Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by specific complaints of patients.
As a general rule, the first and most common is pain.
They occur on the neck, between the shoulder blades, on the hands. Pain in the joints (wrist, elbow or shoulder), accompanying osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, can be characterized as throbbing or pain, lead to numbness, tingling. In addition, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the extremities to the influence of low temperatures, decrease in strength and the development of clumsiness in the hands.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often accompanied by headaches. However, they can also be of a different nature. Stinging sensations in the frontal area, in the ear, in the eye sockets, as well as numbness in the scalp, are typical.
This disease is also characterized by various vegetative disorders. These include instability in blood pressure and pulse, sensation of a lump in the throat and palpitations, shortness of breath and, in some cases, the development of panic attacks.
In advanced forms, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by a strong restriction of movement, muscle weakness of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a disorder of blood supply to the brain.
There are frequent manifestations of dizziness, instability when walking, general weakness, visual disturbances. Patients often complain of increased fatigue, mood deterioration up to the onset of depression.
Static disorders in the disease are subluxations of the vertebrae and limited mobility of the segments.
Violation of blood circulation provokes a disorder of brain activity, expressed in single symptoms. This, in turn, can lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency and, in some cases, to stroke.
According to the indications, diagnostic measures are prescribed, including radiography, possibly with functional tests; MRI of the brain (head) and cervical spine; Ultrasonic dopplerography in the main arteries. If necessary, a triplex or duplex scan of the intracranial and extracranial vessels may be prescribed. Blood tests, EEG, audiography, ECG, electronystagmography are mandatory. The exam also includes a consultation with a cardiologist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, and otolaryngologist.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Treatment
For effective therapy, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and identify the causes of the patient's complaints.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis knows a neuropathologist who selects the necessary set of measures. It includes physical rehabilitation (exercise therapy), medication prescription (if necessary and depending on the symptoms, intravenous drip and intramuscular injections, as well as blockages). The course of treatment also includes physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, hirudotherapy.
Of course, the most effective is to carry out a complex effect on the patient's body. However, as practice shows, the longest result of treatment is observed in the physical rehabilitation of patients. Therefore, in many cases, well-chosen sets of exercise therapy exercises can influence the cause of the development of the disease. At the same time, other methods mainly affect the consequences of the disease. As a result, they are generally considered as additional therapeutic measures.
It should be noted that exercise therapy exercises, as well as additional methods of influence, are always selected individually.