Osteochondrosis of the neck and other areas of the spine is widespread in the world, affecting to some degree more than half of women and men over thirty years of age, as well as children. For children, this is a particularly dangerous disease that affects the intervertebral discs and joints and has catastrophic consequences for the developing spine. The complications of the disease are of different degrees. One of them may be a hernia, the signs of which should be considered separately.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis cause the most problems for a person. This is due to the fact that there is a huge number of nerve endings and fibers in this part. In addition, the most important blood vessels supplying the brain are concentrated here. So, the main signs of the disease in question are:
- pain;
- dizziness;
- pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in the throat";
- nausea and vomiting;
- noise and ringing in the ears;
- loss of consciousness (fainting);
- lack of air;
- jump in blood pressure;
- vision 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 "young" and "adult". The general code for cervical osteochondrosis is M42. On the Internet, using the ICD-10 table, you can find the necessary information, including all the signs of cervical osteochondrosis.
Pain in osteochondrosis
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) is a very common symptom. This attack may be limited to the neck region and may spread to the shoulders and neck muscles.
However, patients most often complain of headaches. This varying degree of pain (pain, tearing) may increase when turning the head. A person feels pressure in the eyeball, there may be discomfort in the region of the heart, under the shoulder blades, numbness in the hands. The attack of pain can be explained by strong mechanical irritation of the nerve endings passing between the vertebrae.
The branching nervous system ensures thermoregulation, control of motor and sensory functions, is responsible for coordination of movements and muscle tone. Even fragments of intervertebral discs or damage to the receptors of bone growths cause pain in cervical osteochondrosis.
Dizziness
Dizziness, as a symptom of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42), can occur after sleep, but not only. Especially if the person was sleeping on a high pillow. An attack of vertigo can also cause sudden head movements (these can be accompanied by a crushing of the vertebrae). With this phenomenon, the eyes darken sharply, the patient loses his orientation in space. In addition, dizziness can be combined with nausea, vomiting, other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and can lead to fainting. Naturally, it is not the dizziness itself that should be treated, but its cause, that is, osteochondrosis.
Pharyngeal symptoms, "lump in the throat"
Sometimes almost the only manifestation of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD code -10 - M42) is the so-called pharyngeal symptoms. There is a sore throat, the presence of a foreign body ("lump in the throat"), as well as dryness, itching, and difficulty swallowing.
The "lump in the throat" and other pharyngeal symptoms are caused by degeneration and degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine, which are located at the level of the throat.
In addition, they are caused by damage to the nerve endings of the spinal cord, nerve inflammation, circulatory failure, and abnormal tension of the pharyngeal muscles.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea in cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42) and "throat lump" can occur suddenly, especially in closed spaces, with poor ventilation or sharp changes in body position. Sometimes the patient has not only nausea, but also uncontrollable vomiting, which can be triggered by turning the head, tilting, and even ordinary walking. Again, nausea and vomiting and a "lump in the throat" are characteristic not only of osteochondrosis, but also of many other conditions of the body. For example, nausea and vomiting in women during pregnancy are completely different. Therefore - diagnostics, and once again - diagnostics. And if necessary, sick leave.
Noise (ringing) in the ears
The vestibular apparatus is supplied with blood only from the system of the vertebral arteries, therefore symptoms related to impaired functioning of the inner ear are very often observed in the case of cervical osteochondrosis (ICD code -10 - M42). They are colloquially called "noise (or ringing in the ears)". Added to this is the often occurring, varying degree of hearing loss. And all this together was called "cochlear (cochlear) syndrome".
"Noise and ringing" and a general, varying degree of deterioration of hearing are manifested due to the long-term stay of the patient in an uncomfortable position favorable to the development of the disease.
Loss of consciousness (fainting)
Better to go on sick leave without waiting. Patients with cervical osteochondrosis (ICD-10 code - M42) experience a sudden loss of consciousness due to severe spasm of the arteries. This spasm occurs in response to damage to the nerve endings caused by the deformed processes of the bones of the vertebrae.
During emergency care, the patient usually recovers quickly. To do this, the person must be placed in a "supine" position and the legs should be raised. This is done to improve the blood flow from the veins of the legs.
There are cases when, after fainting, the patient has various degrees of motor and (or) speech disorders.
Lack of air
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae (ICD-10 code - M42) attack of lack of air is a symptom of irritation of the phrenic nerve (this nerve is involved in regulating the depth and frequency of breathing). The person begins to experience a lack of oxygen and shortness of breath, up to suffocation. An attack of respiratory arrest is possible at night. If there is a chronic lack of oxygen, irreversible changes in brain tissue are possible. The latter leads to absent-mindedness and memory problems. And this is much more dangerous than, say, nausea, vomiting or a "lump in the throat".
Breathing and other exercises, including yoga, have been shown to be effective in combating this symptom. However, yoga should only be practiced under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Blood pressure spikes
Hypertonia is a fairly common diagnosis as a result of exacerbation of osteochondrosis (ICD code 10 - M42), that is, due to intervertebral hernias or protrusions of the cervical region.
In this case, one of the main signs is jumps, a drop in blood pressure, which accompanies an attack of dizziness and headache. Arterial high blood pressure (hypertension) is often aggravated by the so-called starvation of the brain, which occurs when the neck region is affected to varying degrees.
vision impairment
Since the organs of vision are supplied with blood not only by the vertebral arteries, but also by the carotid arteries of the neck, dysfunctions due to osteochondrosis of the neck region (ICD code -10 - M42) occur somewhat less often than we say. "lump in the throat". But these cases should not be ignored, and the possibility of sick leave to overcome the disease should not be ignored. In the case of eye complications associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, patients most often complain of a veil in front of their eyes, a decrease in sharpness and visual acuity, flashing points, swimming.
Within a short time, the vision may improve, and then vice versa.
Temperature changes
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (ICD code -10 - M42), the general body temperature usually does not differ from the norm. Its increase, "lump in the throat" can indicate other diseases (for example, in the case of a cold), when it is necessary to request 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 osteochondrotic spine. This requires an accurate diagnosis.
Features of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in children
The main manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis in children is 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 varying degrees of painful sensations that first appear in the occipital region and then spread to the forehead, eyes and ears. The pain increases when turning the head. But in children there is no such clear pattern, the pains are less local.
A headache attack in a child can be so severe that it prevents him from doing homework, completing homework, attending school normally, and requiring him to take sick leave. In children with osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, 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 crunching and cracking during head rotations is very common.
In children, the frequent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be the result of a birth injury to the spine.
Diagnosing the disease in children at an early age is not so difficult.
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, if detected in time, the diagnosis of the disease in women, men and children is the right key, which allows you to fight for the recovery of the cervical spine and prevent possible complications. Methods of struggle include special procedures, gymnastics, and yoga classes.
Aggravation of cervical osteochondrosis requires urgent treatment. A preliminary examination is performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to identify the stage, localization and complexity of the process.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis is a disorder 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. Pathology more often affects people working in difficult conditions. The risk group includes people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
The pathology of the spine appears in different degrees in each individual - it is a physiological manifestation of the aging of the body. Atrophic changes appear in the intervertebral discs, but injuries and diseases cause earlier progression of the pathology. Osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine often occurs.
Experts identify 6 main causes of exacerbation of osteochondrosis:
- Exhausting stressful situations - it has been proven that constant and long-lasting experiences trigger neck muscle spasms. Because of this, the physiological blood flow in the vessels is disturbed, sleep, the full activity of the intervertebral discs, and headaches occur.
- Long-term stress in the neck region - the reasons for the exacerbation of osteochondrosis lie in prolonged muscle leakage.
- Sharp turns of the head - recurrence of the disease occurs after an awkward turn of the head. Folds appear in the head, indicating severe structural changes in the neck. They last a few minutes.
- Acute changes, hormonal imbalance, aggravation of chronic diseases - such conditions weaken the body and aggravate the course of osteochondrosis. In this case, the asymptomatic course turns into a vivid clinical picture.
- Season. It has been proven that autumn is the most common period for the exacerbation of spinal diseases. This is associated with sudden changes in temperature, frequent hypothermia of the neck and rearrangement of the body's biological clock.
- Ineffective fight against the disease - aggravation of lumbar osteochondrosis often occurs with unprofessional massage, gymnastics or physiotherapy in cases where these cannot be done. Such procedures cause deterioration due to displacement of vertebrae, compression of nerves or blood vessels.
Unfavorable heredity, the natural aging of the body, and malformations of the bone and cartilage tissue are highlighted as the 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. An attack of osteochondrosis occurs suddenly. Suddenly a person falls ill, there are complaints about such deviations:
- stiffness, pain in the neck zone;
- weakness in the limbs;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- appearance of emotional fluctuations;
- memory disorder;
- pain in the head;
- bowel problems;
- violation of urination;
- development of pathological changes.
The earlier the aggravation of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is detected, the better. The fact is that the primary manifestations of the disease are much easier to treat. The progress of the lesion inevitably leads to more severe, difficult-to-treat manifestations (cardialgia, arterial disease).
Neglected pathology is the main cause of frequent headaches, pain between the shoulder blades and in the area of the heart.
In severe cases, an attack of cervical osteochondrosis can become chronic. Painful manifestations constantly accompany a person. Ignoring the disease leads to irreversible structural changes in the spine itself.
As osteochondrosis worsens, the symptoms are always similar. Before starting therapy, it is important to determine the location of the lesion. Pain occurring in the area of the shoulder blades and heart can be a manifestation of not only cervical, but also thoracic spine changes. Therefore, only a specialist can choose the diagnostic methods of the disease and the appropriate therapy.
With the exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, treatment includes the use of painkillers. It is important to alleviate the pain and then fight against other manifestations of the disease.
Therapeutic methods
The therapy includes procedures aimed at increasing blood flow and metabolism in the affected area. Physiotherapy is also included. Aggravation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should always be treated with medication. Perform a blockade with pain relievers. This makes it possible to minimize pain and relieve the tone of the muscles of the spine.
How long does the exacerbation last? Everything depends on the timeliness and appropriateness of the therapy. The insidiousness of the disease lies in the long and latent course of the disease. If you experience recurring headaches, it is important to seek professional advice immediately.
Osteochondrosis can worsen at any time. The fight against the disease is multi-stage. The first step is to prescribe medication. Many drugs are used to combat the pathology:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- vitamins;
- various local medicines (ointments, gels, sprays).
It is not 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 of the disease:
- manual therapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- laser therapy.
Treatment of osteochondrosis according to the above scheme is recommended under the supervision of a doctor. The duration of the treatment is at least 2 weeks. There are folk remedies that are easy to use. A poultice from horseradish leaves is often prescribed for nervous osteochondrosis. Cabbage leaves and burdock root are used to relieve inflammatory lesions. The mixture of dry mustard and propolis has a warming effect.
Many traditional medicines are used internally. This can be a celery infusion made from the plant and hot water. Doctors recommend using sunflower root infusion for back pain.
How can the effectiveness of therapy be increased? Every patient can increase the effectiveness of certain methods of conservative therapy. For this, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. The massage should be done from top to bottom. It is better to do a therapeutic massage before going to bed. This allows the relaxed body to fully relax. Ideally, kneading the back of the head and the sides of the neck ends with a shoulder massage.
Disease prevention
Activating blood flow and muscle condition is also possible at home. An additional cupping massage therapy is perfect for this. Treatment should be continued until you feel better. This is a folk technique, widely known and effective. During such procedures, all movements must be smooth. You can't touch the spine.
The signs of the disease are easier to prevent than to treat. In order to avoid the occurrence of such diseases, it is important to follow some recommendations:
- refusal of soft beds for sleep;
- hard back at work chair;
- you cannot stay in one position for a long time: you must move regularly;
- it is important to keep a safe distance before reading a book or a computer monitor;
- avoid overexertion, don't get nervous.
Adherence to such simple recommendations will protect against the painful symptoms of aggravated osteochondrosis. Recurrence of the disease is successfully treated. It is important to choose the right therapeutic method for this. At the first signs of pathology, you should consult a specialist.