Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine, which damages the intervertebral discs, nerve roots and soft tissues of the spine.
The clinical picture of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by a variety of symptoms.This disease always becomes chronic.With osteochondrosis, cracks appear in the discs, pathological mobility (instability) of the vertebrae and intervertebral disc herniations are formed.In this case, not only the nerve roots most often suffer from compression, but also the vertebral arteries, which pass directly to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The most common complaint of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is headache.Headache caused by pathological changes in the cervical spine may be accompanied by dizziness and pain in the cervical and neck areas.
Causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
The causes of changes in the cervical spine are varied: prolonged stay in one position in front of the computer, static loads, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, hypothermia, injuries.As a result of such physical activity, the outflow of blood through the vessels of the cervical spine is disturbed.Tension headache occurs.Headaches may occur sporadically or be chronic and worsen with physical activity, coughing, tilting or tilting the head.Headache usually develops slowly, has moderate or mild intensity, and is characterized by persistence and monotony.Sometimes it is migraine in nature, in severe cases it may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, after which temporary relief occurs.
Tension headaches, as a rule, have a unilateral localization with irradiation to the temporal and ocular region;there may be heaviness in the eyelid area, pain in the eyes, and decreased vision.In more severe cases, dizziness, including loss of consciousness, occurs.The most severe form of tension headache is transient ischemic attacks, up to the development of an ischemic stroke.
Any headache requires careful observation and examination to exclude more serious brain pathology.If you experience headaches, immediately contact a specialist - a neurologist.The Clinic's specialists have extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of headaches of any origin.A correct and timely diagnosis and the prescription of appropriate treatment will prevent many problems and complications.
Where to start treating osteochondrosis?
If you suspect that you or your loved ones suffer from cervical osteochondrosis, we recommend that you start by consulting a neurologist and examining the vessels of the cervical spine.
Read more about related diseases and symptoms:
- Panic attacks and depression in osteochondrosis.
If a person does not have an innate predisposition to a depressive state, there have been no major events in life that "took him out of the rut", in 90% of cases we are talking about problems with the physical state of vital systems: cardiovascular and circulatory.The cause of uncontrollable panic and reluctance to enjoy life in the case of osteochondrosis is the degeneration of the vertebral cartilage in one form or another, which leads to impaired functioning of the nerve roots and surrounding blood vessels.
- Depression in osteochondrosis: treatment.
The main reason for increased anxiety, apathy and depression in osteochondrosis is a lack of oxygen to the brain.With sedentary and stressful work, inactivity and lack of regular physical activity, deformation of bone tissue in the neck area occurs.
- About the causes of depression.
Despite doctors' warnings that pain cannot be tolerated, not everyone follows this advice.And habitual pain, combined with stress, physical inactivity and bad habits, leads to a state of depression.This is the first phase of depression.
- Depression in osteochondrosis: causes and prerequisites.
The experience of neurologists shows that diseases of a physiological and psychological nature are often interrelated.The body cannot constantly function “like a clock,” especially if it is not wound regularly.An active lifestyle, physical exercise, proper nutrition, positive emotions - people deprive themselves of these pleasures in search of material well-being.Result: cartilage degeneration, circulatory disorders and associated consequences: dizziness, inadequate reaction to psycho-emotional stimuli, increased anxiety, sometimes panic attacks.
- Spinal hernia.Everything you need to know.
The leading specialists of the Clinic, based on their many years of experience, have collected for you all the necessary information on the prevention, treatment and prevention of intervertebral disc herniation.