Headache, numbness of the neck muscles, dizziness, loss of sensitivity in the hands are signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.The disease is associated with dystrophic changes in the body of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear at any age, the disease becomes younger.Related to a sedentary lifestyle, the specifics of work, computer learning.The probability of developing the disease increases with increasing physical inactivity.Normally, the spine is in constant motion, the discs and vertebrae do not stagnate and function normally.When the body is forced to assume 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 the nerve endings and blood vessels passing from the spinal cord to the internal organs and the brain is disturbed.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with compression of nerve endings and blood vessels.Depending on the involvement of the 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 registered as a result of impact on the spinal cord.The third group of symptoms is related to a disorder of the nerve endings leading to the brain.
When there are disturbances in the peripheral nervous system, pain comes to the fore.They come in varying intensity and character;general - the pain is registered at the beginning of the disease in the depths of the neck.
Shortness of breath often occurs with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae.Patients have difficulty breathing and have a lump in their throat.Neck pain is often dull, worse after a night's rest, and the muscles become tense.
With the development of the disease, the hands are involved in the process - weakness and a feeling of numbness appear.Pain appears in the region of the heart.The signs indicate that cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis has developed, the symptoms are localized in the chest.It manifests itself as pain in the lungs, liver, stomach, sometimes cough.Dystrophic disorders in the articular cartilage are masked under other diseases - angina pectoris, neuralgia.
Consequences
The vertebral artery supplies parts of the brain with oxygen;with dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, it is pressed and does not perform its function.Dizziness, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus are signs of vascular bundle compression.Headache due to osteochondrosis will not be reduced by ordinary analgesics.The pain increases when turning or tilting the head.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis with VSD intensify, signs of blood pressure instability and neuroses are observed.A VSD that occurs earlier is a sign of incipient disease.These diseases have similar symptoms.In order to prescribe treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full body examination with tests, photographs and MRI.Symptoms of exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis are neurological disorders (irritation, poor sleep, fatigue).Aggravation of the disease occurs after physical exertion or nervous tension.
Osteochondrosis of the spine worsens the quality of life, prevents you from doing what you love, and the gradual destruction of the discs leads to the need for their replacement.Therefore, it is worth identifying the symptoms, thinking at the first signs of illness and taking your time.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, positive results are achieved using treatment methods.Drug therapy is combined with massages, physical therapy, diet and light exercise.A comprehensive course will help you cope with the disease and return to work.
Medicines 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 the case of a prolonged course of the disease, when the pain is observed for more than three months, antidepressants are indicated.Medicines relieve nervousness and reduce pain.
Tablets are prescribed for mild inflammation;injectable drugs are prescribed to achieve better results.To improve tissue regeneration, relieve muscle tension and eliminate pain, the use of medical ointments is indicated.Sometimes pain relievers are prescribed in the form of rectal suppositories (for stomach ulcers).
Treatment with injections is prescribed for symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.The dosage of the drugs is selected based on the age of the patient and the presence of chronic diseases.Chondroprotectors have a positive effect - drugs that improve cartilage recovery and have an analgesic effect.
In case of cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis, the treatment includes examination of the internal organs, as the function is impaired.For the treatment of acute pain in uncomplicated forms of the disease, ten days are sufficient, followed by a rehabilitation period in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.Physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture help with recovery.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 treat.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, enriched, smoking should be avoided.By following the rules, you have a chance to live without pain and deterioration of life until old age.