Osteochondrosis is a common disease of the spine, characterized by degenerative changes in the structure of the cartilage tissue of the discs and the bone base.The pathology manifests itself mainly after 30 years.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be different, which greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Characteristics of the disease
The cervical region consists of vertebrae and nerve endings.Osteochondrosis of this area is formed during the degeneration of the intervertebral core.In this case, the persistent pathology affects nerve endings and important blood vessels.
The disease is well disguised as other disorders, since the symptoms of osteochondrosis are characterized by headache attacks, as well as 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.
Often, against the background of ongoing problems, the patient suddenly begins to lose consciousness, there is a lack of air and numbness of the tongue.The disease is diagnosed mainly in people over 30 years old, which is associated with constant dynamic and static loads.Recently, such disorders have also been observed in teenagers.
Levels of development
Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis mainly depend on the degree of development of the disease.In the first stage, the nutrition of the cartilage tissue breaks down, resulting in the production of certain enzymes that have a destructive effect.The person feels severe discomfort.Daily exercises in the morning will help to get rid of such symptoms.
In the second stage, the harmful effects of pathological enzymes increase continuously, and inflammation begins to develop in the body.Cartilage tissue gradually wears out, as a result of which the vertebrae begin to touch, squeezing the nerve endings.Painful sensations become more pronounced.It is very difficult for a person to work.
In the third degree, neoplasms and growths in bone tissue begin to form.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this case are manifested in the form of intense pain.There is a metabolic disorder, so salts begin to be deposited in 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 correspond to the existing signs.
Causes
Before determining the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need to understand exactly which factors influence the formation of the pathological process.The development of the disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes, which are closely related and are mainly considered together.
Physiological changes can be provoked 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.Mostly, such disorders occur in teenagers and middle-aged people.
In some cases, osteochondrosis can go away on its own or appear in the form of short-term disorders.Among the main provoking factors, the following should be noted:
- lack of regular physical activity;
- excess weight;
- frequent standing in an uncomfortable position;
- wrongly chosen pillow or mattress;
- nervous overload;
- 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 located in the neck area.It is for this reason that the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are associated with ischemia of certain areas of the brain.In addition, nerve endings that provide motor activity and sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and upper limbs, when crushed by destroyed vertebrae, can provoke various manifestations.Symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis largely depend on the system affected by the pathological process.In particular, the following signs can be distinguished:
- blood microcirculation disorder 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 the presence of pain in the neck, back of the head and collar area.The localization of pain can be more widespread, provoking severe migraine.The nature of the pain depends mainly on the location of the lesion and the severity of the pathology.In the initial stages of the disease, discomfort can pass quickly, and gradually the pain becomes chronic and aching.During the period of exacerbation, the pain becomes severe, the tone of the neck muscles increases and there is a limitation in the movement of the head.
Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men is the presence of noise and ringing in the ears, as well as congestion.In some cases, hearing loss occurs.All these manifestations are accompanied by a decrease in blood flow.
Also among the main features are the following:
- 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 flow in the organs that ensure the balance of the body.Lack of air can occur as a result of irritation of the nerve endings involved in the regulation of the breathing process.Patients often complain that they cannot take a deep breath.In some cases, symptoms worsen to severe shortness of breath or asthma attacks.
Lack of oxygen associated with breathing problems is the main cause of increased fatigue, decreased attention and memory problems.In some cases, there may be nausea, which is caused by poor circulation in 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 in the form of deterioration of visual acuity.However, such a violation occurs quite rarely.It is worth noting that performing therapeutic exercises and wearing glasses do not give the desired result, and vision improves only after treatment for 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 be observed.
It is very important to immediately recognize the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The feeling of discomfort and pain does not always happen, so it is important to carry out a comprehensive examination and competent treatment at the right time.It is worth noting that every patient experiences a characteristic crackling sound and clicks during the movement of the neck, and it is from this sign that the progress of the pathology can be recognized.
Performing diagnostics
If symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment should be started immediately, so it is advisable to immediately consult a neurologist.To determine the cause of existing symptoms, a comprehensive examination is required.
During an examination with neurological analysis, the doctor evaluates 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 noted:
- x-ray of the cervical vertebrae,
- discography,
- tomography,
- myelography,
- Doppler ultrasound.
All this will allow us to determine the location of the lesion and the degree of advanced disease, as well as to choose the most effective treatment regimen.The treatment process is quite long and requires patience.
It is impossible to completely restore cartilage structures, but it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life and get rid of chronic pain.It is very important to monitor the progress of the disease 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 medications is required, especially:
- 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 is indicated, which includes the use of warming ointments and gels.Physiotherapy and exercise therapy have a good effect.Such techniques allow you to strengthen the neck muscles very quickly and effectively.However, their use is possible only after the acute period has subsided.
To increase the clearance between the vertebrae, traction of the spine hardware is indicated.In severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary, but there must be appropriate indications for this.
Therapy can be completed by wearing a Shants orthopedic collar.Due to the strong fixation of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment is carried out much faster.This device allows you to quickly cope with painful sensations, normalize blood circulation in the neck and improve the general well-being of the patient.
Drug therapy
Depending on the symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, drug treatment is selected individually.The therapy is aimed at eliminating pain, inflammation, as well as returning the normal mobility of the vertebrae and blood circulation.
Among the main groups of drugs, the following should be noted:
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamin complexes.
Products for external use are needed, which can be used in the form of ointments and gels.They help normalize blood circulation, eliminate pain and spasms, and also produce a warming effect.
Treatment with drugs that normalize cerebral circulation will help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine.To improve metabolic processes in the brain, as well as to restore thinking and memory, nootropic drugs are needed.
Physiotherapy techniques
Treatment with special therapeutic exercises will quickly and effectively help eliminate the existing symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home.In addition to exercise therapy and the use of medications, the range of measures includes the following methods of influence:
- spinal alignment,
- massage,
- physiotherapeutic effect.
Traction of the spine will increase the spaces between the vertebrae.However, it is worth remembering that the load must be dosed.Influence is carried out in different ways, especially using special tables.
Massage gives 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 tension and muscle spasms, and get rid of painful sensations.
Physiotherapy effects include the use of various tools, such as:
- laser exposure,
- magnetic field,
- ultrasound,
- low frequency current.
In some cases, medications are also used in combination with physiotherapy, which increases their effectiveness and avoids side effects.
Acupuncture allows you to improve or slightly slow down processes in the body by affecting biologically active points.The greatest effectiveness of all these measures is achieved when they are used comprehensively.
Traditional methods
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment includes the use of medicinal baths to quickly eliminate pain and inflammation.In addition, they help to relax the spine.Water procedures should be performed every other day, and the course of therapy is 15-20 procedures.
You can add a decoction of peppermint, chamomile, birch, lemon balm or sage to your bath water.Yarrow infusion is suitable for oral administration, as it helps to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and spasms.A solution of sea salt can be used as a compress.Home treatment will quickly help eliminate the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but before using any tools and techniques, you should definitely consult a doctor to prevent complications.
Conducting prevention
The best way of prevention is a healthy lifestyle, as well as the formation of the attitude from childhood.For preventive purposes it is recommended:
- nutritional adjustments;
- the use of an orthopedic pillow and mattress for sleeping;
- smooth lifting of weights.
The initial form of the disease generally has no pronounced symptoms.If you have excruciating pain in the sternum area, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs without complications.Otherwise, there is a risk of various types of pathological changes that can lead to disability.Among the main complications are:
- blood circulation disorders in the brain;
- increased blood pressure;
- weakness, numbness, muscle atrophy;
- hernias and protrusions;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- neurological disorders.
To prevent the development of complications, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor.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 to prevent bad behavior of the child.Folk remedies help in the fight against the disease, but you should not completely rely on them and refuse drug treatment.This can lead to a worsening of the problem when surgical intervention is required.