Osteochondrosis of cervical spine

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by specific complaints of patients.

As a rule, the first and most common are pain.

They arise in the neck, between the shoulder blades, in the hands. Pain in joints (wrist, elbow or shoulder) accompanying osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be characterized as shooting or aching, provoking numbness, tingling sensation. In addition, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the limbs to the influence of low temperatures, a decrease in strength, the development of awkwardness in the hands.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often accompanied by headaches. However, they can also have a different character. Typical are percutaneous sensations in the frontal zone, in the ear area, the orbit, and numbness on the scalp.

Various vegetative disorders are also characteristic of this disease. These include the instability of blood pressure and pulse, the sensation of a lump in the throat and palpitations, shortness of breath, in some cases the development of panic attacks.

In neglected forms, the osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is accompanied by a sharp restriction in the movements, muscular weakness of the upper and lower extremities, as well as a disorder of the cerebral blood supply.

There are frequent manifestations of dizziness, unsteadiness in walking, general weakness, visual disturbances. Patients often complain of increased fatigue, mood worsening until the onset of depression.

Static disorders in the disease are subluxations of the vertebrae and restriction of the mobility of the segments.

Violation of blood circulation provokes frustration of brain activity, expressed in single symptoms. This, in turn, can lead to the occurrence of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and in some cases, to a stroke.

In accordance with the indications, diagnostic measures are prescribed, including radiography, possibly with functional tests; MRI of the brain (head) and cervical vertebral column; Ultrasound dopplerography in the main arteries. If necessary, triplex or duplex scanning of intra- and extracranial vessels can be prescribed. Required are blood tests, EEG, audiography, ECG, and electron-histogram. The examination also includes a consultation of a cardiologist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist and ENT doctor.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Treatment

To conduct effective therapy, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis and identify the causes of patient complaints.

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis is known to a neurologist who selects the necessary set of measures. It includes physical rehabilitation (LFK), the appointment of medications (if necessary and depending on the symptoms - intravenous drip and intramuscular injections, as well as blockades). The therapeutic course also includes physiotherapy, acupuncture, massage, hirudotherapy.

Of course, the most effective is the complex effect on the patient's body. However, as practice shows, the longest result from treatment is observed in the physical rehabilitation of patients. Thus, in many cases correctly selected complexes of exercises of exercise therapy can influence the cause of the development of the disease. In this case, the remaining methods mostly influence the consequences of the disease. As a result, they are usually considered as additional therapeutic measures.

It should be noted that exercises LFK, as well as additional methods of exposure, are always selected individually.