Like all types of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the appropriate spine. Frequent intermittent acute pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is more prolonged, accompanied by tension and increased pain in the neck muscles, it is called cervicalgia. In this case, the pain can even lead to limited movement of the cervical spine, dizziness, and blurred vision. Cervical lesions are usually more pronounced after sleep - in the morning and may be exacerbated by sudden movements of the head as well as coughing, laughing, etc.
When osteochondrosis enters the exacerbation phase, pain sensations usually increase with movement, and cervical osteochondrosis often complicates cerebrovascular failure.
In this case, the phenomenon is caused by degenerative vertebrae in the cervical spine (dehydration and loss of elasticity of the tissues, especially the intervertebral disc), degenerative changes in the cartilage between them, and it is also possible that patients have vascular sclerosis. All this contributes to the development of protrusion and herniation of the intervertebral disc.
The symptoms in this case are pain radiating to the back of the head and shoulders, as well as headaches, noise and ringing in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance, coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three stages: the first (the lightest) - the pain is felt at the maximum load on the spine, both in volume and in the force of movement of the spine; the second (moderate) - the pain that is already occurring, only with a certain position of the spine; the third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, there may be pain in the syndrome of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine that occurs in regions far from the spine - reflex syndromes. These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of the nerve endings of the discs and subsequent muscle cramps. For example, reflex syndromes can cause pain when lifting the arm. And these pains intensify with a long effort. Thus, it is difficult for a person to work with his arms raised, to hold on to the railings during transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Acute neck pain should not be self-medicated for the first time, be sure to see a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that in order to be more efficient, it must necessarily be implemented in a complex way.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First, they are painkillers designed to provide emergency relief and alleviate acute pain syndrome. This group includes most painkillers well known to us. Positive properties of this type of pill include its rapid effect - it takes about an hour to relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, blockade with venocaine, bees and snake make venom.
- Neck and collar massage.In case of osteochondrosis, you can massage the neck on your own, but for maximum and professional results, a comprehensive massage should be applied in the collar zone. With the right techniques, you will immediately feel the improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- promotes blood flow, warming, increases blood circulation, reduces pain. The procedures can also be performed at home.
- Physiotherapy.When exposing the cervical spine, it is important not to overload the neck muscles, so physiotherapy should be used with other muscle groups.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- An effective way to eliminate the manifestations of the disease. But a positive effect can only be achieved if the massage is combined 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.
- He sleeps on an orthopedic pillow- the most effective way to prevent cervical spine osteochondrosis, but this method is suitable for spinal repair in complex therapy.
If you do a complex treatment, you can recover pretty quickly.