Osteochondrosis of the neck is a fairly common disease, in which degenerative-dystrophic disorders of bone-cartilaginous tissue of intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are observed. And it is believed that this pathology to some extent occurs in most people who have reached the age of 25 years, and especially those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Consider what are the main manifestations of osteochondrosis of the neck, and how to treat it.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck
The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- pain in the neck, initially not intense and arising periodically, increasing with physical exertion, and with the progression of the process - permanent, strong;
- reduction of the volume of movements of the neck, spasms of muscle tissue;
- pain in the hands, shoulders, back, chest (due to compression of roots of the spinal nerves);
- occurrence of a crunch, a crack at a turn of a neck;
- the appearance of pulsating headaches in the occipital region, dizziness accompanied by noise in the ears , flashing "flies" in front of the eyes (vertebral artery syndrome);
- numbness of limbs, impaired coordination of movements.
How to cure osteochondrosis of the neck?
Osteochondrosis of the neck is difficult to treat, if it is already started in the late stages of the disease, when there are significant pathological changes in the structure of the spinal column. In such cases, conservative methods only allow to reduce and eliminate pain. But if you start treatment with the appearance of the first alarming symptoms, the chances of success are great.
As a rule, after carrying out diagnostic measures, drug treatment is prescribed, which may include the use of the following drug groups:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- muscle relaxants;
- sedatives;
- vitamins of group B;
- chondroprotectors .
In addition, with osteochondrosis of the neck, local treatment with ointments that help to get rid of pain, which have a distracting and warming effect, is shown.
Also, gymnastic exercises, massage, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed. Of no small importance in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck has a diet that should contain more protein products, unsaturated fatty acids, calcium, fiber. Another important recommendation is the proper organization of the bed. It is advisable to purchase an orthopedic mattress and a special pillow. Sleep on the abdomen with this pathology is not recommended.