Widespread in the world osteochondrosis of the cervical and other areas of the ridge to one degree or another affects more than half of both women and men at the age of 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 disastrous consequences for the emerging spine. 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 the most problems for a person. This is due to the fact that it is in this part that a huge number of nerve endings and fibers are located. In addition, the most important blood vessels for supplying 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);
- 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 takes place according to the affected areas of the spinal column, as well as the age of the patients, according to which osteochondrosis is "youthful" 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 only to the cervical region, 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) may 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 of the hands. The attack of pain is explained by powerful mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, control over motor, sensory functions, is responsible for the coordination of movements, muscle tone. Even infringement of 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. An attack of dizziness can also cause sudden movements of the head (they may be accompanied by a crunch 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 dizziness itself that needs to be treated, but its cause, that is, osteochondrosis.
Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in 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.
"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.
In addition, 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 enclosed 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 head turns, tilts 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 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 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 the often occurring hearing impairment of varying degrees. And all together it was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome. "
"Noise and ringing" and a general deterioration in hearing of 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 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 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. This is done to improve blood flow from the veins of the legs.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has some motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Lack of air
An attack of lack of air 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 the regulation of the depth and frequency of breathing). A person begins to experience a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. An attack of respiratory arrest becomes possible at night. If there is a chronic lack of oxygen, then an irreversible change in the brain tissues is possible. The latter leads to absent-mindedness 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 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, 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, 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 impairment
Since the organs of vision are supplied with blood not only by the vertebral arteries, but also by the carotid ones, 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 also not be ignored and the opportunity to take sick leave to fight the disease should not be neglected. With complications in the eyes with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients most often complain of a veil before their eyes, a decrease in sharpness and visual acuity and flashing of points, swimming "motes".
In a short period, vision may 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 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 occur in the area of \u200b\u200bdirect 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 first occur 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 homework, do 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 sensation of crunching and crackling during head turns in a child is very frequent.
Common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children may be the result of a birth injury of the spine.
Diagnosis of the disease at an early age of children is not so difficult.
The 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, localization and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is a lesion of the spine, provoked by damage to the internal surfaces of the joints of the vertebrae. This disease is very common and can occur at any age. More often, pathology affects people working in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people leading 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 illnesses 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.
- Long-term stress on 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. Shootings appear in the head, which indicate serious structural changes in the neck. They last for several minutes.
- Acute lesions, 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 temperature changes, 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 provoke 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 and anomalies 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. 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, soreness of the cervical zone;
- weakness in the limbs;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional swings;
- memory impairment;
- soreness 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 (cardialgia, 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 accompany a person constantly. Ignoring the disease leads to irreversible structural changes in the spinal column itself.
With an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the symptoms are always similar. Before starting therapy, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Soreness in the area of the shoulder blades and the heart can be a manifestation of not only cervical, but also 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 set of procedures aimed at enhancing blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. Additionally, physiotherapy is included. It is always necessary to treat exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication. Do a blockade 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 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 the head, it is important to immediately consult a specialist for advice.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. The first step is to prescribe medications. To combat pathology, a number of medicines are used:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- various kinds 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 soreness and muscle tension have disappeared, they move on to other ways to deal 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 physician. The course of treatment is at least 2 weeks. There are folk 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 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 recommendations of the doctor. Massage should be performed from top to bottom. It is better to perform 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 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 folk technique, widely known and effective. During such procedures, all movements should be smooth. You can not touch the spine.
Signs of illness are easier to prevent than to treat. To avoid the occurrence of such a disease, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- hard back at the work chair;
- you can’t 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. The 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.