Widespread osteochondrosis in the world of the cervix and other areas of the ridge to one degree or another affects more than half of women and men at the age of thirty and over, as well as children. For a child, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints, which has disastrous consequences for the emerging spine. The complications to which the disease leads are of varying degrees. One of them may 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 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 blood supply to 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 breath;
- jumps in blood pressure;
- visual disability;
- 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 carried out according to the affected areas of the spine, as well as the age of the patients, 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
A pain attack in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) is a very common symptom. This attack may be limited to the cervical region only and may extend to the shoulders and neck muscles.
However, most often patients complain of pain in the head. This pain of varying degrees (ache, burst) can increase when turning the head. A person feels pressure on the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the region of the heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness of the hands. The pain attack is explained by a powerful mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, control over the motor, sensory functions, is responsible for the coordination of movements, muscle tone. Even infringement of the receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone growths 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 sudden movements of the head (they may be accompanied by a crunching of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, there is a sharp darkening in the eyes, the patient loses orientation in space. Also, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting, other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and lead to fainting. Naturally, it is not the 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) are the so-called pharyngeal symptoms. There is a sore throat, the presence of a foreign body ("a lump in the throat"), as well as dryness, itching, difficulty swallowing.
"Lump in the throat" and other pharyngeal symptoms are caused by 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 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 a confined space 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 his 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 other conditions of the body. For example, during pregnancy in women nausea and vomiting are of a completely different nature. Therefore, diagnostics and, once again, diagnostics. And, if necessary, sick leave.
Noise (ringing) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus receives 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 the frequent hearing impairment of varying degrees. And all together they were called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome. "
"Ringing and buzzing" and a general deterioration of hearing to varying degrees are manifested due to the long stay of the patient in an uncomfortable position favorable for 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 nerve endings by deformed processes of the bones of the vertebrae.
As a general 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 in the veins in the legs.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has some motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Shortness of breath
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). A person begins to experience oxygen starvation and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. An attack of respiratory arrest becomes possible at night. If there is a chronic lack of oxygen, an irreversible change in the tissues of the brain is possible. The latter leads to distractibility and memory impairment. And this is already much more dangerous than, say, nausea, vomiting or "lumps in the throat. "
Breathing and other exercises, including yoga, have proven 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 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, which accompanies an attack of dizziness and pain in the head. Arterial hypertension (hypertension) is often exacerbated by the so-called starvation of the brain, which occurs when the cervical region is affected to varying degrees.
visual disability
Since the organs of vision receive 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 the throat. "But such cases should not be ignored either, and the opportunity to take sick leave to combat the disease should not be missed. 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 flashes of spots, swimming "specks".
In a short period, vision can improve and then 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 rise, "a lump in the throat" may indicate other illnesses (for example, with a cold), when you need to apply for sick leave. But an increase in skin temperature in a certain area of the body may well 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, a headache attack in a child has a slightly different character. Adults suffer from painful sensations of varying degrees, first occurring in the occipital region, and then spreading to the forehead, eyes and ears. When turning the head, the pain increases. But in children there is not such a clear pattern, the pains are less local in nature.
A headache attack in a child can be of such a degree that it does not allow him to do homework, do homework, attend school normally, and he needs to take sick leave. With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae in children, patients try to fix the 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 crunching and crackling during head turns in a child is very common.
The common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children may be the result of a birth injury to the spine.
Diagnosis of the disease at an early age of children is not so difficult.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if detected early, the diagnosis of the disease in women, men and children is the right key that will make it possible 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 performed. It is important to identify the stage, location and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is a lesion 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. Most often, the pathology affects people who work in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Spinal pathology 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 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: 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 occurs, the full activity of the intervertebral discs occurs, and a headache occurs.
- Long-term stress in the cervical region - the causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle leakage.
- Sudden turns of the head - a recurrence of the disease occurs after an awkward turn of the head. Head jerks appear, indicating serious structural changes in the neck. They last several minutes.
- Acute injuries, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic ailments - such conditions weaken the body and 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 of 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 performed. Said procedures cause deterioration by displacement of the vertebrae, compression of nerves or blood vessels.
As causes of the disease, unfavorable heredity, natural aging of the body, and abnormalities in the development of bone and cartilage 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 falls ill, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the cervical area;
- weakness in the extremities;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional changes;
- memory impairment;
- pain in the head;
- intestinal 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 (cardialgia, arteriopathy).
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 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 beginning therapy, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Pain in the area of the shoulder blades and the heart can be a manifestation of not only cervical, but also thoracic injuries of the spine. Therefore, only a specialist can choose methods of diagnosis and appropriate 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 then fight other manifestations of the disease.
therapy methods
The course of therapy includes a set of procedures aimed at improving blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. In addition, physiotherapy is included. It is always necessary to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs. Do a block with painkillers. This allows you to minimize pain, relieve the tone of the muscles of the spine.
How long does an exacerbation last? It all depends on the timing 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 headache, it is important to see a specialist immediately for advice.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. 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
At 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, you 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 home remedies available and 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, which is prepared from the plant and hot water. Doctors recommend using a sunflower root infusion for back pain.
How to increase the effectiveness of therapy? Each patient can 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 better to carry out a therapeutic massage before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to fully relax. Ideally, the kneading of the back of the head and the sides of the neck ends with a massage of the shoulders.
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 must be smooth. You can't touch the spine.
Signs of disease are easier to prevent than to treat. To avoid the occurrence of such a disease, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- rejection of soft beds for sleeping;
- hard back in the work chair;
- you cannot be in one position for a long time - you need to move periodically;
- it is important to keep a safe distance while reading books or at a computer monitor;
- overexertion should be avoided, do not be nervous.
Compliance with such 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 correct method of therapy. At the first sign of pathology, you should consult a specialist.