Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease, which manifests itself in the form of dystrophic changes on 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 who work in an office who are forced to stay in one position for a long time. It occurs in every other person after the age of 30.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to a number of diseases. This causes early osteochondrosis.
Office workers are most susceptible to disease. They are in a static position for a long time, even during breaks, the deep muscles are constantly tense. Prolonged stress leads to disturbances in blood circulation in the spine, resulting in dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
Causes:
- Lifestyle. All factors are taken into account: diet, proper diet, the presence of bad habits;
- genetic predisposition. It plays a role only in conjunction with the previous reason;
- autoimmune diseases. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- physical injuries 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, causing the nerve roots to constrict. Over time, an intervertebral hernia appears. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
Symptoms of the disease
Doctors have not identified any symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. The main ones are:
- limited movement of the cervical spine;
- neck pain;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headaches;
- numbness of the fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it mixes with other types of disease. For example, fingers numb, osteochondrosis of the chest 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, pain.
- Radicular syndrome is often called 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, vision impairment;
- pain in arm, neck.
After that, hypertension can develop, followed by tinnitus.
- 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-spinal, cerebral syndromes. They are characterized by pain in the shoulders, neck, sensitivity is impaired. Myelopathy occurs in the elderly.
Cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents has similar symptoms as migraine. Frequent headaches, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. As practice shows, it is difficult to make 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 roots of the nerves between the cervical vertebrae are pinched, the regulation of the blood vessels of the head is disturbed. Food stops flowing to the bulbs, hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness occurs with cervical osteochondrosis. It is followed by a headache, a squeak in the neck.
Few people think about what causes cervical osteochondrosis. There is compression of the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to 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 disorders occur, hearing and vision decline, and stroke occurs.
Stages of osteochondrosis of the neck
Doctors distinguish 3 phases:
- In the initial phase, the process of destroying the intervertebral discs begins. There is discomfort in the neck on the side of the spine, in rare cases excruciating pain.
- In the second phase, the disease becomes chronic. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The last stage of osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms:
- headaches, dizziness;
- nausea, vomiting;
- violation of the sensitivity of the upper limbs. Hand numbness due to cervical osteochondrosis, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of any kind is carried out in a complex way. Only this approach guarantees effective results in the normalization of blood circulation, nutrition of spinal discs and elimination of pinched nerve roots. First of all, doctors concentrate 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 by folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a doctor before use. For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are often used compresses, ointments:
- Mix equal proportions of aloe juice, vodka, propolis tincture, mustard powder. Apply the resulting mixture on the affected areas before bedtime, covering the top with cellophane and a cloth.
- Boil potatoes, mash. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture on your neck, wrap in a plastic bag and then in a cloth. 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. Rub several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Gymnastics is used as an additional measure during treatment. Use as a preventive measure. Check with your doctor, because abnormal, sudden movements will make the condition worse.
Advantages of corrective gymnastics: takes little time, quickly brings effect.
Don't forget to prevent osteochondrosis:
- active lifestyle;
- moderate physical activity;
- proper organization of the regime of rest, work. Alternating between static and dynamic. For example, exercise during your lunch break;
- avoid stress, overwork;
- choose a quality mattress, sleeping pillow.
Changes in the structure of the spine occur for a long time, 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.