Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by specific complaints of patients.
As a rule, it is the first and most common pain.
They are in the neck, between the shoulder blades, in the hands. In the joints (wrist, elbow or shoulder) accompanied by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it can be characterized as pain, fever or pain, causing numbness, tingling sensation. In addition, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the limbs to the effects of low temperatures, reduce strength and develop discomfort in the hands.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often accompanied by headaches. However, they can also have a different nature. Typically, there is a sensation of numbness in the frontal area, ears, eye sockets, as well as on the scalp.
This disease is also characterized by various vegetative diseases. These include instability in blood pressure and pulse, 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 severe restriction of movement, muscle weakness of the upper and lower extremities, as well as impaired cerebral blood supply.
There are frequent manifestations of dizziness, instability during walking, general weakness, visual disturbances. Patients often complain of increased fatigue and worsening of mood before the onset of depression.
Static disorders in the disease are subluxation of the vertebrae and limited mobility of the segments.
Circulatory disorders lead to impaired brain function with single symptoms. This, in turn, can lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency and, in some cases, stroke.
According to the instructions, diagnostic measures, including radiography, and possibly functional tests are prescribed; MRI of the brain (head) and cervical spine; Ultrasound dopplerography of the main arteries. If necessary, a triplex or duplex scan of the intracranial and extracranial vessels may be scheduled. Mandatory blood tests, EEG, audiography, ECG, electronography. The examination also includes consultation with a cardiologist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist and ENT doctor.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Treatment
For effective therapy, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and determine the causes of the patient's complaints.
A neurologist who knows how to treat cervical osteochondrosis knows the set of necessary measures. This includes physical rehabilitation (exercise therapy), medication (if necessary and depending on the symptoms - intravenous drops and intramuscular injections, as well as blockades). The course of treatment also includes physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, hirudotherapy.
Of course, the most effective is to have a complex effect on the patient's body. However, experience shows that the longest effect of treatment is observed in the physical rehabilitation of patients. Thus, in many cases, properly selected exercise therapy exercise sets can affect the cause of the disease. At the same time, other methods mainly affect the outcome of the disease. As a result, they are usually taken as additional therapeutic measures.
It should be noted that exercise therapy exercises, as well as additional methods of influence are always selected individually.