Cervical osteochondrosis is typical of modern people due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Problems with nutritional deficiencies in the brain tissue caused by them can lead to many complications, including fatal ones.
It is important to identify the development of the pathology in time. In the early stages, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite successful.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine includes 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, whose connective tissue 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 disrupted.
The symptoms of the disease are associated with pressure on nerve endings and blood vessels. The main characteristics are:
- Pain in the back of the head and other parts of the head, dizziness.
- Cracking and "goosebumps" of the neck when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising the arms up.
- Numbness of the arms and neck, as well as the muscles of the back, their constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Mood swings.
Prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels can lead to memory loss, concentration and speech problems.
There are three stages of the disease, each with characteristic symptoms:
- Initially. . . It is accompanied by the first "alarm bells" of the disease - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, pain and tingling in the cervical spine, irritability, sleep problems.
- Subcompensator. . . The disease suppresses the functioning of the central nervous system. Intelligence decreases, speech problems occur, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible impaired coordination of movements, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensatory. . . The pathological changes become irreversible and deadly. Most of the symptoms are permanent.
The earlier you find signs of illness and the earlier you seek medical help, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Causes of the disease
The 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 insufficiency and increased levels of salts in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. Unhealthy diet and overweight will stimulate metabolic problems, and the lack of valuable vitamins and minerals will worsen the degenerative phenomena in the connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamia.
- Holding in the same position for a long time (on the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet leading to metabolic disorders.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Overweight.
- Injuries and chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular hypothermia.
- Hormonal disorders.
Most risk factors can be eliminated by changing lifestyle and balancing metabolic processes in the body.
What are the risks of cerebrovascular problems?
One third of the nutrients enter the brain through the spinal arteries. If they begin to narrow and the small vessels are compressed due to osteochondrosis, then the brain tissue suffers from a lack of oxygen, as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why brain starvation is dangerous:
- Dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (especially of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Microstrokes and subsequent severe cerebral haemorrhages.
Neglected conditions can provoke encephalopathy - a dangerous disease that causes dystrophy of brain tissue.
All of these pathological conditions can develop if you do not pay attention to the first signs of osteochondrosis and vascular dysfunction. If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, dangerous consequences can be avoided.
Visual and hardware diagnostics
To determine the exact causes and stage of the disease, a comprehensive examination is performed:
- Visual examination with palpation of the cervical spine.
- Checking posture and coordination of movements.
- Assessment of neck flexibility.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by looking at how you walk and move your head.
Hardware examinations of problem organs are also mandatory. They include:
- Radiography.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or MRI.
- Electrocardiography.
The results will help identify damaged discs, clarify the extent of damage to blood vessels, spinal tissues and the 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, in the first place, they must be eliminated. To do this, use analgesics or massage the cervical region with anesthetic drugs.
Sometimes doctors recommend the use of an applicator, which not only relieves pain, but also relieves spasms. Pepper stains can help reduce pain in some cases. Swelling is eliminated with the help of diuretics.
Further treatment of the disease can be divided into two areas: treatment of osteochondrosis with restoration of the spine and improvement of blood circulation in the brain tissues and neuronal metabolism.
It will take time to get rid of osteochondrosis. Drug and non-drug therapy are used to restore the health of the spine.
The latter includes:
- Therapeutic gymnastics.
- The help of a masseur.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetic therapy. The first type of procedure helps relieve muscle spasms, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
Smoked meats, fried foods, fast food, carbonated drinks are not recommended for osteochondrosis. 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 cartilage in the intervertebral discs. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, muscle relaxants may be used.
To improve blood flow to the brain and the metabolism of neurons, the doctor also prescribes pharmaceuticals. They include:
- Vasodilators and blood thinners.
- 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.
- AntioxidantsIncrease the resistance to destruction of the membranes of brain cells, stop the destructive oxidative reactions.
In addition, doctors recommend vitamin and mineral complexes to restore the body weakened by the disease.
Only a specialist can prescribe pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. Self-medication is unacceptable and deadly.
Prevention: how to prevent disease
The reasons for the disorders are hidden in the unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should:
- Normalize body weight.
- Forget about bad habits.
- Avoid hard work and strength sports after an injury or bruise.
- Do not overcool.
- Don't give in to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute loads correctly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Do sports without harming your health.
In one day, one can rarely change one's life in the right direction; the transition must be gradual.
Medical attention is needed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Timely measures will avoid serious consequences.