Spinal osteochondrosis has many symptoms, depending on the location of the pathological process and the degree of its development. When the cervical spine is damaged, neurovegetative disorders occur, which subsequently lead to deformation of bone and cartilage tissue.
A lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is an unpleasant symptom. Foreign body sensation and discomfort in the throat can occur with colds. Experienced specialists at the Yusupov Hospital will help determine the cause of the burning sensation, suffocation, and sore throat.
Lump in throat with cervical osteochondrosis: causes
The cervical spine is subject to the greatest load and is functionally vulnerable. The cervical vertebrae serve as a support for the skull; in addition, they provide rotation and circular movements of the head. The neck is a place through which vital structures of the body pass: main arteries, esophagus, spinal cord, nerves, trachea.
However, the spinal canal is quite narrow, the vertebrae in the cervical region are anatomically heterogeneous and high, therefore the likelihood of displacement of the intervertebral discs, as well as pinching and inflammation of the nerves, increases. The inflammatory process occurring in the nerve fibers leads to disturbances in this area.
The pathological process in the cervical spine is characterized by limited movement, pain, muscle tension, and cerebrovascular insufficiency. Tension of the pharyngeal muscles leads to the fact that the patient feels a lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This symptom appears when the intervertebral disc is displaced in the fourth cervical segment.
In the absence of timely treatment, spinal osteochondrosis can cause serious complications, so self-medication for this disease is unacceptable. The staff of experienced specialists at the Yusupov Hospital provides effective treatment for osteochondrosis and related diseases.
Neck pain: causes
The neck or, in scientific terms, the cervical spine, despite its modest size, is an important part of the human body. It is this that ensures active movements of the head, and the larynx, trachea, and important blood vessels that supply the brain and esophagus pass through it. Its structures contain the thyroid gland and large regional lymph nodes. Therefore, any pain signals in the neck area are a good reason not to self-medicate, but to come for a consultation with a specialist.
Pain in the back of the neck
can either immediately after waking up after a night's sleep, or during the day after physical activity.
The pain is often sharp, but can sometimes be dull, aching, jerking or throbbing. Moreover, it is often additionally accompanied by headache, migraine, dizziness, darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the hands and fingers, impaired visual acuity and other unpleasant symptoms. The most commonly diagnosed pathologies that cause pain in the base of the neck
are diseases of the spine and its immediate cervical region:
- osteochondrosis;
- congenital anomalies;
- arthritis;
- spinal and neck injuries;
- arthrosis;
- spinal canal stenosis;
- inflammation of muscle tissue (myositis);
- inflammation of the nerve nodes of the cervical spine;
- intervertebral hernias, etc.
The cause of pain in the neck area is often various infectious diseases: osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, meningitis, etc. Diseases of the digestive system, heart, lungs, blood vessels, as well as various tumor-like neoplasms can cause discomfort in the tissues. As you can see, the list of reasons is impressive, which suggests that it is impossible to diagnose yourself.
Pain in the neck and back of the head: what to do
Many of our patients attribute pain in the cervical spine and accompanying symptoms to fatigue, drafts and seek to treat them with painkillers, warming ointments and other folk remedies that only temporarily help alleviate the condition. The specialists of our clinic recommend urgently seeking professional medical help if, after possible hypothermia and physical exertion, after 7-10 days the intensity of the pain does not decrease, but becomes sharp, pulling or aching, intensifies and does not give rest.
In our practice, there was a patient who complained of pain in the neck, headaches and dizziness. She came to us after she had tried treatment with different pills and even took a massage course at the clinic. However, the pain only intensified, and we had to perform a drug blockade to alleviate the condition. Subsequently, she underwent diagnostics, a diagnosis was made and a course of therapy was prescribed. 7 months have passed and her condition is steadily improving, pain and dizziness have disappeared. Our doctors helped her understand the causes of the disease and explained how to act so that the attacks did not return.
For accurate and reliable diagnosis in our clinic, patients are examined using the latest low-dose X-ray diagnostic equipment, have an MRI, and in especially complex cases, computed tomography. Often, according to research, patients have to be treated for diseases not related to the musculoskeletal system, but in some cases, the research done helps save a person from disability and surgery. Thus, one of our patients self-medicated on the recommendations of pharmacists after he developed a “stiffness” in his neck, pain in the shoulder girdle and numbness in the upper extremities. At the initial stage of development of the disease, the purchased ointment and patch reduced the manifestation of symptoms, but after a short time their intensity increased, and the person came to our clinic. After a thorough examination and MRI, several intervertebral hernias were identified, which, if not adequately treated, would subsequently require surgical intervention. After undergoing a course of therapy with us, the patient notes a decrease in hernias, the absence of unpleasant sensations and numbness of the limbs.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
A lump in the throat with osteochondrosis can be mistakenly mistaken by the patient for a manifestation of colds, in particular, sore throat. To identify the causes of this condition, you should contact a medical institution and not engage in examination and treatment yourself.
Neurologists and therapists at the Yusupov Hospital study the patient’s symptoms during the examination. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by pain in this area, difficulty swallowing, and headache. People who come to a multidisciplinary hospital with these symptoms are prescribed a comprehensive diagnosis to clarify the diagnosis.
A comprehensive examination includes:
- physiological examination by an ENT doctor, neurologist;
- X-ray of the cervical spine;
- MRI;
- computed tomography.
If you feel discomfort in the neck area, you should contact a specialist for examination. The diagnostic center of the Yusupov Hospital is equipped with modern equipment that allows identifying minimal changes. The staff of the Yusupov Hospital cares about the comfort of patients, so there is no need to wait in lines to undergo an examination, as pre-registration is available.
Complications after a sore throat: where to expect a blow?
First of all, the ENT organs closest to the source of inflammation come under attack, especially vulnerable after suffering from a sore throat. Therefore, the recovery period, which takes place under the supervision of a specialist, will eliminate the development of a number of dangerous diseases:
- lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) can accompany any form of sore throat. In case of suppuration of the lymph nodes, immediate surgical intervention is required;
- Laryngeal edema is a consequence of excessive swelling of the tonsils and can spread further to the vocal cords. Rapidly developing suffocation poses a serious threat to the patient's life;
- Mediastinitis can occur as a result of suppuration of the posterior pharyngeal wall. The inflammatory process affects the deep cervical regions, right up to the mediastinum.
Chronic tonsillitis occurs after severe or frequent recurrences of tonsillitis. Overgrowth of tonsil tissue is treated with medication, although in some cases surgery is required;
Therefore, it is so important to entrust the treatment of sore throat to a qualified doctor who will determine the form of the disease and prescribe antibiotics that are mandatory in the treatment of sore throat.
The course of therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist who can quickly and correctly respond to any changes in the body and prevent the development of irreversible consequences.
During pregnancy, sore throat is especially dangerous. Intoxication of the mother’s body can harm the baby, and in the early stages (up to 12 weeks) there is often a threat of miscarriage.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at the Yusupov Hospital
Patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis, in some cases, went to the Yusupov Hospital with complaints of pain symptoms and difficulty swallowing. A lump in the throat with cervical osteochondrosis is a common manifestation, which may also indicate diseases of the digestive or respiratory systems.
Comprehensive diagnostics using European equipment allows us to identify the patient’s existing disorders. Based on diagnostic data, specialists at the Yusupov Hospital are developing a treatment program for cervical osteochondrosis.
Modern medicine offers effective non-surgical methods for treating osteochondrosis and its symptoms, which are used in various combinations by neurologists at the Yusupov Hospital. The use of drug treatment is aimed at eliminating the symptoms, so, after taking the drugs, the lump in the throat with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is no longer felt by the patient, the muscles relax, and the pain decreases.
Physical therapy classes, which are conducted by experienced physical therapy instructors, in combination with massage and physiotherapeutic procedures, help relax muscles and strengthen the cervical frame.
Treatment of osteochondrosis, which is carried out at the Yusupov Hospital, is aimed not only at eliminating symptoms, but also at stopping the destruction of cartilage tissue. You can make an appointment with a specialist and get advice on working hours by calling the Yusupov Hospital.
Cervical lymphadenitis - symptoms and treatment
Elimination of the primary source of infection
Cervical lymphadenitis is often caused by acute or aggravated periodontitis and complications of advanced caries, such as acute purulent periostitis.
If the tooth can be saved, the root canals are cleaned and filled. If it is impossible to restore a tooth, it is removed. When a purulent focus has formed, the diseased tooth is treated or removed, and the abscess is opened. If cervical lymphadenitis has developed due to a disease of the ENT organs, the source of acute inflammation should also be eliminated.
Drug therapy
- Antibacterial therapy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually used, mainly with a bactericidal effect. The components of such drugs destroy the cell wall of the bacterium or disrupt its metabolic processes, which leads to the death of the microbe. If the patient's condition does not improve, biological material obtained from the lymph node is examined and the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs is determined.
- Antiviral drugs are used for viral origin of lymphadenitis, for example, herpes.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs suppress inflammation at the cellular level, reduce pain and reduce fever.
- Antihistamines reduce capillary permeability, which prevents the development of edema and congestive processes. They also prevent leukocytes from penetrating into the lesion and inhibit the production of substances that contribute to the development of inflammation.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
- UHF (ultra-high frequency therapy) is aimed at reducing swelling, inflammation and pain.
- Ultrasound is used to speed up the resolution of the inflammatory process.
- UVR (ultraviolet irradiation) is indicated to reduce inflammation.
- Laser therapy is aimed at reducing pain, improving nutrition and blood supply to the affected area.
- Electrophoresis is a method in which a medicinal substance penetrates tissue using a direct electric current. For lymphadenitis, electrophoresis with potassium iodide and proteolytic enzymes is usually performed.
- Magnetic therapy is aimed at reducing pain, inflammation, swelling and congestion in tissues.
Physiotherapeutic methods are used in Russia to reduce the duration of drug treatment, but there is insufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
Surgical intervention
Opening a purulent focus is indicated for purulent forms of lymphadenitis and adenophlegmon. Depending on the size of the lesion, the operation is performed under local or general anesthesia. During surgery, the purulent contents and tissue of the disintegrated lymph node are removed.
After surgical treatment, a drainage is placed in the wound, which ensures the drainage of pus and prevents the edges of the wound from healing. Then the wound is treated, its edges are renewed and sutured.
Detoxification therapy
Reduces the level of toxins in the body by diluting them, absorbing breakdown products and increasing diuresis. To do this, drink more fluid, and in severe cases, Hemodez and Reogluman are administered intravenously.
Diet
It is recommended to eat a balanced diet and consume enough vitamins, macro- and microelements.
Features of treatment of lymphadenitis
Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis directly depends on the stage and form of the disease.
In acute serous lymphadenitis, special attention is paid to the primary source of inflammation: inflammatory diseases of the teeth, oral cavity and ENT organs. If the primary inflammatory process is stopped in the early stages, then the symptoms of acute serous lymphadenitis also become less pronounced.
In almost 98% of cases with acute lymphadenitis, it is possible to identify the primary lesion [10]. It is eliminated and antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory or antihistamine therapy is prescribed.
When a purulent form develops, the primary focus is eliminated, the abscess is opened and the tissue of the disintegrated lymph node is removed. The patient is usually kept in the hospital under 24-hour observation. Daily dressings are performed, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and detoxification therapy is prescribed.
In case of chronic hyperplastic lymphadenitis, the affected lymph node is removed, and treatment is also carried out in the hospital. Tissue fragments are sent to the laboratory, processed and examined under a microscope. This procedure allows you to exclude cancer and prevent its development.