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 an office who are forced to remain 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 occurs due to this.
Employees are the most susceptible to disease. They stand in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly strained. Prolonged stress leads to impaired blood circulation in the spine, resulting in dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into consideration: diet, correct diet, presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in conjunction with the preceding motif;
- Autoimmune Diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injury to the spine;
- hypothermia of the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- injuries, bruises of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infectious diseases;
- wrong 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, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not established the symptoms of neck osteochondrosis. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- pain in the back of the neck;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headaches;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of disease. For example, the fingers become numb, thoracic osteochondrosis is possible.
Clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine, which increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, soreness.
- Radicular syndrome is often referred to as cervical sciatica. There is a decrease in sensitivity, reflex reactions, changes in the motor sphere are possible. Neurological symptoms occur:
- noise in the ears;
- hearing loss, sight;
- pain in the arm, neck.
Subsequently, 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 experience numbness of the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression-vertebral, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulder area, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has migraine-like symptoms. Frequent headaches, nausea and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have shown that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are related. The disease causes frequent headaches, which can be called chronic. The nerve roots between the vertebrae of the neck are pinched, the regulation of the blood vessels of the head is disturbed. Nutrition ceases to flow to the bulbs, hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by headache, a crunch in the neck.
Few think about what cervical osteochondrosis leads. There is a compression of the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to one 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, the level of hearing, vision decreases, and a stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial stage, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck from the side of the spine, in rare cases, aching pain.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes a chronic condition. It is characterized by intense and persistent pain.
- The last stage of osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- nausea;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities. The hand becomes numb with cervical osteochondrosis, urgently consult a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of any type is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results in the normalization of blood circulation, nutrition of the vertebral discs and the elimination of pinched nerve roots. First of all, doctors focus their efforts on relieving pain, static tension in the muscles.
The course of treatment is prescribed for the patient individually. The duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Therapies are often used: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, a surgical method of treatment is used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a physician before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, compresses, ointments are often used:
- Mix equal proportions of aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Put the resulting mixture on the affected areas before going to bed, covering the top with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil the potatoes, mash them. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture on the neck, wrap it in a plastic bag, then with a tea towel. 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. Scrub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure to the course of treatment. Use as a preventative measure. Check with your doctor, as abnormal, sudden movements will aggravate the condition.
The advantages of remedial gymnastics: it takes little time, takes effect quickly.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the correct organization of the regime of rest, work. Alternate between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, a pillow for sleeping.
Changes in the structure of the spine have been occurring for a long time, symptoms appear, but few know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, they are in no hurry to visit a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.