Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc., with the presence of a significant decrease in its height, reactive growth of the marginal osteophyte, as well as sclerosis of the spinal discs.
The vertebrae of the cervical region are quite close to each other. The muscular framework in this area has a relatively weak development, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even in the case of a light load, leads to a displacement of the spinal disc, followed by compression of nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilage tissue affected by osteochondrosis gradually turns and degenerates into a bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size, and eventually loses the protective properties between the vertebral discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with further pain.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrocartilaginous plate. In the middle of the disc is the nucleus, which is surrounded by an annulus fibrosus, that is, tissue that resembles tendons. The intervertebral disc does not have a vascular system, and therefore nutrition occurs with the help of other tissues.
An important source of intervertebral discs are the muscles of the spine, it is their dystrophy that leads to the symptoms of osteochondrosis. In the process of lifting weights, jumping or other physical exercises, the shock absorption functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. Disorder is a pathology. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize, since protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are much more likely to form in the lumbar spine, and therefore complications appear - intervertebral hernia.
A prolapse of the intervertebral disc is a prolapse (protrusion) of the disc without rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
The protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, that is, the rupture of the fibrous ring, is a disc herniation - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Reasons for development
- Infections.
- Intoxication.
- Metabolic disease.
- Age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of fluids and vitamins in the diet (malnutrition).
- Spinal cord injury.
- Overweight.
- Bad ecology.
- Posture disorder.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Flat feet.
- A sedentary way of life of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged standing in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movements or change in body position.
- Spinal overload due to wearing uncomfortable shoes, such as high heels.
- Physical exercises.
- Unevenly developed skeletal muscle system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Staying in a cold environment for a long time.
- Nervous tension.
signs and symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, headache. It should be noted that in most cases the signs of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by headaches. This circumstance is accompanied by pressure on the vessels of the cervix and head. Usually, these symptoms and pain syndrome cause serious discomfort in a person, reducing performance. Moreover, the headache intensifies with various body movements;
- dizzinessappear during a sharp turn of the head to the side;
- Pain in chest and armsduring the period of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the signs of angina pectoris, that is, burning or pressure pain in the heart. In most cases, pain in the hands is accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar unpleasant sensation as a strong pain extends to the fingers;
- Numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis causes a limitation of tongue movements. In this regard, many patients complain of a change in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as speaking.
Diagnosing
So, diagnosis and treatment is carried out by medical specialists - vertebrologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient regarding complaints of limited movement or deformity. Examine the patient in a sitting, lying, standing, resting, or moving position. The level of damage to the spinal area is determined according to a special scheme.
Determining the localization, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, turning, flexion of the body indicate the range of motion in the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis is diagnosed using MRI, computed tomography or radiography. Checking the condition of the vessels of the cervical region requires the appointment of a duplex scan or ultrasound tomography.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its complications are treated using conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain syndromes, dysfunction of the spinal roots, as well as preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine. In the case when conservative treatment is ineffective, then, according to certain indications, surgical (operative) treatment is performed, where the volume depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the level of the lesion.
Treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the severity of the course of the disease, age-related changes, the method of treatment used, the conscientious implementation of the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician. . Usually, at the beginning of the treatment, an increase in pain in the cervical spine is noticed, but soon they are stopped by the use of medications, physiotherapy procedures, as well as the performance of physical procedures and therapeutic massages.
The most effective result in the treatment of osteochondrosis is the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
exercise
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help reduce pain, strengthen the cervical muscles, so that osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
- It is recommended to start witha simple exercise - ten non-sharp turns of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head is turned in one direction, while freezing in a certain point for a few seconds, then in the other, repeating the procedure. During the exercise, the head should not be lowered, the gaze is directed in front of you.
- Exercises - head animations. The head is bent to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear and the shoulders should be kept still. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock absorbing properties. Photo below.
- Tightening exercises for neck muscles.We bend our necks and tilt our heads back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed to the chest and held in a similar position for several seconds. As a result, we screw the head back to its original position and tilt it back. The exercises are repeated ten times.
As you can see, exercises or gymnastics for the neck are very simple, but extremely effective. The main thing is to exercise regularly..
Massage
Osteochondrosis is not a sentence! Drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises are quite possible at home.
Massage of the cervical spine with osteochondrosis is performed in the presence of a person close to you. Massage oil is used to reduce discomfort.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared by lying the patient on a wide surface and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades. These actions will help stretch the neck muscles and lengthen the spine. For some time, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits in a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is lubricated with massage oil. The oil takes into account the drugs that have the effect of relieving headaches. Such oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, thus providing a comfortable environment when the massage is performed.
So, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle is grasped, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder. Squeeze hard enough to feel the pressure, but gently, without pain. The muscle of the left side is massaged with the right hand. Each muscle is counted for five minutes, then allowed to rest and repeated again.
The massage is completed by wrapping the massaged area with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. Proper massage exercise induces drowsiness.