If, when you wake up in the morning, you feel a strong, dull pain in the back of your head and neck, pay attention to it.Of course, the discomfort may pass during the day, but the next day there is a possibility that the discomfort will return.
What causes back and neck pain?Only a doctor can answer this question, but first you need to undergo a series of studies (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine).There is a possibility that the cause could be a cold or swollen lymph nodes as a result of a sore throat or other infection.But if the cause of the pain is chondrosis of the neck, this diagnosis cannot be ignored.After all, this disease contributes to a significant decrease in the quality of life and limits the activity of patients.
What is cervical chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.As a result, irreversible deformations of the vertebrae occur.Spinous processes appear, penetrating the nerve endings running in the trunk of the spinal column.Furthermore, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thin.There is a danger of intervertebral hernia, which leads the patient to the operating table.
In general, the cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for tilting and turning the head.Chondrosis of the neck is very common and ranks second after chondrosis of the lumbar spine.Most often, it affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.The cause of this disease is the structural features of the spine (vertebrae tightly adjacent to each other).In addition, the neck muscles are poorly developed, therefore, a very insignificant load leads to disorders in the cervical spine.
Chondrosis of the neck can occur as a result of:
- weakness of the neck muscle corset;
- long periods of work in front of the computer or desk;
- multiple neck injuries;
- poor posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypothermia;
- eat too much.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, according to its symptoms, is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, since due to compression of blood vessels, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.And pinching the root that extends from the nerve to the spinal cord can lead a person to loss of sensation and disability.
So, the symptoms of the disease are:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- tinnitus, noise in the head and ears;
- fatigue, general malaise;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness in the upper extremities.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis occurs without symptoms until a certain point.It makes itself felt when the inflammatory process begins.Areas of the spine that are involved in movement are affected.Severe pain appears.
The symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as those of common cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- postoperative actions and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- old age;
- heavy physical work;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
To avoid serious consequences in the future, you should urgently consult a doctor if at least one of the above symptoms of the disease occurs.Treatment of cervical chondrosis should begin immediately.However, complete recovery, unfortunately, is impossible.Treatment focuses only on slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbations, hospitalization and semi-bed rest are necessary.
Neurologists prescribe several types of pain relievers, vitamins and muscle relaxants.Physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis with anesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Using a Shants collar is also one of the treatment methods.In addition, surgical intervention using chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also recommended;It should be performed when the chondrosis is not yet in the acute stage.However, it is sometimes prescribed during an exacerbation.Then the doctor reflexively affects the pain in the spine to the detriment of healthy areas of the body.In general, at first the massage is organized with gentle methods to avoid muscle tension.
To effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary:
- eliminate the factors that caused the disease;
- stimulate the natural regeneration process of intervertebral discs;
- improve the general condition and functioning of the discs;
- restore normal blood circulation in the brain.
Ointment for chondrosis of the neck
The use of ointment helps to relieve pain, warm, distract and protect cartilaginous tissue.These medications should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.They are used for muscle tension and pain.The ointment comes in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory – contains steroid substances and possibly analgesics to relieve pain.
- Providing a complex effect (pain relief, inflammation relief, regeneration).
- Ointment for chondrosis, which relieves pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase blood supply and thus improve tissue nutrition.The active ingredient is nicoboxyl.
- An ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilaginous tissue.The main active ingredient is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.The ointment is made from plant components and extracts.In its action it is similar to the ointments in point 1.
- Massage, which relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.Contains mumiyo, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the initial stages, chondrosis of the neck is almost invisible, so it is worth paying special attention to the prevention of this insidious disease.After all, it is always better to prevent a problem than to treat it.To prevent this disease you must:
- improve working conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid unreasonable loads;
- maintain correct postures during work and sleep;
- do physical exercise.