As with any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is accompanied by pain, as well as a feeling of discomfort in the corresponding part of the spine.Often there is periodic acute pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
However, if this pain is more prolonged in nature, accompanied by tension and increased pain in the neck muscles, it is called cervicalgia.The pain in this case can even lead to limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness and blurred vision.As a rule, neck pain is most pronounced after sleeping, in the morning, and can intensify with sudden movements of the head, as well as with coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters the acute phase, pain sensations, as a rule, intensify even more with movements, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by vascular insufficiency of the brain.
In this case, the cause of this phenomenon may be degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae (dehydration of the tissues, especially the intervertebral disc and a decrease in its elasticity), discs between them and the possible presence of vascular sclerosis in patients.All this contributes to the formation of bulges and herniations of the intervertebral disc.
The symptoms in this case will be pain that radiates to the back of the head, shoulders, as well as headaches, noises and ringing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance and coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis 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 strength of movement in the spine;second (medium): the pain that has already arisen can be calmed only by a certain position of the spine;third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
Also, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may include pain that occurs in distant parts of the spine - reflex syndromes.These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of the nerve endings of the discs and subsequent muscle spasms.In reflex syndromes, for example, pain may appear when raising the arm.And these pains will intensify with prolonged exercise.Therefore, it is difficult for a person to work with raised hands and hold on to handrails during transportation.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
You should not self-medicate if you experience acute neck pain for the first time;You should definitely consult a doctor for a more precise diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for greater effectiveness it must be done in a complex way.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, these are analgesics, the purpose of which is to provide emergency assistance and relieve acute pain.This group includes pain relievers that most of us know well.The positive features of this type of tablets include the fact that they have a quick effect: it will take about an hour to relieve pain;non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants and blockers are made with novocaine, bee and snake venoms.
- Massage of the cervical-collar area.If you have osteochondrosis, you can massage your neck yourself, but to obtain the maximum and professional result you should perform a comprehensive massage of the neck area.If you perform the techniques correctly, you will immediately feel an improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments.- promote blood flow, warming, increase blood circulation and reduce pain.The procedures can be carried out at home.
- Therapeutic exercise.When influencing the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, therefore it is necessary to use physiotherapy with the participation of other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- an effective way to eliminate the manifestations associated with this disease.But it is possible to achieve a positive effect only if the massage is performed in combination with drug therapy and all procedures are carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy.– normalizes muscle tone, has a reflex effect, relieves swelling and relieves pain.
- Sleeping on an orthopedic pillow– the most effective way to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but this method is also suitable for complex therapies to improve the health of the spine.
If you do comprehensive treatment, you will be able to recover quite quickly.