As with any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is accompanied by pain, as well as a feeling of discomfort in the corresponding part of the spine.There is often periodic acute pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
But if this pain is of a longer 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 vertebrae, dizziness and blurred vision.As a rule, cervicalgia is more pronounced after sleep - in the morning, and it can intensify with sudden movements of the head, as well as with coughing, laughing, etc.
If osteochondrosis enters the acute phase, then 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 of 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 protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc.
Symptoms in this case will be pain radiating to the back of the head, shoulder, as well as headache, noise and ringing in the head, ears, vertigo, imbalance and coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three degrees: first (the lightest) - the pain is felt at maximum load on the spine, both in terms of volume and strength of movement in the spine;second (medium) - the pain that has already arisen can be relieved only with a certain position of the spine;third (strong) – the pain in the cervical region of the spine is constantly felt.
In addition, symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may include pain that occurs in parts remote 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 prolonged exertion.Thus, it becomes difficult for a person to work with raised hands and hold on to the handrails in transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae
You should not self-medicate if you first feel a sharp pain in the neck;you should definitely consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for greater efficiency it should be done 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 assistance and relieve acute pain.This group includes analgesics that are well known to most of us.The positive characteristics 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, 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 to get the maximum and professional result, you should use a comprehensive massage of the collar area.If you perform the techniques correctly, you will immediately feel an improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- promotion of blood flow, warming, increased circulation and reduction of pain.The procedures can be performed at home.
- Physical therapy.When affecting the cervical vertebrae, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, so 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 performed 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 therapy to improve the health of the spine.
If you have a comprehensive treatment, you can recover quite quickly.