The cervical spine is constantly in motion, so it is subject to serious stress during the day.
Moreover, here is concentrated a large number of nerve endings and vascular formations, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the brain and its saturation in time with blood.The problem lies in the dysfunction of the articular cartilage located in the bone tissue.
Acute osteochondrosis with changes in the intervertebral discs and their displacement leads to reduced blood flow, developing oxygen deprivation in the human brain.
The development of a dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs can lead to serious consequences, therefore the disease requires mandatory treatment.
Signs of Disease
it is possible to determine the development of cervical osteochondrosis at an early stage from the neck crisis that occurs during head rotation.
Patients also report tinnitus and general discomfort in the neck area, which manifests as painful sensations (may even appear on the fingers).
It is often not possible to localize the pain. It all just depends on those parts of the cervix that were damaged. Dislocation of the intervertebral disc with displacement is described by patients in different ways, but they note suturing pain.
A pressed joint or damage from friction with the spinal discs is described differently: a dull pain in the collar region is present almost constantly and does not subside even in the absence of sudden movements.
How osteochondrosis of the neck manifests
If you start to develop unexplained back and neck pain, you should consult a doctor immediately for treatment. It is possible that this is all psychosomatic, however, the disease is often confirmed by a doctor.
This is why we have formed some fragments and highlight the main signs of cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- Headache accompanied by dizziness. This is the first and most common symptom among all patients. In the spine, additional pressure is created on the sensitive vessels of the head and neck, which slows their filling with the required amount of blood. In the general background, efficiency and mental activity decrease, a person quickly gets tired of even simple tasks.
- Dizziness when turning your head sideways. For a short period of time, the entry of blood through the vessels and capillaries is blocked, which causes "blurring" in the activity of the human brain system.
- Chest and arm pain. Often this manifestation of a serious illness is confused with increased angina pectoris or pain in the heart muscle, so you do not have to deal with making the correct diagnosis yourself and subsequent self-medication.
- Lumbago in the cervical region. Back pain also refers to a common symptom of cervical spine osteochondrosis. It resembles a point electric shock and can later spread to the elbow joints and fingers.
- Tongue numbness. Lack of blood in the vessels causes a restriction in the movement of the tongue. If you have a change in the tone of your voice or it has become much more difficult to speak, consult a doctor immediately so as not to cause further development of the disease.
In some patients, the disease may present with other signs, so if you are not sure what may have caused the back or neck pain, then it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Noise in the ear, deterioration of the teeth and vision - all this can cause the development of osteochondrosis. Finger numbness can occur at any time of the day, which is accompanied by a sharp compression of the nerve endings in the vertebrae.
Unfortunately, the disease is increasingly beginning to appear in young people who do not pay enough attention to it. Over time, the disease can take a chronic course with changes in behavior, the appearance of excess weight, and the development of infectious diseases for no apparent reason.
Even experienced physicians, in this case, find it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis against the background of indicators that differ in symptomatology.
Types of exacerbations
Often, people's inattention to their health leads to a worsening of cervical osteochondrosis. So what are the exacerbations and what causes them?
On the nerves
Unfortunately, stressful situations that occur in every person's life lead to deterioration of intervertebral disc nutrition.
We do not even notice that during strong excitement or great overexertion we start moving chaotically, which leads to a worsening of osteochondrosis with all the ensuing consequences (dizziness, tinnitus, headache).
If you suffer from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is recommended to take sedative tablets "Glycesid" and "Novo-Passit" with a mandatory visit to a neurologist or psychotherapist.
After the massage
Thinning massage in most cases leads to a worsening of the disease.
Before the session begins, the massage therapist should be notified that you have a confirmed diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Neurologists often advise professional massage therapists who perform massage taking into account the recommendations of doctors.
Seasonal
Changes in weather and climatic conditions cause seasonal worsening of the disease, and this is a scientifically proven fact. Intervertebral discs are sensitive to temperature and atmospheric changes, so pain and other symptoms may occur.
After you drink
Another typical example of worsening osteochondrosis is drinking alcohol. The body is affected not only by the alcohol contained in the drink, but also by a person staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
It should not be ruled out that hot people simply forget to dress warmly because of the "warmth" that is washed over them, exposing the nerve endings to hypothermia.
During your period
In women, menstruation is accompanied by a severe drop in estrogen levels, which is responsible for the integrity of bone tissue in the body.
If the pain in the lumbar region, chest and neck does not disappear for a long time, then this is a reason for a visit to the doctor, as they can be caused not by the menstrual cycle and its symptoms, but by the manifestation ofosteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
During a cooling
Changes in body temperature during illness cause inflammation in the nerve endings located in the intervertebral discs. Which in turn can cause deterioration.
What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
Advanced cervical osteochondrosis can lead to the development of vascular dystonia, hypertension, impaired memory and hearing. In extreme cases, patients experience impaired hand function as well as persistent forearm pain.
Hypertension is a disease of society, not without reason it is called "silent death". It is unlikely that any of the patients could imagine that premature treatment of osteochondrosis could lead to the onset of hypertension, which continues without obvious onset and symptoms.
Concerns should also relate to possible changes in a person's vascular system, as after that he can develop a whole bunch of diseases and complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
A touch method is used to diagnose cervical spine osteochondrosis. Allows you to evaluate painful sensations in the back, sensitivity of nerve endings, as well as other characteristics that are important for accurate and precise diagnosis.
After being examined by a neurologist, the patient is referred for a cervical x-ray, which is performed in multiple projections to get a clearer picture.
If, even after this, the doctor cannot accurately diagnose the disease or there are other suspicions, a computed tomography or MRI scan is performed. It, in contrast to radiography, shows very well the condition of the soft tissues.
Treatment
Traditional and non-traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are good in their own way, but do not forget about the need to consult a doctor, as he is the one who is able to prescribe the right treatment.
Conservative treatments include:
- Analgesic therapy
- Taking non-steroidal medications
- Taking antispasmodics
A prerequisite in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is the use of chondroprotectors, which allow the restoration of the damaged structure and integrity of the intervertebral discs.
The doctor prescribes general massage and acupressure, and also prescribes B vitamins. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to wear a Shants collar and exercise therapy.
Thus, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is possible, but should be done at an early stage of disease manifestation in order to rule out its occurrence in the future.