Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a common form of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Lack of treatment leads to structural and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational disease for people working in an office who are forced to stay in one position for a long time. Appears in every second person after 30 years.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Due to it early osteochondrosis occurs.
Office workers are more susceptible to disease. They are in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly tense. Prolonged stress leads to impaired blood circulation in the spine, resulting in dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into account: diet, proper nutrition, the presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in relation to the former reason;
- autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- hypothermia of the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruising of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infectious diseases;
- wrong sleeping position;
- curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- metabolic disorders, overweight.
In the absence of competent treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, irreversible consequences occur in the spine, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed. Over time an intervertebral hernia appears. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not determined the symptoms of neck osteochondrosis. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- pain in the back of the head;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headaches;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of diseases. For example, fingers numb, chest osteochondrosis is possible.
Clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine, which increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, pain.
- Radicular syndrome is often called cervical sciatica. There is a decrease in sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms appear:
- tinnitus;
- hearing impairment, vision impairment;
- pain in arm, neck.
Subsequently, hypertension may develop, accompanied by tinnitus.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients experience numbness of the hands with osteochondrosis of the cervix.
- Compression-spinal syndromes, cerebral. They are characterized by pain in the shoulder, neck area, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix in adolescents has migraine-like symptoms. Frequent, mixed and sometimes vomiting headaches. As practice shows, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that osteochondrosis of the cervix and hair loss are interrelated. The disease causes frequent headaches, which can be called chronic. The nerve roots between the cervical vertebrae are tight, the regulation of the blood vessels of the head is disturbed. Nutrition ceases to flow into the bulbs, hair falls out.
In rare cases, numbness of the face occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervix. It is accompanied by a headache, a crack in the neck.
Few think about what leads to cervical osteochondrosis. There is a compression of the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to a part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. In the absence of treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing level, vision decreases and a stroke occurs.
Stages of neck osteochondrosis
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial stage, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck on the side of the spine, in rare cases, painful pain.
- In the second stage, the disease turns into a chronic condition. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The final stage of neck osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs. The hand becomes numb with osteochondrosis of the cervix, consult a doctor urgently.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of any type is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results in normalizing blood circulation, nourishing the vertebral discs and eliminating the suppressed nerve roots. First of all, doctors focus their efforts on pain relief, static muscle tension.
The course of treatment is prescribed for the patient individually. The duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Often used therapies: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, a surgical treatment method is used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a physician before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, compresses, ointments are often used:
- Mix equal proportions with aloe juice, vodka, propolis solution, mustard powder. Apply the resulting mass on the affected areas before going to bed, covering the top with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil the potatoes, mash. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture on the neck, wrap in a plastic bag and then with a cloth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two pepper peppers, pour a glass of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5-7 days. Rub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure for the course of treatment. Use as a preventative measure. Check with your doctor, as abnormal and sudden movements will worsen the condition.
Advantages of remedial gymnastics: requires little time, quickly brings an effect.
Remember to prevent osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- correct organization of rest, work regime. Alternate between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during the lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, pillow to sleep on.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, symptoms appear, but few know that it is osteochondrosis of the cervix, they do not rush to visit a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.