Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that manifests itself in the form of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. Inadequate treatment leads to structural and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors refer to this form as an occupational disease for people who work in an office and have to work in one position for a long time. Appears in every second person after 30 years.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Because of this, early osteochondrosis occurs.
Office workers are the most susceptible to illness. You are in a static position for a long time, and your deep muscles are constantly tense even during breaks. Prolonged stress leads to a circulatory disorder in the spine, which leads to dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes:
- Way of life. All factors are taken into account: regime, proper diet, the presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It only matters in connection with the previous reason;
- Autoimmune diseases. For example lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- Hypothermia of the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruises of the spine;
- Flat feet;
- Infectious diseases;
- wrong position in sleep;
- Curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- Metabolic disorders, obesity.
In the absence of competent treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, irreversible consequences appear in the spine, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed. Over time, an intervertebral hernia occurs. The musculoskeletal system cannot recover.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not diagnosed the symptoms of neck osteochondrosis. The most important are:
- restricted movement of the cervical spine;
- pain in the back of the head;
- Swelling of the face under the eyes;
- strong headache;
- Numbness of fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of disease. For example, fingers become numb, chest osteochondrosis is possible.
The clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine that increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, sore muscles.
- Radicular syndrome is often referred to as cervical sciatica. There is a decrease in sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms appear:
- Noises in the ears;
- Hearing impairment, eyesight;
- Pain in the arm, in the neck.
High blood pressure can then develop, accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- The radicular-vascular syndrome manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients experience numbness of the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression spinal, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in the elderly.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has symptoms similar to migraines. Frequent headache, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are linked. The disease causes frequent headaches that can be described as chronic. The nerve roots between the cervical vertebrae are pinched, the regulation of the blood vessels in the head is disturbed. The food no longer flows to the onions, hair falls out.
In rare cases, numbness of the face occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by a headache, a crunch in the neck.
Few think about what cervical osteochondrosis leads to. Compression of the vertebral artery occurs, which supplies blood to part of the brain called the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. Without treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing and vision deteriorate, and a stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial stage, the process of destroying the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck from the side of the spine, in rare cases aching pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes a chronic condition. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The last stage of neck osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness;
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs. Hand becomes numb with cervical osteochondrosis, urgently consult a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results in normalizing blood flow, nourishing the intervertebral discs and eliminating pinched nerve roots. Initially, doctors focus on relieving pain and static tension in the muscles.
The course of treatment is prescribed to the patient individually. The duration depends on the type of pathology. Therapies are often used: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, a surgical method of treatment is used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a doctor before use. To treat cervical osteochondrosis, compresses and ointments are often used:
- Mix in equal parts aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected areas before bedtime, covering the top with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil potatoes, puree. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture on your neck, wrap it in a plastic bag, and then with a cloth. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two peppers, pour in a glass of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5-7 days. Massage in several times a day.
physical therapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure to the course of treatment. Use as a preventive measure. Ask your doctor as abnormal, abrupt movements make the condition worse.
The advantages of therapeutic gymnastics: takes little time, has a quick effect.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the correct organization of the rest regime, work. Switch between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- Choose a quality mattress, a pillow to sleep on.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, symptoms appear, but few people know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, they are in no hurry to see a doctor. This threatens them with serious health consequences.