Cervical osteochondrosis is a common disease accompanied by degenerative and dystrophic changes in the spine. The symptoms of the disease in men and women are the same. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor depending on the severity of the lesions and the patient's condition.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis in men
The main symptom of cervical osteochondrosis is pain. There are a number of additional signs that will help determine the presence of degenerative lesions of the spine in the cervical spine.
The pain occurs against the background of disorders in the peripheral area, it is a consequence of the harmful effects on the nerve roots and connectors that connect tissues, discs and muscles. In cervical osteochondrosis, men experience intermittent or persistent pain. In the morning, the patient may experience dull pain deep in the neck.
Important!Unpleasant sensations occur when dizziness, coughing and sneezing.
Due to the strong muscular tension, the man cannot breathe deeply. The pain can radiate to the back of the head, this indicates damage to the back nerve.
When palpating the upper cervical vertebrae, the man may feel a painful lump. When nerve root compensation occurs, discomfort can radiate to the shoulders and arms.
Cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs.
Deterioration of blood circulation in the nerve nodes leads to the following symptoms:
- burning pain in the back of the head;
- night tingling in the hands;
- swelling of the hands;
- irregular heart rate;
- crunching and cracking when turning the head.
Vascular signs appear when the brainstem is affected. Cervical osteochondrosis disrupts normal blood flow in the vertebral arteries. Against the background of such pathological changes neurotic failures occur:
- insomnia;
- unreasonable irritability;
- hesitant gait;
- dizziness;
- fast heart rate;
- excessive sweating;
- memory corruption.
In some cases, the performance of the visual apparatus deteriorates. The danger of osteochondrosis is that it provokes the development of the following syndromes:
- Stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal when the vessels of the brain are squeezed by a herniated intervertebral disc. The upper and lower limbs begin to tingle.
- Reflex-irritating. This syndrome is accompanied by burning pain in the back of the head.
- Root. In this pathology, the nerve roots are compressed by the intervertebral disc. The pain is painful, burning and throbbing.
In most cases, the symptoms of osteochondrosis in men are almost the same as in women. When the first attacks of pain occur, the patient does not always suspect that it is cervical osteochondrosis. Early diagnosis will help avoid complications.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
X-rays are taken to diagnose the disease. This will help ensure that there is no injury to the spine. However, this method of examination does not make it possible to see osteophytes. More modern diagnostic methods are used for this.
Assignment:
- computed tomography;
- magnetic resonance imaging;
- ultrasound scan of the vessels of the neck.
Computed tomography involves the creation of a series of X-rays that show the cervical spine in volume. This detailing makes it possible to assess the nature of the nerve compression, the height of the discs and the structure of the osteophytes.
Magnetic resonance imaging is considered one of the most informative diagnostic methods. It allows you to assess the condition of bone structures. During the MRI, the doctor can detect the presence of a hernia.
Duplex vascular scanning is used if the doctor suspects a bleeding disorder in the vertebral arteries.
Treatment of male osteochondrosis
Treatment is chosen depending on the degree of disability and the general well-being of the man. In most cases, medication and physical therapy are recommended.
HELP.Conservative therapy is aimed at relieving pain and relieving muscle spasm.
Physiotherapy activates the processes of regeneration in cartilage tissue. Such procedures may be part of a comprehensive treatment or as an independent method.
The following procedures are set:
- Electrotherapy.The impact on the affected areas of the spine is through electric current. This manipulation activates blood circulation. Contraindications include the presence of a pacemaker or metal parts in the patient's body.
- Magnetotherapy.This method involves exposure to a constant magnetic field. One procedure lasts 20 minutes.
- Laser therapy.Uses helium-neon lasers. They improve the bioelectrical processes in the tissues of the nervous system. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound healing effect. The duration of exposure to one area does not exceed 2 minutes, the whole procedure takes about 14 minutes.
- Shock wave therapy.This type of exposure is rarely used as there is much controversy about its effectiveness. The impact is provided by acoustic waves. They help improve metabolism and activate blood microcirculation.
- Balneotherapy.The treatment is performed with mineral water and therapeutic mud. All beneficial substances penetrate the skin and act on receptors and nerve endings.
In order to restore the mobility of the affected area, gymnastic exercises must be performed. They will help strengthen the muscular corset and make the joints more flexible. The first training sessions should be conducted under the supervision of a coach, as it is not the number of exercises performed that is important, but their technique.
Important!Surgery is indicated if medical treatment and physical therapy have not yielded the desired results.
This is called a cervical discectomy. The doctor immobilizes the affected segment and removes the hernia, which puts pressure on the spinal nerve. Over time, the vertebrae grow together. 3-5 days after the operation the patient is transferred to the outpatient clinic.
The duration of the rehabilitation period is about 3 months. The exact time of rehabilitation depends on the implant and the professional activity of the operated patient.
In any case, it is worth starting the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with a visit to the doctor. Self-medication can worsen the course of the disease and lead to surgery.
Medicines for treatment
Osteochondrosis medications should only be taken as directed by a doctor. He prepares a therapeutic regimen and selects the optimal dose.
The following groups of drugs are prescribed:
- analgesics;
- antispasmodics;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasodilators;
- chondroprotectors.
HELP.The active ingredients not only relieve spasms, but also reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings.
Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
It is recommended to use drugs to reduce blood viscosity as a vasodilator. They improve blood microcirculation. Taking such drugs promotes rapid recovery after treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
The action of chondroprotectors is aimed at activating the processes of regeneration in the damaged cartilage.
Improperly selected treatment can lead to the formation of a disc herniation. Hypertension often occurs in cervical osteochondrosis. If necessary, the doctor prescribes drugs to relieve the symptoms of such a pathological condition.
In order for drug treatment to be as effective as possible, it must be combined with medical gymnastics and physiotherapy procedures.
After a chiropractic session, try not to pull your neck. The muscles after the procedure will be maximally relaxed and you can reduce the positive effect of the session.
Nutrition in osteochondrosis
In osteochondrosis, the man should pay special attention to his diet. It must be balanced, as the body must receive sufficient amounts of vitamins and nutrients.
The following foods should be present in the diet:
- vegetables and herbs;
- fruits and berries;
- dairy and fermented milk products;
- foods rich in protein;
- foods that contain gelatin and collagen.
Plant foods are rich in vitamins and fiber. They have a low energy value, which helps maintain a normal weight. Parsley, cauliflower, beets and broccoli are especially useful.
For patients with osteochondrosis, it is recommended to include sea buckthorn in the diet. On the basis of fruits and berries you can prepare jelly. Fermented dairy products contain large amounts of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. These vitamins and nutrients strengthen bones and cartilage.
The following foods should be present in the daily menu:
- fermented baked milk;
- cheese without preservatives;
- yogurt;
- fermented milk.
It is important that dairy and fermented dairy products are natural, without colorants and other harmful additives. Protein is essential for the formation of bone and cartilage tissue. It is mostly found in eggs, milk, whole grains and brewer's yeast.
Fish and seafood will benefit. They contain fatty and polyunsaturated acids, which are necessary for the normal recovery of the body. Collagen is present in jelly, aspic fish and aspic. It promotes the synthesis of cartilage tissue.
HELP.It is recommended to replace ordinary vegetable oil with cold pressed olive oil. It is important to maintain water balance.
Use only filtered or bottled water.
Most men see a doctor when osteochondrosis is already advanced. There are a number of symptoms that indicate the development of a pathological condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help avoid surgery and complications.