A subluxation of the cervical vertebra is a pathological condition, in which the joint surfaces of adjacent cervical vertebrae are partially displaced. Most experts encounter rotational damage to the atlas (C1). In many cases, the subluxation is combined with fractures, head trauma, blunt abdominal and thoracic injuries. With correct and timely therapy, the outcome of the lesion is favorable.
Causes of subluxation of the cervical vertebra
Various factors can provoke trauma. Quite often the subluxation occurs as a result of a sharp and poorly coordinated turn of the head. Many patients get injured after a severe head blow - when falling, during a dive or playing volleyball, for example. Increased risk of subluxation in people working in factories and mines, as well as those who are physically active, while not respecting the safety rules. Often, damage to the cervical vertebra occurs due to unsuccessful falls when skating, performing flips, somersaults, heads on the head or a vise on the crossbar.
Symptoms of subluxation of the cervical vertebra
The main manifestations of the problem arise because the displacement of the vertebrae reduces the size of the intervertebral openings, through which the blood vessels and nerve fibers pass.
The main symptom of the subluxation of the first cervical vertebra is the pain in the upper part. Due to pain, the patient is forced to hold his head in a certain position. For the same reason, it is difficult to turn the neck. In some cases, the trauma is accompanied by dizziness and even loss of consciousness.
For subluxations C2 and C3 is characterized by difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, pain, felt in the shoulder region. In addition, to avoid the consequences of subluxation of the cervical vertebra, you can turn to a traumatologist at the sight of such symptoms as:
- noise in the ears ;
- deterioration of vision;
- cramps in the hands;
- sleep disorders;
- tenderness in the region of the upper or lower jaw;
- loss of sensation in some parts of the limbs;
- one-sided paralysis;
- increased irritability;
- numbness;
- muscle weakness ;
- fast fatiguability.
Sometimes the subluxation is also evidenced by frequent bloating, discomfort in the area of the chest space, a feeling of tingling and running creepy fingers.
Consequences of subluxation of the first cervical vertebra
The greatest danger of such an injury is that it can not be ignored. Experts repeatedly had to deal with patients who for a long time lived with a subluxation and did not know about it. At the same time, many patients complained of frequent headaches, excruciatingly severe migraines, cerebral blood flow disorders, without even realizing that this is the most common consequence of damage to the cervical vertebra.
How is a subluxation of the cervical vertebra treated?
To avoid complications, it is important to begin treatment on time. A competent first aid is to completely immobilize the cervical spine. Ideally, you need to use tires for this. But if the latter was not at hand, a cotton collar can be made of cotton wool and bandage.
The obligatory stage of treatment of subluxation of the cervical vertebra is the correction. It is strictly forbidden to conduct it on your own to a non-professional. Otherwise, a full-fledged dislocation or a ligament can be formed.
If due to subluxation, the surrounding tissues were injured, the vertebrae's adjustment becomes more complicated. In some cases, even to the extent that surgical intervention is required.