Like any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the corresponding part of the spine.Periodic acute pain often occurs - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain lasts longer and is accompanied by tension and increased muscle soreness in the neck muscles, it is referred to as cervicalgia.In this case, pain can even lead to limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness and blurred vision.As a rule, cervicalgia is more pronounced after sleeping - in the morning - and can be worsened by sudden head movements as well as coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters the acute phase, the pain sensations during movements usually intensify even more, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by vascular insufficiency of the brain.
In this case, degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae (drying out of the tissues, especially the intervertebral disc and a decrease in its elasticity), the intervertebral discs between them and the possible presence of vascular sclerosis in patients can be the cause of this phenomenon.All this contributes to the formation of protrusions and herniations of the intervertebral disc.
Symptoms in this case include pain radiating to the back of the head and shoulder, as well as headaches, noise and ringing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance and incoordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three degrees: first (the mildest) – pain is felt at maximum load on the spine, both in volume and in the strength of movement of the spine;secondly (medium) – pain that has already occurred can only calm down with a certain position of the spine;Third (severe) – pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may include pain that occurs in parts distant from the spine - reflex syndromes.These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of the nerve endings in the intervertebral discs and subsequent muscle spasms.With reflex syndromes, for example, pain can occur when lifting the arm.And this pain increases with prolonged training.Therefore, it becomes difficult for a person to work with his hands raised and hold on to the handrails during transportation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
You should not self-medicate the first time you experience acute pain in your neck;For a more precise diagnosis of the disease, you should definitely consult a doctor.
We can say that for greater effectiveness it must be carried out in a complex way.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.These are primarily painkillers whose purpose is to provide emergency help and relieve acute pain.This group includes analgesics that are well known to most of us.The positive properties of this type of tablets include the fact that they have a quick effect - pain relief lasts about an hour, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockades are made with novocaine, bee and snake venoms.
- Massage the cervical collar area.If you suffer from osteochondrosis, you can massage your neck yourself.However, to achieve the best possible and most professional result, a comprehensive massage of the collar area is necessary.If you use the techniques correctly, you will immediately feel improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- Promote blood circulation, warm, increase blood circulation and relieve pain.The procedures can be carried out at home.
- Therapeutic exercise.When affecting the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, so physiotherapy involving other muscle groups is necessary.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- an effective way to eliminate the manifestations associated with this disease.However, a positive effect can only be achieved if the massage is carried out in combination with drug therapy and all procedures are carried out under medical supervision.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy– normalize muscle tone, have a reflex effect, relieve swelling and relieve pain.
- Sleeping on an orthopedic pillow– the most effective method for preventing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but this method is also suitable for complex therapy to improve the health of the spine.
If you carry out comprehensive treatment, you can recover relatively quickly.