Headaches, 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 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 at the computer.The likelihood 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 monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and can no longer perform their assigned function.The cause of the disease is poor posture and abnormalities in the development of the bone skeleton.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Due to changes in vertebrae, discs, ligaments, the functioning of nerve endings and blood vessels going from the spinal cord to internal organs and the brain is disrupted.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 of the nerve endings leading to the brain.
In case of disruption of the peripheral nervous system, pain appears.They have different intensity and character;general – pain is recorded at the beginning of the disease in the depths 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 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.Pain appears in the region of the heart.Signs indicate that cervicothoracic osteochondrosis has developed, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests itself by pain in the lungs, liver, stomach and sometimes by a cough.Dystrophic articular cartilage disorder is disguised as other diseases - angina, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies parts of the brain with oxygen;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it pinches and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of compression of the vascular bundle.Headaches due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by taking regular painkillers.The pain increases when you turn or tilt your 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 undergo a complete examination of the body with tests, photographs and MRI.Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, lack of sleep, fatigue).An exacerbation of the disease occurs after physical exertion or nervous tension.
Osteochondrosis of the spine deteriorates 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.It is therefore worth recognizing the symptoms, thinking about the first signs of illness and taking the time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
When treating osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved using 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-inflammatory drugs have an analgesic effect.In case of prolonged course of the disease, when pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.Medications relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
The tablets are prescribed for minor inflammations;To achieve better results, injectable medications are prescribed.To improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and eliminate pain, the use of medicinal ointments is indicated.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 drugs is selected depending on the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that improve the restoration of cartilage and have an analgesic effect.
For cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment includes examination of internal organs, as their function is impaired.For the treatment of acute pain in simple forms of the disease, ten days are enough, followed by a rehabilitation period in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture sessions help in recovery.Daily exercises presented.For people forced to spend the day in the same position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure.In order not to suffer from the disease, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle with constant physical activity and alternation of sports.The diet should be nutritious, enriched and smoking should be avoided.By following the rules, you have a chance to live without pain and deterioration of life until old age.