Osteochondrosis of the cervix is typical of modern people due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Problems with nutritional deficiencies in the brain tissue caused by them can lead to many complications, including fatal ones.
It is important to identify the development of pathology in time. In the early stages, treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite successful.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine includes seven vertebrae. Each of them has its own function, but they all serve to support the movement of the head and neck.
The vertebrae are separated by special discs, the connective tissue of which is destroyed in osteochondrosis. This leads to a change in the location of the vertebrae, loss of spinal flexibility, constriction of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the recent pathology, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
The symptoms of the disease are accompanied by pressure on the nerve endings and blood vessels. The main features are:
- Pain in the back of the head and other parts of the head, dizziness.
- Cracks and "goose bumps" in the neck when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising arms.
- Numbness of the arms and neck, as well as the muscles of the back, their constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Mood swings.
With prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels, memory loss, concentration, and speech problems are possible.
There are three stages of the disease, each with characteristic symptoms:
- Novices. . . It is accompanied by the first "alarm bells" of the disease - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, pain and numbness in the cervical spine, irritability, sleep problems.
- Subcompensators. . . The disease suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system. The intellect decreases, speech problems arise, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible impaired coordination of movements, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensators. . . Pathological changes become irreversible and deadly. Most symptoms are persistent.
The sooner you find signs of an illness and the sooner you seek medical help, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Causes of the disease
The cervical vertebrae are smaller and more fragile in size and structure than similar bones in other vertebral sections. In addition, they are more mobile. All this leads to increased stress on the cervical spine and pathological transformation of the intervertebral discs. Under the influence of changes caused by osteochondrosis, small vessels and nerve roots are squeezed.
Lack of movement during sedentary work always leads to metabolic failure and an increase in the level of salts in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight will promote metabolic problems and lack of valuable vitamins and minerals will exacerbate degenerative phenomena in connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamics.
- Staying in the same position for a long period (on the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet, leading to metabolic disorders.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excess body weight.
- Chronic injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular hypothermia.
- Hormonal disorders.
Most risk factors can be eliminated by changing lifestyle and balancing metabolic processes in the body.
What are the risks of cerebral circulation problems?
One third of nutrients enter the brain through the vertebral arteries. If they begin to narrow, and small vessels are compressed due to osteochondrosis, then the brain tissue suffers from a lack of oxygen, as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why brain starvation is dangerous:
- Cardiovascular dysfunction.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system (especially the body of the shoulders).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Microcirculation, and consequently severe cerebral hemorrhage.
Neglected conditions can provoke encephalopathy - a dangerous disease that causes dystrophy of brain tissue.
All of these pathological conditions can develop if you do not pay attention to the first signs of osteochondrosis and vascular dysfunction. If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, dangerous consequences can be avoided.
Visual and hardware diagnostics
To find out exactly the causes and stage of the disease, a comprehensive examination is performed:
- Visual examination by palpation of the cervical spine.
- Behavior control and coordination of movements.
- Assessment of neck flexibility.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by looking at how you walk and move your head.
Hardware studies of problematic organs are also mandatory. This includes:
- Radiography.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Reoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or MRI.
- Electrocardiography.
The results will help to identify damaged discs, to clarify the degree of damage to blood vessels, back tissue and brain. When a diagnosis is made, treatment begins immediately.
Treatment with medication and not medication
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, first of all, they should be removed. To do this, use analgesics or massage the cervical region with anesthetic medication.
Sometimes doctors recommend using an applicator that not only relieves pain but also relieves spasms. Pepper patches can help reduce pain in some cases. Puffiness is eliminated with the help of diuretics.
Further therapy of the disease can be divided into two areas: treatment of osteochondrosis with spinal restoration and improvement of blood circulation to brain tissues and neuronal metabolism.
It will take time to get rid of osteochondrosis. Drug and non-drug therapy is used to restore back health.
The latter includes:
- Healing gymnastics.
- The help of a masseuse.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedures helps relieve muscle spasms, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
With osteochondrosis, smoked meats, fried foods, fast foods, carbonated drinks are not recommended. Chicken and rabbit meat, boiled fish, vegetables and fruits, herbs are considered healthy products.
In addition to anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, chondroprotectors are used to restore the spine - agents that renew cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, muscle relaxants may be used.
To improve blood flow to the brain and neuronal metabolism, the doctor also prescribes pharmaceuticals. This includes:
- Vasodilators and blood thinners.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissues. They restore concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. Stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to help relieve vestibular dysfunction and improve motor coordination.
- Antioxidants Increase resistance to destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
Moreover, doctors recommend vitamin and mineral complexes to restore the body weakened by the disease.
Only a specialist can prescribe pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. Self-medication is unacceptable and deadly.
Prevention: how to prevent the disease
The causes of violations lie precisely in unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should:
- Normalize body weight.
- Forget bad habits.
- Avoid heavy work and strength sports after injury or bruising.
- Do not get too cold.
- Do not succumb to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute loads correctly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Take up sports without compromising your health.
One day, rarely can anyone change their life in the right direction; the transition should be done gradually.
Medical help is needed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Measures taken in time will avoid serious consequences.