Osteochondrosis of the neck is a fairly common disease in our time. The number of people suffering from this pathology is increasing year by year. If previously mature people had faced the disease in question, many young people are now at risk.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in men
Several factors contribute to the development of cervical osteochondrosis in men. The progression of the disease is provoked by:
- sedentary lifestyle
- weakened immunity;
- unbalanced diet;
- overweight;
- injuries to the cervical spine.
In men, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck are as follows:
- Crack in the neck. If this symptom is not eliminated in time, neck mobility is likely to deteriorate significantly in the short term. Cracking of the neck is a direct consequence of the destruction and displacement of the intervertebral joints.
- Pain in the temple and neck. The painful feelings first appear only in the neck region, but gradually move to the back of the head. Muscle cramps cause such pain.
- Weakness. It is about compressing and damaging the nerves responsible for the normal movement of the limbs. This in turn leads to muscle weakness.
- Fading. Poor blood supply caused by osteochondrosis leads to brain dysfunction.
- Deterioration of vision. This sign indicates an advanced stage of the disease.
- Heartache. The pain does not extend to the heart itself but to the chest. Osteochondrosis causes a strong heartbeat that contributes to arrhythmias.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women
In women, the ligament is less toned and the vertebrae are much thinner than in men. This is why deformation of the cervical spine is faster than the better sex.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis in women:
- lack of regular simple physical activity;
- individual anatomy;
- high load on the spine during pregnancy;
- hormonal changes that can cause the formation of a hormonal bump that prevents the movement of the cervical spine.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women include:
- pain in the spine of the neck and shoulders;
- sharp lumbago when turning head;
- feeling of stiffness in the cervical spine;
- burns in the shoulders and neck;
- cracking in the neck when tilting and rotating the head;
- muscle cramps with shoulder pain;
- feeling tired;
- common headache.
Symptom of vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of vertebral artery syndrome in cervical osteochondrosis should be known to prevent serious unwanted complications (strokes). Similar symptoms occur due to poor blood flow to the brain.
Vertebral artery syndrome presents with the following symptoms:
- throbbing pain that occurs in seizures in one part of the head;
- impaired coordination of movements, dizziness and nausea;
- cases of unconsciousness are often observed;
- sparks and "floats" in the eyes.
Vertebral artery syndrome is characterized by pain during movement of the neck and head. Feeling tired can turn into a constant sleep state, resulting in a significant decrease in performance. Over time, a feeling of dumpling may appear in the throat.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. In this case, it is impossible to postpone the trip to the doctor. Delays can have irreparable consequences.
Treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with exacerbation
Exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is almost always accompanied by severe, intense pain. A worsening disease can be provoked by:
- Tension. Constant worries cause spasms of the occipital muscles, leading to poor circulation and headaches.
- Autumn season. During this period, there is a high probability of neck hypothermia, a restructuring of biological rhythms.
- Exacerbation of other chronic diseases. Even a common cold can make the development of cervical osteochondrosis worse.
- Prolonged static head position.
- Incorrect treatment or self-medication. Improper treatment, non-professional massage, gymnastics (may be contraindicated) may exacerbate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
In the event of a seizure, loosen the tense muscles by resting your head on something. We recommend using a warming anti-inflammatory ointment and taking painkillers. Try wearing a cotton gauze collar for several days.
If the first seizure occurs, be sure to see a doctor. After the diagnosis, you will receive full information about the stage of your illness.
Complex treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis during exacerbation includes:
- professional massage;
- physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy procedures;
- taking anti-inflammatory painkillers;
- proper nutrition. Reduce your consumption of meat, legumes and coffee.
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, a mobile life should be maintained, it is important to exclude severe spinal stress.
Treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis by injection
Injections have traditionally been very effective in treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The benefits of injections are:
- almost immediate penetration of the drug into nerve endings;
- injection of the drug directly into the lesion;
- analgesics do not have medicinal properties but are able to relieve pain in 10-15 minutes;
- antispasmodics help increase the mobility of injured areas and neutralize muscle cramps;
- injections of chondroprotectors help repair cartilage tissue;
- injections of non-steroidal drugs have an antipyretic effect and relieve swelling;
- Vitamin B injections help restore nerve endings.
Medicines to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be given:
- in a standard manner, i. e. intramuscularly;
- use of a dropper;
- therapeutic blockade, ie the injection is given directly into the nerve endings in the affected part of the body.
Treating cervical osteochondrosis is a very difficult and long process. If you do not want to have any complications, be sure to see a doctor when you have symptoms of the disease.