Widespread in the world osteochondrosis of the cervix and other areas of the ridge to one degree or another affects more than half of women and men aged thirty or more, as well as children. For a child, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints, leading to dire consequences for the emerging spine. The complications to which the disease leads are of various degrees. One of them may be a hernia, the signs of which should be considered separately.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause the most problems for a person. This is due to the fact that it is in this part that there are a huge number of nerve endings and fibers. In addition, the most important blood vessels for the supply of the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question:
- ache;
- dizziness;
- pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in throat";
- nausea and vomit;
- noise and ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness (fainting);
- lack of air;
- blood pressure jumps;
- visual impairment;
- local temperature variations.
According to the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), cervical osteochondrosis has several locations, each of which corresponds to a separate code. The classification occurs according to the affected areas of the spine, as well as the age of the patients, according to which osteochondrosis is "young" and "adult". Cervical osteochondrosis has the general code M42. On the Internet, using the ICD-10 table, you can find the necessary information, including all the signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
Pain in osteochondrosis
A pain attack in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) is a very common symptom. This attack can be limited to the cervical region only and can spread to the shoulders, neck muscles.
However, most often patients complain of pain in the head. This pain of varying degrees (aching, bursting) can increase when turning the head. A person feels pressure in the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness in the hands. The pain attack is explained by the powerful mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, control of motor and sensory functions, is responsible for the coordination of movements, muscle tone. Violation of the receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone outgrowths also causes pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
Dizziness
Dizziness, as a symptom of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42), can occur after sleep, but not only. Especially if the person slept on a high pillow. A dizziness attack can also cause sudden head movements (they may be accompanied by a crunching of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, there is a strong darkening of the eyes, the patient loses his orientation in space. Also, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting, other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and lead to fainting. Of course, it is not dizziness itself that needs to be treated, but its cause, that is, osteochondrosis.
Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in the throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD code -10 - M42) is the so-called pharyngeal symptoms. There is a sore throat, the presence of a foreign body ("lump in the throat"), as well as dryness, itching, difficulty swallowing.
The "lump in the throat" and other pharyngeal symptoms are caused by the degeneration and degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, located at the level of the throat.
Also, they are caused by infringement of the nerve endings of the spinal cord, inflammation of the nerves, circulatory failure, pathological tension of the pharyngeal muscles.
Nausea and vomit
An attack of nausea in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), as well as a "lump in the throat" can occur suddenly, especially in closed spaces with poor ventilation or with a sharp change in body position. Sometimes the patient has not only nausea, but also indomitable vomiting, which can be provoked by turning of the head, tilting and even ordinary walking. Again, nausea and vomiting, as well as a "lump in the throat" are characteristic not only of osteochondrosis, but also of a number of other conditions of the body. For example, during pregnancy in women, nausea and vomiting are completely different in nature. Therefore - diagnose and, again, diagnose. And, if necessary, sick leave.
Noise (ringing) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood only by the vertebral artery system, therefore, in the case of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), symptoms associated with impaired function of the inner ear are very often observed. In common parlance, they are called "noise (or ringing) in the ears. "To this can be added the hearing impairment of varying degrees that often occurs. And all together it was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome. "
"Noise and ringing" and a general impairment of hearing of varying degrees are manifested as a result of the patient's long stay in an uncomfortable position conducive to the development of this disease.
Loss of consciousness (fainting)
It is better to go on sick leave without waiting for it. Sudden loss of consciousness occurs in patients with cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42) due to severe spasm of the arteries. This spasm occurs in response to the infringement of the nerve endings by the deformed processes of the bones of the vertebrae.
As a rule, the patient can recover quite quickly when providing emergency care. For this, a person must be transferred to the "lying" position and raise his legs up. This is done to improve blood flow from the leg veins.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has some motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Lack of air
An attack of shortness of breath in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD-10 code - M42) is a symptom of irritation of the phrenic nerve (this nerve is involved in regulating the depth and rate of breathing). A person begins to experience a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. At night, an attack of respiratory arrest becomes possible. If there is a chronic lack of oxygen, an irreversible change in brain tissues is possible. The latter leads to distraction and memory impairment. And this is already much more dangerous than, say, nausea, vomiting or a "lump in the throat. "
Breathing and other exercises, including yoga, have been shown to be effective in overcoming this symptom. However, yoga should only be practiced under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Blood pressure jumps
Hypertension is a fairly common diagnosis, as a result of exacerbation of osteochondrosis (ICD code 10 - M42), that is, with the development of intervertebral hernias or protrusions of the cervical region.
One of the main signs in this case should be considered jumps, drops in blood pressure, accompanying an attack of dizziness and pain in the head. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often exacerbated by the so-called brain hunger, which occurs when the cervical region is affected to varying degrees.
visual impairment
Since the organs of vision are supplied with blood not only from the vertebral, but also from the carotid arteries, disturbances in their work due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region (ICD code -10 - M42) are somewhat less common than, say , "lump in throat". But even such cases should not be ignored, and the opportunity to take sick leave to fight the disease should not be overlooked. With eye complications with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients often complain of a veil in front of their eyes, a decrease in visual sharpness and acuity, and flashing dots, swimming "specks".
In a short time, vision can improve, and then vice versa.
Temperature variations
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (ICD code -10 - M42), usually the general body temperature does not deviate from the norm. Its increase, "lump in the throat" may indicate other diseases (for example, with a cold), when it is necessary to apply for sick leave. But an increase in skin temperature in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe body may occur in the area of direct damage to the spine with osteochondrosis. This requires an accurate diagnosis.
Features of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in children
The main manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in children are the same as in adult men and women. However, for example, a headache attack in a child has a slightly different character. Adults suffer from painful sensations of varying degrees, which occur first in the occipital region, and then spread to the forehead, eyes and ears. When turning the head, the pain increases. But in children there is no such clear pattern, the pains are less local in nature.
A headache attack in a child can be of such a magnitude that it will not allow you to do homework, do homework, attend school normally, and you will have to take sick leave. With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae in children, patients try to fix their heads in a certain position and are afraid to move it. Other symptoms of the disease are less pronounced in the child. But the feeling of crunching and crackling when turning the head in a child is very common.
Common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children can be the result of a birth injury to the spine.
Diagnosing the disease at an early age in children is not that difficult.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, when detected in a timely manner, the diagnosis of the disease in women, men and children is the right key that will allow you to fight for the healing of the cervical spine and prevent possible complications. Among the methods of struggle there are special procedures, gymnastics, yoga classes.
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis requires urgent treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, a preliminary examination is carried out. It is important to identify the stage, location and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is an injury to the spine, which is provoked by damage to the inner surfaces of the joints of the vertebrae. This disease is very common and can occur at any age. Most often, the pathology affects people who work in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Pathology of the spine to varying degrees appears in all individuals - this is a physiological manifestation of the aging of the body. Atrophic changes appear in the vertebral discs, but injuries and diseases cause early progression of the pathology. Often there is osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine.
Experts identify 6 main causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis:
- Exhausting stressful situations: Constant and prolonged experiences have been shown to cause spasms of the muscular system of the neck. Because of this, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disrupted, sleep, full activity of the intervertebral discs and a headache occurs.
- Long-term stress on the cervical region - the causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle loss.
- Sharp turns of the head - a recurrence of the disease occurs after an awkward turn of the head. Shoots appear in the head, which indicate severe structural changes in the neck. They last several minutes.
- Acute injuries, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic ailments - such conditions weaken the body, exacerbate the course of osteochondrosis. In this case, the asymptomatic course turns into a vivid clinical picture.
- Season. It has been proven that autumn is the most frequent time for exacerbation of spinal diseases. This is associated with sudden changes in temperature, frequent hypothermia of the neck and the restructuring of the body's biological clock.
- Ineffective fight against the disease - exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs with unprofessional massage, gymnastics or physiotherapy in cases where they cannot be done. Such procedures cause deterioration due to displacement of the vertebrae, compression of nerves or blood vessels.
As the causes of the disease, unfavorable heredity, natural aging of the body, as well as abnormalities in the development of bone and cartilage tissue are singled out.
Main features
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine does not manifest itself in any way. Thus, patients lead a normal life, aggravating their condition. An attack of osteochondrosis occurs sharply. Suddenly, a person falls ill, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the neck area;
- limb weakness;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional swings;
- memory impairment;
- headache;
- intestinal problems;
- violation of urination;
- development of pathological changes.
The earlier an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is detected, the better. The fact is that the primary manifestations of the disease are much easier to treat. The progression of the lesion inevitably leads to more serious and difficult to treat manifestations (cardiac pain, arterial disease).
A neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent pain in the head, pain between the shoulder blades and in the heart area.
In severe cases, an attack of cervical osteochondrosis can become chronic. Painful manifestations will constantly accompany a person. Ignoring the disease leads to irreversible structural changes in the spine itself.
With an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the symptoms are always similar. Before starting therapy, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder blades and heart can be a manifestation of not only cervical, but also thoracic spine injuries. Therefore, only a specialist is able to choose diagnostic methods and adequate therapy for the disease.
With exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment includes the use of pain relievers. It is important to relieve pain and thereby fight other manifestations of the disease.
Methods of therapy
The course of therapy includes a number of procedures aimed at improving blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. Also, physiotherapy is included. It is always necessary to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medications. Take a block with painkillers. This allows you to minimize pain, relieve the tone of the muscles of the spine.
How long does a flare-up last? It all depends on the timeliness and adequacy of therapy. The insidiousness of the disease lies in the long and latent course of the disease. If you experience recurring episodes of pain in your head, it's important to see a specialist for advice right away.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. The first step is to prescribe medication. To combat pathology, a number of drugs are used:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- various types of local medicines (ointments, gels, sprays).
Non-pharmacological therapy
In the second stage, after stabilization of the condition, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is treated conservatively. As soon as the pain and muscle tension are gone, we move on to other ways of dealing with the disease:
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture;
- Physiotherapy;
- massage;
- laser therapy.
Osteochondrosis is recommended to be treated according to the above scheme under the supervision of a doctor. The course of treatment is at least 2 weeks. There are folk remedies available and easy to use. Often, with osteochondrosis on a nerve basis, compresses from horseradish leaves are prescribed. Cabbage leaves, burdock are used to relieve inflammatory changes. A mixture of dry mustard and propolis has a warming effect.
Many traditional medicines are taken internally. It can be celery infusion, which is prepared from the plant and warm water. Doctors recommend using sunflower root infusion for back pain.
How to increase the effectiveness of therapy? Each patient is able to increase the effectiveness of each method of conservative therapy. For this, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. The massage should be done from top to bottom. It is best to do a therapeutic massage before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to fully relax. Ideally, if the kneading of the back of the head and sides of the neck ends with a shoulder massage.
Disease prevention
Activation of blood flow and muscle condition is possible at home. An additional cupping massage therapy is perfect for this. Treatment should continue until you feel better. This is a popular, widely known and effective technique. During such procedures, all movements should be smooth. You can't touch the spine.
Signs of disease are easier to prevent than to cure. To avoid the occurrence of such a disease, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- stiff back to work chair;
- you cannot stay in one position for a long time - you have to move periodically;
- it is important to maintain a safe distance when reading books or in front of a computer monitor;
- overexertion should be avoided, do not be nervous.
Compliance with such simple recommendations will protect against painful symptoms of exacerbated osteochondrosis. Recurrence of the disease is successfully treated. To do this, it is important to choose the right method of therapy. At the first sign of pathology, you should consult a specialist.