Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease, manifested by dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Lack of treatment leads to structural and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational disease for office workers who are forced to be in a position for long periods of time. It 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. This causes early osteochondrosis.
Office workers are the most susceptible to disease. They are in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly tense. Prolonged stress leads to deterioration of spinal circulation, resulting in dystrophic lesions in the intervertebral discs.
Cause:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into account: system, proper nutrition, presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It only plays a role along with the previous reason;
- autoimmune disease. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- neck, back hypothermia;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruises on the spine;
- goosefoot;
- infectious diseases;
- bad position during sleep;
- curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- metabolic disorders, overweight.
In the absence of competent treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, irreversible consequences occur in the spine, resulting in compression of the nerve roots. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Restoration of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors did not detect any symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- pain in the back of the head;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headache;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease lies in its confusion with other types of diseases. For example, the fingers become numb, chest osteochondrosis is possible.
The clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by a number of syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine that is exacerbated by movement. Strong muscle tension, muscle pain.
- Radical syndrome is often referred to as cervical sciatica. Decreased sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms include:
- noise in the ear;
- hearing impairment, vision;
- pain in the arm, neck.
This can lead to high blood pressure, accompanied by tinnitus.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome is manifested by muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients experience numbness in the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression-spinal cord, brain syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck area, sensitivity deteriorates. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents are similar to migraines. Common headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have shown that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are linked. The disease causes a common headache that can be called chronic. The nerve roots between the cervical vertebrae are pinched, and the regulation of the blood vessels in the head is disrupted. Food does not flow to the bulbs, the hair falls out.
In rare cases, numbness of the face occurs in cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by a headache and a crack in the neck.
Few think about what leads to cervical osteochondrosis. The vertebral artery is compressed, supplying blood to a part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, they violate blood circulation in the cells. In the absence of treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing and vision levels are reduced, and stroke occurs.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
Doctors distinguish three stages:
- In the initial stage, the destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. Neck discomfort from the side of the spine, rarely aching pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes chronic. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The last stage of osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs. The hand becomes numb with osteochondrosis of the neck, see a doctor immediately.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of any osteochondrosis is performed in a complex manner. Only this approach guarantees effective results in normalizing blood circulation, feeding cartilage discs, and eliminating pinched nerve roots. Above all, doctors focus their efforts on relieving pain, static tension in the muscles.
The process of treatment is prescribed individually by the patient. The duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Often used therapies: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, a method of surgical treatment is used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is an effective complementary measure. Seek medical advice before use. Compresses and ointments are often used to treat osteochondrosis of the neck:
- Mix equal amounts of aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected areas before going to bed and cover the top with cellophane and a cloth.
- Boil the potatoes and mash them. 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 procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two peppers, pour a glass of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5-7 days. Rub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an adjunct to treatment. Use as a precautionary measure. Contact your doctor as abnormal, sudden movements can make the condition worse.
The advantages of physiotherapy: it takes little time, it has an effect quickly.
Remember to prevent osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the correct organization of the order of rest and work. Switch between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during the lunch break;
- avoid stress, overload;
- choose a quality mattress, pillow for sleeping.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, symptoms occur, but few know that this is osteochondrosis of the neck, do not rush to see a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.