If you wake up in the morning with a sharp, stabbing pain in your head and back of your neck, you should pay attention to this.Of course, the discomfort will go away during the day, but there is a chance that the discomfort will return the next day.
What causes pain in the back of the head and neck?Only a doctor can answer this question, but first you need to do a series of tests (ultrasound, MRI of the cervical spine).There is a possibility that the cause is a cold or inflammation of the lymph nodes due to a sore throat or other infection.But if the cause of the pain is chondrosis of the neck, then this diagnosis cannot be ignored.After all, this disease contributes to a significant decrease in the quality of life and limits the activity of patients.
What is cervical chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.As a result, irreversible deformations of the vertebrae occur.Spiny processes appear that dig into the nerve endings running in the trunk of the spine.In addition, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thinner.There is a risk of intervertebral hernia, which brings the patient to the operating table.
Normally, the cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, it is very mobile and is responsible for tilting and turning the head.Cervical chondrosis is very common and ranks second after chondrosis of the lumbar spine.It most often affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.The cause of this disease is the structural characteristics of the spine (the vertebrae are close together).In addition, the neck muscles are rather poorly developed, so a very insignificant load leads to abnormalities of the cervical spine.
Chondrosis of the neck can occur due to:
- weakness of the cervical musculature;
- working for a long time at a computer or desk;
- various neck injuries;
- poor posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypothermia;
- overeating.
Symptoms of the disease
According to the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, it is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, as the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to compression of blood vessels.Pinching of the root extending from the spinal nerve can lead to loss of sensitivity and disability.
So the symptoms of the disease are as follows:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- ringing, noise in the head and ears;
- fatigue, general malaise;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness in the upper limbs.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis occurs without symptoms for a certain period of time.It becomes noticeable when the inflammatory process begins.The areas of the spine involved in movement are affected.Severe pain appears.
The symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as the symptoms of traditional cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- postoperative activities and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- old age;
- heavy physical work;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
In order to avoid serious consequences in the future, you should urgently consult a doctor if at least one of the above symptoms of the disease appears.Treatment of cervical chondrosis should be started immediately.However, complete recovery is unfortunately impossible.Treatment is only aimed at slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbations, hospitalization and partial bed rest are required.
Neurologists prescribe various pain relievers, vitamins and muscle relaxants.Physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis using anesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Wearing a Shants collar is also one of the treatment methods.In addition, surgical intervention using chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also recommended;it should be done when chondrosis is not yet in an acute stage.However, it is sometimes prescribed during a period of exacerbation.Then the doctor reflexively influences the pain of the spine at the expense of healthy areas of the body.In general, the massage is initially organized using gentle methods to avoid muscle tension.
Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires:
- eliminates disease-causing factors;
- stimulates the process of natural regeneration of the intervertebral discs;
- improves the general condition and operation of disks;
- restores normal blood circulation in the brain.
Ointment for cervical chondrosis
The use of the ointment helps relieve pain, warms, distracts and protects the cartilage tissue.These medicines should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.It is used for muscle tension and pain.The ointment is available in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory – contains steroid substances and possibly pain relievers to reduce pain.
- Ensuring a complex effect (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, regeneration).
- Ointment for chondrosis, which relieves pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase the blood supply and thereby improve the nutrition of the tissues.The active ingredient is nicoboxil.
- Ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage tissue.The main active ingredient is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.The ointment is made on the basis of plant ingredients and extracts.Its effect is similar to the ointments from point 1.
- A massage that relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.It contains mummy, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the initial stage, cervical chondrosis is almost invisible, so it is worth paying special attention to the prevention of this insidious disease.After all, it is always better to prevent a problem than to treat it.To prevent the disease, you should do the following:
- improving working conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow the diet, do not overeat;
- avoid irrational loads;
- maintain correct posture while working and sleeping;
- do physical exercises.