Like other back diseases, grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of pain. The nature of the pain can be called bearable, but this does not give 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 an aggravation of the patient's condition and the further development of the disease.
Self-treatment is not recommended, only an experienced doctor can make the correct diagnosis, establish the cause of the symptoms of the disease and give clear recommendations for dealing with osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the 1st degree of the cervical spine, first of all, there are pains of a shooting nature, called lumbago. Pain syndrome occurs in the cervical region, in severe cases spreading to the area of the shoulders, arms and pectoral muscles. This happens because the intervertebral discs tend to be injured to a greater extent where the movable part of the spinal column (cervical region) is connected to the less mobile, thoracic region.
The cervical region consists of 7 vertebrae. The first two support the skull, which is why a person can rotate his head, tilt and raise it. The vertebrae are connected by joints and movable ligaments, and intervertebral discs, consisting of cartilage tissue, serve as a spacer between the vertebrae. The adjacent muscles are also designed to keep the spine in an upright position; if the muscle corset is well developed, the spine will be stable. As you can see, the well-coordinated work of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and muscles ensures healthy functioning of the spinal column. As soon as one link from this system begins to malfunction, disturbances occur in the entire work of the spine.
For what reasons can there be violations and the first symptoms of osteochondrosis appear:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- excessive physical activity;
- wrong position during sleep;
- nutrition 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.
If the muscles that support the spinal column in a stable position begin to age and lose tone closer to 50 years - this can be considered normal. But when the cervical vertebrae undergo a deformation process at the age of 20, it is worth paying attention and taking action. Undergo preventive treatment, exercise, be active, and avoid sedentary work with a bent neck and back.
Symptoms
In order to list the main signs and symptoms by which one can accurately determine cervical osteochondrosis of the 1st degree, it is necessary to clarify the concept itself.
Degree 1 osteochondrosis is the very initial stage of the disease, so far characterized only by the compaction of the cartilaginous tissue of the discs between the vertebrae. The vertebral column is still in a stable position, but the hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae are already increasing in size. The displacement of the disc is at a minimum level, but its outer shell, consisting of fibrous tissue, begins to disentangle, which, if untreated, can lead to the development of subsequent degrees of osteochondrosis and even to an intervertebral hernia.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- pain syndrome begins in the neck, spreading to the shoulder joints, shoulder blades and chest muscles;
- squeezing of the nerve endings leads to the appearance of shooting pain in the neck, especially this condition is aggravated by an uncomfortable posture in sleep, at night, the patient after waking up holds his neck in an unnatural position for a long time due to the impossibility of painlessly turning his head
- against the background of compression of the nerve roots, cardiac syndrome may occur - soreness in the area of the pectoral muscles, which a person confuses with pain in the heart (the examination does not confirm the presence of cardiac pathologies);
- due to vertebral artery syndrome, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates, which provokes headaches, visual disturbances in the form of "flies before the eyes", dizziness, pain in the occipital region;
- sleep disorders;
- worry.
Pain syndrome is accompanied by muscle spasm in the area of the affected spine. Degree 1 spinal osteochondrosis may not provide for the pronounced listed symptoms, it all depends on the body's sensitivity to pain and the general well-being of the patient.
With constant fatigue, sedentary work and stress, any of the symptoms of the disease is perceived more acutely. Therefore, the very first sign of osteochondrosis - shooting pain in the neck, especially after physical exertion or hypothermia - should be the reason for a visit to the doctor.
Treatment and prevention
Therapy of grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating pain syndrome and launching active metabolic processes in the tissue of intervertebral discs. Also, it is imperative to strengthen the muscular skeleton of the neck to maintain the spinal column in a stable, strong position.
Drug therapy involves the following methods:
- pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- medical gymnastics;
- swimming.
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 anesthetic drugs with injections of vitamin, anti-inflammatory drugs. A good effect is given by the application of external agents in the form of warming gels based on painkillers, as well as bee and snake venom.
An addition to drug therapy and physiotherapy can be therapeutic exercises, which will help to gently stretch the spine, freeing pinched nerve roots and relieving neck pain. Subsequent preventive measures are a healthy, active lifestyle, sports, good nutrition, as well as avoiding stress and hypothermia.