Osteochondrosis today is rightly considered the "disease of the century" because most often people suffer from humans whose work does not require increased motor activity.
In most cases, changes in cartilage and bone tissue are observed in people of work age - up to 40 years.
The disease can affect different parts of the spine, and the second prevailing is osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
What is it?
Osteochondrosis is dystrophic disorders of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.
Previously, the term lies in a large group of bone archive diseases, but is now only used with a degenerative spinal disease.
Compared to other departments of the spine, the cervical region is more mobile and has many nerve and vascular formations.The structure of the vertebrae is small in size, as well as the fact that they are surrounded by a very weak muscle corset.
Such an anatomical structure predisposes to the development of osteochondrosis, the severity of the clinical manifestations of which depends on the nature of the changes in the intervertebral discs and the degree of destruction.
Causes of the development of the disease
The main and most common cause of cervical spine osteochondrosis is a sedentary lifestyle.
Due to the lack of physical exercise with a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle:
- Metabolic processes are violated;
- The level of salts in the bloodstream and lymphatic fluid increases;
- In the cervical region, in the kidneys and liver of the spine, salts are placed.
Damage to the cervical vertebrae is mainly determined by the lack of nutrients in the intervertebral discs.Therefore, the main reasons for the appearance of cervical osteochondrosis also include improper and unbalanced food.
Risk factors
There are many risk factors for cervical osteochondrosis.
The most common factors are:
- inheritance;
- age -related changes;
- cervical back damage;
- hypothermia;
- hormonal disorders leading to metabolic disorders;
- Some autoimmune diseases that lead to damage to cartilage tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatism).
What is dangerous
Not only the spinal cord and nerve roots pass through the cervical spine, but also the vertebral arteries, which is responsible for the blood supply of the back of the brain, an elongated brain and cerebellum.
Therefore, with cervical osteochondrosis, this artery is squeezed, and as a result, a violation of cerebral circulation.
In particularly advanced cases, squeezing the arteries and blood vessels adjacent and nerve plexuses can lead to consequences such as:
- violation of coordination;
- loss of hearing and vision;
- stroke
If you do not cure the disease in the initial stage, then this can lead to complications such as: extension of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral disc hernia.
The degree of development of the disease
Cervical osteochondrosis, such as osteochondrosis of the spine, develops in stages.There are 3 stages of the development of the disease.
1st degree
It is characterized by the onset of the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Acques are formed in the fibrous ring, the strength and elasticity of the disk are formed, its height decreases, due to which the nerve roots are squeezed.
A characteristic painful pain appears.Sometimes at 1 stage (pre -end) such pain may be absent, and osteochondrosis continues with moderate neck discomfort.
2 stairs
If the 1 scale osteochondrosis was not treated or the treatment was not effective, then a chronic condition occurs, which is the 2nd degree of osteochondrosis.
The pain becomes continuous, the destruction and seal of the intervertebral disc continues and leads to small displacement of the cervical vertebrae.
With cervical uterine osteochondrosis, a falling scalp syndrome can develop at this stage.This syndrome is characterized by severe pain, and a person is forced to support his head in a fixed state to reduce pain.
3 degrees
The 3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by the following signs:
- headache;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- The "bastards" of the cervix;
- Violation of the sensitivity of the upper extremities.
The fibrous ring has already been destroyed almost, which leads to complications of osteochondrosis - the extension of the intervertebral disc or intervertebral hernia.
In 3 stages of osteochondrosis, the intensity of the pain can decrease, as the affected cartilage tissue on the intervertebral disc simply does not exist, which means there is no source of pain, but the residues of the nerve roots remain, so the pain does not completely turn away.
Characteristic features and symptoms
There are many signs of a manifestation of this disease.And they depend on which beads are damaged by this disease.
Characteristic syndromes for cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Spine syndrome;
- Vertebral artery syndrome;
- Cervical migraine syndrome;
- Hypertension syndrome.
All of these syndromes are associated, first of all, by different types of pain.
If we consider vertebral artery syndrome, then headaches here manifests itself in the early stage of development of the disease.
At the same time, pain attacks can be associated with:
- dizziness;
- walking swinging;
- Visual symptoms (appearance of fog before the eyes, a decrease in visual acuity, etc.).Fainting (with sharp head movements).
With hypertension syndrome, increased intracranial pressure is determined.
A headache is more exploded, it can be associated with vomiting and vomiting.With the irritation of the cervical osteochondrosis, an increase in temperature and an increase in ESR may be observed.
When compressing the spinal roots ("Roying Syndrome"), the following neurological symptoms may appear:
- pronounced pain in the neck (cervix);
- neck pain, spreading to the forearm of the forearm and shoulder bone (cervix);
- hand pain;
- sensations of crisis or cod in the neck when you turn your head;
- The "giving" pain of the ear, which occurs only after a long stay in an unpleasant position or a sharp movement;
- pain or sensation of a throat coma, respiratory disorders;
- numbness of hands and tongue;
- a sense of swelling of the tongue;
- pronounced weakness;
- hearing and vision violation;
- noise in the ears;
- General deterioration in well -being.
With "cervical migraine" syndrome, the sympathetic joints are irritated, which leads to impaired reactivity of brain vessels and circulatory disorders.
As a result, hypertension can develop, often accompanied by:
- ears with blockage;
- tachycardia;
- noise on the head;
- Calling on the ear.
When compressing blood supply to the spinal cord of the arteries, a spinal cord can occur.
Breastfeeding blood in the brain with osteochondrosis can lead to:
- brain cell oxygen insufficiency;
- mental disorders (state of depression, panic attacks);
- The appearance of signs of episodrom, such as short -term losses of consciousness and tension of the whole body - are often confused with signs of epilepsy.
Such a sign of cervical osteochondrosis such as changes and heart rate, such as extrasistol or arrhythmia, is very common.
Such signs are very common among officers and office employees.
Due to the lifestyle seated in the intervertebral vessels of the cervical back and chest, changes occur, which lead to heart disorders.
In most cases, until osteochondrosis cures, it will be virtually impossible to get rid of disorders in the heart rhythm.
Ellingance under the eyes can also indicate osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
Most often, they depend on the position of the head during night sleep, pass throughout the day and are combined with headaches, dizziness, severe head, etc.
Vegetable -vascular dystonia is another of the common diseases that occur in this disease.
It is a consequence of pinching the vascular arteries passing through the sides of the spinal column.
Diagnostic methods
A preliminary diagnosis is determined by a neurologist during the initial examination of the patient.Recently, the doctor had to diagnose, having only performed an external examination of the patient and sending him to X -Ray.
But, unfortunately, on X -Ray, it is impossible to see a complete picture of the development of the disease.
Currently, examinations such as calculated tomography and the image of magnetic resonance are available, with which you can fully evaluate which stage of development the disease is.
Once the diagnosis is made, the patient goes to the doctor who specializes in the area.
Which doctor treats?
A close specialist of orientation is engaged in treatment - a vertebologist or a verteboneurist.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The basis of cervical osteochondrosis treatment is the severity of the main clinical symptoms.
In the cervical region, symptoms are mainly associated with squeezing blood vessels and nerve endings, therefore, during treatment, edema is mainly facilitated and restored blood circulation.
There are many methods of treatment used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
The most effective treatment is a complex, which is a combination of some conservative methods of treatment.
Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following traditional and non -traditional methods: treatment of medicines, massage, acupressure, manual therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy, popular remedies, etc.
The stages of treatment for osteochondrosis are the same for all localizations of this disease:
- First you need to remove the pain syndrome.
- Then edema will be removed.
- At this stage, it is necessary to normalize blood circulation.
- Strengthening muscle lanes.
- Improving food and tissue regeneration.
Only the team of good specialists, which includes a neurologist, physiotherapist, massage, surgeon, verteboneurologist, can choose the most appropriate therapy.
Like any disease, treat the osteochondrosis of the cervical region in the very early stage of the occurrence.If you do not start the process, then at this stage you can achieve a complete osteochondrosis cure.
Unfortunately, 2 and 3 phases of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with complete or partial destruction of intervertebral discs, so these stages are characterized by a very long recovery process.
First aid
How to relieve pain with irritation?
With severe pain, you need to get anesthesia from a home medicine cabinet.You can also glue a piece of pepper with pain.
When edema appears, diuretics can be obtained.Rubbing the neck area with the sedative soothing can help.
Physical medical education in irritation is contraindicated as well as warming, as these effects can cause serious complications.
After removing acute pain, you should consult your doctor urgently for consultation.
Treatment with medication
Medications most often start with injections (with irritation), then switch to tablets and candles in combination with local use of ointments and gels.
Anesthesia in the treatment of medicines is performed using anti -inflammatory steroids.
Make sure you prescribe medicines that restore cerebral circulation.
With pathological muscle tension, muscle relaxants can be prescribed, such as midocalm.For more effective treatment, vitamins in therapeutic dose and trace elements are taken.
In cases of intervertebral hernia, surgical intervention is not rarely recommended and the attending physician may provide an surgery.
Massage and self -massage
This method goes well with physiotherapy and physiotherapy.You can take a massage course both in any medical institution and by addressing private practices.
Massage is needed for the cervical osteochondrosis to strengthen the muscles and relieve the tension in the neck.
The task of the massage therapist is to remove harmful metabolism products, as well as facilitate the spasm from the pathology area by increasing the output and blood flow to the injured area.
The main techniques used by specialists during neck massage are:
- hitting;
- squeeze;
- digestion;
- vibration;
- Travel.
The self -massage technique can be performed using the following techniques:
- Stroking (movements should be soft, without much effort to form folds);
- strike (deep effect on the muscles, grasping in folding, pressure and push);
- vibration (oscillating effects from shade, shaking, patting).
Itself -Masha must always end up hitting.During vibration, you can use a massage.
Massage
Excessive massage relieves headaches with irritation of cervical osteochondrosis, helps increase pressure, normalizing it.
Acupressure Scheme:
- Impact on the Feng Fu point, which is located under the occipital hill, for 1 minute.
- Impact on the feng-chi point, located on the width of the two fingers by the special skull processes.
- Exposure for 1-1.5 minutes at point I-Men (located at a distance of three fingers width from the PHEN-FU point).
- The sedative exposure is 1-1.5 minutes at the dowel point (7th cervical vertebra).
After acupressure, it is necessary to lie down for a few minutes, as a small dizziness can occur.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy helps to cope with acute and chronic pain, also increases the volume of movements and improves behavior well.
The main techniques of manual therapy for cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- Relaxing and segmental massage.It is used to warm the muscles and relieve tension.
- Mobilization.Impacts aimed at restoring common functions.Attraction method.
- Manipulation.A sharp pulse that targets the patient's pathological areas.The procedure is accompanied by a characteristic crisis (return of joining to a normal position).
A specialist practicing manual therapy must master these techniques perfectly.Otherwise, any mistakes can lead to injuries.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture contributes to the release of blood cortisol.This hormone has a pronounced anti -inflammatory effect.
Acupuncture is performed by exposure to points near the inner edge of the scapula.The needles are inserted at a depth of 1 - 2 cm and left for exposure to 10 - 30 minutes.
Homeopathy
Treatment of medication carries with it many adverse side consequences, so homeopathy can become a worthy replacement for treatment without undesirable consequences.
With cervical osteochondrosis with pronounced hypertension (expressed by pain in the back of the head), strontium carbonate is used.
Set on breeding at 3, 6, 12 and 30.
Features of nutrition
Food should be saturated with calcium and magnesium.
These trace elements are located in fish and seafood, nuts, legumes and dairy products.
Often neck osteochondrosis can be associated with atherosclerosis.In this case, a difficult diet is recommended.
The diet is described for 3-4 months.It is necessary to limit the consumption of all cholesterol -containing products.These include animal fats, fatty varieties of meat, fatty milk products, etc.Also, consumption of salt, sugar, flour products should be limited or excluded.
It is recommended to abandon bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.).
Cervical osteochondrosis and alcohol are interconnected.The fact is that when it falls into the bloodstream, alcohol destroys cells, thus deteriorating blood circulation already concerned about osteochondrosis.
Therefore, it should be limited to a minimum, and during the deterioration period to completely abandon the use of alcohol.
Prevention of the disease
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- Dreamrra should be on a solid mattress and on a low pillow: the neck flex angle should not be more than 15 degrees;
- Take a hot shower every day for at least 10 minutes;
- Visit a sauna and a bathroom as often as possible: warmly helps remove neck cramps;
- Let us be aerobic loads and regular walks at a low pace;
- engage in swimming;
- After 25 years, avoid the shock load on your back (jumping, running);
- When lowering the job, be sure to take five -minute vacation every hour;
- Regular yogas classes can prevent any manifestation of cervical osteochondrosis;
- Refuse to visit the gym, as the bodybuilding classes can provoke the appearance of cervical disc extension;
- Exercise as a prevention for neck osteochondrosis helps to strengthen the cervical muscles, relieve tension.
The questions asked more often
What should we do during pregnancy, and how to treat it?
Often, it is during pregnancy that the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis occur.
This is due to the change in the hormonal background and softening the vertebrae, as well as due to the shift of the center of gravity and excess load on the back.
The treatment of pregnant women's osteochondrosis is quite complicated, as it is largely limited by the method of medication aimed at stopping pain.
You can use natural ointments or turn to popular medication.
Effecsdo effect on the neck area (heating, charging, etc.) is strictly prohibited during pregnancy.
Do children and teens happen?
In children and adolescents, cervical osteochondrosis develops due to congenital or acquired functional lack of cartilage.
It is expressed by complaints about headaches, rapid fatigue, dizziness and pallor.
Is it possible to heat the neck area?
Cervical warning with cervical osteochondrosis is strictly prohibited, especially at the stage of deterioration of the disease, as heat can lead to an increase in edema and enlargement of the brain vessels.
How to sleep properly?
You need to sleep on a flat, strong bed with an orthopedic mattress.
The recommended and most convenient position is stretched to the side when the shoulder rests on the mattress, and the head rests on a small pillow.
The use of an orthopedic pillow helps to relax the muscles in the cervical region, reduces irritation of nerve endings, which prevents headaches and insomnia.
Are physical activity and bathroom allowed?
In preventive measures and in 1 stages of cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to be involved in physiotherapy and swimming exercises.
Strictly forbidden to lift weights, hard work, classes in the gym.
Visiting a bath and the sauna is also recommended only for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis and in the initial stage of the disease.