If you feel a strong, persistent pain in the back of your head and neck after waking up in the morning, then you need to pay attention.Of course, the discomfort may go away during the day, but it may return the next day.
What are the causes of pain in the back of the head and neck?Only a doctor can answer this question, but first you will need to undergo a series of studies (ultrasound, cervical spine MRI).The cause may be lymph node inflammation from a cold or sore throat or other infection.But if the cause of the pain is cartilage in the neck, then this diagnosis cannot be ignored.After all, this disease causes a significant decrease in the quality of life and limits the patient's activities.
What is cervical rickets?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease of the cervical intervertebral discs.As a result, the vertebrae become irreversibly deformed.Spinous processes appear and penetrate deep into the nerve endings of the spinal column.In addition to this, the intervertebral discs become more fragile and thinner.There is a risk of intervertebral hernia, which brings the patient to the operating table.
Generally speaking, the cervical spine is composed of 7 vertebrae, which are highly mobile and responsible for tilting and turning the head.Cervical rickets are very common, second only to lumbar vertebral rickets.It's most common in people ages 30 to 60.The cause of this disease is the structural characteristics of the spine (the vertebrae are located closely next to each other).In addition, the neck muscles are poorly developed, and a small load can cause cervical spine disorder.
Chondrosis of the neck may be caused by:
- Weak neck muscles;
- working at a computer or desk for long periods of time;
- Various neck injuries;
- Poor posture, sedentary lifestyle;
- Metabolic disorders;
- low temperature;
- Overeating.
disease symptoms
Based on its symptoms, cervical osteochondrosis is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis because the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to compression of blood vessels.Compression of the roots that extend from the spinal nerves can cause a person to lose sensitivity and become disabled.
Well, the symptoms of this disease are:
- Persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- Dizziness;
- Tinnitus, noise in head and ears;
- Fatigue, general malaise;
- worsening of vision and hearing;
- The pain radiates to the shoulder blades, shoulders, and arms, and may be accompanied by weakness and numbness in the upper limbs.
acute course
Acute rickets do not cause symptoms until a certain time.When the inflammatory process begins, it is felt.Areas of the spine involved in movement are affected.Severe pain occurs.
The symptoms of acute osteochondrosis are the same as those of common cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorders;
- postoperative behavior and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernia;
- old age;
- Heavy physical labor;
- Mineral or hormonal imbalance.
treat
To avoid serious consequences in the future, you must seek urgent medical attention if you develop at least one of the symptoms of the above-mentioned diseases.Treatment of cervical rickets should be started immediately.Unfortunately, however, full recovery is not possible.The focus of treatment is simply to slow down the irreversible process.If the condition worsens, hospitalization and semi-bed rest may be required.
Neurologists will prescribe various types of analgesics, vitamins, and muscle relaxants.Physical therapy (ultrasound surgery, electrophoresis with anesthetics, etc.) can give good results.Wearing a Shants collar is also part of the treatment.In addition, surgical intervention is performed using chondroprotective agents.
Massage is also indicated; it should be performed when rickets have not yet entered the acute phase.However, medications are sometimes prescribed during exacerbations.Doctors then instinctively affect spinal pain at the expense of healthy parts of the body.Generally speaking, the massage technique should be gentle at first to avoid muscle tension.
For effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, you need:
- Eliminate disease-causing factors;
- Stimulates the natural regeneration process of the intervertebral disc;
- Improve the overall condition and functionality of the disk;
- Restores normal blood circulation to the brain.
Cervical Chondrosis Ointment
Using an ointment can help relieve pain, provide warmth, provide distraction, and protect cartilage tissue.These medications should only be used with a doctor's prescription.They are used to relieve muscle tension and pain.This ointment is available in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory - Contains steroid substances and possibly analgesics to relieve pain.
- Provides complex effects (pain relief, inflammation relief, regeneration).
- Ointment for rickets to relieve pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase blood supply thereby improving tissue nutrition.The active ingredient is nicotinyl.
- An ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage tissue.Its main active ingredient is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathy.The ointment is based on plant ingredients and extracts.It works like the ointment in point 1.
- Massage can relieve inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and relieve pain.It contains mummy, honey and herbal ingredients.
prevention
In its early stages, cartilage of the neck is almost invisible, so it deserves special attention to prevent this insidious disease.After all, it's always better to prevent a problem than to cure it.To prevent this disease, you should:
- improve workplace conditions;
- maintain a healthy lifestyle;
- Follow dietary habits and don’t overeat;
- Avoid unreasonable loads;
- Maintain correct posture while working and sleeping;
- Get physical exercise.