Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that affects the vertebrae, cartilaginous discs and ligaments.If we decipher the term literally, Osteo means "bone", chondrosis means "cartilage".They are.Cervical osteochondrosis is associated with changes in the structure of the spinal tissue, in which the intervertebral discs lose their function, and at the same time the nutrition of the vertebral body itself is disturbed.
Cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which we will consider today, is a fairly common disease.According to statistics, after 35 years, osteochondrosis is found in 40-85% of the population, regardless of the standard of living and the country of residence.The pathological part of the cervical spine is up to 30% of all identified cases.
Most often, the disease develops in the region C 5 - C 7, because they are the most mobile and important vessels that supply the brain may be involved in the disease process.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis vary, and the clinical manifestations depend on the vertebrae affected by the disease.Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by sudden "shooting", where the patient experiences sharp pain that limits movement, and a crunching sound when turning the head.Let's consider the pain symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the location of the vertebral lesion:
- First vertebra - pain and numbness in the back of the head;
- 2nd vertebra - pain in the back of the head, discomfort in the crown area;
- 3 vertebrae - neck pain, possible speech disorders, sensitivity and conservation of the tongue;
- 4 Vertebrae - Decreased neck muscle tone, headache, discomfort when breathing, pain in the shoulder, shoulder blade, in the heart area, right hypochondria;
- 5-6 vertebrae - pain in the shoulder, forearm, shoulder blade, thumb;
- 7th Vertebra - Pain in the shoulder blades, hands, 2-4 fingers, possible loss of sensitivity in this area.
With extensive osteochondrosis affecting several vertebrae, symptoms may overlap, making accurate diagnosis difficult.
Dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis deserves special attention, because it is the main symptom of this disease.It happens suddenly and can be quite strong.
Headaches with cervical osteochondrosis can be accompanied by dizziness and cannot be relieved with analgesics, because they are the result of compression of the vertebral arteries.Muscle pain with cervical osteochondrosis is not always present, but headaches can be a constant symptom.
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis occurs against the background of vertebral artery compression and includes many manifestations:
- debilitating headache that worsens when turning or tilting the head;
- Visual impairment: double vision, decreased acuity, pain and dryness of the eyes, flickering spots;
- Diseases such as angina pectoris, complaining of chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure.It is very important to differentiate the diagnosis correctly and in time, because angina pectoris and the syndrome associated with cervical osteochondrosis are treated not only with different drugs, but also with different specialists;
- Short-term hearing loss-the sudden appearance of noise or ringing in the ears, which is associated with short-term dizziness and blackness of the eyes;
- Vomiting and vomiting disturbances of consciousness are possible.Often, such signs are provoked by sudden bending or turning the head;
- Brain disorders similar to ischemic stroke.Here, again, a timely differential diagnosis is very important.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine begins only after a detailed medical examination.Diagnosis is carried out using X-rays of the neck, as well as modern methods - CT or MRI of the spine.If the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is confirmed, treatment will be carried out by a neurologist.In case of early manifestations of the disease, drugs can be prescribed only during the period of exacerbation, and the basics of therapy during the period of remission are physiotherapy, massage and correction of the patient's regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes several mandatory aspects:
- mode correction.You must arrange your night's rest properly;It is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow.
- Load exception.If you spend your entire working day at an office desk, take a few minutes every 2 hours to stretch your neck and also do some eye exercises.
- Drug therapy, taking medication prescribed by a doctor.Again, we strongly recommend not to use the doctor's advice grown at home.
- physiotherapy procedures.You will receive a referral for them from a neurologist, and detailed therapy will be prescribed by a doctor-physiotherapist.Do not be tempted by the promises of unprofessional massage therapists.Remember that the neck is a very responsible department.If a massage or manual procedure is performed by a non-professional, it may end in complications.
Much literature has been written on how to treat osteochondrosis in the cervical spine using traditional methods.Be careful, other people's recipes do not cause criticism.Discuss any traditional therapy method with your doctor before using it.