Osteochondrosis is an insidious disease, the symptoms of which are often disguised as other diseases.As a result, a person may suspect problems with the heart, lungs and other organs, while the disease of the spine goes unnoticed and progresses, causing great discomfort.It is worth familiarizing yourself with the manifestations of osteochondrosis and consulting a doctor if you encounter similar symptoms.
Pathogenesis of leg and arms pain with cervical osteochondrosis
Often, with cervical osteochondrosis, pain appears in the legs and arms, a person loses his ability to work and cannot even perform everyday tasks.You need to understand what the mechanisms behind the pain syndrome are and what leads to it.As the disease progresses, the cartilaginous tissue located between the vertebrae undergoes degenerative processes and becomes less elastic, reducing its shock-absorbing properties.Because of this, cracks may appear in the intervertebral discs, the fibrous rings begin to swell, which over time leads to the formation of hernias, so nearby tissues begin to be injured:
- spinal cord;
- nerve roots;
- Blood vessels.
These are all possible causes of severe pain, as nerve tissue is directly affected.Pain that occurs in these locations can radiate to the arms, legs and other parts of the body.
Symptoms
Leg pain in cervical osteochondrosis is far from the only manifestation of the disease.Additionally, people complain about:
- muscle weakness;
- pain that “spreads” across the shoulders and back of the neck;
- intense sweating;
- numbness of the skin of the hands;
- Violation of orientation in space;
- dizziness;
- decreased hearing and vision;
- high blood pressure;
- headache, etc.
Also, there are some joint problems.If you know what to look for, you may suspect that you have osteochondrosis and immediately consult a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment.
The sound of joint joints
If you have cervical osteochondrosis, your hand hurts and you have found the symptoms above, listen to your body.It is better to pay attention to how the neck "behaves" during the movement.The presence of osteochondrosis may indicate clicks, push -ups and other similar sounds.Often, they are accompanied by pain, because I want to stop the movement immediately.
Loss of sensitivity
This is a symptom inherent in the infringement of nerves, which may indicate that the distance between the vertebrae in the cervical region has been reduced and a pinching of the nervous process has occurred.Often this condition is accompanied by severe pain, which may subside in limbs or other parts of the body.Patients often complain that the hand hurts with osteochondrosis of the cervical region, a feeling of "goosebumps" or tingling has appeared.
Size increase
Due to degenerative processes, it may happen that the joints in the neck of the spinal column enlarge, as if it were swollen, and their palpation is very painful.This is a clear sign of a fluid pathological process that can be provoked by osteochondrosis.If you find this manifestation in yourself, do not hesitate to visit the doctor.
Joint damage
If the hand hurts with cervical osteochondrosis, the point may be that the disease has led to damage to the spinal structures.This is fraught with inflammation, pinching and other unpleasant phenomena up to disability.Osteochondrosis should be diagnosed as early as possible;therefore, we advise you to contact a specialist at the first characteristic signs.
Treatment of arms and leg pain
It is worth understanding that this disease is very specific and there is no single method that will forever save you from the unpleasant manifestations of the disease.If the pain radiates to the arm muscles with cervical osteochondrosis and you have other inconveniences, treatment should be comprehensive and include:
- take medications;
- Application of ointments;
- physiotherapeutic procedures;
- massages;
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles.
Only by treating the disease comprehensively will you be able to get rid of its manifestations and regain comfort in everyday life.
Drug therapy
Taking medications for cervical osteochondrosis, when pain in the arms may appear, is aimed at solving many problems.Namely:
- improve blood circulation;
- slow down degenerative processes in cartilage;
- anesthetize the affected area;
- ensure the supply of all necessary substances to tissues.
The doctor may prescribe tablets, ointments or even injections, depending on the extent of the disease and the intensity of its manifestations.Metamizole sodium, nimesulide, ketoprofen, etc.They are often prescribed as pain relievers.Injections are usually prescribed to alleviate an acute condition and improve a person's well-being as quickly as possible.It can be Metamizole sodium in the form of injections for pain relief, Diclofenac as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, Ketoprofen, which is used only in serious conditions, as well as B vitamins, which are designed to protect nerve processes from damage.If your left arm hurts due to cervical osteochondrosis, topical medications are often prescribed - analgesics, anti-inflammatories, chondroprotectors and even irritating compounds.The latter very well improve blood circulation in the affected area, and the medicines themselves, when applied to the skin, cause a burning sensation, tingling sensation, etc.
Physiotherapy
You may also receive physical therapy.Often, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and pain in the hand involves the patient passing:
- Electrotherapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- Shock wave procedures;
- Balneotherapy, etc.
A complex effect, besides taking medications, brings tangible results.
Gymnastics
In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, the patient's attitude towards treatment is also of great importance.If a person responsibly approaches this process, he must devote due time to daily gymnastics and performing medical exercises.These methods are designed to strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation and stabilize the vertebrae.As a rule, gymnastics and exercises are prescribed when severe pain subsides and a person can move his head normally, and the former mobility of the arms and legs returns to him.Exercises are recommended to be performed regularly and constantly, which will avoid repeated manifestations of the disease.
Massage
If you do not know if legs can damage cervical osteochondrosis, if upper limb pain are given, it is worth knowing that these are very common symptoms of the disease.Massages help to get rid of them partially.It is recommended to undergo a massage course in a professional and also do not exclude other treatment methods, as only an integrated approach will solve the problem.In the future, under the leadership of a massage therapist, you can learn self -massage at home.