Cervical osteochondrosis is typical of modern people due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Problems with malnutrition in brain tissue can lead to many complications, including fatal ones.
It is important to identify the development of pathology in a timely manner. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in the early stages is very successful.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae. Each has its own function, but they all serve to support the movement of the head and neck.
The vertebrae are separated by special discs that destroy connective tissue in osteochondrosis. This leads to changes in the location of the vertebrae, loss of elasticity of the spine, constriction of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the latter pathology, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.
Symptoms of the disease are associated with 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 in the neck and "gas bumps" when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising arms.
- Constriction of the arms and neck, as well as the back muscles, constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- The mood is changing.
Prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels can lead to memory loss, concentration and speech problems.
There are three stages of the disease, each of which has its own characteristics:
- Initial. . . The disease is accompanied by the first "alarm bell" - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, neck and back pain and numbness, irritability, sleep problems.
- Subcompensation. . . The disease suppresses the central nervous system. The mind is reduced, speech problems occur, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible movement disorders, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensation. . . Pathological changes are irreversible and fatal. Most of the symptoms are persistent.
The sooner you find the symptoms of a disease and see a doctor, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Causes of the disease
The cervical vertebrae are smaller and more fragile than similar bones in other parts of the vertebrae. In addition, they are 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 are compressed.
Inactivity during sedentary work always leads to metabolic insufficiency and increased levels of salts in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight will stimulate metabolic problems and a deficiency of valuable vitamins and minerals will aggravate degenerative events in connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes are:
- Hypodynamics.
- Stay in the same position for a long time (on the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet that causes metabolic disorders.
- Deficiency of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excess body weight.
- Injuries and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Constant hypothermia.
- Hormonal breaks.
Most risk factors can be eliminated by changing lifestyle and balancing metabolic processes in the body.
What is the risk of cerebrovascular problems?
One-third of the food enters the brain through the vertebral arteries. When they begin to narrow and small blood vessels constrict due to osteochondrosis, brain tissue suffers from a lack of oxygen, as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why brain starvation is dangerous:
- Cardiovascular disorders.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system (especially the body of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Micro-strokes and subsequent severe cerebral hemorrhage.
Neglected conditions can lead to encephalopathy - a dangerous disease that causes dystrophy of brain tissue.
All these pathological conditions can develop if you do not pay attention to the first signs of osteochondrosis and vascular dysfunction. If diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, dangerous consequences can be prevented.
Visual and hardware diagnostics
A thorough examination is performed to accurately determine the causes and stage of the disease:
- Visual examination by palpation of the cervical spine.
- Checking posture and coordination of movements.
- Assessing neck comfort.
An experienced doctor can make an initial diagnosis by looking at how you walk and move your head.
Hardware work of problematic bodies is also mandatory. These include:
- Radiography.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or MRI.
- Electrocardiography.
The results will help identify damaged discs and determine the extent of damage to blood vessels, spinal cord and brain tissue. When diagnosed, treatment begins immediately.
Drug and non-drug treatment
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, they must first be eliminated. To do this, use analgesics or massage the cervical region with anesthetics.
Sometimes doctors recommend the use of an applicator that relieves pain as well as spasms. Pepper patches can help reduce pain in some cases. Swelling is eliminated with the help of diuretics.
Further treatment of the disease can be divided into two areas: spinal rehabilitation and improvement of blood circulation in brain tissues, and treatment of osteochondrosis with neuronal metabolism.
It takes time to get rid of osteochondrosis. Drug and non-drug therapy are used to restore spinal health.
The second includes:
- Therapeutic gymnastics.
- The help of a masseur.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy methods include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedure helps to relieve muscle spasms, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
Smoked meats, fried foods, fast food, fizzy drinks are not recommended for osteochondrosis. 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 - substances that regenerate cartilage tissue in the intervertebral discs. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, muscle relaxants may be used.
The doctor also prescribes drugs to improve blood flow to the brain and neuronal metabolism. These include:
- Vasodilators and blood thinners.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissue. Restores concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. Stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to eliminate vestibular dysfunction and improve motor coordination.
- Antioxidants Increase resistance to the destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
In addition, doctors recommend vitamin and mineral complexes to restore the weakened body from the disease.
Medications and medical procedures can only be prescribed by a specialist. Self-medication is unacceptable and deadly.
Prevention: How to prevent the disease
The reasons for the violations of the law are unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences:
- Normalize body weight.
- Forget bad habits.
- Avoid strenuous work and strength sports after an injury or bruise.
- Do not overcool.
- Don't get stressed.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute loads properly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Exercise without harming your health.
Rarely can anyone change their life in the right direction in one day; The transition should be gradual.
At the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis need medical attention. Timely measures will avoid serious consequences.