Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative dystrophic pathology affecting the vertebrae, cartilaginous discs, and ligaments.If we interpret the term literally, osteo means "bone" and chondrosis means "cartilage."Those ones.Cervical osteochondrosis is associated with changes in the tissue structure of the spine, in which the intervertebral discs lose their function and the nutrition of the vertebral bodies themselves is destroyed.
Today we will discuss the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a fairly common condition.According to statistics, after 35 years, 40-85% of the population will suffer from osteochondrosis, regardless of living standards and country of residence.Cervical spine pathology accounts for 30% of all diagnosed cases.
Most commonly, the disease occurs in the C 5 – C 7 region, as these are the blood vessels that energize the brain and are the most important and may be involved in the disease process.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis vary, and clinical manifestations depend on which vertebrae are affected by the disease.Osteochondrosis of the neck is characterized by sudden "sharp pain" in which the patient experiences severe pain, restricted movement, and a crunching sound when turning the head.We consider the pain symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis according to the location of the vertebral body lesions:
- first vertebra - pain and numbness in back of head;
- Second Vertebra - Pain in the back of the head, discomfort in the crown area;
- 3 vertebrae - Neck pain, possible speech disturbance, tongue sensitivity and innervation;
- 4 vertebrae - decreased neck muscle tone, headache, respiratory discomfort, shoulder, scapula, heart area, right rib pain;
- Vertebrae 5-6 - shoulder, forearm, scapula, thumb pain;
- 7th Vertebra - Pain in shoulder blades, hands, 2-4 fingers, these areas may lose sensitivity.
Because widespread osteochondrosis affects multiple vertebrae, symptoms may overlap, making accurate diagnosis difficult.
Dizziness caused by cervical osteochondrosis deserves special attention because it is the main symptom of the disease.It happens suddenly and can be very intense.
Headaches caused by cervical osteochondrosis may be accompanied by dizziness and are not relieved by painkillers because they are the result of compression of the vertebral arteries.Muscle pain from cervical osteochondrosis is not always present, but headaches may be a persistent symptom.
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis
Vertebral artery syndrome with cervical osteochondrosis occurs against the background of vertebral artery compression and includes a variety of manifestations:
- Debilitating headaches that worsen when you turn or tilt your head;
- Visual disturbances: double vision, loss of clarity, eye pain and dryness, flickering spots;
- Angina pectoris, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood pressure changes and other diseases.Prompt and correct differential diagnosis is important because angina pectoris and cervical osteochondrosis-related syndromes not only require different medications but also are treated by different specialists;
- Short-term hearing impairment - sudden noise or ringing in the ears, accompanied by short-term dizziness and dark eyes;
- Vomiting and accompanying disturbance of consciousness are possible.Most often, these symptoms are caused by a sudden bowing or turning of the head.
- Brain disease similar to ischemic stroke.Again, timely differential diagnosis is very important.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine begins only after a detailed medical examination.Diagnosis is made using neck X-rays as well as modern methods (spine CT or MRI).If cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed, it will be treated by a neurologist.If it is an early manifestation of the disease, drugs can be taken only during the exacerbation period. The basis of treatment in the remission period is physical therapy, massage and correction of the patient's treatment plan.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes several mandatory aspects:
- Mode correction.Be sure to arrange your night's rest reasonably; it is recommended to use orthopedic pillows.
- Exclude load.If you spend your entire workday at a desk, take a few minutes every 2 hours to stretch your neck and do eye exercises.
- Medication, taking medicines prescribed by your doctor.We again strongly advise against taking the advice of local doctors.
- Physical therapy procedures.You will receive a recommendation from your neurologist and a detailed treatment plan will be prescribed by your physician-physiotherapist.Don’t be seduced by promises from unprofessional massage therapists.Remember, the neck is a very responsible department.Things can lead to complications if massage or manual surgery is performed by a non-professional.
There is much literature on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis using traditional methods.Note that other folk recipes do not stand up to criticism.Before using any traditional treatments, discuss them with your doctor.