Osteochondrosis — one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The disease can affect various parts of the spine or joints, causing degenerative changes in the cartilage tissue. Cervical osteochondrosis, in which the cervical spine is affected, is considered by experts to be a problem characteristic of people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle.
The disease is characterized by the appearance of pain, while the patient may complain of headaches, dizziness, and a steady deterioration in vision. Together with estet-portal.com, we offer to find out why this happens and how to counter this phenomenon.
Why vision deteriorates with cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis — orthopedic disease caused by dystrophic changes in cartilage tissue. Such processes can occur in any joints, but most often degeneration of cartilage tissue is observed in various parts of the spine, where intervertebral discs undergo pathological changes.
How are pathological processes in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine associated with visual impairment? If we simplify as much as possible the schemes of the most complex processes occurring in the body, we can say that the problem is caused by impaired cerebral circulation, which happens to be caused by partial squeezing of the vertebral arteries, which provide oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells.
Compression of the cervical vertebrae negatively affects the functioning of the structures of the medulla oblongata, which regulates breathing and cardiac activity.
In addition, hypoxia caused by cervical osteochondrosis has a negative impact on the work of the visual center located in the back of the head. In this case, vertebral artery syndrome often occurs, leading to visual impairment.
Symptoms of ophthalmic pathologies in osteochondrosis
How to understand that the vision problems that have arisen are caused precisely by the development of cervical osteochondrosis? Usually in this case there are complaints about:
· a state of weakness;
· blackout and dizziness;
· appearance of black dots or colored spots in the field of vision;
· out of focus;
· constriction of the field of vision;
· decreased visual acuity;
· appearance of tension and pain in the eyes.
In addition, when examined by a specialist, noticeable changes in the appearance and functioning of the eyes are often detected:
· slow pupillary response to light;
· restricted eye movement;
· slight increase in protrusion of the eyeballs;
· appearance of sudden horizontal twitching of the eyeballs.
Visual impairment is often accompanied by:
· increased intraocular pressure;
· retinal degeneration process;
· swelling of the optic nerve.
How pathologies that cause visual impairment develop
Like any other disease, cervical osteochondrosis requires appropriate treatment.
Do not forget that each person's disease progresses at different speeds, and this cannot but affect the deepening of pathological processes that affect vision. At the same time, it is not easy to predict exactly how the pathology will develop.
In the event that a person ignores the development of this disease for a long time, visual impairment will also progress. In this case, the following phenomena may occur:
- Increased tension in the eye muscles can lead to spasms and disturbances in focus. In addition, spontaneous relaxation of the lens muscles can cause blurred vision.
- The likelihood of developing myopia — pathology characteristic of people who, by the nature of their activity, are forced to look at closely spaced objects for a long time. Against the background of factors caused by osteochondrosis, there is a violation of the natural functionality of the lens, which loses the ability to quickly rebuild when visual perception of objects remote at different distances.
- Increased intraocular pressure is a factor that provokes the development of glaucoma, which, in turn, can lead to complete loss of vision.
Saving eyes: how to prevent vision problems
Since the disruption of the work of visual analyzers provokes osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is quite natural that it is possible to eliminate or stop the development of pathologies by carrying out procedures aimed at combating this disease.
Specialists consider the most effective:
· massage (including — self-massage) of the area, including the neck, occipital region and upper back;
· electrotherapy treatments;
· Performing exercise therapy complex.
In addition, it is important, following the doctor's instructions, to take prescribed medications, vitamin complexes and essential minerals in a timely manner.
It is important to note that people who are forced to lead a sedentary lifestyle by occupation should take measures to minimize the risk of developing osteochondrosis, which over the past few decades has ceased to be considered an ailment characteristic of the elderly.
And this means that everyone who spends their working day leaning at the table will benefit from:
· quit smoking;
· get enough vitamins and minerals;
· do not forget about the need for physical activity;
· avoid prolonged fixation of the position of the head and neck in the same position;
· in the process of sedentary work, take short breaks necessary for warming up.
Of course, osteochondrosis is not a deadly disease. However, if timely measures are not taken, the disease inevitably leads to a rapid decline in the quality of life. In addition to visual impairment, it entails many other unpleasant consequences and leads to a narrowing of the spinal canal or the appearance of a vertebral hernia. At the same time, timely diagnosis, which is carried out with & nbsp; using the most advanced methods and technologies, allows you to accurately determine the degree & nbsp; tissue damage.
There are many effective conservative methods of dealing with this disease. However, in severe cases, the doctor may recommend the use of surgery to treat this disease.
For more varied and up-to-date information on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, please visit estet-portal.com.
Read also: How spinal problems are related to headaches
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