Cervical osteochondrosis is typical of modern people due to an unhealthy lifestyle. The problems of nutritional deficiencies in brain tissue that they cause can lead to many complications, including fatal ones.
It is important to identify the development of the pathology over time. In the early stages, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite effective.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae. Each of them has its own function, but they all serve to support the movement of the head and neck.
The vertebrae are separated by special discs, the connective tissue of which is destroyed in osteochondrosis. This leads to a change in the location of the vertebrae, loss of flexibility of the spine, pinching of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the latter pathology, the blood supply to the brain is disturbed.
Symptoms of the disease are associated with pressure on nerve endings and blood vessels. The main features are:
- Pain in the back of the head and other parts of the head, dizziness.
- Cracks and "goose bumps" on the neck when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising the arms.
- Numbness of the arms and neck, as well as back muscles, their constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Mood swings.
With prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels, problems with memory, concentration and speech are possible.
There are three stages of the disease, each with characteristic symptoms:
- Initial. . . It is accompanied by the first "alarm bells" of the disease - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, pain and numbness in the cervical spine, irritability, problems sleeping.
- Subcompensatory. . . The disease suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system. The intellect decreases, speech problems arise, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible impaired coordination of movements, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensatory. . . Pathological changes become irreversible and fatal. Most of the symptoms are persistent.
The sooner you see signs of a disease and the sooner you see a doctor, the easier and more effective treatment will be.
Causes of the disease
Cervical vertebrae are smaller and more fragile in size and structure than similar bones in other vertebral sections. In addition, they are the most mobile. All this leads to increased stress on the cervical spine and pathological transformation of the intervertebral discs. Under the influence of changes caused by osteochondrosis, small vessels and nerve roots are compressed.
Lack of movement during sedentary work always leads to metabolic failure and an increase in the level of salts in lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. Unhealthy diet and excess weight will cause metabolic problems, and a lack of valuable vitamins and minerals will aggravate the degenerative phenomena of connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamia.
- Stay in the same position for a long time (at the computer, while driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Poor diet, leading to metabolic disturbances.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excessive body weight.
- Injuries and chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular hypothermia.
- Hormonal disturbances.
Most of the risk factors can be eliminated by changing the lifestyle and balancing the metabolic processes in the body.
What are the risks of cerebral circulation problems?
One third of the nutrients enter the brain through the vertebral arteries. If they begin to narrow, and the small vessels are pinched due to osteochondrosis, the brain tissue suffers from a lack of oxygen, as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why brain starvation is dangerous:
- Heart and blood vessel dysfunction.
- Musculoskeletal system disorders (especially the shoulder body).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Micro-stroke, then severe cerebral hemorrhages.
Neglected conditions can cause encephalopathy - a dangerous disease that causes dystrophy of brain tissue.
All of these pathological conditions can develop if you are not careful for the first signs of osteochondrosis and vascular dysfunction. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, dangerous consequences can be avoided.
Visual and material diagnosis
To find out exactly the causes and stage of the disease, a full examination is carried out:
- Visual examination with palpation of the cervical spine.
- Check posture and coordination of movements.
- Assessment of neck flexibility.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by examining the way you walk and move your head.
Physical studies of problem organs are also compulsory. These include:
- X-ray.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or MRI.
- Electrocardiography.
The results will help identify damaged discs, clarify the degree of damage to blood vessels, tissues of the spine and brain. When a diagnosis is made, treatment begins immediately.
Drug and non-drug treatment
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, they should first be removed. To do this, use pain relievers or massage the cervical region with anesthetic drugs.
Sometimes doctors recommend using an applicator that not only relieves pain, but also spasms. Pepper patches can help reduce pain in some cases. Puffiness is eliminated with the help of diuretics.
Further treatment of the disease can be divided into two areas: the treatment of osteochondrosis with the restoration of the spine and the improvement of blood circulation in brain tissue and neuronal metabolism.
It will take time to get rid of osteochondrosis. To restore the health of the spine, drug and non-drug therapy is used.
The latter includes:
- Catch-up gymnastics.
- The help of a masseur.
- Adequate nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedures helps relieve muscle spasms, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
With osteochondrosis, smoked meats, fried foods, fast food, carbonated drinks are not recommended. Chicken and rabbit meat, boiled fish, vegetables and fruits, herbs are considered healthy products.
In addition to anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, chondroprotectors are used to restore the spine - agents that renew the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, muscle relaxants can be used.
To improve blood flow to the brain and neuronal metabolism, the doctor also prescribes pharmaceuticals. These include:
- Vasodilators and anticoagulants.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissue. They restore concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. Stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to help relieve vestibular dysfunction and improve motor coordination.
- Antioxidants Increase resistance to destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
In addition, doctors recommend vitamin and mineral complexes to restore the body weakened by the disease.
Only a specialist can prescribe pharmaceutical products and medical procedures. Self-medication is unacceptable and fatal.
Prevention: how to prevent disease
The causes of the violations lie precisely in unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you must:
- Normalize body weight.
- Forget about bad habits.
- Avoid hard work and strength sports after injury or bruising.
- Do not overcool.
- Don't succumb to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute the loads correctly.
- Visit the swimming pool and the massage room.
- Exercise without harming your health.
In one day, it is rare that someone can change their life for the better, the transition has to be done gradually.
Medical assistance is necessary at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Timely measures will avoid serious consequences.