Cervical osteochondrosis is typical for 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 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 all 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 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 interrupted.
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.
- Cracking and "goose bumps" 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, its constant tension.
- Coordination problems.
- Bad dreams, insomnia.
- Nausea, tinnitus, vomiting.
- Humor changes.
With prolonged exposure to nerves and blood vessels, problems with memory, concentration, and speech loss 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 in the cervical spine, irritability, trouble sleeping.
- Subcompensatory. . . The disease inhibits 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 persist.
The earlier you find signs of illness and the sooner you seek medical help, the easier and more effective 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 tension 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 increased level of salts in the lymph and blood. They accumulate in the cervical region. An unhealthy diet and excess weight will cause metabolic problems and the lack of valuable vitamins and minerals will aggravate degenerative phenomena in connective tissues.
The main reasons for the development of pathological processes include:
- Hypodynamics
- Staying in the same position for an extended period (in front of the computer, driving).
- Salt deposits.
- Improper diet leading to metabolic disorders.
- Lack of valuable vitamins and minerals.
- Excessive body weight.
- Chronic injuries and ailments of the musculoskeletal system.
- Regular hypothermia.
- Hormonal alterations
Most risk factors can be eliminated by changing lifestyle and balancing the body's metabolic processes.
What are the risks of brain circulation problems?
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, then the brain tissue suffers from a deficiency of oxygen, as well as valuable trace elements and vitamins.
Why brain starvation is dangerous:
- Dysfunctions of the heart and blood vessels.
- Musculoskeletal system disorders (especially the body of the shoulder).
- Increased intracranial pressure.
- Micro strokes and later severe brain hemorrhages.
Neglected conditions can lead to 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 find out exactly the 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.
- 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 organs with problems are also required. These include:
- Bone scan.
- Doppler ultrasound.
- Rheoencephalography and angiography of cerebral vessels.
- CT scan or MRI.
- Electrocardiograph.
The results will help to identify the damaged discs, to clarify the degree of damage to the blood vessels, the tissues of the spine and the brain. When a diagnosis is made, treatment begins immediately.
Treatment with and without medication
If the course of the disease is accompanied by severe pain and swelling, then first of all, they must be removed. To do this, use painkillers or massage 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. The swelling is removed 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 time to get rid of osteochondrosis. To restore the health of the spine, drug and non-drug therapy is used.
The latter includes:
- Recovery gymnastics.
- The help of a masseur.
- Proper nutrition
- Acupuncture.
- Physiotherapy.
The best physical therapy 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 medications, chondroprotectors are used to restore the spine, agents that renew the 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 pharmaceuticals. These include:
- Vasodilators and anticoagulants.
- Nootropics that improve metabolism in brain tissues. They restore concentration and memory.
- Histaminergic drugs. It stimulates specific receptors in the inner ear to help alleviate vestibular dysfunctions and improve motor coordination.
- Antioxidants Increase resistance to destruction of brain cell membranes, stop destructive oxidative reactions.
Also, doctors recommend vitamin-mineral complexes to restore the body weakened by disease.
Only a specialist can prescribe pharmaceuticals 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, you must:
- Normalizes body weight.
- Forget about bad habits.
- Avoid hard work and strength sports after an injury or bruise.
- Do not get too cold.
- Don't succumb to stress.
- Balance your diet.
- Distribute loads correctly.
- Visit the pool and massage room.
- Play sports without damaging your health.
In one day, rarely can someone turn life in the right direction; the transition should take place gradually.
Medical assistance is needed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. Timely measures that are taken will avoid serious consequences.