Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that affects the vertebrae, discs and ligaments.If we interpret the term literally, osteo means "bone" and chondrosis means "cartilage".Those.Cervical osteochondrosis is associated with changes in the tissue structures of the spine, in which the intervertebral discs lose their functionality, and at the same time, the nutrition of the vertebral bodies themselves is disturbed.
Cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which we will consider today, is a fairly common disease.According to statistics, after 35 years, osteochondrosis is found in 40-85% of the population, regardless of the standard of living and the country of residence.The rate of pathologies of the cervical spine is 30% of all identified cases.
The disease most often develops in the C 5 - C 7 region, as these are the most mobile blood vessels that supply the brain and may be involved in the disease process.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are varied, and the clinical manifestations depend on which vertebra is affected by the disease.Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by sudden "shots", during which the patient feels sharp pain that limits movement and makes a cracking sound when turning the head.Consider the pain symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine depending on the location of the vertebral lesions:
- 1st vertebra - pain and numbness in the back of the head;
- 2nd vertebra - pain in the back of the head, discomfort in the area of the crown;
- 3 vertebrae - neck pain, possible speech disorder, sensitivity and innervation of the tongue;
- 4 vertebrae - decreased neck muscle tone, headache, discomfort when breathing, pain in the shoulder, shoulder blades, heart area, right hypochondrium;
- 5-6 vertebrae - pain in the shoulder, forearm, shoulder blade, thumb;
- 7th vertebra - pain in the shoulder blade, hand, 2-4 fingers, loss of sensitivity is possible in these areas.
In the case of extensive osteochondrosis affecting several vertebrae, the symptoms may overlap, which makes accurate diagnosis difficult.
Dizziness associated with cervical osteochondrosis deserves special attention, as it is the main symptom of the disease.It comes on suddenly and can be quite strong.
Headaches associated with cervical osteochondrosis may be accompanied by dizziness and cannot be relieved with painkillers, as they are the result of compression of the vertebral arteries.Muscle pain associated with cervical osteochondrosis does not always occur, but headaches can be a constant symptom.
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis occurs against the background of compression of the vertebral arteries and includes several manifestations:
- debilitating headache that worsens when turning or tilting the head;
- visual impairment: double vision, reduced acuity, pain and dry eyes, flashing spots;
- diseases such as angina pectoris, they complain of chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in blood pressure.It is very important to distinguish the diagnosis correctly and in time, because angina pectoris and syndromes related to cervical osteochondrosis are treated not only with different drugs, but also with different specialists;
- short-term hearing loss - the sudden appearance of noise or ringing in the ears, which is accompanied by short-term dizziness and darkening of the eyes;
- Vomiting and accompanying unconsciousness are possible.Most often, such signs are triggered by a sudden bending or turning of the head;
- brain disorders similar to ischemic stroke.Timely differential diagnosis is also very important here.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine begins only after a detailed medical examination.The diagnosis is carried out with the help of X-rays of the neck, as well as modern methods - CT or MRI of the spine.If the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is confirmed, the treatment is carried out by a neurologist.In the case of the initial manifestations of the disease, drugs can be prescribed only during the exacerbation period, and the basis of therapy during the remission period is physiotherapy, massage and correction of the patient's treatment regimen.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes several mandatory aspects:
- mode correction.You need to properly organize your night's rest;it is advisable to use orthopedic pillows.
- exclusion of loads.If you spend your entire working day at your office desk, take a few minutes every 2 hours to stretch your neck and do some eye exercises.
- drug therapy, taking medications prescribed by a doctor.Once again, we strongly recommend that you do not use the advice of family doctors.
- physiotherapy procedures.They receive a referral from a neurologist, and a doctor-physiotherapist prescribes the detailed therapy.Do not be tempted by the promises of unprofessional massage therapists.Remember that the neck is a very responsible department.If the massage or manual procedures are not performed by a specialist, the matter may end with complications.
Much literature has been written about how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine using traditional methods.Be careful, other folk recipes do not stand up to criticism.Discuss any method of conventional therapy with your doctor before using it.