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 life-threatening ones.
It is important to identify the development of the pathology over time. In the early stages, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is quite successful.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
The cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae. Each of them has its function, but all of them 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 position 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 interrupted.
Symptoms of the disease are associated with pressure on the 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 "goosebumps" on the neck when moving the head.
- Painful sensations when raising the arms.
- Numbness of the arms and neck, as well as of the back muscles, their constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Mood swings.
With prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels, memory loss, concentration, and speech problems 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 of the cervical spine, irritability, sleep problems.
- subcompensative. . . 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 the signs of a disease are found and the sooner medical attention is sought, 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 squeezed.
Lack of movement during sedentary work always leads to metabolic failure and an increase in the level of salts in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight will stimulate metabolic problems and the lack of precious vitamins and minerals will aggravate the degenerative phenomena in the connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamia.
- Remain in the same position for a long time (at the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Incorrect diet, which leads to metabolic disorders.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excessive body weight.
- Injuries and chronic diseases 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 problems with cerebral circulation?
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 hunger is dangerous:
- Dysfunctions of the heart and blood vessels.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system (especially the body of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Micro-stroke and subsequently severe cerebral hemorrhages.
Neglected conditions can result in encephalopathy, a dangerous disorder 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
To find out exactly the causes and stage of the disease, a comprehensive examination is carried out:
- Visual examination with palpation of the cervical spine.
- Control of posture and coordination of movements.
- Evaluation of the flexibility of the neck.
An experienced doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis by observing how you walk and move your head.
Hardware studies of problematic organs are also mandatory. These include:
- X-ray.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Reoencephalography and angiography of the cerebral vessels.
- Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Electrocardiography.
The results will help identify damaged discs, clarify the degree of damage to blood vessels, spinal tissues and the brain. When a diagnosis is made, treatment is started immediately.
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, then first of all they should be removed. To do this, use analgesics or massage of the cervical region with anesthetic drugs.
Sometimes doctors recommend using an applicator that not only relieves pain, but also relieves spasms. Pepper patches can help reduce pain in some cases. Puffiness is eliminated with the help of diuretics.
Further therapy 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 tissues and neuronal metabolism.
It will take some time to get rid of osteochondrosis. To restore the health of the spine, drug and non-drug therapy is used.
The latter includes:
- Corrective gymnastics.
- The help of a massage therapist.
- Proper nutrition.
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physiotherapy techniques include electrophoresis and magnetotherapy. The first type of procedures helps to 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 cartilage tissue in 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 medications. 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 help relieve vestibular dysfunction and improve motor coordination.
- Antioxidants Increase resistance to destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
Also, 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 disease
The causes of violations lie precisely in unhealthy habits. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary:
- Normalizes 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.
- Properly distribute loads.
- Visit the swimming pool and massage room.
- Play sports without harm to health.
In one day, rarely can anyone change their life in the right direction, the transition should be made gradually.
Medical assistance is needed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. The timely measures taken will avoid serious consequences.