If, upon waking up in the morning, you feel a strong shooting pain in the back of the head and neck, you need to pay attention to it.Of course, the discomfort may disappear during the day, but the next day it is possible that the discomfort 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).It is possible that the cause is a cold or inflammation of the lymph nodes resulting from 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 neck chondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.This results in irreversible deformations of the vertebrae.Spinous processes appear, hollowing out the nerve endings that run along 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.
In general, the cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for the tilt and rotation of the head.Chondrosis of the neck is very common and ranks second after chondrosis of the lumbar spine.It most often affects people aged 30 to 60.The cause of this disease lies in the structural features of the spine (vertebrae closely adjacent to each other).In addition, the neck muscles are quite poorly developed, so a very insignificant load leads to disorders of the cervical spine.
Chondrosis of the neck can occur as a result of:
- weakness of the neck muscle corset;
- long periods of work at a computer or desk;
- various neck injuries;
- poor 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, because due to compression of blood vessels, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.And pinching of the root extending from the spinal cord nerve can lead to loss of sensitivity and disability.
So, the symptoms of the disease are:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- ringing, noises 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 of the upper limbs.
Acute course of the disease
Acute chondrosis occurs without symptoms for some time.This is felt when the inflammatory process begins.Areas of the spine involved in movement are affected.Severe pain appears.
The symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as those of 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;
- heavy physical labor;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
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 chondrosis of the neck should begin immediately.However, a full recovery is unfortunately impossible.Treatment is aimed only at slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbations, hospitalization and semi-bed rest are necessary.
Neurologists prescribe various types of painkillers, vitamins and muscle relaxers.Physiotherapy (ultrasound, electrophoresis under anaesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Wearing a Shants collar is also one of the treatment methods.Additionally, surgical intervention using chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also indicated;it must be performed when the chondrosis is not yet in the acute stage.However, it is sometimes prescribed during a period of exacerbation.Then the doctor reflexively affects the pain in the spine to the detriment of healthy areas of the body.Generally speaking, initially, the massage is organized using gentle methods in order to avoid muscular tension.
In order to effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary:
- eliminate the factors causing the disease;
- stimulate the natural regeneration process of the intervertebral discs;
- improve the general condition and operation of the disks;
- restore normal blood flow to the brain.
Ointment for chondrosis of the neck
Using ointment helps relieve pain, warm, distract and protect cartilage tissue.These medications should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.They are used against 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 is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.The ointment is made on the basis of plant components and extracts.In its action, it is similar to the ointments from point 1.
- Massage, which relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.It contains mumiyo, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the early stages, chondrosis of the neck is almost invisible, so special attention should be paid to the prevention of this insidious disease.After all, it is always better to prevent a problem than to treat it.To prevent this disease, you must:
- improve working conditions;
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid irrational burdens;
- maintaining correct postures during work and sleep;
- do physical exercise.