If, upon waking up in the morning, you feel a sharp nagging pain in the back of your head and neck, then you need to pay attention to this.Of course, the discomfort may disappear during the day, but the next day it is possible that it will return.
What causes pain in the back of the head and neck?Only a doctor can answer this question, but first you need to undergo a series of studies (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 pain is chondrosis of the neck, 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 neck chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.As a result, irreversible deformations of the vertebrae occur.The spinous processes appear, burrowing into the nerve endings that run in the trunk of the spinal column.In addition to this, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thin.There is a danger of intervertebral hernia, which brings the patient to the operating table.
In general, the cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for the inclination and rotation of the head.Chondrosis of the neck is very common and ranks second after chondrosis of the lumbar spine.Most often it affects people between the ages of 30 and 60.The cause of this disease is the structural features of the spine (vertebrae closely adjacent to each other).In addition, the neck muscles are rather poorly developed, so a very insignificant load leads to disorders of the cervical spine.
Neck chondrosis can occur due to:
- weakness of the neck muscle corset;
- long periods of working at a computer or desk;
- various neck injuries;
- bad posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- metabolic disorders;
- hypothermia;
- eat too much.
Symptoms of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, according to its symptoms, is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, since due to compression of blood vessels, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.And pinching of the root extending from the nerve of the spinal cord can lead a person to loss of sensation and disability.
So, the symptoms of the disease are:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- buzzing, noise in the head and ears;
- tiredness, general malaise;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness of the upper limbs.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis occurs without symptoms until a certain time.It makes itself felt when the inflammatory process begins.The areas of the spine involved in movement are affected.Severe pain appears.
Symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as ordinary cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease differ:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- postoperative actions and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- old age;
- hard physical work;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
To avoid serious consequences in the future, you need to urgently consult a doctor if you experience at least one of the above symptoms of the disease.Treatment of chondrosis of the neck should begin immediately.However, full recovery, unfortunately, is impossible.Treatment focuses only on slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbations, hospitalization and semi-bed rest are necessary.
Neurologists prescribe various types of analgesics, vitamins and muscle relaxants.Physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis with anesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Wearing a Shants collar is also one of the treatment methods.Additionally, surgical intervention with the use of chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also indicated;it should be performed when the chondrosis is not yet in the acute phase.However, it is sometimes prescribed during the period of exacerbation.So the doctor reflexively influences the pain in the spine to the detriment of healthy areas of the body.In general, at the beginning, the massage is organized with gentle methods to avoid muscle tension.
To effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need:
- eliminate the factors that caused the disease;
- stimulate the natural regeneration process of intervertebral discs;
- improve the general condition and functioning of the disks;
- restore normal blood circulation to the brain.
Ointment for chondrosis of the neck
The use of an ointment helps to relieve pain, warm, distract and protect cartilage tissue.These medications should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.They are used for muscle tension and pain.The ointment is available in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory: contains steroid substances and possibly analgesics to relieve pain.
- Provides a complex effect (pain relief, inflammation relief, regeneration).
- Ointment for chondrosis, which relieves pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase blood supply and thus improve tissue nutrition.The active ingredient is nicoboxyl.
- An ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage tissue.The main active ingredient contained in it is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.The ointment is prepared on the basis of plant components and extracts.In its action it is similar to the ointments of point 1.
- Massage, which relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.Contains mumiyo, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the initial stages, chondrosis of the neck 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 cure it.To prevent this disease you should:
- improve workplace conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid irrational loads;
- maintain correct postures during work and sleep;
- do physical exercise.