Like all types of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the corresponding part of the spine.Periodic acute pain - lumbago - often occurs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is more prolonged, accompanied by tension and increased pain in the neck muscles, it is called cervicalgia.In this case, the pain can even lead to limited movement of the cervical spine, dizziness and blurred vision.Cervicalgia is usually more pronounced after sleep - in the morning, and can be aggravated by sudden movements of the head, as well as by coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters an acute phase, the pain sensations usually intensify even more with movements, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by vascular insufficiency of the brain.
In this case, the cause of the phenomenon is the degenerative changes of the cervical vertebrae (drying and loss of elasticity of the tissues, especially the intervertebral discs), the discs between them, and the possible presence of vascular sclerosis in the patients.All of this contributes to the development of protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc.
The symptoms in this case are pain radiating to the back of the head and shoulders, as well as headaches, noise and ringing in the head and ears, dizziness, lack of balance and coordination.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the intensity of pain can be divided into three degrees: first (the mildest) - the pain is felt with the maximum load on the spine, both in volume and in the force of movement of the spine;second (medium) - pain that has already occurred can only be alleviated by a certain position of the spine;third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may include pain that occurs in parts remote from the spine - reflex syndromes.These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of the nerve endings of the discs and subsequent muscle spasms.In case of reflex syndromes, for example, pain may occur when raising the arm.And these pains intensify with prolonged exercise.Thus, it will be difficult for a person to work with raised hands and hold on to the railings during transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
You should not self-medicate if you experience acute pain in your neck for the first time;you should definitely consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that in order to be more efficient, it must be implemented in a complex manner.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, these are pain relievers designed to provide emergency assistance and relieve acute pain.This group includes painkillers that are well known to most of us.Among the positive features of this type of pills is that they have a quick effect - it takes about an hour to relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockades are made with novocaine, bee and snake venoms.
- Massage of the neck and collar area.If you have osteochondrosis, you can massage your neck yourself, but for maximum and professional results, you should use a comprehensive massage in the collar area.If you perform the techniques correctly, you will feel the improvement immediately.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- promotes blood flow, warming up, increases blood circulation and reduces pain.The procedures can also be performed at home.
- Therapeutic practice.When influencing the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, which is why it is necessary to use physical therapy with the participation of other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- an effective way to eliminate disease-related manifestations.But a positive effect can only be achieved if massage is combined with drug therapy and all procedures are performed under the supervision of a doctor.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy- normalizes muscle tone, exerts a reflex effect, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
- He sleeps on an orthopedic pillow– the most effective way to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but this method is also suitable for complex therapy aimed at improving the health of the spine.
If you get comprehensive treatment, you can recover fairly quickly.