Widespread in the world, osteochondrosis of the cervix and other areas of the ridge to one degree or another affects more than half of 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 that the disease leads to are of different degrees. One of them may be a hernia, the signs of which should be considered separately.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause more problems for a person. This is due to the fact that it is in this part that there is a large number of nerve endings and fibers. In addition, the most important blood vessels for the supply of the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question:
- pain;
- dizziness;
- symptoms of the pharynx, "lump in the throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- tinnitus and tinnitus;
- 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 made 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 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
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, more often patients complain of pain in the head. This pain of varying degrees (aching, bursting) can increase when you turn your 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 pain attack is explained by strong 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 violation of receptors by fragments of intervertebral discs or bone protrusions causes pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
Dizziness
Dizziness, 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. An attack of vertigo can also cause sudden movements of the head (they may be accompanied by a popping of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, a sharp darkening of the eyes is observed, the patient loses orientation in space. Also, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting, other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and lead to fainting. Of course, it is not the dizziness itself that needs to be treated, but its cause, that is, osteochondrosis.
Symptoms of the pharynx, "lump in the throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD code -10 - M42) is the so-called symptoms of the pharynx. 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 symptoms of the pharynx 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 damage to the nerve endings of the spinal cord, inflammation of the nerves, failure of blood circulation, pathological tension of the muscles of the pharynx.
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 closed spaces with poor ventilation or with a sharp change in the position ofthe body. Sometimes the patient has not only nausea, but also intractable vomiting, which can be provoked by turns of the head, anime 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 conditions of 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 from the vertebral artery system, therefore, in the case of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42), symptoms related to impaired function of the inner ear are observed very often. In common parlance, they are called "ringing (or ringing) in the ears". To this can be added frequent hearing damage of varying degrees. And all together it 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 arteries. This spasm occurs in response to damage to the nerve endings from the deformed processes of the vertebral bones.
As a rule, the patient can recover quite quickly when providing emergency care. For this, a person should be transferred to the "lying" position and raise his legs. This is done to improve blood flow from the leg veins.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has several motor and (or) speech disorders of varying degrees.
Lack of air
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 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 brain tissue is possible. The latter leads to lack of mind 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 the deterioration 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, drop in blood pressure, which accompanies the attack of dizziness and pain in the head. Arterial hypertension (hypertension) is often aggravated 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 from the vertebral, but also from the carotid arteries, disturbances in their work due to osteochondrosis of the cervical region (ICD -10 code - M42) are somewhat less common than, to say. "lump in throat". But even these cases should not be overlooked and the opportunity to get medical 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 in front of their eyes, a decrease in visual acuity and acuity, and flashing spots, swimming "motes".
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 increase, "lump in the throat" can 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 can occur in the area of direct damage to the spine with osteochondrosis. This requires an accurate diagnosis.
Characteristics 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 various degrees, which first occur in the occipital region, and then spread to the forehead, eyes and ears. When you turn your head, the pain increases. But in children there is no such clear pattern, the pains are less of a local nature.
A headache attack in a child can be of such a degree that it will not allow you to do homework, do homework, go to school normally, and you will have to take time offmedical. 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 popping and popping during head turns in a child is very common.
Common osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children can be the result of an injury to the spine during childbirth.
Diagnosing the disease at a young age in children is not so difficult.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if detected in time, the diagnosis of the disease in women, men and children is the right key that will allow you to fight for the recovery 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, localization and complexity of the process.
reason
Osteochondrosis is a lesion of the spine, provoked by damage to the inner surfaces of the vertebral joints. This disease is very common and can appear at any age. Most often, the pathology affects people who work in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Spine 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 worsening osteochondrosis:
- Exhausting stressful situation - it has been proven that continuous and prolonged experiences provoke spasms of the muscular apparatus of the neck. Due to this, the physiological flow of blood in the vessels is disrupted, sleep, the full activity of the intervertebral discs and a headache appears.
- Long-term stress in the cervical region - the causes of aggravation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle strain.
- Sharp turns of the head - a recurrence of the disease occurs after a difficult turn of the head. Shots appear in the head, which indicate serious structural changes in the neck. They last for several minutes.
- Acute lesions, hormonal imbalance, exacerbation of chronic diseases - such conditions weaken the body, worsen the course of osteochondrosis. In this case, the asymptomatic course turns into a vivid clinical picture.
- The season. It has been proven that autumn is the most frequent time for spine diseases to worsen. This is accompanied by sudden changes in temperature, frequent hypothermia of the neck and restructuring of the body's biological clock.
- Ineffective fight against the disease - worsening 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 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 singled out as causes of the disease.
Main features
Acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is not manifested in any way. Therefore, patients lead a normal life, aggravating their condition. The attack of osteochondrosis occurs suddenly. Suddenly, a person falls ill, there are complaints of such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the cervical region;
- weakness in limbs;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- the appearance of emotional swings;
- memory impairment;
- pain in the head;
- bowel problems;
- violation of urination;
- the development of pathological changes.
The earlier an exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is detected, the better. The thing is that the main 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 headaches, 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 starting therapy, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Pain in the shoulder and heart area can be a manifestation of lesions not only of the cervical spine, but also of the thoracic spine. Therefore, only a specialist is able to choose diagnostic methods and adequate therapy for the disease.
With the worsening of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment includes the use of sedatives. It is important to relieve the pain, and then fight other manifestations of the disease.
Therapy methods
The course of therapy includes a series of procedures aimed at increasing 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 drugs. Make a block with sedatives. 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 duration and appropriateness of the therapy. The cunning of the disease lies in the long and latent course of the disease. If you experience repeated episodes of headache, it is important to immediately consult a specialist for advice.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-phased. The first step is to prescribe medication. To combat the pathology, a number of drugs are used:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- different types of local drugs (ointment, gel, spray).
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 are gone, they move on to other ways to cope 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 folk remedies readily available and easy to use. Often, with osteochondrosis on the nerve base, horseradish leaf compresses 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 better to do therapeutic massage before going to bed. This will allow the relaxed body to fully relax. Ideally, if the massage 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. An additional cupping massage therapy is perfect for this. Treatment should continue until you feel better. This is a popular, well-known and effective technique. During such procedures, all movements must be smooth. You cannot touch the spine.
Signs of the disease 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 to sleep;
- hard back in the work chair;
- you cannot be in one position for a long time: you must move periodically;
- it is important to keep a safe distance while reading books or on a computer monitor;
- overload should be avoided, don't worry.
Compliance with such simple recommendations will protect against the painful symptoms of worsening 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.