Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of 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 people working in the office, who have to stay in one position for a long 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. Early osteochondrosis therefore occurs.
Office workers are most susceptible to the disease. They are in a static position for a long time, and even the deep muscles are constantly tense during breaks. Prolonged stress leads to circulatory disorders in the spine, resulting in dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Reasons:
- Life style. All factors are taken into account: diet, proper nutrition, bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It only plays a role together for the previous reason;
- autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical damage to the spine;
- neck, back hypothermia;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruises of the spine;
- straight legs;
- infectious diseases;
- wrong position during sleep;
- curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- metabolic disorders, overweight.
In the absence of competent treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, irreversible consequences occur in the spine, resulting in nerve root compression. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Restoration of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors did not diagnose the 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 headaches;
- alignment of fingers.
The complexity of the disease is its confusion with other types of disease. For example, the fingers are numb, osteochondrosis of the chest is possible.
Clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by sharp pain in the cervical spine, increasing with movement. Strong muscle tension, pain.
- Radicular syndrome is often called cervical sciatica. Decreased sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms occur:
- noise in the ears;
- hearing impairment, vision;
- pain in the arm, neck.
Later, hypertension may develop, accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients with cervical osteochondrosis experience numbness of the hands.
- Compression-spinal, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has migraine-like symptoms. Frequent headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Experience shows that it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are related. The disease often causes headaches, which can be called chronic. The nerve roots between the vertebrae of the neck are compressed, and the regulation of the vessels of the head is disturbed. Nutrition stops flowing into the bulbs, hair falls out.
Rarely, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by a headache, a crisis in the neck.
Few people think about what causes cervical osteochondrosis. There is a constriction of the vertebral artery that supplies blood to a part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. In the absence of treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing and vision levels decrease, and stroke occurs.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- At the initial stage, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck on the side of the spine, rarely excruciating pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes chronic. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The final stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- impaired sensitivity of the upper extremities. Hand cramps with cervical osteochondrosis, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of any type of osteochondrosis is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results in normalizing blood circulation, nourishing the vertebral discs and removing compressed nerve roots. First of all, doctors focus their efforts on relieving pain and static tension in the muscles.
The course of treatment is determined individually for the patient. The duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Treatment methods are often used: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases, surgical treatment is used.
Treatment with folk remedies
Traditional medicine is effective as an adjunct. Consult a doctor before use. Compresses and ointments are often used to treat cervical osteochondrosis:
- Mix aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder in equal proportions. Apply the resulting mixture on the affected areas before bedtime, cover with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil the potatoes, mash. You can add points (1: 1). Put the mixture on the neck, in a plastic bag, then wrap in a cloth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two peppercorns, 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 additional measure to the course of treatment. Use as a preventative measure. Consult your doctor, as abnormal, sharp movements will aggravate the situation.
Advantages of therapeutic gymnastics: takes less time, gives a quick effect.
Remember about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- rest, proper organization of work. Alternate between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during lunch breaks;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- Choose quality mattresses, pillows for sleeping.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, the symptoms appear, but few people know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, do not rush to see a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.