As with any type of osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the corresponding spine. Often there is periodic sharp pain - lumbago.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
However, if this pain is more prolonged, accompanied by tension and increased pain in the cervical muscles, it is called cervical. In this case, the pain can even cause limited mobility of the cervical spine, dizziness, blurred vision. As a rule, cervical cramps are more pronounced, after sleep - in the morning and sudden movements of the head, as well as coughing, laughing, etc.
When osteochondrosis progresses to an exacerbation stage, the pain sensations are usually intensified by movements, and cervical osteochondrosis is often complicated by cerebral vascular insufficiency.
In this case, the cause of this phenomenon may be changes in the vertebrae of the cervical spine of a degenerative nature (dehydration and loss of elasticity of tissues, especially the intervertebral disc), discs between them, and this is possible. patients have vascular sclerosis. All this contributes to the formation of a protrusion and hernia of the intervertebral disc.
In this case, the symptoms will be pain in the back of the head, shoulders, as well as headaches, noise and noise in the head, ears, dizziness, imbalance, coordination.
The intensity of pain in cervical osteochondrosis can be divided into three degrees: the first (mildest) - the pain is felt in the spine at both maximum volume and maximum load on the force of motion in the spine; second (medium) - the already arising pain can be relieved only by a certain position of the spine; third (severe) - pain in the cervical spine is constantly felt.
In addition, the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may include pain in areas far from the spine - reflex syndromes. These syndromes are mainly associated with irritation of the nerve endings in the discs and subsequent muscle spasms. With reflex syndromes, for example, there may be pain when raising the arm. And these pains will intensify in the long run. Thus, it is difficult for a person to work with his hands raised and to hold on to the handles in transport.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Acute pain in the neck for the first time should not self-medicate, you must consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
We can say that for higher efficiency, it must be done in a complex.
The following methods are used:
- Drug therapy.First of all, these are painkillers, the purpose of which is to provide emergency care and eliminate acute pain syndrome. This group includes well-known analgesics. The positive features of such tablets include their rapid effect - it takes about an hour to relieve pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vasodilators, chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, novocaine, bee and snake blockade. poisons are prepared.
- Neck and neck massage.With osteochondrosis, you can massage the neck independently, but you need to apply a thorough massage of the collar area to get the maximum and professional result. With the right technique, you will feel immediate improvement.
- Rubbing, dry heat, ointments- to stimulate blood flow, warming, increase blood circulation, reduce pain. Procedures can be performed at home.
- Physiotherapy.It is important not to overload the neck muscles during exposure to the cervical spine, so physical therapy with other muscle groups should be used.
- Manual therapy (osteopathy)- This is an effective way to eliminate the manifestations associated with the disease. However, a positive effect is possible only if the massage is combined with medication and all procedures are performed under the supervision of a physician.
- Reflexology and hirudotherapy- to normalize muscle tone, have a reflex effect, eliminate swelling and relieve pain.
- Sleep on an orthopedic pillow- The most effective way to prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but this method is suitable for complex therapy for the recovery of the spine.
If you carry out a complex treatment, you can recover quickly enough.