If in the morning, when you wake up, you feel a strong pain in the back of the head and neck, then you should pay attention to this.Of course, the discomfort may disappear during the day, but the next day there is a chance that the discomfort will return.
What causes back and neck pain?Only a doctor can answer this question, but first you need to go through a number of tests (ultrasound, MRI of the cervical vertebrae).It is likely that the cause is a cold or inflammation of the lymph nodes as a result of a sore throat or other infection.But if the cause of the pain is chondrosis of the neck, then this diagnosis cannot be ignored.Ultimately, this disease contributes to a significant decrease in the quality of life and limits the activity of patients.
What is neck chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical vertebrae.As a result, irreversible deformations of the vertebrae occur.Spinous processes appear, which dig into the nerve endings that pass into the trunk of the spine.In addition, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thinner.There is a danger of an intervertebral hernia, which leads the patient to the operating table.
In general, the cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for tilting and turning the head.Chondrosis of the neck is very common and is second only to chondrosis of the lumbar spine.It most often affects people aged 30 to 60 years.The cause of this disease is the structural features of the spine (the vertebrae are tight to each other).In addition, the muscles of the neck are rather poorly developed, so a very minor load leads to disorders in the cervical spine.
Chondrosis of the neck can occur as a result of:
- weakness of the muscle corset of the neck;
- prolonged work at a computer or desk;
- various neck injuries;
- bad posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypothermia;
- overeating.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, according to its symptoms, is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, because due to compression of blood vessels, blood supply to the brain is disturbed.And pinching the root extending from the nerve of the spinal cord can lead to loss of sensation and damage to a person.
So, the symptoms of the disease are:
- constant pain in the back of the head and neck;
- vertigo;
- ringing, noise in the head and ears;
- fatigue, general malaise;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- pain that radiates to the scapula, shoulder, arm and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness of the upper limbs.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis is asymptomatic until a certain time.It is felt when the inflammatory process begins.Areas of the spine involved in movement are affected.Severe pain occurs.
The symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as those of ordinary cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- post-operative actions and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- old age;
- heavy physical labor;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
To avoid serious consequences in the future, you should urgently consult a doctor if at least one of the above symptoms of the disease appears.Treatment of chondrosis of the neck should begin immediately.Full recovery, however, is unfortunately impossible.Treatment is aimed only at slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbations, hospitalization and semi-bed rest is necessary.
Neurologists prescribe various types of analgesics, vitamins and muscle relaxants.Physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis with anesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Wearing a Shants collar is also one of the treatment methods.In addition, surgical intervention is used with the use of chondroprotectors.
Massage is also indicated;should be performed when chondrosis is not yet in an acute stage.However, it is sometimes prescribed during a period of exacerbation.The doctor then reflexively affects the pain in the spine at the expense of the healthy parts of the body.In general, at the beginning the massage is organized with gentle methods to avoid muscle tension.
For effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary:
- elimination of the factors that caused the disease;
- stimulate the process of natural regeneration of the intervertebral discs;
- improve the general condition and function of the discs;
- restoration of normal blood circulation in the brain.
Ointment for neck chondrosis
The use of ointment helps to relieve pain, warm, distract and protect the cartilage tissue.These drugs should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.They are used for muscle tension and pain.The ointment is available in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory - contains steroid substances and possibly analgesics for pain relief.
- Providing a complex effect (pain relief, inflammation relief, regeneration).
- Ointment for chondrosis, which relieves pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase blood supply and thus improve tissue nutrition.The active ingredient is nicoboxyl.
- Ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage tissue.The main active ingredient in it is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.The ointment is made on the basis of plant components and extracts.Its action is similar to the ointments from item 1.
- A massage that relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.Contains mummy, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the initial stages, chondrosis of the neck is almost invisible, so it is worth paying special attention to the prevention of this insidious disease.After all, it is always better to prevent a problem than to cure it.To prevent this disease, you should:
- improving working conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid unreasonable loads;
- maintain correct postures during work and sleep;
- do physical exercises.