Is there unpleasant neck pain accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue? All of this should be a wake-up call for everyone, because any symptoms listed may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worthwhile to take full responsibility for this shocking symptom, because if it is not treated in time, the pathology can lead to more serious consequences, including herniated disc.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine in which the structure of connective tissue changes during its development.
This disease is usually disguised as a different type of invasion, but seeing a specialist in time allows you to diagnose it in time and begin direct treatment.
Degenerative changes in cervical spine tissue are most common in the medical history of mature (45-59) and elderly (60-74) years of age.
Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that in modern society, there is a resurgence of a disease, which is confirmed by the regular diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis in children and adolescents.
Importantly, osteochondrosis can occur alone or with failure of other parts (especially the thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and sacrum).
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today, it is impossible to tell the exact cause of the degenerative process of the intervertebral disc. It has not been confirmed that cervical osteochondrosis is an aging phenomenon.
A large number of studies conducted by scientists from different countries have shown that cervical osteochondrosis is the main predisposing factor.
Among the inducements for the development of cervical osteochondrosis, there are:
- Low level of activity, inactivity and sedentary lifestyle;
- Types of work involving static load on the cervical spine;
- Overweight and insufficient physical development;
- Violation of the developmental process of connective tissue;
- Chronic spinal cord injury;
- Deformation of the spine, use of pillows that are not comfortable enough, and mattresses for rest;
- Genetic susceptibility.
Most of the reasons are to some extent related to the natural process of body system aging and the possible development of bone and cartilage tissue pathology.
What are the hazards of cervical osteochondrosis?
Decreased mobility and limited joint mobility, loss of muscle elasticity, and other signs of physical aging are inevitable natural processes that accompany individual development.
The pain and annoyance that occurs during exercise much earlier than the natural age of aging usually leads to a decline in the quality of life and even disability.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need to consult a doctor for professional advice. If there is no professional, timely diagnosis and necessary treatment, the disease will progress, which will not only lead to deterioration of health, but also severely damage the function of the nerve and vascular system.
The main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The structure of the human bones, the ability to walk upright, and the impressive head size make certain parts of the spine the most vulnerable, especially the cervical spine.
Among the salient features of the cervical spine structure, it is worth emphasizing the existence of vertebrae, mainly due to their small size and relatively small number of muscles. Related to this, diseases such as osteochondrosis most often occur in this area.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal diseases. Depending on the affected area, it can focus on:
- On the collarbone and/or shoulder;
- Along the entire cervical spine;
- Not the front surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the main signs of a disease, because in the vast majority of cases, they are irrelevant and very non-specific:
- Pain in the areaneckMainly at night
- Severity,Backache;
- Slight numbnessTingling in shoulders and hands;
- Austerity,Click while turning the head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by many major symptoms that are already obvious.
Symptoms of plant dystonia
It is characterized by neck pain, especially in the area below the back of the head.
Pain usually occurs when staying in the same position for a long time, such as in the morning.
The neck muscles are tense, the hand is difficult to move to one side, and the fingers are stiff.
Due to compression of the vertebral artery, neurological manifestations often occur:
- Repeated headaches;
- nausea;
- faint.
Spinal symptoms
The positioning of the area-the left side of the chest.
In the process of gradual destruction of the structure of the intervertebral disc, compression will occur, which will invade the nerve roots, cause the arteries and veins to narrow, and then lead to the formation of nerve roots and ischemic syndrome.
Circulatory disorders cause:
- Severe migraine;
- Dizziness;
- Visual impairment, tinnitus;
- Autonomic nerve dysfunction.
In rare cases, the manifestations of the main syndrome can be traced, accompanied by myocardial compression pain, insufficient air, and heart rhythm disturbances.
The development degree and characteristic symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The development of the disease progresses quite slowly, but at the same time it has four clear stages:
- Degree 1 Cervical Osteochondrosis-Prolonged walking, discomfort and slight pain in a resting posture. The beginning of the formation of the intervertebral disc seal;
- Second degree cervical osteochondrosis-bright pain. In order to eliminate pain, use manual therapy and appropriate medication;
- Third-degree cervical osteochondrosis-there are obvious lesions in the connective tissue of the affected area;
- Fourth Degree Cervical Osteochondrosis-the last stage of disease development, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The final stage of disease development requires surgical intervention, which requires a long time to recover.
Disease diagnosis
You should consult an orthopedic doctor or neurologist when you have characteristic symptoms to diagnose and treat cervical osteochondrosis.
As part of the diagnostic measures, the expert will determine the degree of mobility and soreness in the neck area, and assess the degree of sensitivity, and determine other dysfunctions.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is customary to distinguish:
- Cervical X-ray examination in various projections;
- CT (Computed Tomography);
- If a hernia/protrusion is suspected, get MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
In the case of circulatory disorders, EEG examination and fundus examination can be used in addition.
Possible complications
Failure to treat in time can lead to serious complications, including:
- Herniated disc(Formation of hernia/protrusion);
- Ruptured intervertebral disc,With the compression of nerves and blood vessels, this can be fatal;
- Radiculopathy(Nerve root injury), forming osteophytes (thorns on the vertebral body), manifested as a variety of paresis and paralysis.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist, depending on the degree of pathology, the form of the disease course, and the clinical manifestations of the disease.
Today, the most effective way to treat this disease is:
- Treat with conservative methods, including drug therapy/non-drug therapy;
- operation treatment;
- A complex combination of technologies.
physiotherapy
Assume the impact of physical factors on the affected area. Through the effective implementation of comprehensive methods and all procedures, the improvement will become obvious in the second or third month of treatment.
The most popular areas of physiotherapy used to treat cervical osteochondrosis include:
- electrotherapy;
- Shock wave therapy
- Magnetic therapy;
- Balneotherapy
- Laser Treatment;
- Vibration massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
Massage should be carried out carefully, do not use forced load. Violation of massage technique can lead to negative consequences.
The starting position of the massage is a "prone" or "sitting upright" position.
All existing massage techniques are based on the following techniques:
- Stroking-affects the surface layer of the skin. Work from the back of the head with the palms and fingertips down to the level of the upper third of the back;
- Squeeze-Affects the deep layers of the skin on the upper third of the back. It is performed on the two fingers of the hand (thumb and index finger), on the neck;
- Friction-the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow in the desired area;
- Kneading-Affects deep tissues and must be used with caution, as illiterate use will aggravate the situation.
physiotherapySuffering from cervical osteochondrosis
There are some exercises that can treat cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of these are:
Self-stretching
Starting position: Sit/stand, with your back straight.
Execution sequence: While maintaining the starting position, try to lower your shoulders and stretch the top of your head upwards.
Execution intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self massage
Stock: Towels.
Starting position: Sitting/standing, clasp your neck with a towel, and grab both ends of it with your hands.
Method: Alternately pull both ends of the towel and gently knead the neck muscles.
important! During exercise, make sure that the towel does not slip off and does not scratch the neck.
Gymnastics (flexion/extension, twisting, bending)
Starting position: Sit/stand, with your back straight.
Execution sequence: Starting from the starting position, flexing/extending, turning or tilting the head steadily, first in one direction, then in the other direction.
Performance intensity: 5-7 actions in one direction.
Drugs for treating cervical osteochondrosis
This is especially important during the worsening of the condition, because important blood vessels provide nutrients to the brain through the cervical spine.
As a treatment method, tablets, injections, ointments, and other external agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used.
important! Self-treatment with drugs from different groups is unacceptable and may lead to disability and death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, usually in the form of injections for the treatment of osteochondrosis, but also in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The main direction of action is to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Effectively reduce muscle tension, thereby significantly reducing pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warm ointment for cervical osteochondrosis
To increase its effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients contain steroids.
The effect of warm ointment is to relieve pain and warmth, thereby activating blood flow at the site where the drug is applied.
Chondroprotective agent
They are used to slow down the degenerative process and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. Has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage regimen: 2 to 6 months.
The characteristics of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
There is no denying that proper nutrition is an important part of maintaining good health.
In the context of the prevention or treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, although diet is an auxiliary means, it is also a very important part.
The main goals of proper nutrition treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- Eliminate the possibility of nutrient deficiency required for metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc tissue;
- Maintain optimal weight;
- Reduce the risk of vascular changes and prevent circulatory disorders.
Dietary principles
The nutrition of cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimize inhibition-A healthy diet is varied, balanced, and full of all necessary substances.
- Compliance with the drinking regime is an important part of preventing the degeneration of intervertebral disc tissue.
- Reduce salt intake-eliminate the possibility of increasing vascular load and maintain water and electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starch and sugar to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Prohibited and recommended foods
The nutrition for the treatment and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis requires the elimination of the following products that block the body:
- Alcohol can disrupt the water and electrolyte balance and cause tissue dehydration;
- Indigestible fat and bacon;
- Acidic and spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- Semi-finished products that adversely affect the digestion process;
- Sweet food, sugar can disturb blood circulation.
The recommended food list mainly includes easily digestible foods of animal and plant origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:
- Chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- Dairy products, eggs;
- All kinds of grains;
- Whole wheat bread;
- Fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Precaution
The foundation of human cervical spine health is a strong back, and its health is attributed to:
- Adequate physical activity;
- Maintain optimal weight;
- Comfortable bed with ergonomic pillows and high-quality mattress;
- Maintain the correct posture;
- Combine long periods of sitting and rest with body warming up;
- Adhere to proper nutrition.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries, and of course to lift unbearable weights.