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 disorders of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational disease for people working in offices who have to be in one position for a long time. Appears in every second person after 30 years.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The inactive lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Early osteochondrosis occurs because of that.
Office workers are the most vulnerable to disease. They are in a static position for a long time, even during rest, the inner muscles are always tense. Prolonged stress leads to impaired blood circulation in the spine, resulting in dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Cause:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into account: regime, proper nutrition, the presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in conjunction with the previous cause;
- 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, spinal bruises;
- Flat feet;
- contagious disease;
- 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, as a result of which the nerve roots are compressed. Over time, intervertebral hernias appear. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not established symptoms of neck 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;
- numb fingers.
The complexity of this disease is that it is confused with other types of diseases. For example, the fingers become numb, osteochondrosis of the chest is possible.
The 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, pain.
- 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 apply:
- noise in the ears;
- hearing impairment, vision;
- pain in the arm, in the neck.
Thereafter, hypertension may develop, accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- Radicular-vascular syndrome manifests itself in the form of muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. The patient experienced numbness of the hands with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Spinal-compression syndrome, cerebrum. They are characterized by pain in the shoulder area, neck, impaired sensitivity. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has symptoms similar to migraine. Frequent headache, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. As practice has shown, it is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are interrelated. 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 stops flowing into the bulb, hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by headache, dryness in the neck.
Few think about what causes cervical osteochondrosis. There is compression of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the part of the brain, the cerebellum. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the cells. If left untreated, coordination is impaired, hearing levels, vision are reduced, and stroke occurs.
Stages of neck osteochondrosis
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the early stages, the process of destruction of the intervertebral disc 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 severe and persistent pain.
- The last stage of neck osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of several symptoms:
- headache;
- nausea vomiting;
- violation of upper limb sensitivity. Hands become numb with cervical osteochondrosis, immediately see a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis in any form 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 removal 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 further cases of the disease, surgical treatment methods are used.
Treatment with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a doctor before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, compresses, ointments are often used:
- Mix equal proportions of aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Place the resulting mixture on the affected area before bedtime, cover the top with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil potatoes, mashed. You can add honey (1: 1). Place the dough on the neck, wrap in a plastic bag, then with a cloth. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
- Finely chop two capsicum peppers, pour a glass of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5 - 7 days. Rub in several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional step to the course of treatment. Use as a precaution. Check with your doctor, as abnormal and sudden movements will worsen the condition.
Advantages of rehabilitation gymnastics: takes little time, quickly takes effect.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- organization of rest regime, proper work. Switch between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, pillows for sleeping.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur 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.