Osteochondrosis in medicine is usually called dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.This problem can appear in a person at any age.Dysfunction of the intervertebral discs can cause the development of many unpleasant associated health problems.Therefore, it is necessary to immediately pay attention to the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and then start immediate treatment.
General description of the disease
The cervical spine includes 8 paired nerve nodes, as well as 7 vertebrae.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually develops due to the fact that the intervertebral pulp degenerates into vitrified tissue.Along with this, pathological changes negatively affect the endings of nerve fibers as well as important vessels.This pathology mainly affects the 8th and 7th vertebrae.
The signs of cervical osteochondrosis are very easily confused with other pathologies.During the illness, attacks of headaches are observed, and discomfort in the neck area is also felt.Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are also accompanied by dizziness, nausea and problems with blood pressure.In most cases, this disease is confused with diseases of blood vessels and heart.
It is important to note that often, against the background of pathology of the vertebrae, the patient begins to suddenly lose consciousness, feel short of breath, and sometimes the tongue can even become numb.Therefore, the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should, 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 become rapidly younger, so 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 specialists constantly consider them together.
As for physiological changes, they are caused by irreversible age-related processes occurring in the cartilage of the spine.These changes are localized in the central region of the intervertebral disc.The physiological signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men are manifested by pinching of the pulp by certain fibrous tissues.When the nerve endings are irritated, the patient begins to experience discomfort.
Pathological changes are a process in which the zone of inflammation extends beyond areas 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 occur 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 signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men in some cases disappear on their own or appear in the form of short-term episodes.The human body has many protective and compensatory functions that, over time, are able to neutralize these pathological changes in the cartilage.
Provoking factors
The following factors can provoke 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 uncomfortable position.
- Injuries to the back of the head and neck.
- 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 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 an unclear clinical picture.The main signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women include dizziness, sharp changes in blood pressure and migraine.However, it is necessary to highlight the symptoms which will require urgent hospitalization of the patient:
- Increased headaches, accompanied by a deterioration in general health.
- Loss of mobility of the muscles of the shoulder girdle or face, numbness.
- Movement coordination disorders.
- Loss of consciousness.
When examining the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, you should pay attention to the fact that pain often radiates to the upper extremities and shoulder girdle.A distinctive feature of it is the pain syndrome, paroxysmal in nature.Basically, this pain occurs after waking up, during laughter, sudden movements, sneezing and coughing.
Answering the question of what signs of cervical osteochondrosis bother the patient, you should pay attention to the fact that at the initial stage of this disease the pain quickly subsides, neck tightening is often observed, the muscles weaken and the skin loses sensitivity.
If there are pathological changes in the sixth vertebra, pain may be felt in the thumb area.And if the changes affected the seventh vertebra, pain appears in the middle finger.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine in women usually appear later than in the stronger half of humanity.
Relationship with other diseases
The manifestation of signs of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women may be associated with other diseases.For example, experts have long established a link between blood pressure and cervical osteochondrosis.This unpleasant disease is characterized by sharp changes in blood pressure throughout the day, and persistent hypertension has no relation to this disease.
An increase in pressure during osteochondrosis can be accompanied by pain in the arms, chest, legs and noises in the head.Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine include decreased sensitivity of the skin in the cervical area.Constant stress and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Dizziness and cervical osteochondrosis occur due to severe pain, impaired cerebral circulation, and also the transmission of nerve signals.It can also occur due to existing problems with the vestibular system.The first 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 stand.
It is important to note that in case of dizziness, you should not only consult a neurologist, but also consult an ENT specialist so that this specialist can exclude the presence of a pathological change in the nasopharynx.
In most cases, osteochondrosis is accompanied by headaches.This occurs due to vascular spasms, increased intracranial pressure and pinched nerve endings.Pain can manifest itself in different ways, from dull to throbbing.
During osteochondrosis, headache attacks are similar to the sensations that occur with increased blood pressure, heart attack, angina and stroke.
Panic attacks can occur during osteochondrosis against the background of existing cerebral circulation disorders.The patient experiences physical discomfort and unreasonable fear.The duration of such an attack can be from a few minutes to 1 hour.Attacks can occur several times a day.In addition, panic attacks are accompanied by incessant tears, a feeling of heavy head, lethargy and apathy.If the patient experiences serious attacks, then it is necessary to regularly consult a psychiatrist and take tranquilizers.
Depression and fears arise with this disease against the background of constant pain, as well as a forced change in the normal lifestyle.
Diagnostic method
Most patients with osteochondrosis experience pain in the back of the head, arms and chest.Such a blurred picture of the disease greatly complicates the initial diagnosis.Additionally, uncontrolled use of painkillers prevents rapid diagnosis.A patient who feels no pain feels perfectly healthy.As a result, people consult a doctor too late, when irreversible processes are already beginning to develop in the tissues of the neck joints.
The diagnosis involves an x-ray, after which it will be possible to see signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.After an x-ray, the patient is prescribed treatment.If the R signs of cervical osteochondrosis are unstable, the following symptoms will be observed:
- Angular deformation of the affected segments.
- Movement of the vertebrae sideways, backwards or forwards.
- If there are deviations on the vertical axis of more than 2 mm in 2 vertebrae, this indicates pathology.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that radiography is an ineffective diagnostic method, especially at the last stage of development of osteochondrosis.
Also during diagnosis, the patient may be prescribed magnetic resonance imaging.MRI signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help to establish a diagnosis for the patient.During a tomogram, a specialist can see bone structures, herniated discs, as well as their direction of development and size.If MRI signs of cervical osteochondrosis are detected in time, the disease can be quickly overcome.
CT scanning is no less effective 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 CT is much more effective in identifying the presence and size of a hernia.
Drug treatment
After the diagnosis, the specialist diagnoses the patient and also prescribes appropriate treatment.Drug treatment aims to combat pain and inflammation.Drug treatment can restore normal mobility and circulation.The main groups of drugs in the treatment of this disease are:
- Various painkillers in the form of injections and tablets to eliminate pain.
- Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
- Chondroprotectors that restore cartilaginous tissue.
- To relax the muscles, muscle relaxants are prescribed.
- Additionally, vitamin complexes are prescribed, which must 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.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that vitamins contained in food products will not be enough to treat this unpleasant disease.Complex preparations can therefore be used.
It is also recommended to take medications that can improve cerebral circulation in case of existing cervical osteochondrosis.Taking such medications is an obligatory part of the treatment of this disease.
Surgery
Surgical intervention for the treatment of osteochondrosis is used very rarely.However, the patient cannot do without surgical intervention in cases where paralysis of the upper extremities is observed.Surgical intervention will also be necessary 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 jerky translational movements.Very effective: dosed traction, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.
Home treatment
In combination with drug treatment, non-traditional recipes can also be used.Home therapy involves regularly performing special exercises and techniques and using certain orthopedic devices.Traditional medicine recipes can be used as maintenance treatment.
To eliminate 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 and prevent the development of pathological changes.This necklace should be worn several hours before going to bed.Under no circumstances should it be used all day.
Self-massage can eliminate pain and spasms.And during this procedure, it is recommended to additionally apply ointment, which can improve blood circulation.The massage is done in a seated position, the position must be comfortable and relaxed.During this time, stroking and circular rubbing are carried out.During such a procedure, not only the neck is affected, but also the shoulder girdle.
It is important to note that in case of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it is prohibited to use any type of heating, except for a sauna or steam room.
Take special baths
You can get rid of pain and inflammation with the help of medicinal baths.Such procedures are useful in helping to relax the spine.Baths should be carried out every other day, and treatment should consist of 15-20 procedures.Bath recipes:
- Mix 300 g of mint and chamomile.Infuse the herbs with 10 liters of boiling water.Leave to infuse for 2 hours, then filter.
- Take 40 g of lemon balm, the same amount of birch leaves and mint.Infuse the resulting composition with 12 liters of boiling water and leave to infuse for 2 hours.After that, filter the broth and pour it into the bath.
- To prepare an infusion based on sage, you need to take 300 g of this ingredient and 5 liters of boiling water.Let the medicinal solution brew for 2 hours, filter, 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 spasms.To prepare the infusion, you need to take 230 ml of boiling water and 6 g of yarrow herb.Leave the broth to infuse for an hour in a closed container.The finished product is taken three times a day, 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 saline solution must be brought to a boil, after which it must be completely cooled.The natural fabric is soaked in the composition obtained then applied to the back of the neck.
Possible complications
If the diagnosis was made on time and the treatment was correct, then the disease should progress without any complications.Otherwise, quite serious pathological processes may develop, which can lead to disability in the future.Cervical osteochondrosis can be dangerous for human health.The main dangers are:
- Vertebral artery syndrome, in which organic and functional changes caused by circulatory disorders in the brain are observed.
- Arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
- Muscle atrophy of the upper limbs, weakness, numbness.
- Hernia formation, protrusion.
- Neurological disorders.
- VSD.
Carry out prevention
Preventive measures against osteochondrosis involve the simplest actions, which, if performed regularly, can prevent the occurrence of serious health problems.Prevention is especially important for older people and those who spend too much time sitting.To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, it is necessary:
- Take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes.
- Periodically go to the sauna or bathhouse to eliminate tension and spasms in the neck.
- Sleep only on a special mattress and orthopedic pillow.
- When working sedentary, do at least 5 minutes of warm-up every hour.
Experts also recommend swimming, yoga, aerobic exercises, as well as special gymnastics that strengthen the neck muscles.
Patient feedback
People's reviews about the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine indicate that success is observed if drugs and traditional medicine recipes are combined.Sea salt baths are very effective.But for successful treatment, it is necessary to seek help from specialists in time, immediately after the first symptoms of this disease are detected.