Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and other areas of the spine is widespread worldwide, affecting at some point more than half of all women and men aged 30 or over, as well as children. It's a particularly dangerous disease in children, affecting the discs and joints in the spine, with disastrous consequences for the nascent spine. The disease causes complications of varying degrees. One of these could be a hernia, the signs of which should be considered individually.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can cause the most problems for a person. This is because there are a large number of nerve endings and fibers in this part. In addition, the most important blood vessels that supply the brain are also concentrated here. So, about the main signs of the disease:
- pain;
- Dizziness;
- Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- noise and tinnitus;
- Loss of consciousness (fainting);
- lack of air;
- High blood pressure;
- visual impairment;
- local temperature changes.
According to the Tenth International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), cervical osteochondrosis has several locations, each corresponding to a separate code. Classification is based on the affected area of the spine and the age of the patient, whereby osteochondrosis is divided into "young" and "adult". The generic code for cervical osteochondrosis is M42. On the Internet, using the ICD-10 form, you can find the necessary information, including all the signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis Pain
Painful episodes of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) are a very common symptom. This attack may be limited to the neck and may involve the shoulder and neck muscles.
However, most patients complain of head pain. This varying degree of pain (soreness, popping) may worsen when the head is turned. A person who feels pressure in the eyeballs, heart area, under the shoulder blades, and numbness in the hands may experience discomfort. The onset of pain can be explained by strong mechanical stimulation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branched nervous system provides thermoregulation, motor control, sensory functions, and is responsible for motor coordination and muscle tone. Even invasion of receptors by disc fragments or bony growths can cause pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
Dizziness
Dizziness, as a symptom of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code-M42), can occur after sleep, but not exclusively. Especially if the person is sleeping on a high pillow. Dizziness episodes may also cause sudden head movements (they may be accompanied by constriction of the vertebrae). As a result of this phenomenon, the eyes darken dramatically and the patient loses spatial orientation. In addition, dizziness will be accompanied by other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis such as nausea and vomiting, and cause fainting. Naturally, it is not dizziness itself that needs treatment, but its cause, osteochondrosis.
Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD codes -10 - M42) are so-called pharyngeal symptoms. With sore throat, presence of foreign body ("throat lump"), as well as dryness, itching, difficulty swallowing.
Pharyngeal symptoms such as "lump in throat" are caused by degeneration of the cervical discs located at the level of the throat.
In addition, they are caused by damage to the nerve endings of the spinal cord, neuroinflammation, circulatory collapse, pathological tension of the pharyngeal muscles.
nausea and vomiting
Cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) may present with sudden onset of nausea and "lump in the throat", especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation or rapid changes in body position. Sometimes patients not only have nausea, but also persistent vomiting, which can be caused by turning the head, tilting or even ordinary walking. Likewise, nausea and vomiting and a "lump in the throat" are characteristic not only of osteochondrosis but of many other physical conditions. For example, during pregnancy in a woman, nausea and vomiting are completely different in nature. Hence - diagnosis, again - diagnosis. And, if necessary, take sick leave.
Noise in the ears (ringing)
The vestibular organs are supplied exclusively by the vertebral artery system, therefore, in cases of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD codes -10 - M42), symptoms associated with impaired inner ear function are often present. In colloquial terms, they are called "noises (or ringing) in the ears". To this can be added the varying degrees of hearing impairment that often occurs. All in all, it's called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome".
"Noises and ringing" and generalized hearing loss of varying degrees occur due to prolonged exposure of the patient to uncomfortable positions conducive to the development of the disease.
loss of consciousness (fainting)
Might as well ask for sick leave. Patients with cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42) experience sudden loss of consciousness due to severe spasm of the arteries. This spasm is a response to the invasion of the nerve endings by the deforming process of the vertebrae.
Often, when emergency care is provided, patients recover quickly. To do this, the person must be transferred to the "lying" position and the legs raised. This is done to improve blood flow in the veins of the legs.
In some cases, patients have varying degrees of motor and/or speech impairment after fainting.
lack of air
Hypopneic episodes in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42) are symptoms of irritation of the phrenic nerve (this nerve is involved in the regulation of breathing depth and rate). A person begins to experience a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath until they suffocate. Respiratory arrest may occur at night. If there is prolonged oxygen deprivation, irreversible changes may occur in brain tissue. The latter leads to absent-mindedness and memory loss. This is already far more dangerous than 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 can only be practiced under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
High blood pressure
Hypertension is a fairly common diagnosis as a result of exacerbation of osteochondrosis (ICD code 10 - M42), ie with the development of intervertebral hernias or protrusions in the neck region.
One of the main signs in this case should be considered jumping, a drop in blood pressure, accompanied by attacks of dizziness and head pain. Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is often exacerbated by so-called brain starvation, which occurs when the neck region is affected to varying degrees.
visual impairment
Since the organ of vision is supplied not only by the vertebral arteries, but also by the carotid arteries, the proportion of work disturbances due to osteochondrosis of the neck (ICD code -10 - M42) is, for example, "a lump in the throat. " But these cases cannot be ignored either, and the opportunity to take sick leave to fight disease should not be overlooked. Due to ocular complications of cervical osteochondrosis, patients most often complain of veils in front of the eyes, decreased acuity and vision as well as dot flickering, swimming "dust".
For a short period of time, eyesight may improve and then vice versa.
temperature change
In cervical osteochondrosis (ICD codes -10 - M42), the general body temperature usually does not deviate from normal. It increases when you need to call in sick, and a "lump in the throat" may indicate other illnesses (eg, a cold). But an elevated skin temperature in one area of the body is likely to cause osteochondrosis to develop in that area and directly damage the spine. This requires an accurate diagnosis.
Symptom characteristics of cervical osteochondrosis in children
The main manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis in children are the same as those in adults. However, the characteristics of headache attacks in children, for example, are slightly different. Adults experience varying degrees of pain sensation, first in the occipital region and then spreading to the forehead, eyes, and ears. The pain intensifies when the head is turned. But in children there is no such clear pattern, and the pain is not localized in nature.
The extent of your child's headache attack may prevent you from doing homework, doing homework, not being able to go to school normally, and you will need to call in sick. In children with cervical osteochondrosis, the patient tries to fix the head in a certain position, but dare not move it. Other symptoms of the disease are less obvious in children. But when the child turns the head, the crunching and crackling sensation is very frequent.
Cervical osteochondrosis, common in children, may be the result of birth trauma to the spine.
Diagnosing the disease in early childhood is not difficult.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if caught in time, are the key to correct diagnosis of the disease in women, men and children, will allow you to fight for the rehabilitation of the cervical spine and prevent possible complications. Methods of struggle include special programs, gymnastics, yoga classes.
Exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis require urgent treatment. To confirm the diagnosis, a preliminary examination is performed. It is important to determine the stage, localization and complexity of the process.
reason
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. More commonly, the pathology affects people who work under difficult conditions. Risk groups include people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Everyone will have varying degrees of spinal lesions - this is the physical manifestation of aging. Atrophic changes occur in the intervertebral disc, but injury and disease lead to early progression of pathology. Cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis are common.
Experts have identified 6 main causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis:
- Exhausting Stressful Situations - It has been shown that sustained and prolonged experiences can cause spasms in the muscular organs of the neck. As a result, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disrupted, sleep, full mobility of the intervertebral discs, and headaches appear.
- Chronic pressure in the neck area - the exacerbation of osteochondrosis is due to prolonged muscle leakage.
- Turning head sharply - the disease recurs after turning the head awkwardly. Gunshots appear in the head, indicating severe changes in the structure of the neck. They last for several minutes.
- Acute injuries, hormonal imbalances, exacerbations of chronic diseases - these conditions weaken the body and aggravate the process of osteochondrosis. In this case, the asymptomatic process becomes a vivid clinical picture.
- season. Facts have proved that autumn is the period when spinal diseases are most likely to aggravate. This is associated with sudden temperature changes, frequent hypothermia in the neck and reorganization of the body clock.
- Fighting the disease is ineffective - Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is often exacerbated by unprofessional massage, gymnastics, or physical therapy when it is not possible to do so. Such surgery can cause deterioration due to displacement of the vertebrae and compression of nerves or blood vessels.
Unfavorable heredity, natural aging of the body, and abnormal development of bone and cartilage tissues have been singled out as causes of the disease.
main feature
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine does not manifest itself in any way. As a result, patients lead normal lives, exacerbating their condition. Attacks of osteochondrosis occur suddenly. Suddenly, one gets sick and someone complains about the deviation:
- stiff, sore neck;
- Weakness of limbs;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- the appearance of mood swings;
- memory impairment;
- head aches;
- intestinal problems;
- violation of urination;
- Development of pathological changes.
The earlier an exacerbation of thoracic osteochondrosis is detected, the better. The problem is that the primary manifestations of the disease are easier to treat. Progression of the lesion inevitably leads to more severe intractable manifestations (cardiac pain, arterial disease).
Neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent pain in the head, between the shoulder blades and in the heart area.
In severe cases, episodes of cervical osteochondrosis can become chronic. Painful manifestations accompany a person continuously. Ignoring the disease can lead to irreversible structural changes in the spine itself.
Symptoms are always similar as osteochondrosis progresses. It is important to determine the location of the lesion before initiating treatment. Soreness in the shoulder blade and heart area is not only a manifestation of cervical spondylosis, but also a manifestation of thoracic spine disease. Therefore, only a specialist can choose a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment for the disease.
As lumbar osteochondrosis worsens, treatment includes the use of pain medication. It is important to reduce the pain and then fight other manifestations of the disease.
treatment method
The course of treatment consists of a series of procedures designed to enhance blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. In addition, physiotherapy is also covered. Exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis always require medication. Blockade with painkillers. This allows you to minimize pain and reduce tension on your spinal muscles.
How long does the deterioration last? It all depends on the timeliness and adequacy of treatment. The occultity of this disease lies in the long course and latent nature. If you experience recurring head pain, it is important to consult a specialist immediately for advice.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against disease is multi-stage. The first step is to prescribe the medicine. To combat the pathology, many drugs are used:
- anti-inflammatory (drug;
- Anesthetic;
- Chondroprotectant;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- Various local medicines (ointments, gels, sprays).
non-drug therapy
In the second stage, after the condition is stabilized, conservative treatment is carried out for lumbar osteochondrosis. Once the soreness and muscle tension go away, they turn to other ways to deal with the disease:
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- Laser Treatment.
It is recommended to treat osteochondrosis according to the above scheme under the guidance 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 tense basis, it is necessary to use horseradish leaves for compresses. 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 a celery infusion, made from the plant and hot water. Doctors recommend sunflower root infusion for back pain.
How to improve the treatment effect? Every patient is able to improve the effectiveness of every conservative treatment. For this, it is important to follow your doctor's advice. Massage should be done from top to bottom. It is best to have a therapeutic massage before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to fully relax. Ideally if the kneading on the back of the head and sides of the neck ends with a shoulder massage.
prevent disease
Activate blood flow and muscle condition right at home. An additional cupping massage therapy is perfect. Treatment should continue until you feel better. This is a folk technique, well known and effective. In such a program, all movements should be smooth. You can't touch the spine.
Symptoms of disease are easier to prevent than cure. To avoid such illnesses, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refuse to sleep on a soft bed;
- Leaning hard on a task chair;
- You cannot stay in one position for long: you need to move regularly;
- It is important to read a book or keep a safe distance in front of a computer monitor;
- Avoid overexertion and don't be nervous.
Following these simple recommendations will prevent the painful symptoms of osteochondrosis from worsening. Recurrences of the disease were successfully treated. For this, it is important to choose the right treatment. At the first signs of pathology, you should consult a specialist.