Like other diseases in the back, grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by the presence of pain. The nature of the pain can be considered 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 in stage 1, can lead to the worsening of the patient's condition and the 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
In the context of 1st-degree osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, sharp pains, called lumbago, appear first. The pain syndrome occurs in the cervical region, in severe cases extending to the shoulders, arms and chest muscles. This is because the intervertebral discs tend to be injured to a greater extent when the mobile part of the spine (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 turn his head, tilt it and raise it. The vertebrae are connected by joints and mobile ligaments, and the intervertebral discs, consisting of cartilage tissue, serve as spacers between the vertebrae. The adjacent muscles are also designed to keep the spine upright; if the muscular 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 the healthy functioning of the spine. As soon as a link in this system begins to malfunction, disturbances occur in the entire work of the spine.
For what reasons there may 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 enough substances to strengthen the bone and muscle systems;
- bad habits;
- stress;
- lack of adequate rest, fatigue;
- hypothermia and frequent colds.
If the muscles that support the spine in a stable position start to age and lose their tone near the age of 50, this can be considered normal. But when the cervical vertebrae undergo a deformation process at age 20, it is worth paying attention and taking action. Get preventive treatment, exercise, be active and avoid sedentary work with your neck and back bent.
Symptoms
In order to list the main signs and symptoms by which 1st degree cervical osteochondrosis can be accurately determined, it is necessary to clarify the concept itself.
Grade 1 osteochondrosis is the initial stage of the disease, until now characterized only by the compacting of the cartilaginous tissue of the discs between the vertebrae. The spine is still in a stable position, but the hook-like processes of the vertebrae are already increasing in size. Disc displacement is minimal, but its outer shell, composed of fibrous tissue, begins to untangle, which, if left untreated, can lead to the development of subsequent degrees of osteochondrosis and even an intervertebral hernia.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- the
- pain syndrome begins in the neck, extending to the shoulder joints, shoulder blades and chest muscles;
- the compression of nerve endings leads to the appearance of acute pain in the neck, especially this condition is aggravated by an uncomfortable posture during sleep; at night, the patient after waking keeps his neck in an unnatural position for a long time due to the inability to turn his head without pain;
- in the context of nerve root compression, cardiac syndrome may occur - pain in the pectoral muscles, which the person confuses with pain in the heart (the test does not confirm the presence of cardiac pathologies);
- due to vertebral artery syndrome, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates, which causes headaches, visual disturbances in the form of "flies in front of 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. Grade 1 spinal osteochondrosis may not provide the pronounced listed 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, any of the symptoms of the disease is perceived more acutely. Therefore, the first sign of osteochondrosis - acute pain in the neck, especially after physical exertion or hypothermia - should be a reason for a medical consultation.
Treatment and prevention
Grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis therapy, in the first place, should aim to eliminate the pain syndrome and launch active metabolic processes in the intervertebral disc tissue. In addition, it is imperative to strengthen the muscular structure of the neck to keep the spine in a stable and strong position.
Drug therapy involves the following methods:
- analgesics, anti-inflammatories;
- 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 consultation of oral anesthetics with injections of vitamins, anti-inflammatories. A good effect is given by the application of external agents in the form of heating gels based on painkillers, in addition to bee and snake venom.
An addition to drug therapy and physiotherapy can be therapeutic exercises, which will help to gently stretch the spine, releasing compressed nerve roots and relieving neck pain. Subsequent preventive measures are an active and healthy lifestyle, exercise, good nutrition and avoiding stress and hypothermia.