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 over the age of thirty, as well as children. For a child, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints, leading to catastrophic consequences for the developing spine. The 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.
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 feeding the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question:
- pain;
- vertigo;
- pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- noise and ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness (fainting);
- lack of air;
- spikes 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 "youthful" and "adult". Cervical osteochondrosis has a 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
Attack of pain in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) is a very common symptom. This attack may be limited to the cervical region only and may spread to the shoulders, neck muscles.
Most often, however, patients complain of pain in the head. This pain of varying degrees (aching, throbbing) may increase when turning the head. A person feels pressure in the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the area of the heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness of the hands. The attack of pain is explained by a 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 disruption of receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone growths causes pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
dizziness
Vertigo, as a symptom of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42), can appear after sleep, but not only. Especially if the person slept on a high pillow. A vertigo attack may also cause sudden head movements (these may be accompanied by crunching of the vertebrae). In 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, not the dizziness itself should be treated, but the cause of it, that is, osteochondrosis.
Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD code -10 - M42) is the so-called pharyngeal symptoms. There is pain in the 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 vertebrae located at the level of the throat.
In addition, they are caused by damage to 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 appear suddenly, especially in closed rooms with poor ventilation or with a sudden change in body position. Sometimes the patient has not only nausea, but also uncontrollable vomiting, which can be provoked by turning the head, tilting and even simply 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 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 cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), symptoms related to impaired function of the inner ear are very often observed. Colloquially, they are called "noise (or ringing) in the ears". To this can be added the common hearing impairment of varying degrees. And everything together was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome. "
"Noise and ringing" and general deterioration of hearing to varying degrees appear 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 (code according to ICD-10 - M42) due to severe spasm of the arteries. This spasm occurs in response to damage to the nerve endings from deformed processes of the vertebral bones.
As a rule, the patient can recover quite quickly when emergency care is provided. For this, a person should be transferred to a "lying" position and raise his legs. This is done to improve blood flow from the veins of the legs.
There are cases when, after a seizure, the patient has some movement and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Lack of air
An attack of shortness of breath in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (code according to ICD-10 - M42) is a symptom of irritation of the diaphragmatic nerve (this nerve is involved in regulating 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 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.
Blood pressure spikes
Hypertension is a fairly common diagnosis as a result of exacerbation of osteochondrosis (ICD code 10 - M42), i. e. with the development of intervertebral hernias or protrusions of the cervical region.
One of the main signs in this case should be considered jumps, a drop in blood pressure, which accompanies an attack of dizziness and pain in the head. Arterial hypertension (hypertension) is often aggravated 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 from the vertebral arteries, but also from the carotid, disturbances in their work due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region (ICD code -10 - M42) are somewhat less common than, say, "lump inthe throat". But these cases should not be overlooked either, and the possibility of taking sick leave to deal with illness should not be overlooked. 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 acuity and visual acuity and flashing points, swimming "dust particles".
For a short period vision can improve and then 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, a "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 the body may occur in the area of \u200b\u200bdirect damage to the spinewith 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 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 no such clear pattern, the pains are less local.
A headache attack in a child can be of such a degree that it will not allow you to write homework, do homework, attend 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 the child. But the feeling of crunching and popping during turning the head in a child is very common.
Frequent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children can be the result of birth of the spine.
Diagnosing the disease in early childhood 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 prevent possible complications. Among the methods of struggle are special procedures, gymnastics, yoga classes.
Exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis requires urgent treatment. A preliminary examination is performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to establish the stage, localization and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is damage to the spine, provoked 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, the pathology affects people working in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The pathology of the spine is manifested to varying degrees in all individuals - it is a physiological manifestation of the aging of the body. Atrophic changes appear in the spinal 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 a spasm of the muscular apparatus of the neck. Due to this, the physiological blood flow in the vessels, sleep, the full activity of the intervertebral discs are disturbed and a headache occurs.
- Long-term stress on the cervical region - the reasons for exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle leakage.
- Sharp turns of the head - after an uncomfortable turn of the head, a relapse of the disease occurs. Shots appear in the head, which indicate serious structural changes in the neck. It goes on for a few minutes.
- Acute lesions, 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 bright clinical picture.
- Season. It has been proven that autumn is the most common time for exacerbation of spinal diseases. This is associated with sudden temperature changes, frequent hypothermia of the neck and restructuring of the body's biological clock.
- Ineffective fight against the disease - exacerbation of lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs with non-professional 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.
Unfavorable heredity, natural aging of the body and abnormalities in the development of bone and cartilage tissue are cited as causes of the disease.
The main functions
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae does not manifest itself in any way. Because of this, patients lead a normal life, which worsens their condition. An attack of osteochondrosis occurs suddenly. Suddenly a person gets sick, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, soreness of the cervical area;
- weakness in limbs;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- the appearance of emotional fluctuations;
- memory impairment;
- soreness in the head;
- bowel problems;
- urination disorder;
- development of pathological changes.
The earlier an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis 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 treat (cardialgia, arterial disease).
Neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent pain in the head, pain between the shoulder blades and in the area of the heart.
In severe cases, an attack of cervical osteochondrosis can become chronic. Disease 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 the shoulder blades and heart can be a manifestation not only of cervical, but also of thoracic lesions of the spine. Therefore, only a specialist can choose diagnostic methods and adequate therapy of the disease.
In case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment includes the use of painkillers. It is important to relieve the pain and then fight other manifestations of the disease.
Therapeutic methods
The course of therapy includes a set of procedures aimed at improving blood flow 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 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? Everything depends on the timeliness and adequacy of the therapy. The insidiousness of the disease lies in the prolonged and latent course of the disease. If you experience recurring episodes of head pain, it is important to see a professional for advice immediately.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. The first step is to prescribe medication. A number of drugs are used to combat the pathology:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- different 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;
- physical therapy;
- 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 and easy to use. Horseradish leaf compresses are often prescribed for nerve-based osteochondrosis. 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 can increase the effectiveness of each method of conservative therapy. For this, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. Massage should be done from top to bottom. It is better to perform a 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
Activating blood flow and muscle condition is possible at home. Additional cupping massage therapy is ideal 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 cannot touch the spine.
The signs of the disease are easier to prevent than to treat. To avoid the appearance of such a disease, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleeping;
- hard back of the work chair;
- you cannot stay in one position for a long time: you must move periodically;
- it is important to keep a safe distance while reading books or in front of a computer monitor;
- overvoltage should be avoided, don't get nervous.
Following such simple recommendations will protect against the painful symptoms of acute osteochondrosis. The relapse of the disease is successfully treated. To do this, it is important to choose the right method of therapy. At the first signs of pathology, you should consult a specialist.