Cervical osteochondrosis is common in modern people due to its unhealthy lifestyle. Problems caused by nutritional deficiencies in brain tissues can lead to many complications, including fatalities.
It is important to identify the development of the pathology in time. In the early stages, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite successful.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine contains seven vertebrae. Each has its own function, but each supports the movement of the head and neck.
The vertebrae are separated by special discs whose connective tissue is destroyed in osteochondrosis. This leads to a change in the location of the vertebrae, a loss of elasticity of the spine, and a constriction of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the latter pathology, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
Symptoms of the disease are associated with pressure on nerve endings and blood vessels. The main features:
- Pain in the back of the head and other parts of the head, dizziness.
- Cracks and "goosebumps" around the neck when moving the head.
- Painful feelings when lifting the arm.
- Numbness of the arms and neck as well as the back muscles, their constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Mood swings.
Prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels can lead to memory loss, concentration, and speech disturbances.
The disease has three stages, each with characteristic symptoms:
- The initial. . . The disease is accompanied by the first "alarm bells" - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, pain and numbness in the cervical spine, irritability, sleep problems.
- Undercompensating. . . The disease suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system. The intellect is diminished, speech problems arise, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible impairment of movement coordination, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensating. . . Pathological changes become irreversible and fatal. Most symptoms are permanent.
The sooner you find signs of the disease and the sooner you seek medical help, the easier and more effective the treatment.
Causes of the disease
Cervical vertebrae are smaller and more fragile in size and structure than similar bones in other vertebral sections. Plus, they're the most 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 blood vessels and nerve roots constrict.
Lack of exercise during sedentary work always leads to metabolic failure and increased salt levels in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the neck region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight exacerbate metabolic problems, and a lack of valuable vitamins and minerals exacerbates the degenerative phenomena of connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes are the following:
- Hypodynamics.
- Stay in the same position for a long time (at the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet leading to metabolic disorders.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excessive weight.
- Injuries and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular hypothermia.
- Hormonal disorders.
Most risk factors can be eliminated by changing lifestyles and balancing the body’s metabolic processes.
What are the risks of a circulatory problem?
One-third of the nutrients enter the brain through the vertebral arteries. If they start to narrow and small blood vessels become pinched due to osteochondrosis, the brain tissue suffers from a lack of oxygen as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why is brain starvation dangerous:
- Cardiac and vascular dysfunctions.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (especially of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Microstraps followed by severe cerebral hemorrhage.
Neglected conditions can cause 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 disorder. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, dangerous consequences can be avoided.
Visual and hardware diagnostics
In order to get an accurate understanding of the causes and stages of the disease, a comprehensive examination is performed:
- Visual inspection by palpation of the cervical spine.
- Checking posture and coordination of movements.
- Evaluation of neck elasticity.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by looking at how he walks and moves his head.
Hardware testing of problem organs is also mandatory. These include:
- Radiography.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or MRI.
- Electrocardiography.
The results help identify damaged plates and clarify tissue damage to blood vessels, the spine and the brain. When the diagnosis is made, treatment should be started immediately.
Medication and non-medication
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, they should be removed first. To do this, use painkillers or massage the neck region with anesthetics.
Sometimes doctors recommend using an applicator that relieves not only pain but also cramps. Pepper stains can help reduce pain in some cases. Puffiness is helped by diuretics.
Further therapies for the disease can be divided into two areas: treatment of osteochondrosis by restoring the spine and improving blood circulation to brain tissues, and metabolism of nerve cells.
It takes time to get rid of osteochondrosis. Drug and non-drug therapies are used to restore spinal health.
The latter includes:
- Physiotherapy.
- Masseuse's help.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
Best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedures help relieve muscle cramps, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
In case of osteochondrosis, smoked meats, fried foods, fast food, carbonated drinks are not recommended. Chicken and rabbit meat, cooked 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.
Your doctor will also prescribe medications to improve blood flow to the brain and metabolism of nerve cells. These include:
- Vasodilators and blood thinners.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissues. They restore concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. It stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to help alleviate vestibular dysfunctions and improve motor coordination.
- AntioxidantsIncrease the resistance to destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
In addition, doctors recommend vitamin and mineral complexes to restore the body weakened by the disease.
Only a specialist can prescribe medications and medical procedures. Self-healing is unacceptable and deadly.
Prevention: the prevention of disease
The root cause of the violations lies precisely in unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences:
- Normalizes body weight.
- Forget bad habits.
- Avoid hard work and strong sports after injury or bruising.
- Do not overcool.
- Don't give in to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute the loads correctly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Exercise without compromising your health.
Rarely can anyone change life in the right direction in a day, the transition needs to be done gradually.
The first signs of osteochondrosis of the cervix require medical attention. Timely action can avoid serious consequences.