Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra and other areas of the crest, which is widespread around the world, affects to some degree more than half of women and men aged thirty and over, as well as children. For a child, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints and has devastating consequences for the developing spine. Complications to which the disease leads are of varying degrees. One of them can be a hernia, the signs of which should be considered separately.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause most of the problems for a person. This is because there is a large number of nerve endings and fibers in this part. In addition, the most important blood vessels that supply the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question:
- Pains;
- Dizziness;
- Throat problems, "lump in the throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- noise and ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness (fainting);
- lack of air;
- 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 of which corresponds to a separate code. The classification is based on the affected areas of the spine and the age of the patient, according to which osteochondrosis is "juvenile" 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
An attack of pain in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) is a very common symptom. This attack can be limited to the neck region only, spreading to the shoulders and neck muscles.
Most often, however, patients complain of pain in the head. This pain of varying degrees (pain, bursting) can intensify when turning the head. A person feels pressure in the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the area of \u200b\u200bthe heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness in the hands. The attack of pain is explained by a strong 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 and muscle tone. Also, damage to receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone outgrowths 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 dizzy spell may 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 orientation in space. Also, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting and other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and lead to fainting. Of course, it is not the dizziness itself that needs to be treated, but rather its cause, i. e. the osteochondrosis.
Throat problems, "lump in the throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD code -10 - M42) are 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.
"Throat lump" and other throat symptoms are caused by degeneration and degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, which are at the level of the throat.
In addition, they are caused by injury to the nerve endings of the spinal cord, inflammation of the nerves, circulatory failure, pathological tension of the muscles of the throat.
nausea and vomiting
An attack of nausea in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), as well as a "lump in the throat" can appear suddenly, especially in closed rooms 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 head turns, tilts, and even normal 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 diseases of the body. For example, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are of a very different nature in women. Therefore - diagnosis and again - diagnosis. And, if necessary, sick leave.
noise (ringing) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood only from the system of vertebral arteries, therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), symptoms associated with dysfunction of the inner ear are very often observed. In common usage they are referred to as "noise (or ringing) in the ears". Added to this is the frequently occurring hearing loss of varying degrees. And it all came together as "Cochlear (Cochlear) Syndrome. "
"Noise and ringing" and a general deterioration in hearing of varying degrees are manifested due to the long stay of the patient in an uncomfortable position favorable for the development of this disease.
unconsciousness (fainting)
It's better to call in sick without waiting. Sudden loss of consciousness occurs in patients with cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42) due to severe arterial spasm. This spasm occurs in response to injury to nerve endings from deformed processes of the bones of the vertebrae.
As a rule, with emergency care, the patient can recover quite quickly. To do this, a person needs to be put in the "lying" position and raise his legs. This is done to improve blood flow from the veins of the legs.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
lack of air
An attack of lack of air 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 frequency of breathing). A person begins to suffer from oxygen starvation and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. An attack of respiratory arrest becomes possible at night. With a chronic lack of oxygen, an irreversible change in the brain tissue is possible. The latter leads to absent-mindedness and impaired memory. And that is much more dangerous than, for example, 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 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 jumps, a drop in blood pressure, which is accompanied by an attack of dizziness and a headache. Arterial hypertension (hypertension) is often exacerbated by what is known as 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 from the vertebral arteries, 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, for example, "lump in the throat. "But alsothese cases should not be neglected and the possibility of taking sick leave to combat the disease should not be neglected. With complications in the eyes with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients most often complain of a veil in front of their eyes, a decrease in sharpness and visual acuity, and the flashing of dots, floating "motes".
In a short time, vision can improve, and then vice versa.
temperature changes
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (ICD code -10 - M42), the general body temperature, as a rule, does not deviate from the norm. Its increase, "lump in the throat", may indicate other diseases (for example, with a cold), when you need to apply for sick leave. But an increase in skin temperature in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe body may well be in the area of direct damage to theSpine with osteochondrosis occur. This requires 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, a headache attack in a child, for example, has a slightly different character. Adults suffer from pain sensations of varying degrees, which first appear 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 not such a clear pattern, the pain is less local.
A headache attack in a child can be so severe that you do not do homework, do not do homework, go to school normally and have to be on 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 crunch and crackle when turning the head is very common in a child.
Frequent 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.
If the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are detected in time, then 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. The methods of struggle include special procedures, gymnastics, yoga classes.
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis requires urgent treatment. A preliminary examination is carried out to secure the diagnosis. It is important to identify the stage, localization and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is a lesion of the spine, provoked by damage to the inner surfaces of the vertebral joints. This disease is very common and can occur at any age. More often the pathology affects people who work in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The pathology of the spine occurs in all people to varying degrees - this is a physiological manifestation of the aging of the body. Atrophic changes occur in the intervertebral discs, but injuries and diseases cause 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 spasms of the neck muscles. As a result, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disturbed, sleep, the full activity of the intervertebral discs and headaches appear.
- Long-term stress on the neck region - the causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in persistent muscle loss.
- Sharp turns of the head - a recurrence of the disease occurs after an awkward turn of the head. Shooting occurs in the head, indicating serious structural changes in the neck. They last several minutes.
- Acute lesions, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic diseases - such conditions weaken the body, aggravate 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 common time for spinal diseases to worsen. Associated with this are 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 physical therapy, when this is not possible. 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 cartilage tissue are singled out.
main properties
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, patients lead normal lives, which aggravates their condition. An attack of osteochondrosis occurs abruptly. Suddenly a person gets sick, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the cervical spine;
- weakness in the limbs;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional fluctuations;
- poor memory;
- pain in the head;
- bowel problems;
- violation of urination;
- Development of pathological changes.
The earlier an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is detected, the better. The thing is that the primary manifestations of the disease are much easier to treat. The progression of the lesion inevitably leads to more serious 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 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 not only of cervical, but also of thoracic lesions of the spine. 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 painkillers. It is important to relieve pain, and then fight other manifestations of the disease.
therapy methods
The course of therapy includes a number of procedures aimed at improving blood circulation and metabolism in the affected area. Physiotherapy is also included. It is always necessary to treat an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication. Do a block with painkillers. This allows you to minimize pain and relieve spinal muscle tone.
How long does an exacerbation 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 have recurring episodes of headaches, it is important to seek specialist advice immediately.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. The first step is prescribing medication. To combat pathology, a number of drugs are used:
- antiphlogistic;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- various 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. Once the muscle soreness and tightness are gone, they move on to other ways to deal with the condition:
- manual therapy;
- Acupuncture;
- Physical therapy;
- Massage;
- laser therapy.
It is recommended to treat osteochondrosis according to the above scheme under the supervision of a doctor. The duration of treatment is at least 2 weeks. There are folk remedies that are easy to use. Often with osteochondrosis on a nervous 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 an infusion of celery made from the plant and hot water. Doctors recommend using an infusion of sunflower roots for back pain.
How can the effectiveness of the therapy be increased? Each patient is able to increase the effectiveness of any method of conservative therapy. To do this, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor. The massage should be performed from top to bottom. It is better to do a therapeutic massage before bedtime. This allows the relaxed body to relax completely. Ideal when kneading the back of the head and the sides of the neck ends with a massage of the shoulders.
disease prevention
Activation of blood circulation and muscle condition is possible at home. An additional cupping massage is perfect for this. Treatment should be continued until you feel better. This is a folk technique that is widely known and effective. During such procedures, all movements should be smooth. You cannot touch the spine.
Signs of disease are easier to prevent than to treat. In order to avoid the occurrence of such a disease, it is important to follow a few recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- hard back on work chair;
- You cannot stay in one position for long: you need to move regularly.
- it is important to keep a safe distance when reading books or at the computer screen;
- Overexertion should be avoided, do not be nervous.
Compliance with such simple recommendations will protect against the painful symptoms of exacerbated osteochondrosis. The recurrence of the disease is successfully treated. It is important to choose the right therapy method. At the first signs of pathology, you should consult a specialist.