If you wake up in the morning and feel a strong rubbing pain in the back of your head and neck, you should pay attention to this.Of course, the discomfort may 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 undergo a number of studies (ultrasound, MRI of the cervical spine).It is likely to be caused by a cold or inflammation of the lymph nodes due to a sore throat or other infection.However, if the cause of the pain is neck chondrosis, this diagnosis cannot be ignored.After all, this disease contributes to a significant decrease in the quality of life and limits the activities 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.By digging the nerve endings running in the body of the spine, spinous processes are visible.In addition, intervertebral discs become more fragile and thin.There is a risk of intervertebral hernia that brings the patient to the operating table.
In general, the cervical spine consists of 7 vertebrae, is very mobile and is responsible for tilting and turning the head.Neck chondrosis is very common and takes second place after lumbar chondrosis.It most often affects people aged 30-60.The cause of this disease is the structural features of the spine (vertebrae closely adjacent to each other).In addition, the neck muscles are quite poorly developed, so a very insignificant load causes disorders in the cervical spine.
Neck chondrosis can occur as a result of:
- weakness of the neck muscle corset;
- 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
Cervical osteochondrosis, according to its symptoms, is the most dangerous type of osteochondrosis, because the blood supply to the brain is disturbed due to compression of blood vessels.And pinching a root extending from a spinal nerve can cause numbness and disability in a person.
So, the symptoms of the disease:
- persistent pain in the back of the head and neck;
- dizziness;
- ringing in the head and ears, noise;
- fatigue, general disorder;
- deterioration of vision and hearing;
- pain that radiates to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, and is 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.
The symptoms of the acute form of osteochondrosis are the same as the symptoms of ordinary cervical chondrosis.But the causes of this disease are different:
- frequent muscle spasms;
- congenital skeletal disorder;
- postoperative movements and injuries;
- severe poisoning;
- hernias;
- old age;
- heavy physical labor;
- mineral or hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
In order to avoid serious consequences in the future, if at least one of the above symptoms of the disease occurs, you should urgently consult a doctor.Treatment of neck chondrosis should begin immediately.But complete recovery, unfortunately, is impossible.Treatment is aimed only at slowing down irreversible processes.In case of exacerbation, hospitalization and half-bed rest are necessary.
Neurologists prescribe various types of analgesics, vitamins and muscle relaxants.Physiotherapy (ultrasound procedures, electrophoresis using anesthetics, etc.) gives good results.Wearing a shunt collar is also one of the treatment methods.In addition, surgical intervention with the use of chondroprotectors is used.
Massage is also indicated;it should be done when chondrosis is not yet in an acute stage.However, it is sometimes prescribed during an exacerbation.Then the doctor reflexively affects the pain in the spine at the expense of healthy areas of the body.In general, a gentle massage is arranged first to prevent muscle tension.
Effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires the following:
- eliminate the factors that cause the disease;
- stimulate the natural regeneration process of intervertebral discs;
- improve the general condition and function of discs;
- restore normal blood circulation in the brain.
Ointment for neck chondrosis
The use of ointment helps to relieve pain, warm, distract and protect cartilage tissue.These drugs should be used only as prescribed by the doctor.They are used for muscle tension and pain.Ointment comes in the following types:
- Anti-inflammatory - contains steroids and possibly analgesics to relieve pain.
- Providing a complex effect (pain relief, inflammation relief, recovery).
- Ointment for chondrosis that relieves pain and irritation.It is necessary to increase blood supply and thereby improve tissue nutrition.The active ingredient is nicoboxil.
- An ointment that slows down negative processes and restores cartilage tissue.The main active substance in its composition is chondroitin sulfate.
- Homeopathic.Ointment is made on the basis of plant components and extracts.In its action, it is similar to ointments from paragraph 1.
- A massage that relieves inflammation, promotes tissue regeneration and relieves pain.It contains mumiyo, honey and herbal ingredients.
Prevention
In the initial stages, neck 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 cure it.To prevent this disease, you need:
- improvement of working conditions;
- leading a healthy lifestyle;
- follow a diet, do not overeat;
- avoid irrational burdens;
- maintaining correct postures while working and sleeping;
- do physical exercise.