Do you have unpleasant neck pains accompanied by dizziness, general weakness, and fatigue? All of this should be a wake-up call for everyone, because any of the listed symptoms may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worth treating such alarming symptoms with full responsibility, because in the absence of timely treatment, pathology can cause the formation of more serious consequences, including an intervertebral hernia.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, in the development of which the structure of the connective tissue changes.
The disease is often disguised as a violation of a different kind, but a timely visit to a specialist allows you to diagnose in time and begin direct treatment.
Degenerative changes in the tissues of the cervical spine are found more frequently in the medical history of the elderly (45-59) and the elderly (60-74).
Despite this, it is worth noting: in modern society, there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by periodic diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in children and adolescents.
It is important that osteochondrosis can occur both in isolation and in combination with the defeat of other parts, in particular, the thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis.
Today it is impossible to name the exact reasons for the appearance of degenerative processes that occur in the intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is a senile phenomenon.
Numerous studies carried out by scientists from different countries have established that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has predominantly provoking factors.
Among the predisposing reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck, there are:
- low level of activity, inactivity and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work that involve a static load on the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient level of physical development;
- violation of the processes of development of connective tissue;
- chronic spinal injuries;
- deformation of the spine, use of insufficiently comfortable pillows, mattresses for rest;
- genetic predisposition.
The vast majority of the reasons are related in one way or another to the natural processes of obsolescence of the body systems, as well as to the probable development of bone and cartilage tissue pathologies.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
Decreased level of mobility and limited flexibility of the joints, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are unavoidable natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.
The discomfort of pain that occurs during movement long before the natural age of aging often leads to a loss of quality of life and even disability.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need a professional consultation from your doctor. In the absence of a professional and timely diagnosis and the necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only a deterioration in well-being, but also serious disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and vascular system.
The main signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
The structure of the human skeleton, the ability to walk upright and the impressive size of the head have made some parts of the spine the most vulnerable, particularly the cervical.
Among the striking features of the structure of the cervical spine, it is worth noting the presence of vertebrae, mainly small in size and a relatively small number of muscles, in connection with which it is in this area that a disease such as osteochondrosis with greater frequency. it happens.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal disease. Depending on the affected area, it can be concentrated:
- on the clavicle and / or shoulder;
- throughout the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, because in the vast majority of cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmainly at night;
- gravity,Back pain;
- mild numbnesstingling in the shoulder, hands;
- crunch,clicking when turning the head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already prominent main symptoms.
Vegetative dystonic symptom
It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck, which are felt especially in the area just below the back of the head.
The sensation of pain often occurs during a prolonged stay in the same position, for example, in the morning hours.
Neck muscles are tight, there are difficulties in moving the hand to the side, stiffness in the movements of the fingers.
Due to compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are often found:
- recurring headaches;
- nausea;
- Fainting.
Spinal symptom
Location of the area: on the left behind the chest.
In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs, compression occurs and, as a result, an infringement of the nerve roots, which leads to the narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of the radicular and ischemic syndrome. .
Circulatory disorders cause:
- severe migraine headaches;
- dizziness;
- visual impairment, tinnitus;
- autonomic function disorders.
In rare cases, the manifestation of a cardinal syndrome is traced, accompanied by compressive pain of the heart muscle, shortness of breath and heart rhythm disturbances.
Degrees of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its characteristic symptoms.
The process of development of the disease progresses quite slowly, but at the same time it has 4 clearly traced stages:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the first degree - the appearance of mild discomfort and pain during prolonged walking, static position. The beginning of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the second degree - bright painful sensations. To eliminate pain, manual therapies and appropriate medications are used;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the third degree - the presence of pronounced lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the fourth degree - the final stage of the development of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of the development of the disease requires surgical intervention, which leads to a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the presence of characteristic symptoms to diagnose and treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist.
As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck area, as well as assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods, it is customary to distinguish:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in several projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia / bulge is suspected.
In case of circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography can be used additionally, as well as an examination of the fundus.
Possible complications
Lack of prompt treatment can lead to serious complications, including:
- protrusion of intervertebral discs(hernia / bulge formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc, accompanied by pinching of the nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- radiculopathy(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spines in the vertebral body) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is determined by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Today, the most effective methods of treating the disease are:
- treatment with conservative methods, including medication / non-medication;
- Surgical intervention;
- a complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
It assumes the effect of physical factors in the affected area. With an integrated approach and competent conduct of all procedures, improvements become evident already in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most popular areas of physical therapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- balneotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibrating massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis.
The massage should be done with care, without the use of force loads. Violation of the massage technique can have negative consequences.
The starting position for the massage is the "face down" or "sitting up straight" position.
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- caress: affects the superficial layers of the skin. It is done with the palms of the hands and the fingertips down from the back of the head, to the level of the upper third of the back;
- squeeze: affects the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is done with two fingers of the hand (thumb and index), which is done across the neck;
- rub - the main goal is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the desired area;
- kneading - affects deep tissues, should be used with caution, as illiterate use may aggravate the situation.
Physiotherapywith cervical osteochondrosis
There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective are:
Self stretching
Starting position: sitting / standing with a straight back.
Order of execution: maintaining the starting position, try to lower the shoulders as low as possible, while stretching the upper part of the head upwards.
Running intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: terry towel.
Starting position: sitting / standing, grabbing the neck with a towel, grabbing its ends with your hands.
Procedure: alternately pull the ends of the towel, gently kneading the neck muscles.
Important! During exercise, it is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slip and does not rub on the neck.
Gymnastics (flexion / extension, twists, curves)
Starting position: sitting / standing with a straight back.
The order of execution: From the starting position, perform a gentle flexion / extension, turn or tilt of the head, first in one direction, then the other.
Intensity of execution: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Medications for cervical osteochondrosis.
It is especially important during an exacerbation, as it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass that provide nutrition to the brain.
As a means of treatment, tablets, injections, ointments and other topical agents prescribed by the attending physician can be used.
Important! Self-medication with drugs of various groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability, death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, often used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but it is also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The key direction of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Provides effective reduction of muscle tension, significantly reducing pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warm ointments for cervical osteochondrosis.
To increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroidal substances in their composition.
The action of hot ointments is aimed at relieving pain, as well as heating, which activates blood flow to the site of application of the drug.
Chondroprotectors
They are used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. It has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage regimen: 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component in maintaining the health of the body.
In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the diet is, although auxiliary, but at the same time a very significant component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- elimination of the probability of a deficiency of nutrients necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.
Diet principles
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimization of inhibitions: a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
- Compliance with the drinking regimen is an important component in preventing breakdown of the intervertebral disc tissue.
- Reduce salt intake: eliminates the likelihood of increased load on blood vessels and maintains water and electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starches and sugars, in order to eliminate the likelihood of metabolic disturbances.
Prohibited and recommended foods
Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of products that obstruct the body such as:
- alcohol that alters the water and electrolyte balance and causes dehydration of the tissues;
- fatty and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
- acidic and spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products that adversely affect digestion processes;
- sweets, sugars that interrupt blood circulation.
The list of recommended foods mainly includes easily digestible plant and animal foods, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef, and pork;
- Fish and shellfish;
- dairy products, eggs;
- cereals of various kinds;
- wholemeal bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive actions
The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back, the health of which is due to:
- a sufficient level of physical activity;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and a quality mattress;
- maintain a correct posture;
- a combination of prolonged sitting with rest periods and physical warm-up;
- adherence to proper nutrition.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, lift excruciating weights.