Like other diseases of 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 abandon the disease without seeking further medical attention and treatment. Ignoring the symptoms of osteochondrosis, which is still in stage 1, can lead to a worsening 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 for treating osteochondrosis.
Causes of the disease
Against the background of osteochondrosis of the first degree of the cervical spine, first of all, there are pains of a shooting nature, called lumbago. The pain syndrome occurs in the cervical region, spreading in severe cases to the area of the shoulders, arms and pectoral muscles. This happens because intervertebral discs tend to be injured the most where 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, so that a person can turn the head, tilt it, and lift it. The vertebrae are connected by mobile joints and ligaments, and the intervertebral discs, which consist 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 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 a sufficient amount of substances that strengthen the skeletal and muscular systems;
- 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 around age 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. Take 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 first-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 compaction of the cartilaginous tissue of the discs between the vertebrae. The spine is still in a stable position, but the hooked processes of the vertebrae are already increasing in size. Displacement of the disc is at a minimal level, but its outer layer, consisting of fibrous tissue, begins to unravel, which, if left untreated, can lead to the development of later degrees of osteochondrosis and even an intervertebral hernia.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- pain syndrome begins in the neck region and spreads to the shoulder joints, shoulder blades, and chest muscles;
- compression of the nerve endings leads to the appearance of a stabbing pain in the neck, especially this condition is aggravated by an uncomfortable posture during sleep, at night the patient after waking up keeps his neck in one positionunnatural for a long time due to the inability to turn the head without pain;
- against the background of compression of the nerve roots, a cardiac syndrome may occur - pain in the pectoral muscles, which a person mistakes for pain in the heart (the examination does not confirm the presence of heart pathologies);
- due to vertebral artery syndrome, the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord deteriorates, leading to headaches, visual disturbances in the form of "flies before the eyes", dizziness, pain in the occipital region;
- sleep disorders;
- worry.
The pain syndrome is accompanied by muscle spasms in the affected spine area. Grade 1 spinal osteochondrosis may not provide 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 are perceived more acutely. Therefore, the first sign of osteochondrosis (throbbing pain in the neck, especially after physical exertion or hypothermia) should be the reason for a visit to the doctor.
Treatment and prevention
Therapy for cervical osteochondrosis of the first degree, first of all, should be aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome and launching active metabolic processes in the tissue of the intervertebral discs. In addition, it is imperative to strengthen the muscular skeleton 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 appointment of oral anesthetic drugs with injections of vitamins and anti-inflammatory drugs. A good effect is given by the application of external agents in the form of heating gels based on painkillers, as well as bee and snake venom.
In addition to drug therapy and physical therapy, therapeutic exercises can be performed that will help gently stretch the spine, release pinched nerve roots, and relieve neck pain. The subsequent preventive measures are an active and healthy lifestyle, sports, a good diet, in addition to avoiding stress and hypothermia.