As with any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by pain, as well as feelings of discomfort in the corresponding part of the spine.Often there is a periodic sharp pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is more prolonged in nature, accompanied by increased tension and pain in the neck muscles, it is called neck pain.In this case, the pain can even lead to limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness and blurred vision.As a rule, neck pain is more pronounced after sleep - in the morning and can intensify with sharp movements of the head, as well as 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 cerebrovascular insufficiency.
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), the discs between them and the possible presence of vascular sclerosis in patients.All this contributes to the formation of protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc.
In this case, the symptoms will be pain radiating to the back of the head, shoulder, as well as headache, noise and ringing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance and coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three degrees: first (lightest) - pain is felt with maximum load on the spine, both in volume and in the force of movement in the spine;second (medium) – the pain that has already arisen can only subside with a certain position of the spine;third (severe) – pain in the cervical spine is felt constantly.
In addition, 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 occur when raising the arm.And these pains will intensify with prolonged exercise.Thus, it becomes difficult for a person to work with raised hands and hold on to the 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 definitely need to consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
It can be said that for greater efficiency, it must be carried out in a complex way.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, these are analgesics whose purpose is to provide emergency help and relieve acute pain.This group includes pain relievers that are well known to most of us.The positive features of this type of tablets include the fact that they have a quick effect - to relieve pain it will take about an hour, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockages are made with novocaine, bee and snake venoms.
- Massage of the cervical area.If you suffer from osteochondrosis, you can massage your neck yourself, but to achieve the most optimal and professional result, you should use a comprehensive massage of the collar area.If you perform the techniques correctly, you will immediately feel improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- promote blood circulation, warming, increasing blood circulation and reducing pain.The procedures can be done at home.
- Therapeutic exercise.When influencing the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles.It is therefore necessary to resort to physical therapy 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 carried out in combination with drug treatment and all procedures are carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy– normalize muscle tone, have a reflex effect, relieve swelling and relieve 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 aimed at improving the health of the spine.
If you complete treatment, you will be able to recover fairly quickly.