Like any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the corresponding spine. Often there is periodic acute pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is of a more prolonged nature, accompanied by tension and increased pain of the cervical muscles, it is called cervicalgia. Pain in this case can even cause limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness, blurred vision. As a rule, cervicalgias are more pronounced, after sleep - in the morning and can increase with sudden head movements, as well as coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters an exacerbation phase, then the sensation of pain, as a rule, is intensified by movement, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by cerebral vascular insufficiency.
In this case, the cause of this phenomenon may be changes in the vertebrae of the cervical spine of a degenerative nature (dehydration of tissues, especially the intervertebral disc and a decrease in its elasticity), discs between them, and even possibly the patient has vascular sclerosis. All this contributes to the formation of protrusions and hernias of the intervertebral disc.
Symptoms in this case will be pain that radiates to the back of the head, shoulders, as well as headache, noise and ringing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance, coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three degrees: the first (mildest) - pain is felt at maximum load on the spine, both in volume and in the force of movement in the spine; second (moderate) - the pain that has arisen can be soothing, only with a certain position of the spine; the third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is felt continuously.
In addition, in the symptomatology of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, there may be pain that arises in areas far from the spine - reflex syndrome. This syndrome is associated primarily with irritation of the nerve endings in the disc and subsequent muscle spasm. With reflex syndrome, there may be, for example, pain when lifting the arm upwards. And this pain will increase with prolonged effort. Therefore, it becomes difficult for a person to work with the hand raised, to hold the handle of the hand in transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
You should not treat yourself for the first time acute pain in the neck area, you definitely need to see a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for greater efficiency, it must be carried out in a complex.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, this is a pain reliever, the purpose of which is to provide emergency relief and relieve acute pain syndrome. This group includes analgesics known to most of us. Positive features of this type of tablet include the fact that it has a quick effect-it will take about an hour to relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockade with novocaine, bees and snakes. poison is made.
- Neck and collar zone sequence.With osteochondrosis, you can massage the neck independently, but to get the most maximum and professional results, you need to use a comprehensive massage of the collar zone. With the right technique, you will immediately feel an improvement.
- Rub, heat dry, ointment- promotes blood flow, warms the body, improves blood circulation, reduces pain. The procedure can be performed at home.
- Physiotherapy.During exposure to the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, therefore, physical therapy should be used with the participation of other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- An effective way to eliminate the manifestations that accompany the 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 performed under the supervision of a doctor.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy- normalizes muscle tone, has a reflex effect, relieves swelling and relieves pain.
- Sleep on an orthopedic pillow- the most effective way to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but for the rehabilitation of the spine, this method is suitable in complex therapy.
If you carry out complex treatments, you can recover pretty quickly.