Widespread throughout the world, osteochondrosis of the cervix and other areas of the ridge affects to one degree or another more than half of women and men aged thirty or 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 nascent 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.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause the most trouble 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 supplying the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question:
- pain;
- dizziness;
- pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in 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 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 carries the general code M42. On the Internet, using the ICD-10 table, you can find the necessary information, including all 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 only to the cervical region and can spread to the shoulders, neck muscles.
However, most often patients complain of pain in the head. This more or less intense pain (tightening, 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 pain crisis is explained by a powerful mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, control of motor, sensory functions, is responsible for the coordination of movements, muscle tone. Even the violation of receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone growths causes pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
Dizziness
Dizziness, as a symptom of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 - M42 code), can occur after sleep, but not only. Especially if the person slept on a high pillow. An attack of vertigo can also cause sudden movements of the head (they can be accompanied by a cracking of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, there is a sharp darkening of 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 ("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.
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 poorly ventilated enclosed spaces or with a sharp change in body position. Sometimes the patient has not only nausea, but also indomitable vomiting, which can be caused by head turns, tilts 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 ailments in the body. For example, during pregnancy in women, nausea and vomiting are of a completely different nature. Therefore - diagnostics, and again - diagnostics. And, if necessary, sick leave.
Noise (ringing) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood only by 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 very often observed. In common parlance, they are called "noise (or ringing) in the ears". Added to this is frequent hearing impairment to varying degrees. And all this was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome".
"Noise and ringing" and a general deterioration of hearing in 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 violation 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 a "lying" position and raise his legs. This is done to improve the blood flow of the leg veins.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Lack of air
An attack of air starvation in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (code ICD-10 - 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 feel a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. A crisis of respiratory arrest becomes possible at night. If there is a chronic lack of oxygen, an irreversible change in brain tissue is possible. The latter leads to distraction and memory problems. And this is already much more dangerous than, say, nausea, vomiting or a "lump in the throat".
Breathwork 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 an 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 accompany an attack of dizziness and pain in the head. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often exacerbated 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 carotid arteries, disturbances in their work due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region (ICD code -10 - M42) are somewhatless frequent than, for example, "lump in the throat. "But these cases should not be ignored either, and the possibility of taking sick leave to combat the disease should not be overlooked. With complications in the eyes with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients most often complain of haze before the eyes, a decrease in sharpness and visual acuity and flashing of dots, swimming of "lights".
In a short time, vision may improve, and vice versa.
Temperature changes
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (ICD code -10 - M42), the general body temperature usually does not deviate from the norm. Its increase, "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 direct 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, which first arise 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 degree that he will not let you do your homework, do your homework, go to school normally, and you will have 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 children. But the sensation of cracking 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 birth injury to the spine.
Diagnosis of the disease at an early age of children is not so difficult.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if detected in time, 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 preventpossible 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 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 working in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The pathology of the spine in 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 earlier progression of 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 proven to cause spasms of the muscular apparatus of the neck. Due to this, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disturbed, sleep, full activity of the intervertebral discs and a headache occur.
- Long-term stress on 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. Shots appear in the head, which indicates serious structural changes in the neck. They last 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 proven that autumn is the most frequent time of exacerbation of diseases of the spine. This is associated with sharp 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. Such procedures cause deterioration due to displacement of 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 tissues are distinguished.
main Features
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, patients lead a normal life, aggravating their condition. A crisis of osteochondrosis occurs suddenly. Suddenly a person falls ill, there are complaints of such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the cervical area;
- weakness in the limbs;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional swings;
- memory impairment;
- head pain;
- 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 manifestations that are difficult to cure (cardialgia, arteriopathy).
A neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent pain in the head, 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 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 treatment, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Pain in the region of the shoulder blades and 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 to 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 the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with medication. Make a blockage 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 speed and adequacy of the therapy. The insidious nature of the disease lies in the long and latent course of the disease. If you experience recurrent episodes of headache pain, it is important to seek professional advice immediately.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is in several stages. The first step is to prescribe medication. To combat pathology, a number of drugs are used:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- different types of local medicines (ointments, gels, sprays).
Non-drug therapy
At the second stage, after stabilization of the state, osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is treated conservatively. As soon as the aches and muscle tension are gone, they move on to other ways of coping 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 duration 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 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 doctor's recommendations. The massage should be performed from top to bottom. It is best to perform a therapeutic massage before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to relax completely. 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. Additional cupping massage therapy is perfect for this. Treatment should continue until you feel better. It is a popular, widely known and effective technique. During these procedures, all movements should be smooth. You cannot 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 a few recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- hard back at work chair;
- you cannot stay in one position for long: you have to move periodically;
- it is important to keep a safe distance when reading books or in front of a computer screen;
- overwork 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.