Headache, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness and loss of sensitivity 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 moves constantly, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced to adopt a monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and cannot fulfill the function assigned to them.The cause of the disease is incorrect posture and abnormalities in the development of the bone skeleton.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
As a result of changes in the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, the functioning of nerve endings and blood vessels leading from the spinal cord to internal organs and the brain is disturbed.The 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 in the nerve endings leading to the brain.
When there is an alteration of the peripheral nervous system, pain comes to the fore.They come in different intensity and character;general – pain is recorded at the beginning of the disease in the depth 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.The pain in the neck is usually dull, worsens after a night's rest, and the muscles become tense.
As the disease progresses, the hands become involved in the process: weakness and a feeling of numbness appear.Pain appears in the heart area.Signs indicate that cervicothoracic osteochondrosis has developed, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests itself as pain in the lungs, liver, stomach, and sometimes cough.Dystrophic disorder in articular cartilage disguises itself as other diseases: angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies oxygen to parts of the brain;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it remains compressed and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and tinnitus are signs of compression of the vascular bundle.Headaches due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by taking regular pain relievers.The pain intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of blood pressure instability and neurosis are observed.The 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 an 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 worsens 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.Therefore, it is advisable to identify the symptoms, think about the first signs of illness and take your time.
Osteochondrosis treatment
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved using treatment methods.Pharmacotherapy is combined with massage, physiotherapy, diet and light exercise.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
Medicines solve several problems at once: they eliminate inflammation, pain and stimulate the regeneration of cartilage and bone tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs have an analgesic effect.In case of a 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.Pain relievers are sometimes 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 based on the patient's age and the presence of chronic diseases.A positive effect is provided by chondroprotectors - drugs that improve cartilage restoration and have an analgesic effect.
For cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment includes an examination of the internal organs, since the function is impaired.For the treatment of acute pain in uncomplicated 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 recovery.Daily exercises are shown.For people who are forced to spend the day in one position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than to cure.To avoid suffering from the disease, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle with constant physical activity and alternating sports.The diet should be nutritious, enriched and smoking should be avoided.If you follow the rules, you will have the opportunity to live without pain and deterioration of your life until old age.