Headaches, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness, 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 on the computer.The probability of developing the disease increases with increasing physical inactivity.Normally the spine is in constant movement, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced into a monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and are unable to 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 the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, the functioning of nerve endings and blood vessels running 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.
When there is a disruption in 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.Neck pain is often dull, worsens after a night's rest, and the muscles become tense.
As the disease develops, 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 as pain in the lungs, liver, stomach, and sometimes cough.Dystrophic disorder in the articular cartilage is masked by other diseases: angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies oxygen to parts of the brain;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it is pinched and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of compression of the vascular bundle.Headaches due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by taking common analgesics.The pain intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of blood pressure instability and neurosis are observed.The VSD that appears first is a sign of an incipient disease.These diseases have similar symptoms.To prescribe treatment, you need to undergo a complete body examination with tests, photographs and MRI.Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, poor sleep, fatigue).An exacerbation of the disease occurs after physical exertion or nervous stress.
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.It is therefore worth identifying the symptoms, thinking about the first signs of illness and taking some time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved using treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massage, physiotherapy, diet and light exercises.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
Drugs 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 a prolonged course of the disease, when pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.The drugs relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
Tablets are prescribed for minor inflammations;for better results, injectable drugs are prescribed.To improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and eliminate pain, the use of medicinal ointments is indicated.Sometimes painkillers 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 based on the patient's age 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 the internal organs, as function is impaired.For the treatment of acute pain in uncomplicated forms of the disease, ten days are sufficient, followed by a rehabilitation period according to the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture sessions help you recover.Daily exercises shown.For people forced to spend the day in one position, light exercise should become the norm.
Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than 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, fortified and smoking should be avoided.By following the rules, you have a chance to live without pain and deterioration of life until old age.