Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. The lack of treatment leads to structural and functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational illness for people who work in an office who are forced to stay in one position for a long time. 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 because of this.
Office workers are the most susceptible to the disease. They stay in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly tense. 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 account: diet, proper nutrition, presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in conjunction with the former reason;
- 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 foot;
- 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 on the spine as a result of compression of the nerve roots. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
disease symptoms
Doctors have not established the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- neck pain;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headaches;
- finger numbness.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of disease. For example, fingers become numb, thoracic osteochondrosis is possible.
The clinical manifestations of the disease are characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by sharp pain in the cervical spine that increases with movement. Strong muscle tension, pain.
- The 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 impairment, vision;
- arm, neck pain.
Later, hypertension may develop, accompanied by ringing in the ears.
- The radicular-vascular syndrome manifests as muscle weakness in the shoulder girdle. Patients experience hand numbness with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Spinal compression, brain syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulder area, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in older people.
Cervical osteochondrosis in teenagers has migraine-like symptoms. Frequent headaches, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proved that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are interrelated. The disease causes frequent headaches, which can be called chronic. Nerve roots between the neck vertebrae are compressed, the regulation of blood vessels in the head is disturbed. Nutrition stops flowing to the bulbs, hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is accompanied by a headache, a crisis in the neck.
Few think about what leads to cervical osteochondrosis. There is compression of the vertebral artery, which 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, the level of hearing, vision decreases, and a stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial phase, the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck on 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 several symptoms:
- headaches, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs. Hand goes numb with cervical osteochondrosis, urgently see a doctor.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The 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 elimination of pinched nerve roots. First, 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 and 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 your neck, wrap in a plastic bag and 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 to 7 days. Rub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure to the course of treatment. Use as a preventive measure. Check with your doctor as abnormal and sudden movements will aggravate the condition.
The advantages of remedial gymnastics: it takes little time, quickly brings an effect.
Do not forget about the prevention of osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- the correct organization of the regime of rest, work. Switch between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, pillow to sleep on.
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.