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.Periodic acute pain - lumbago - often occurs.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is of a long-term nature, accompanied by tension and increased soreness of the neck muscles, it is called cervicalgia.Pain in this case can even lead to limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness and blurred vision.As a rule, cervicalgia is more pronounced after sleep - in the morning and can be aggravated by sudden movements of the head, as well as by coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters an acute phase, then, as a rule, pain sensations 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 on the cervical vertebrae (dehydration of tissue, especially the intervertebral disc and reduction of its elasticity), discs between them, and the possible presence of vascular sclerosis in patients.All this contributes to the creation of protrusion and herniation 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 and coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three levels: the first (mildest) - the pain is felt at maximum load on the spine, both in terms of volume and strength of movement in the spine;second (middle) – the pain that has already appeared can be calmed down only with a certain position of the spine;third (severe) – pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, 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 discs and subsequent muscle spasms.In reflex syndromes, for example, pain may occur when raising the arm upwards.And these pains will intensify with long-term exercise.Thus, it becomes difficult for a person to work with raised hands and hold on to the handrails during transport.
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 accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for greater efficiency it must be implemented in a complex way.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, these are painkillers, the purpose of which is to provide emergency aid and relieve acute pain.This group includes analgesics that are well known to most of us.The positive characteristics of such tablets include fast action - pain relief takes about an hour, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockades are made with novocaine, bee and snake venoms.
- Massage of the cervical area.If you have osteochondrosis, you can massage your neck yourself, but in order to achieve the maximum and professional result, you need to use a comprehensive massage of the neck area.If you perform the techniques correctly, you will immediately feel the improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, fats- promote blood flow, warming, increased blood circulation and pain reduction.Procedures can be performed at home.
- Therapeutic exercise.When affecting the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, so it is necessary to use physical therapy with the participation of other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- an effective way to eliminate the manifestations associated with 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 doctor.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy- they 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 this method is also suitable for complex therapy to improve the health of the spine.
If you carry out a comprehensive treatment, you can recover quite quickly.