Cervical osteochondrosis is typical of modern people due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Problems with nutritional deficiencies in brain tissues caused by them can lead to many complications, including fatal ones.
It is important to identify the development of pathology in a timely manner. In the early stages, 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 position of the vertebrae, loss of flexibility of the spine, constriction of blood vessels and nerves. Due to the latter pathology, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.
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.
- Shooting and "goose" on the neck when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising the arms.
- 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.
There are three stages of the disease, each with characteristic symptoms:
- Default. . . It is followed by the first "alarm bells" of the disease - dizziness, tinnitus, constant fatigue, pain and numbness of the cervical spine, irritability, sleep problems.
- Subcompensatory. . . The disease suppresses the work of the central nervous system. Intelligence declines, speech problems occur, the patient suffers from mood swings. Possible impaired coordination of movements, nausea, vomiting.
- Decompensation. . . Pathological changes become irreversible and deadly. Most symptoms are permanent.
The sooner you detect the signs of the disease and before you seek medical help, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Causes of disease
The cervical vertebrae are smaller in size and more fragile in size and structure than similar bones in other sections of the vertebrae. 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 constrict.
Lack of movement during sedentary work always leads to metabolic failure and increased salt levels in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight will trigger metabolic problems, and a lack of valuable vitamins and minerals will exacerbate degenerative phenomena in connective tissue.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamics.
- Long stay in the same position (behind the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet, which leads 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 cerebral circulation problems?
One third of the nutrients enter the brain through the spinal arteries. If they begin to narrow and the small blood vessels constrict 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:
- Cardiovascular dysfunction.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system (especially the body of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Micro-strokes, followed by severe cerebral hemorrhage.
Neglected conditions can cause encephalopathy - a dangerous disease that causes brain tissue dystrophy.
All 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
In order to find out exactly the causes and stage of the disease, a comprehensive examination is performed:
- Visual examination by palpation of the cervical spine.
- Checking posture and coordination of movements.
- Assessment of door flexibility.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by watching you walk and move your head.
Hardware studies of problematic organs are also mandatory. These include:
- Radiography.
- 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, spine and brain tissue. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment begins immediately.
Drug and drug-free treatment
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, first of all, they should be removed. To do this, use analgesics or massage the cervical region with anesthetic drugs.
Sometimes doctors recommend the use of an applicator that not only relieves pain, but also relieves cramps. Pepper patches in some cases can help reduce pain. Swelling is removed with the help of diuretics.
Further treatment of the disease can be divided into two areas: treatment of osteochondrosis by restoring the spine and improving blood circulation in brain tissues, and neuronal metabolism.
It will take time to get rid of osteochondrosis. In order to restore the health of the spine, drug and non-drug therapy is used.
The latter includes:
- Remedial gymnastics.
- Masseur help.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedure helps relieve muscle cramps, the second - dilates blood vessels and improves intercellular metabolism.
Smoked meat, fried foods, fast food, carbonated drinks are not recommended for osteochondrosis. Chicken and rabbit meat, cooked 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 restore cartilage tissue on the intervertebral discs. If abnormal muscle tension is observed, muscle relaxants may be used.
To improve blood flow to the brain and neuronal metabolism, the doctor also prescribes pharmaceutical products. These include:
- Vasodilators and blood thinners.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissues. They restore concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. It stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to alleviate 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 medications and medical procedures. Self-medication is unacceptable and deadly.
Prevention: how to prevent the disease
The causes of 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 injuries or bruises.
- Don't get cold.
- Do not succumb to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute the load properly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Do sports without harm to health.
In one day, rarely can anyone change life in the right direction; the transition should be implemented gradually.
Medical help is needed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Timely measures will avoid serious consequences.