Cervical osteochondrosis is a common form of the disease that manifests as changes in cervical disc dystrophy. Lack of treatment can lead to structural and functional impairment of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors call this form an occupational disease and it applies to people working in offices who are forced to stay in one position for long periods of time. Every other person shows up after 30 years.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The sedentary lifestyle of modern society leads to many diseases. Early osteochondrosis thus occurs.
Workers are most at risk of contracting the disease. They are at rest for long periods of time, and the deep muscles are constantly tense, even during rest. Prolonged stress can lead to impaired blood circulation in the spine, which can lead to dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
reason:
- lifestyle. Taking into account all factors: institutions, proper nutrition, presence of bad habits;
- Genetic susceptibility. It only works with the previous reasons;
- Autoimmune disease. For example, lupus erythematosus;
- Physical injury to the spine;
- hypothermia in the neck, back;
- excessive physical activity;
- age-related changes in the body;
- Injuries, bruises to the spine;
- flatfoot;
- infectious diseases;
- wrong posture when sleeping;
- curvature of the spine, including scoliosis;
- Metabolic disorders, overweight.
Without effective treatment for cervical osteochondrosis, there can be irreversible consequences in the spine, which can compress nerve roots. Over time, intervertebral hernias develop. Recovery of the musculoskeletal system is impossible.
symptoms of disease
Doctors have not yet identified the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck. There are:
- Cervical spine mobility is limited;
- pain in the back of the head;
- swelling of the face, under the eyes;
- severe headache;
- Numb fingers.
The complexity of the disease is that it is confused with other types of disease. For example, fingers become numb, and thoracic osteochondrosis is possible.
The clinical presentation of the disease is characterized by several syndromes:
- Reflex syndrome is characterized by acute pain in the cervical spine that worsens with exercise. Muscle tension, soreness.
- Radical syndrome is often referred to as cervical sciatica. Decreased sensitivity, reflex responses, and changes in exercise balls are possible. Nervous system symptoms appear:
- noise in the ear;
- hearing impairment, vision;
- Arm pain, neck pain.
Subsequently, high blood pressure may develop, along with tinnitus.
- The radiculovascular syndrome manifests as shoulder girdle muscle weakness. Hand numbness in patients with cervical osteochondrosis.
- Compression of the spinal cord, brain syndrome. They are characterized by pain in the shoulder, neck area, and impaired sensitivity. Myelopathy occurs in older adults.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in adolescents are similar to migraine headaches. Frequent headaches, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Practice has shown that it is difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Doctors have proven that cervical osteochondrosis and hair loss are linked. The disorder causes frequent headaches, which can be called chronic headaches. Nerve roots between the vertebrae in the neck are squeezed, and the regulation of blood vessels in the head is disturbed. Nutrients no longer flow to the bulb, and the hair falls out.
In rare cases, facial numbness can occur with osteochondrosis of the neck. It is accompanied by headache, neck tightening.
Few people think about what cervical osteochondrosis can cause. The vertebral arteries are compressed and supply blood to the cerebellum, a part of the brain. As a result, blood circulation in the cells is disrupted. Without treatment, coordination is impaired, hearing levels decrease, vision decreases, and strokes occur.
Stages of Neck Osteochondrosis
Doctors distinguish 3 stages:
- In the initial stage, the destruction process of the intervertebral disc begins. Discomfort and, in rare cases, pain in the neck on the side of the spine.
- In the second stage, the disease becomes chronic. It is characterized by severe, persistent pain.
- The final stage of cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by a number of symptoms:
- headache, dizziness;
- feel sick and vomit;
- Sensitivity of violation of the upper extremity. Cervical vertebra osteochondrosis hand numbness, emergency medical treatment.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of any type of osteochondrosis is performed in a complex manner. Only this method can guarantee an effective result of normalization of blood circulation, nutrition of the intervertebral disc and elimination of nerve root compression. First, the doctor concentrates on relieving pain and static tension in the muscles.
The course of treatment is prescribed individually for the patient. Duration depends on the nature of the pathology. Commonly used treatments are: acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage.
In advanced cases of the disease, surgical treatment methods are used.
Healing with folk methods
Traditional medicine is effective as a complementary measure. Consult a doctor before use. For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, compresses, ointments are often used:
- Mix equal parts aloe vera juice, vodka, propolis tincture, and mustard powder. Apply the resulting mixture to the affected area before going to bed, covering the top with cellophane and cloth.
- Boil potatoes and mash. You can add honey (1: 1). Put the mixture around your neck, wrap it in a plastic bag, and then wrap it in a cloth. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
- Chop two peppers and pour in a cup of sunflower oil. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 5-7 days. Rub several times a day.
physiotherapy
Gymnastics are used as an additional measure in the therapeutic process. Use as a precautionary measure. Consult your doctor as abnormal, sudden movements can make the condition worse.
The advantages of corrective gymnastics: short time, quick results.
Don't forget to prevent osteochondrosis:
- an active lifestyle;
- Moderate physical activity;
- Correctly arrange rest and work system. Alternate between static and dynamic. For example, exercising during your lunch break;
- Avoid stress and overwork;
- Choose a good quality mattress and pillow for sleeping.
Changes in the structure of the spine appear for a long time, and symptoms appear, but few people know that it is cervical osteochondrosis, and they are not in a hurry to see a doctor. As a result, they face serious health consequences.