As with any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the corresponding spine. Periodic acute pain - lumbago - often occurs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is of a longer nature, accompanied by tension and increased pain in the cervical muscles, it is called cervical pain. Pain in this case can even lead to limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness, blurred vision. As a rule, cervical pain is more pronounced after sleep - in the morning and can be increased by sudden movements of the head, as well as coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis passes into the exacerbation phase, then the sensations of pain are usually intensified by movements, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by vascular insufficiency of the brain.
In this case, the cause of this phenomenon may be changes in the vertebrae of the cervical spine of degenerative nature (dehydration of tissues, especially the intervertebral disc and reduction of its elasticity), discs between them, and it is possible that patients have vascular sclerosis. All this contributes to the creation of protrusion and hernia of the intervertebral disc.
Symptoms in this case will be pain that spreads to the back of the head, shoulder, as well as headaches, noise and buzzing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance, coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three stages: the first (easiest) - the pain is felt at maximum loads on the spine, both in volume and in the force of movement in the spine; second (medium) - pain that has already appeared can be relieved, only with a certain position of the spine; third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, in the symptomatology of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, pain may occur that occurs in regions distant from the spine - reflex syndromes. These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of nerve endings in the discs and subsequent muscle cramps. Reflex syndromes can cause, for example, pain when raising the arm upwards. And these pains will intensify with prolonged exertion. This makes it difficult for a person to work with his arms raised, to hold on to the handrails in transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
You should not self-medicate for the first time in case of acute pain in the neck area, you should definitely consult a doctor for a more precise diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for greater efficiency, it must necessarily be performed in a complex.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, they are painkillers, the purpose of which is to provide first aid and alleviate the acute pain syndrome. This group includes analgesics that are well known to most of us. The positive properties of these tablets are fast action - it takes about an hour to relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockades with novocaine, bees and snakes. poisons are made.
- Massage the neck and collar area.With osteochondrosis, you can massage the neck on your own, but in order to achieve the maximum and professional result, it is necessary to apply a comprehensive massage of the neck zone. With the right techniques, you will immediately feel improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, grease- improve blood flow, warming, increase blood circulation, reduce pain. Procedures can be performed at home.
- Physiotherapy.When exposing the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, so physical therapy should be used with the participation of other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- An effective way to eliminate the manifestations that accompany this disease. But a positive effect can be achieved only if the massage is performed in combination with drug therapy, and all procedures are performed under the supervision of a physician.
- Reflexology and chiropractic- normalize muscle tone, act reflexively, relieve swelling and pain.
- Sleeping on an orthopedic pillow- the most effective way to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but for the recovery of the spine, this method is suitable in complex therapy.
If you carry out a complex treatment, you can recover quickly enough.