Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by specific complaints of patients.
As a rule, the first and most common are pain.
They arise in the neck, between the shoulder blades, in the hands. Pain in the joints (wrist, elbow or shoulder) accompanying osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be characterized as shooting or aching, provoke numbness, tingling sensation. In addition, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the extremities to the influence of lower temperatures, lower strength, the development of awkwardness in the hands.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often accompanied by headaches. However, they can also be of a different nature. Shooting sensations in the frontal zone, in the region of the ear, orbit, and numbness on the scalp are typical.
For this disease, various vegetative disorders are also characteristic. These include instability of blood pressure and heart rate, sensation of a lump in the throat and palpitations, shortness of breath, in some cases, the development of panic attacks.
In advanced forms, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by a sharp restriction in movements, muscle weakness of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a disorder of cerebral blood supply.
Dizziness, shakiness when walking, general weakness, visual disturbances are frequent. Patients often complain of increased fatigue, deterioration of mood up to the onset of depression.
Static disorders in the disease are subluxations of the vertebrae and limitation of the mobility of the segments.
Circulatory disturbance provokes a disorder of brain activity, expressed in single symptoms. This, in turn, can lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and in some cases, to a stroke.
In accordance with the indications, diagnostic measures are prescribed, including radiography, possibly with functional tests; MRI of the brain (brain) and cervical spine; Doppler ultrasound in the main arteries. If necessary, triplex or duplex scanning of intra- and extracranial vessels can be prescribed. Mandatory are blood tests, EEG, audiography, ECG, electron-histogram. The examination also includes a 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 identify the causes of patient complaints.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis knows a neurologist who selects the necessary set of measures. It includes physical rehabilitation (LFK), prescription of medications (if necessary and depending on the symptoms - intravenous drip and intramuscular injection, as well as blockade). The treatment course also includes physiotherapeutic procedures, acupuncture, massage, hirudotherapy.
Of course, the most effective is a comprehensive effect on the patient's body. However, as practice shows, the most lasting result from treatment is observed during physical rehabilitation of patients. Thus, in many cases, correctly selected complexes of exercise therapy exercises can affect the cause of the development of the disease. However, other methods mostly affect the consequences of the disease. Because of this, they are usually considered as additional therapeutic measures.
It should be noted that exercise therapy exercises, as well as additional methods of influence, are always selected individually.