According to medical observations, 50% of people over the age of 25 suffer from mild cervical osteochondrosis. Such a clinical picture emerges over the years, and the percentage of patients increases every year. Signs of cervical osteochondrosis are attributed to fatigue and physical exertion, thereby postponing treatment on the back burner. A progressive disease is a serious threat to the spine and the whole organism. Reveal the first signs of osteochondrosis in time and do not delay going to the doctor. He will prescribe treatment and conduct a detailed examination.
What is osteochondrosis?
The relevance of the topic of cervical osteochondrosis and its treatment is difficult to overestimate. Today, this is perhaps one of the main social problems. As a result of the disease, the intervertebral discs and bone tissues are affected. According to statistics, osteochondrosis most often affects office workers, writers, programmers. The disease is dangerous for people with a fixed, sedentary lifestyle. Especially in the thoracic region. It is one of the inactive parts of the body, surrounded by ribs on all sides, which makes it difficult to diagnose.
causes
Despite medical advances, a clear answer to the question Why does osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occur has not been found. According to data from a study of clinical practices, there are several main causes of the disease:
- bad habits, tobacco, alcohol, drugs;
- motionless lifestyle;
- intoxication of the body;
- defeat by infection;
- hard daily physical labor;
- stress, neuroses;
- spinal injury;
- wrong shoes - pressure on the spine;
- strong cooling of the body;
- lack of a healthy and balanced diet;
- age-related changes;
- home medical treatment;
- heredity.
From the list above, it is clearly seen that there can be many reasons. Therefore, complaints can be received even in adolescence. Treatment of osteochondrosis at an early stage is effective, quick and painless.
The article reveals the basic concepts of cervical osteochondrosis, discusses a comparison with thoracic osteochondrosis. The signs that every person should know are described in detail and clearly.
Full picture of the disease
Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differ slightly from signs of the disease in other vertebral regions. The main reason is the proximity of the intervertebral discs and their height. Common causes include pressure in the spinal cord and compression of nerve roots. This leads to the manifestation of clinical symptoms, sometimes requiring immediate hospitalization.
Most popular signs
pain syndrome
These are aching periodic pains that have a different dislocation. They can be localized in one place and can affect the skeletal framework as a whole. When the nerve roots are involved in the process, the shooting in the extremities is characteristic. Frequent headaches are the cause of spasms of the cervical muscles of the occipital bone. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation.
Nerve root damage
They stimulate the work of muscles and the innervating effect on the skin of the hands. In this case, you can not lift heavy objects, physically overstrain yourself and do not delay treatment. As a result, you will get complete muscle atrophy.
Finger numbness
It usually worries when the disease acquires a stable symptomatology and character. May be accompanied by discomfort in the hands and on the entire surface of the hands. In the advanced stage of osteochondrosis, numbness is a precursor to fainting and headaches. This sign indicates a significant decrease in sensitivity.
Bite
It limits our cervical spine movements and a person's physical abilities. The reduction in the height of the vertebral discs is the result of bone growth. The smallest joints of the cervical vertebra are affected.
Loss of coordination and body weakness
These are signs due to damage to the vertebral artery. It passes through its channel, located in the cervical vertebrae. The development of cervical osteochondrosis stimulates changes in the spine and the growth of fibrous tissue. The result is a lack of oxygen and poor circulation. The head and the occipital part of the cerebellum suffer.
Frequent dizziness
They are symptomatic and can be observed in osteochondrosis of the vertebral arteries. A large percentage of patients complain of excruciating migraine-like headaches. Patients try to get rid of painful symptoms by taking antibiotics and painkillers, which rarely make them feel better. This is a signal from the body about the rapid development and progression of osteochondrosis. Treatment in this case occurs immediately.
Blackheads or glistening flies in front of the eyes
Precursors of a severe headache. With sudden movements, small colored spots and headshots appear. Many confuse this symptom with lack of sleep or fatigue, they drink medicine. As a rule, home treatment in this case is always powerless.
aching chest pain
Some confuse them with heart pain, because they are localized in the region of the heart. Others confuse it with a disease of other internal organs. Doctors advise you not to engage in self-treatment and traditional medicine methods. This entails serious consequences and difficulties during the examination.
During the first visits to the attending physician, the patient receives a primary diagnosis, a study of the spine is carried out and the degree of its damage is determined. First of all, the doctor examines the human torso, the structural features, the contours of the waist and neck, the relief of the muscles, the level of protrusion of the spinous processes. Basically, I examine and diagnose with my hands, but there are more advanced modern methods:
- computed tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- x-ray.
All methods are good, have their disadvantages and advantages. With their help, you can finally approve or refute the diagnosis. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Effective treatment can only occur if medical recommendations are followed.