Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine belongs to the category of long-term chronic diseases. In the process of disease development, destruction of the intervertebral space occurs, which, if left untreated, inevitably leads to the formation of a herniated disc. In today's world, both the elderly and children suffer from osteochondrosis. At the same time, the healing process is delayed for months or even years and does not always guarantee a positive result. Thus, this problem should be approached with all seriousness, because the earlier the doctor can detect the presence of cervical osteochondrosis and prescribe treatment, the greater the chances of the patient to restore his health.
The disease in question has quite characteristic manifestations, so it will be difficult not to notice them. However, before we look at the information on how to determine cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to understand what are its symptoms and the factors responsible for its occurrence.
Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that causes the onset of degenerative processes in the connective cartilage tissue located between the individual vertebrae. The progression of the disease disrupts the normal functioning of the body and can cause damage. At the same time, the destructive processes cause inflammation, which is transmitted to the nerve fibers passing nearby. This development leads to muscle spasm, which is overloaded, trying to prevent the compression of blood vessels and nerve roots.
However, without external intervention, the body can not cope with the disease and as a result, reducing the difference between the individual vertebrae, along with other consequences of osteochondrosis, will lead to significant circulatory difficulties and the human brain will not receive oxygen and importantnutrients in the required amounts. Naturally, this will immediately affect the patient's self-awareness, which is why osteochondrosis can be identified by a number of characteristic symptoms.
The main symptoms
The most typical symptoms are:
- constant pain in the neck and head;
- regular bouts of nausea, sometimes vomiting;
- strong and sudden changes in blood pressure;
- dizziness, fainting.
As you can see, the symptoms are quite specific and it is impossible not to notice them, so it will not be difficult to determine osteochondrosis in the neck. However, only an experienced neurologist should make a diagnosis, as this disease affects the work of many functions and during the examination it is necessary to make an accurate picture of what is happening in order to prescribe the most effective course of treatment.
To determine the nature of the course of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the patient is sent for X-ray and computed tomography. In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be prescribed. As a rule, this happens with complaints of chest pain on the background of absent cardiac pathologies.
The onset of cardiac pain in a patient with osteochondrosis of the neck indicates the active spread of the disease along the spine. Such a symptom is rare, so the neurologist will definitely send the patient first for an examination by a cardiologist, who must identify heart problems or confirm their absence. If the work of the heart system is going smoothly, then you have nothing to worry about, because osteochondrosis itself in no way affects the activity of such an important organ as the heart.
The above symptoms appear from the first weeks of the disease. The only exceptions are dizziness and nausea, as these unpleasant sensations are found in patients at 2-3 stages of the disease.
There are a total of three stages in the development of the disease, the third of which manifests itself in the most insidious way. If you do not treat osteochondrosis of the vertebrae of the neck, then its transition to a severe form will lead to disruption of the normal functioning of many vital systems of the human body.
Prerequisites for the occurrence of osteochondrosis
There are many factors that are considered to be a manifestation of osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck. The main one, however, is the incorrect posture of the spine. Therefore, it is extremely important to create a habit of maintaining the correct position of the body during work and rest from childhood.
The second very important factor is called a sedentary lifestyle. Modern man usually complains about the lack of time for sports, but at the same time can spend a lot of time for pointless surfing the Internet, empty communication on social networks or computer games.
Since childhood, most people report the great benefits of simple morning exercises. However, few modern people do it, although simple exercise in the morning can stimulate blood circulation, experience a real surge of vitality and help create a good mood for the whole day. In addition, morning exercises will keep your joints healthy and flexible for many years.
The last serious factor causing osteochondrosis of the spine in the neck, and at the same time many other problems, is the lack of vitamins. The human body is usually deficient in vitamins in winter and early spring, so during these periods you should eat as many raw vegetables and fruits as possible or buy vitamin complexes that are sold in every pharmacy. You need to pay attention to other trace elements that are important for the body. By the way, many people mistakenly believe that osteochondrosis occurs due to lack of calcium. This is not the case, although calcium should be used in the treatment of the disease, as it promotes rapid healing of cartilage tissue.
The main stages of osteochondrosis
- First.In the initial stage, dull pain appears, which quickly disappears if a person keeps his body at rest for a while. Also, the patient may notice spikes in blood pressure, which is the first sign of oxygen starvation of the brain.
- Second.The next stage already significantly darkens the usual way of life, as the pain syndrome in the neck area becomes quite strong and does not always disappear even after taking analgesics. This makes a person extremely irritable, which negatively affects the attitude towards him by others. In addition, there is a constant feeling of fatigue, systemic headaches appear.
- Third.The last stage is considered the most dangerous. The patient develops excruciating pain in the neck and head, which even strong painkillers cannot always cope with. Dizziness, nausea, limited movement, etc. also occur.
As you can see, osteochondrosis has quite pronounced symptoms, but in the initial stage, many people simply ignore the signs of impending disaster. It is extremely important to be vigilant and to identify the disease in a timely manner at its first mild manifestations.
As a rule, the patients of a neurologist are people whose osteochondrosis has already passed into the second stage of its development. This complicates the healing process, as it is possible to effectively fight the disease only in the initial stage.
Remember that osteochondrosis is one of the most difficult diseases of the back. This can have a negative impact on the operation of several vital systems simultaneously. If you do not seek professional help in a timely manner, then as a result you can start a disease that will lead to the formation of a spinal hernia, where only surgery will correct the situation.
The recovery process in osteochondrosis is delayed for a long time and can be successful only if you strictly follow all the prescriptions of the doctor. Under no circumstances should you self-diagnose and prescribe treatment, as you may further aggravate the situation.
Many believe that osteochondrosis is the last sentence and it is impossible to fully recover from it. In fact, this is not the case at all if the disease has not passed into the final stage of development. In other cases, the situation can be corrected, but for this you need to focus on long and hard work and you will also have to change your lifestyle, making sports and outdoor activities an integral part of it.