Osteochondrosis in medicine is usually called dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.This problem can occur in a person at absolutely any age.Intervertebral disc dysfunction 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 immediately start treatment.
General description of the disease
The cervical spine includes 8 paired nerve nodes and 7 vertebrae.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually occurs when the intervertebral pulp degenerates into vitrified tissue.In parallel, pathological changes have a negative effect on the ends of nerve fibers and on important vessels.This pathology mainly affects the 8th and 7th vertebrae.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis can very easily be confused with other pathologies.During the disease, headache attacks are observed, and discomfort is also felt in the neck area.Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are also accompanied by dizziness, nausea and blood pressure problems.In most cases, this disease is confused with diseases of the blood vessels and heart.
It is important to note that often, against the background of pathology of the vertebrae, the patient suddenly loses consciousness, feels short of breath, and sometimes even the tongue becomes numb.Therefore, the signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as they say, “must be recognized 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.However, it should be noted that recently the disease has been rapidly becoming younger, as a result of which signs of cervical osteochondrosis are observed in women and men even in adolescence.
Causes of the disease
The development of this unpleasant disease is influenced by pathological and physiological processes.All of them are closely related to each other and are constantly considered together by specialists in medical practice.
Physiological changes are caused by irreversible age-related processes in the cartilage of the spine.These changes are localized in the central area of the intervertebral disc.Physiological signs of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men are manifested by pinching of the pulp by certain fibrous tissues.When nerve endings are irritated, the patient experiences discomfort.
Pathological changes are a process in which the area of inflammation extends beyond the cartilage tissue zones.Pathological signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in women and men can lead to severe irritation in the area of \u200b\u200bthe 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 as short-term episodes.The human body has numerous protective and compensatory functions that, over time, are able to neutralize these pathological changes in the cartilage area.
Provoking factors
The following factors can trigger the development of this unpleasant disease:
- Overweight.
- Lack of constant physical activity, as well as sedentary work.
- Stressful states and nervous stress.
- The patient's body is often in an uncomfortable position.
- Injuries to the back of the head and neck.
- Hypothermia.
It should also be noted that signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women can occur due to a congenital anomaly, as well as due to autoimmune diseases.
Key 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 symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in men and women include dizziness, sudden fluctuations in blood pressure and migraines.However, it is necessary to highlight the symptoms that require urgent hospitalization of the patient:
- Increasing headaches, accompanied by a deterioration in general health.
- Loss of mobility of the muscles of the shoulder girdle or face, numbness.
- Impaired movement coordination.
- Unconsciousness.
When considering the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, you should pay attention to the fact that the pain often radiates to the upper limbs and shoulder girdle.A characteristic feature of this is the pain syndrome, which is paroxysmal in nature.Basically, such pain occurs after waking up, when laughing, during sudden movements, when sneezing and coughing.
When answering the question of what signs of cervical osteochondrosis bother the patient, you should pay attention to the fact that in the initial stages of this disease the pain quickly subsides, a crunch in the neck is often observed, the muscles weaken and the skin loses its sensitivity.
If there are pathological changes in the sixth vertebra, pain in the thumb may occur.And if the changes affected the seventh vertebra, then the pain occurs in the middle finger.
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine usually appear later in women than in the stronger half of humanity.
connection with other diseases
The appearance of signs of cervical osteochondrosis in men and women may be associated with other diseases.For example, experts have long noted a connection between blood pressure and cervical osteochondrosis.This unpleasant disease is characterized by sharp fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day, and persistent hypertension is irrelevant to this disease.
An increase in pressure in osteochondrosis can be accompanied by pain in the arms, chest, legs and noise in the head.Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are reduced sensitivity of the skin in the collar area.Constant stress and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
Dizziness and cervical osteochondrosis arise from severe pain, impaired cerebral circulation and also the transmission of nerve signals.This 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 severe nausea occurs.It is very difficult for the patient to remain standing.
It is important to note that if you experience dizziness, you should consult not only a neurologist, but also an ENT doctor so that he can rule out the presence of a pathological change in the nasopharynx.
In most cases, osteochondrosis is accompanied by headaches.It occurs due to vascular spasms, increased intracranial pressure and pinched nerve endings.The pain can manifest itself in different ways, be it dull or throbbing.
With osteochondrosis, headache attacks are similar to the sensations that occur with increased blood pressure, heart attack, angina and stroke.
Panic attacks can occur with osteochondrosis against the background of existing disorders of cerebral circulation.The patient feels physical discomfort and unfounded fear.The duration of such an attack can range from several minutes to an hour.Seizures 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 feels severe attacks, it is necessary to regularly visit a psychiatrist and take sedatives.
Depression and anxiety in this disease occur against the background of constant pain, as well as a forced change in normal lifestyle.
Diagnostic method
Most patients with osteochondrosis experience pain in the back of the head, arms and chest.Such a vague clinical picture makes initial diagnosis considerably more difficult.In addition, the uncontrolled use of painkillers hinders timely diagnosis.A patient who feels no pain feels completely healthy.As a result, people seek medical help too late, when irreversible processes are already developing in the tissues of the cervical joints.
The diagnosis is made by an x-ray, according to which R-signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are visible.After an x-ray, the patient is prescribed treatment.If the R signs of cervical osteochondrosis are unstable, the following symptoms are observed:
- Angular deformation of the affected segments.
- Displacement of the vertebrae to the side, backwards or forwards.
- If deviations on the vertical axis of more than 2 mm occur within 2 vertebrae, this indicates pathology.
It should be noted that radiography is an ineffective diagnostic method, especially at the final stage of the development of osteochondrosis.
During the diagnosis, the patient may also be prescribed magnetic resonance imaging.MRI signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help make a diagnosis for the patient.During a tomography, a specialist can identify bone structures, herniated discs and their direction of development and size.If MRI signs of cervical osteochondrosis are detected in a timely manner, the disease can be quickly overcome.
Computed tomography is no less effective solution than MRI.This procedure allows you to detect CT signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.In addition, it should be noted that computed tomography is much better at detecting the presence and size of a hernia.
Drug treatment
After the diagnosis, the specialist makes a diagnosis for the patient and also prescribes the appropriate treatment.Drug treatment is aimed at combating pain and inflammation.Drug treatment can restore normal mobility and blood circulation.The main groups of drugs used to treat this disease are the following:
- Various painkillers in the form of injections and tablets for pain relief.
- Steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Chondroprotectors that restore cartilage tissue.
- Muscle relaxants are prescribed to relax the muscles.
- Additionally, vitamin complexes are prescribed, which should 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.
You should also pay attention to the fact that the vitamins contained in food are not enough to treat this unpleasant disease.Therefore, complex preparations can be used.
Even if you have existing cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take medications that can improve cerebral circulation.Taking such medications is an obligatory part of the treatment of this disease.
surgery
Surgical interventions to treat osteochondrosis are used very rarely.However, if the upper limbs are paralyzed, the patient cannot do without surgery.Surgery is also required if the patient has cerebral edema.
Complementary therapy
A massage is recommended as an additional therapeutic measure.Experts also recommend using manual therapy in the form of jerky translational movements.Very effective are: dosed traction, relaxation techniques and acupuncture.
Home treatment
Non-traditional recipes can also be used in combination with drug treatment.Therapy at home includes the regular performance of special exercises and techniques as well as the use of certain orthopedic aids.Traditional medicine recipes can be used as maintenance therapy.
To eliminate tension in the spine, relieve stress and strengthen the neck muscles, you can use the Shants collar.The neck and head are fixed in a certain position.This allows you to overcome insomnia and prevent the development of pathological changes.This collar must be worn several hours before bedtime.Under no circumstances use it all day long.
Self-massage can eliminate pain and cramps.And during this procedure, it is recommended to additionally rub an ointment that can improve blood circulation.The massage is carried out while sitting, the position should be comfortable and relaxed.This involves stroking and rubbing in circles.During such an operation, not only the neck but also the shoulder girdle is affected.
It is important to note that with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, any type of heating, with the exception of a sauna or steam room, is prohibited.
Take special baths
With the help of healing baths you can relieve pain and inflammation.Such procedures help relax the spine.Baths should be carried out every other day and the course of treatment should include 15-20 procedures.Bath recipes:
- Mix 300 g mint and chamomile.Brew the herbs with 10 liters of boiling water.Let it steep for 2 hours, then filter.
- Take 40 g of lemon balm, the same amount of birch and mint leaves.Brew the resulting composition with 12 liters of boiling water and let it brew for 2 hours.Then filter the broth and pour it into the bath.
- To prepare a sage-based infusion, you need to take 300 g of this ingredient and 5 liters of boiling water.Let the medicinal solution brew for 2 hours, strain and then use.
For oral administration, you can use a yarrow-based infusion.This allows you to quickly eliminate inflammation, pain and cramps.To prepare the infusion you need 230 ml of boiling water and 6 g of yarrow herb.Let the broth brew in a closed container for an hour.The finished product is taken three times a day, 15 ml each.
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 and then cooled completely.Natural material is soaked with the resulting composition and then applied to the neck.
Possible complications
With timely diagnosis and correct treatment, the disease should progress without complications.Otherwise, quite serious pathological processes can develop, which can lead to disability in the future.Cervical osteochondrosis can be dangerous to human health.The main dangers include:
- Vertebral artery syndrome, in which organic and functional changes are observed due to circulatory disorders in the brain.
- arrhythmia and hypertension.
- Muscular atrophy in the upper extremities, weakness, numbness.
- Formation of hernias, protrusions.
- Neurological disorders.
- VSD.
Carry out prevention
Preventive measures against osteochondrosis include the simplest measures that, if carried out 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 for at least 10 minutes every day.
- Go to the sauna or bathhouse regularly to eliminate neck tension and cramps.
- Sleep only on a special mattress and an orthopedic pillow.
- If you work while sitting, warm up for at least 5 minutes every hour.
Experts also recommend swimming, yoga, aerobics and special gymnastics that strengthen the neck muscles.
Patient reviews
Reviews of people about the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine show that success is achieved when drugs and recipes of traditional medicine are combined.Sea salt baths are very effective.However, in order to achieve success in treatment, it is necessary to seek the help of a specialist in a timely manner after recognizing the first symptoms of this disease.