Like other back diseases, grade 1 cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by pain. The nature of the pain can be described as bearable, but this gives no reason to leave the disease without requiring 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 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 on how to combat 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 stabbing nature, called low back pain. Pain syndrome occurs in the cervical region, in severe cases it spreads to the area of the shoulders, arms and pectoral muscles. This happens because the intervertebral discs tend to be damaged 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 rotate their head, tilt it, and lift it. The vertebrae are connected by movable joints and ligaments, and the intervertebral discs, made up of cartilage tissue, act 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 spine. As soon as a link from 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 a sufficient amount of substances that strengthen the bone and muscle system;
- bad habits;
- stress;
- lack of adequate rest, fatigue;
- frequent hypothermia and colds.
If the muscles that support the spine in a stable position begin to age and lose tone by the age of 50, 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. Get preventative treatment, exercise, be active and avoid sedentary work with a bent neck and back.
Symptoms
To list the main signs and symptoms with 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, so far characterized only by compaction of the cartilage tissue of the discs between the vertebrae. The spine is still in a stable position, but the hook-shaped processes of the vertebrae are already increasing in size. Displacement of the disc is at its lowest level, but its outer shell, made up of fibrous tissue, begins to unravel, which, if left untreated, can lead to the development of successive degrees of osteochondrosis and even 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;
- compression of the nerve endings leads to excruciating pain in the neck, in particular this condition is aggravated by an uncomfortable posture in sleep, at night, the patient after waking up keeps his neck in an unnatural position for a long time due toinability to turn the head without pain;
- against the background of compression of the nerve roots, heart syndrome can occur: pain in the area of the pectoral muscles, which a person confuses with pain in the heart (examination does not confirm the presence of heart pathologies);
- due to vertebral artery syndrome, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates, resulting in headaches, visual disturbances in the form of "flies in front of the eyes", dizziness, pain in the occipital region;
- sleep disturbances;
- worried.
The pain syndrome is accompanied by muscle spasms in the area of the affected spine. Grade 1 spinal osteochondrosis may not provide the listed symptoms pronounced, it all depends on the sensitivity of the body to pain and the general well-being of the patient.
With constant fatigue, sedentary work and stress, any symptoms of the disease are perceived more acutely. Therefore, the 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 the pain syndrome and starting active metabolic processes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs. Also, it is imperative to strengthen the muscle structure of the neck to keep the spine in a stable and strong position.
Drug therapy involves the following methods:
- analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- acupuncture;
- medical gymnastics;
- to 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 anesthetic drugs with vitamin injections, 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. The next preventive measures are a healthy and active lifestyle, sports, good nutrition and avoiding stress and hypothermia.