Headache, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness, loss of sensation 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 is constantly moving, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced into a monotonous position, the vertebrae atrophy and cannot cope with their assigned function.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 running from the spinal cord to the internal organs and 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 in 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 registered at the beginning of the disease in the depths of the neck.
Often, with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, shortness of breath appears.Patients find it difficult to breathe and have a lump in the throat.Pain in the neck 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 area of the heart.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 is disguised as other diseases - angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies parts of the brain with oxygen; with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it becomes pinched and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of compression of the vascular bundle.Headaches due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by taking ordinary analgesics.The pain intensifies when turning or tilting the head.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of instability of blood pressure and neuroses are observed.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 full examination of the body 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 strain.
Osteochondrosis of the spine worsens the quality of life, prevents you from doing what you love, and the gradual destruction of discs leads to the need to replace them.Therefore, it is worth identifying the symptoms, thinking at the first signs of illness, and taking time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
When treating osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved using treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massages, physiotherapy, diet, and light exercises.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
The 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 protracted 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; to achieve 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 medications is selected based on the patient’s age and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that enhance the restoration of cartilage and have an analgesic effect.
For cervicothoracic osteochondrosis, treatment includes 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 compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage, and acupuncture sessions help to recover.Daily exercises 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.In order not to suffer 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 into old age.