Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine belongs to the category of long-term chronic diseases. In the process of developing the disease, destruction of the intervertebral space occurs, which, if left untreated, inevitably leads to the formation of a disc herniation. In the modern world, the elderly and children suffer from osteochondrosis. At the same time, the healing process is delayed for months, or even years, and does not always guarantee a positive result. Thus, this problem should be treated with all seriousness, because the sooner the doctor determines the presence of cervical osteochondrosis and prescribes treatment, the more chances the patient will have to restore his health.
The disease in question has quite characteristic manifestations, so it will be difficult not to notice them. However, before considering information on how to determine cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to find out what its symptoms are and the factors responsible for its occurrence.
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that causes the onset of degenerative processes within the connective cartilage tissue located between individual vertebrae. Progression of the disease disrupts the normal functioning of the body and can cause disability. At the same time, destructive processes cause inflammation, which is transmitted to the nerve fibers that pass nearby. This development leads to muscle spasms, which make a lot of effort, trying to prevent the squeezing of blood vessels and nerve roots.
However, without outside intervention, the body can not cope with the disease and, as a result, a decrease in the gap between individual vertebrae, along with other consequences of osteochondrosis, will lead to a significant difficulty in blood circulation and brainman will not receive oxygen and important nutrients in the required quantities. Of course, this will immediately affect the patient's consciousness, therefore, osteochondrosis can be defined by a number of characteristic symptoms.
The main symptoms
The most typical symptoms are:
- persistent pain in the neck and head;
- regular periods of nausea, sometimes vomiting;
- strong and sudden changes in blood pressure;
- dizziness, fainting.
As you can see, the symptoms are quite specific and it is impossible not to notice them, therefore, it will not be difficult to diagnose osteochondrosis in the neck area. However, only an experienced neurologist should make a diagnosis, as this disease affects the performance of many functions and during the examination it is necessary to draw an accurate picture of what is happening in order to describe the most effective course of treatment.
To determine the nature of the course of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, the patient is sent for X-ray and computed tomography. In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be prescribed. As a rule, this occurs with complaints of chest pain against the background of missing cardiac pathologies.
The appearance of heart pain in a patient with osteochondrosis of the neck indicates the active spread of the disease along the spine. Such a symptom is rare, so the neurologist will definitely send the patient first for examination to a cardiologist, who must identify heart problems or confirm their absence. If the work of the cardiac system occurs without disturbances, then there is nothing to worry about, as osteochondrosis itself does not affect in any way the activity of an organ as important as the heart.
The above symptoms appear in the first weeks of the disease. The only exceptions are dizziness and vomiting, as these unpleasant sensations are found in patients in stages 2-3 of the disease development.
In total, there are three stages of disease development, of which the third manifests itself in the most secretive way. If you do not treat osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, then its transition to a severe form will lead to disruption of the normal functioning of many vital systems of the human body.
Prerequisites for the occurrence of osteochondrosis
There are many factors that are considered as manifestations of osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck. However, the main thing is the incorrect position of the spine. Because of this, it is extremely important to establish some kind of habit to maintain proper body position during work and rest since childhood.
The second very significant factor is called a sedentary lifestyle. A modern person usually complains about lack of time for sports, but at the same time he can spend a lot of time in unthinking surfing on internet waves, empty communication on social networks or computer games.
Since childhood, most people have reported the great benefits of simple morning exercises. However, few modern people do it, although simple physical exercises in the morning can stimulate blood circulation, experience a real increase in vitality and help create a good mood for the whole day. In addition, morning exercises will keep your joints healthy and mobile for many years.
The last serious factor that causes osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck area, and at the same time many other problems, is the lack of vitamins. Usually, the human body is deficient in vitamins in winter and early spring, so during these periods you should eat as much raw vegetables and fruits or buy vitamin complexes sold in any pharmacy. You also need to pay attention to other micronutrients important to the body. By the way, many people mistakenly believe that osteochondrosis occurs due to lack of calcium. This is not the case, although calcium should be used in the treatment of disease, as it promotes rapid healing of cartilage tissue.
The main stages of osteochondrosis
- First.In the initial stage, a dull pain appears, which quickly disappears if a person keeps his body at rest for a while. Also, the patient may notice jumps in blood pressure, which is the first sign of oxygen starvation in the brain.
- The second.The next stage already significantly obscures the usual way of life, as the neck pain syndrome becomes quite strong and does not always go away even after taking analgesics. This makes a person extremely nervous, which negatively affects the attitude towards him by others. In addition, there is a constant feeling of fatigue, systematic headaches appear.
- The third.The last stage is considered the most dangerous. The patient develops intolerable pain in the neck and head, which even strong pain relievers can not always cope with. Also appear dizziness, nausea, limited movement, etc.
As you can see, osteochondrosis has a fairly pronounced symptomatology, however, in the initial stage, many people simply ignore the signs of impending catastrophe. It is extremely important to be vigilant and to identify the disease in time already in its first weak manifestations.
As a rule, patients of a neuropathologist are people whose osteochondrosis has already passed into the second stage of its development. This complicates the healing process, as it is possible to fight the disease effectively only in the initial stage.
Remember that osteochondrosis is one of the most difficult diseases of the spine. It can have a negative impact on the performance of several vital systems at the same time. If you do not seek professional help in a timely manner, then, as a result, you may start a disease that will lead to the formation of a spinal hernia, where only surgical intervention will correct the situation.
The recovery process in osteochondrosis is delayed for a long time and can be successful only with strict adherence to all doctor's prescriptions. In no case should you independently diagnose and prescribe treatment, as you may further aggravate the situation.
Many believe that osteochondrosis is the final sentence and it is impossible to completely cure it. In fact, this is by no means the case if the disease has not passed into the final stage of development. In other cases, the situation can be corrected, but for this you need to focus on long and tireless work, and, in addition, you will need to change your lifestyle, doing sports and outdoor activities. an integral part of it.