Widespread in the world, osteochondrosis of the cervical and other areas of the crest, to one degree or another, affects more than half of women and men aged thirty years and older, as well as children. For a child, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints, leading to disastrous consequences for the emerging spine. The complications to which the disease leads are of varying degrees. One of them can be a hernia, the signs of which must be considered separately.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause more problems for a person. This is due to the fact that it is in this part that a large number of nerve endings and fibers are located. 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:
- pain;
- dizziness;
- pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in the throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- noise and ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness (fainting);
- shortness of breathe;
- jumps in blood pressure;
- Visual impairment;
- local temperature changes.
According to the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), cervical osteochondrosis has several positions, each corresponding to a separate code. Classification takes place according to the affected areas of the spine, as well as the age of 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. Such an 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 (pain, bursting) can increase when turning the head. A person feels pressure in the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the region of the heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness in the hands. The attack of pain is explained by the powerful mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, control over motor and sensory functions, is responsible for coordination of movements, muscle tone. Even the violation of receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone protrusions 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. An attack of dizziness can also cause jerking movements of the head (may be accompanied by a crunching of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, a sharp darkening of the eyes occurs, the patient loses orientation in space. Also, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and lead to fainting. Naturally, it is not dizziness itself that needs to be treated, but its cause, namely 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"), in addition to dryness, itching, difficulty swallowing.
"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.
In addition, they are caused by a violation of the nerve endings of the spinal cord, inflammation of the nerves, circulatory failure, pathological tension of the pharyngeal muscles.
nausea and vomiting
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 the head, stooping and even ordinary walking. Again, nausea and vomiting, as well as a "lump in the throat", are characteristic not only for osteochondrosis, but also for a number of other conditions in the body. For example, during pregnancy in women, nausea and vomiting are completely different in nature. Therefore - diagnostics, and again - diagnostics. And, if necessary, sick leave.
Noise (tinnitus) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood only from the system of vertebral arteries, therefore, in the case of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), symptoms associated with impaired function of the inner ear are observed very often. In common parlance they are called "noise (or ringing) in the ears". To this can be added frequent auditory impairment in varying degrees. And all together it was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome".
"Noise and tinnitus" and a general deterioration of hearing in varying degrees are manifested due to the patient's long stay in an uncomfortable position, favorable for the development of this disease.
Loss of consciousness (fainting)
It is better to take a sick leave without waiting. 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 violation of nerve endings by deformed processes of the bones of the vertebrae.
As a rule, the patient can quickly recover when providing emergency care. For this, a person must be transferred to the "lying" position and raise his legs. This is done to improve blood flow from the leg veins.
There are cases in which, after fainting, the patient has some motor and (or) speech disorder in varying degrees.
shortness of breathe
An attack of shortness of breath in case of 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 frequency of breathing). The person begins to feel a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath, even suffocates. An attack of respiratory arrest becomes possible at night. 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 "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.
jumps in blood pressure
Hypertension is a fairly common diagnosis, resulting from the exacerbation of osteochondrosis (ICD code 10 - M42), that is, with the development of intervertebral hernias or protrusions in the cervical region.
One of the main signs in this case should be considered jumps, drops in blood pressure, which accompany an attack of dizziness and headache. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often aggravated by so-called brain starvation, which occurs when the cervical region is affected to varying degrees.
Visual impairment
Since the organs of vision are supplied with blood not only by the vertebral arteries, but also by the carotids, disturbances in their work due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region (ICD code -10 - M42) are somewhat less common than, say, "lump in the throat. " But these cases should not be ignored either and the opportunity to take sick leave to fight the disease should not be overlooked. With complications in the eyes with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients most often complain of a veil before the eyes, decreased sharpness and visual acuity and blinking of dots, swimming "motes".
In a short period, vision can improve and vice versa.
temperature changes
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, a cold), when you need to apply for sick leave. But an increase in skin temperature in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe body can occur in the area of \u200b\u200bdirect damage to the spine with osteochondrosis. This requires an accurate diagnosis.
Features of 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, an attack of headache 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.
An attack of a headache in a child can be of such a degree that it will not let you do your homework, do your homework, attend school normally, and you will need to take sick leave. With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae in children, patients try to fix their head 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 chewing and crackling during turning of the head in a child is very frequent.
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 so difficult.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if 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 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 of the spine, caused by damage to the inner surfaces of the joints of the vertebrae. This disease is very common and can occur at any age. More often, pathology affects people who work in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Pathology of the spine in varying degrees appears in all individuals - this is a physiological manifestation of aging of the body. Atrophic changes appear in the vertebral discs, but injuries and diseases cause an earlier 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 - it has been proven that constant and prolonged experiences provoke spasm of the muscular apparatus of the neck. Due to this, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disrupted, sleep, the full activity of the intervertebral discs, and a headache occurs.
- Prolonged stress in the cervical region - the causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle leakage.
- Sharp turns of the head - a recurrence of the disease occurs after an awkward turn of the head. Shoots appear on the head, which indicates serious structural changes in the neck. They last for several minutes.
- Acute injuries, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic diseases - 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 proved that autumn is the most frequent time of exacerbation of diseases of the spine. 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 carried out. Such procedures provoke deterioration due to displacement of the vertebrae, compression of nerves or blood vessels.
As causes of the disease, unfavorable heredity, natural aging of the body and anomalies in the development of bone and cartilaginous tissue stand out.
Main features
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, patients lead a normal life, aggravating their condition. An attack of osteochondrosis occurs abruptly. Suddenly a person becomes ill, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the cervical 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 sooner 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 severe manifestations that are difficult to cure (heart pain, arterial disease).
A neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent pain in the head, pain between the shoulder blades and in the region of the heart.
In severe cases, an attack of cervical osteochondrosis can become chronic. Painful manifestations will accompany a person constantly. 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 spinal injuries. Therefore, only a specialist is able to choose suitable diagnostic methods and therapy for the disease.
With exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment includes the use of analgesics. It is important to relieve pain, and then fight other manifestations of the disease.
therapy methods
The course of therapy includes a set of procedures aimed at increasing blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. In addition, physical therapy is included. It is always necessary to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs. Block with painkillers. This allows you to minimize pain, relieve the tone of the spinal muscles.
How long does an exacerbation last? It all depends on the timeliness and adequacy of the therapy. The insidiousness of the disease lies in the long and latent course of the disease. If you experience recurrent episodes of headache, it is important to immediately consult a specialist for advice.
Osteochondrosis can get worse at any time. The fight against the disease is in several stages. The first step is to prescribe medication. To combat the pathology, various drugs are used:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- various types of local medicines (ointments, gels, sprays).
non-drug 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 disappear, they move on to other ways of dealing with the disease:
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- laser therapy.
It is recommended to treat osteochondrosis 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 that are easy to use. Often, with osteochondrosis on a nerve basis, compresses from horseradish leaves are prescribed. Cabbage and burdock leaves are used to alleviate inflammatory changes. A mixture of dry mustard and propolis has a warming effect.
Many traditional medicines are taken internally. It can be a celery infusion, which is prepared from the plant and hot water. Doctors recommend using an infusion of sunflower root 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 must be carried out from top to bottom. It is better to carry out therapeutic massages before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to relax completely. Ideally, if kneading 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 these procedures, all movements must be smooth. You cannot touch the column.
Signs of illness are easier to prevent than to treat. To prevent the occurrence of such a disease, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- stiff back in work chair;
- you cannot stay in one position for a long time: you need to periodically move;
- it is important to keep a safe distance while reading books or at the computer monitor;
- overexertion should be avoided, do not be nervous.
Compliance with these simple recommendations will protect against the 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.