove inflammation, painful phenomena, stimulate the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs have an analgesic effect.In the case of a long-term course of the disease, when the pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.Medicines relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
Tablets are prescribed for minor inflammations;to achieve better results, injectable drugs are prescribed.To improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and relieve pain, the use of medicinal ointments is indicated.Painkillers in the form of rectal suppositories (for stomach ulcers) are sometimes prescribed.
Treatment with injections is prescribed for the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The dosage of drugs is selected based on the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that promote the renewal of cartilage and have an analgesic effect.
In case of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, the treatment includes an examination of the internal organs, because the function is impaired.Ten days are sufficient for the treatment of acute pain in uncomplicated forms of the disease, followed by a period of rehabilitation according to the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture help in recovery.Shown daily exercises.For people who are forced to spend the day in one position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to treat.In order not to get sick, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle with constant physical activity and alternating sports.The diet should be nutritious, enriched, and smoking should be avoided.By following the rules, you have the opportunity to live without pain and deterioration of life until old age.