Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by specific complaints of patients.
As a rule, the first and most common are pain.
They appear 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 pain, to provoke tingling, numbness. In addition, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the limbs to the effects of low temperatures, reduce strength and the development of discomfort 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 area, in the ear, eye sockets, as well as tingling in the scalp are typical.
This disease is also characterized by various autonomic disorders. These include instability of blood pressure and pulse, a feeling of a lump in the throat and palpitations, shortness of breath and in some cases the development of panic attacks.
In advanced forms, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by a sharp restriction of movement, muscle weakness of the upper and lower extremities, as well as impaired cerebral blood supply.
There are frequent manifestations of dizziness, instability when walking, general weakness, visual disturbances. Patients often complain of increased fatigue, worsening of mood to the onset of depression.
Static disorders in the disease are subluxations of the vertebrae and limited mobility of the segments.
Circulatory disorders provoke a violation of brain activity, expressed in single symptoms. This in turn can lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency and in some cases to stroke.
In accordance with the indications, diagnostic measures are prescribed, including radiography, possibly with functional examinations; MRI of the brain (head) and cervical spine; ultrasound dopplerography of the main arteries. If necessary, triplex or duplex scanning of intra- and extracranial vessels may be prescribed. Blood tests, EEG, audiography, ECG, electronystagmography are mandatory. 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 the patient's complaints.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis knows a neurologist who chooses the necessary set of measures. Includes physical rehabilitation (LFK), prescribing medication (if necessary and depending on the symptoms - intravenous drip and intramuscular injection, as well as blockades). The course of treatment also includes physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, hirudotherapy.
Of course, the most effective is to perform a complex effect on the patient's body. However, as practice shows, the longest result of treatment is observed in the physical rehabilitation of patients. Thus, in many cases, well-chosen sets of therapeutic exercises can influence the cause of the disease. At the same time, other methods mainly affect the consequences of the disease. As a result, they are usually considered as additional therapeutic measures.
It should be noted that the exercises for therapeutic exercise, as well as additional methods of impact, are always selected individually.