If, waking up in the morning, you feel a strong pulling pain in the back of the head and neck, then you need to pay attention to it. Of course, discomfort can go away during the day, but the next day there is a chance that the discomfort will return.
What causes neck and neck pain? Only a doctor can answer this question, but a series of studies (ultrasound, MRI of the cervical region) must first be done. There is a chance that the cause is a cold or inflammation of the lymph nodes as a result of a sore throat or other infection. But if chondrosis of the neck became the cause of the pain, then this diagnosis cannot be ignored. After all, this disease contributes to a significant decrease in the quality of life, limits the activity of patients.
What is neck chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. As a result of it, irreversible deformations of the vertebrae occur. Spinous processes appear , digging into the nerve endings that pass in the trunk of the spine. In addition to everything, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thin. There is a risk of intervertebral hernia, which leads the patient to the operating table.
In general, the cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for tilting and turning the head. Chondrosis of the neck is very common and takes second place after chondrosis of the lumbar spine. Most often they suffer from people aged 30 to 60 years. The cause of this ailment is the structural features of the spine (vertebrae closely adjacent to each other). In addition, the neck muscles are developed quite poorly, so a very slight load leads to disturbances in the cervical region.
Chondrosis of the neck can occur as a result of:
- muscle weaknesses of the neck corset;
- long work at the computer or desk;
- various neck injuries;
- improper posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypothermia;
- overeating.
Symptoms of the disease
According to its symptoms, cervical chondrosis is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, as the blood supply to the brain is disturbed due to squeezing of blood vessels. A pinch of the root, the spinal cord, leaving the nerve, can lead to loss of sensitivity and disability.
So, the symptoms of the disease are:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- ringing, noise in the head and ears;
- fatigue, general malaise;
- visual and hearing impairment;
- pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness of the upper limbs.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis occurs without symptoms until a certain time. It makes itself felt when the inflammatory process begins. The areas of the spine that are involved in movement are affected. Severe pain appears.
Symptoms of acute osteochondrosis are the same as ordinary cervical chondrosis. But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- postoperative actions and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- elderly age;
- heavy physical labor;
- mineral or hormonal failure.
Treatment
In order to avoid serious consequences in the future, it is urgent to consult a doctor if at least one of the above symptoms of the disease occurs. Treatment of chondrosis of the neck should be started immediately. However, a complete recovery, unfortunately, is impossible. Treatment is focused only on slowing down irreversible processes. With exacerbations, hospitalization and a half-bed regimen are necessary.
Neurologists prescribe various kinds of analgesics, vitamins, muscle relaxants. Good results are given by physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis using anesthetics, etc.). Wearing a Shants collar is also one of the treatments. In addition, surgical intervention with the use of chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also indicated, it must be carried out when chondrosis is not yet in an acute stage. However, sometimes it is prescribed during the period of exacerbation. Then the doctor reflexively affects pain in the spine due to healthy areas of the body. In general, at first, massage is organized using gentle methods in order to avoid muscle tension.
In order to effectively treat cervical chondrosis, it is necessary:
- eliminate the factors that caused this disease;
- stimulate the process of natural regeneration of intervertebral discs;
- to improve the general condition and functions of disks;
- restore normal blood circulation to the brain.
Chondrosis Ointment
The use of ointment helps to anesthetize, warm, distract, and protect cartilage. Use these drugs should only be prescribed by a doctor. They are used for tension and muscle pain. Ointment is of the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory - contains steroidal substances and possibly analgesics to relieve pain.
- It has a complex effect (anesthesia, removal of inflammation, regeneration).
- Chondrosis ointment, which anesthetizes and irritates. It is needed in order to increase blood circulation and thereby improve tissue nutrition. The active substance is nicoboxyl.
- An ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage. The main active ingredient in it is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic. The ointment is made on the basis of plant components and extracts. In its effect, it is similar to ointments from 1 point.
- Massage, which relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration, anesthetizes. In its composition contains mummy, honey, plant components.
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 ailment should:
- improve workplace conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid irrational stress;
- observe the correct postures during work and sleep;
- to perform physical exercises.