Inflammation of the cervical nerve: symptoms and treatment in conservative ways

Causes of a headache may be concealed in diseases of the brain and membranes, vessels, pathology of the extramebra structures( affection of carotid and near-vertebral arteries, neuritis, Change in blood pressure, intoxication, psychological causes).One of these factors is inflammation of the nerve in the cervical region. More often the pathological process affects the occipital nerve.

Etiology of inflammation

Inflammation of the cervical nerve involves the defeat of two paired spinal processes - large and small occipital. If the condition worsens primarily, the inflammatory process develops against a background of complete well-being. Secondary disease occurs against the background of other pathological processes. Factors that trigger the development of the disease:

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• spine trauma( edema, nerve compression);
• hypothermia of the cervical region;
• cervical osteochondrosis;
• overstrain the muscles of the back or neck in an uncomfortable position while driving, sitting at a table;
• tumors of the brain and vertebrae of the neck;
• osteoarthritis of vertebral joints;
• brain infections - encephalitis, meningitis;
• diabetes mellitus( development of polyneuropathy);
• gout;
• systemic autoimmune diseases;
• inflammation of the vascular walls;
• stress.

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Symptoms of nerve inflammation

A characteristic sign of the development of pathology is a headache that occurs suddenly during the turn of the head or the touch of the occiput. Pain syndrome in the back of the neck extends to the occipital region, behind the ears and on the side surface of the head, eyes. Symptoms of cervical nerve inflammation can be one- and two-sided.

Pain, shooting, paroxysmal, accompanied by photophobia - an unpleasant sensation in the eyes in bright light. Symptoms often lead to an erroneous diagnosis of migraine. Symptomatology is enhanced by movement, turns of the head, rotation in the neck. The patient tries to adopt a position of the body in which the sensations will be less pronounced.

In the area of ​​nerve damage, reddening of the skin, impaired sensitivity, a feeling of crawling, numbness. If the small occipital nerve is affected selectively, the pain comes from behind the ears, so it is often mistaken for the pathology of the ear.

Diagnosis of the disease

Inflammation of the nerve on the neck is a sign of more serious diseases. Therefore, timely, accurate diagnosis of the cause of the condition is necessary. In addition to examining and collecting an anamnesis, the doctor prescribes X-ray diagnostic methods:

• X-ray examination of the occipital region and cervical region gives an idea of ​​the condition of bones and joints;
• CT of the cervical spine visualizes layered images of soft tissues and bone structures;
• MRI of the cervical department shows the condition of soft tissues and bones, the images reflect tumors and distortions.

In some cases, consultation with an orthopedist or a neurosurgeon is required.

Treatment of the cervical nerve

After the appearance of the symptoms of cervical nerve inflammation and the diagnosis, a complex treatment is prescribed. The first to use conservative methods, the purpose of which is the elimination of pain syndrome. If they are ineffective or there is an education that squeezes the cervical nerve, resort to surgical methods of treatment.

Medical treatment

To eliminate pain and inflammation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Diclofenac, Ketorolac, Nimesulide are prescribed. They can take no more than a week, tk. With prolonged use, the gastrointestinal mucosa is damaged.

Muscle relaxants of peripheral action type cause relaxation of skeletal muscles, eliminate spasm around the nerve. These are such drugs as Midokalm, Sirdalud. Also for this purpose, anticonvulsant carbamazepine, clonazepam is prescribed.

Glucocorticoids have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, eliminate edema. Effective in inflammation against the background of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis.

Group B vitamins improve nutrition and metabolism in the damaged nerve. Used a long course with alternating B6 and B12 daily or a short course with the appointment of a shock dose of a complex of vitamins of this group. Locally used anti-inflammatory gels, warming ointments( Capsicum).

Physiotherapy

Treatment is performed by electrophoresis with a local anesthetic( Novocain).Effective therapy with ultrasound with hydrocortisone ointment, laser treatment, diadynamic currents. Local heating procedures are used: inductothermy, paraffin treatment, ozocerite on the cervical region.

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Massage

The action is aimed at improving blood flow and nutrition of affected areas, eliminating pain syndrome. Manipulation should be performed by a specialist with a medical background in order to be effective and safe.

Massage the posterior region of the neck at the exit points of the nerves. These places the masseur will determine by soreness when pressed. Use techniques of stroking, squeezing, rubbing in different directions. After the massage, it is recommended to perform exercises for the hands and head. To consolidate the therapeutic effect, patients are offered acupuncture, manual therapy, and physical therapy.

Conservative therapy is aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome. This will help to cope with the disease, if there are no organic changes in the spine, brain or spinal cord. Otherwise, the symptoms will be eliminated for a while, coping with the disease can only be surgically done.