Like other back diseases, 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain. The nature of the pain can be called bearable, but this is no reason to leave the disease without seeking medical attention and further treatment. Ignoring the symptoms of osteochondrosis, which is still at stage 1, can lead to the deterioration of the patient's condition and further development of the disease.
Self-treatment is not recommended. Only an experienced doctor can make the correct diagnosis, determine the cause of the symptoms of the disease and give clear recommendations on how to fight osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
Against the background of 1st degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, there is initially shooting pains, which are referred to as lumbago. The pain syndrome occurs in the cervical area and, in severe cases, spreads to the shoulders, arms and chest muscles. This happens because the intervertebral discs tend to be more injured when the mobile part of the spine (neck region) is connected to the less mobile chest region.
The neck region consists of 7 vertebrae. The first two support the skull, which is why a person can turn, tilt, and lift their head. The vertebrae are connected by joints and flexible ligaments, and intervertebral discs, made of cartilage tissue, act as spacers between the vertebrae. The adjacent muscles are also designed to keep the spine in an upright position. When the muscle corset is well developed, the spine is stable. As you can see, the well-coordinated work of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and muscles keep the spine functioning properly. As soon as a connection from this system comes to malfunction, violations appear in the entire work of the spine.
For what reasons can violations occur and the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excessive physical activity;
- wrong position while sleeping;
- Diet that does not provide the body with a sufficient amount of substances that strengthen the bone and muscle systems;
- bad habits;
- stress;
- lack of adequate rest, fatigue;
- frequent hypothermia and colds.
When the muscles that support the spine in a stable position begin to age and lose their tone closer to 50, it can be considered normal. If the cervical vertebrae undergo a process of deformation by the age of 20, it is worth paying attention and taking action. Get preventive treatment, exercise, lead an active lifestyle, and avoid sedentary work with your neck and back bent.
Symptoms
In order to list the main signs and symptoms by which cervical osteochondrosis 1st degree can be precisely determined, the concept itself must be clarified.
Grade 1 osteochondrosis is the very first stage of the disease, which so far has only been characterized by the compression of the cartilage tissue of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae. The spine is still in a stable position, but the hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae are already increasing. The disc displacement is at a minimal level, but its outer covering, made of fibrous tissue, begins to disentangle, which, if left untreated, can lead to the development of subsequent degrees of osteochondrosis and even an intervertebral fracture.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- The
- pain syndrome begins in the neck and spreads to the shoulder joints, shoulder blades and chest muscles.
- The compression of the nerve endings leads to the appearance of a sharp pain in the neck, in particular this condition is aggravated by an uncomfortable posture during sleep. At night, after waking up, the patient keeps his neck in an unnatural position for a long time, since it is impossible to turn his head painlessly.
- Against the background of compression of the nerve roots, cardiac syndrome may appear - pain in the chest muscles, which a person confuses with heart pain (the examination does not confirm the presence of heart disease);
- Because of the vertebral artery syndrome, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates, leading to headaches, visual disturbances in the form of "fly before the eyes", dizziness and pain in the occipital area.
- sleep disorders;
- worry.
The pain syndrome is accompanied by muscle cramps in the area of the affected spine. The first-degree spinal osteochondrosis may not lead to the pronounced symptoms. It all depends on the body's sensitivity to pain and the patient's general well-being.
With constant fatigue, sedentary work and stress, all symptoms of the disease are perceived more acutely. Therefore, the very first sign of osteochondrosis - sharp pain in the neck, especially after physical exertion or hypothermia - should be a reason to see a doctor.
Treatment and prevention
The therapy of first degree cervical osteochondrosis should primarily aim at eliminating pain and triggering active metabolic processes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs. It is also imperative to strengthen the musculoskeletal system of the neck to keep the spine in a stable, strong position.
Drug therapy includes the following methods:
- pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- medical gymnastics;
- swim.
With the help of drug therapy, it is necessary to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected area. In this case, the doctor can combine the appointment of oral anesthetics with injections of vitamin and anti-inflammatory drugs. A good effect is achieved through the use of external active ingredients in the form of heat gels based on painkillers and the poison from bees and snakes.
A supplement to drug therapy and physiotherapy can be therapeutic exercises that help to gently stretch the spine, free pinched nerve roots and relieve neck pain. The following preventive measures include a healthy, active lifestyle, exercise, good nutrition, and avoidance of stress and hypothermia.