Do you have unpleasant neck pain accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue? All this should be a wake-up call for each person, because each of these symptoms may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
It is worth treating such anxious symptoms with full responsibility, because in the absence of timely treatment, the pathology can cause the formation of more serious consequences, including intervertebral hernia.
What is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
Osteochondrosis of the cervix is a degenerative disease of the spine, the development of which changes the structure of connective tissue.
The disease is often disguised as a disorder of various types, 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 most common in the medical history of adults (45-59) and age (60-74).
However, it is worth noting: in modern society there is a rejuvenation of the disease, which is confirmed by the 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, especially the thoracic, lumbar and sacral.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today it is impossible to pinpoint the exact causes of degenerative processes occurring in the intervertebral discs. There is no confirmation that cervical osteochondrosis is a senile phenomenon.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has mainly provoking factors.
Among the predisposing causes for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck are:
- low level of activity, inactivity and mostly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work involving static loading of the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient level of physical development;
- disruption of the processes of connective tissue development;
- chronic spinal injuries;
- deformity of the spine, the use of insufficiently comfortable pillows, resting mattresses;
- genetic predisposition.
Most of the causes in one way or another are related to the natural aging processes of the body systems, as well as the likely development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
Decreased levels of mobility and limited joint flexibility, loss of muscle elasticity and other signs of aging of the body are inevitable, natural processes that accompany a person in ontogenesis.
Annoying pain, which occurs during movement much earlier than the natural age of aging, often leads to loss of quality of life and even damage.
To determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis, you need professional advice from your doctor. In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and the necessary treatment, the disease progresses, which can cause not only deterioration of well-being, but also serious disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and vascular systems.
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 led to the fact that some parts of the spine are the most vulnerable, especially the cervix.
Among the remarkable features of the structure of the cervical spine is worth emphasizing the presence of vertebrae, mainly small in size and relatively small number of muscles, in connection with which in this area is most common such a disease as osteochondrosis occurs.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal disease. Depending on the affected area, it can concentrate:
- in the clavicle and / or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is quite difficult to independently determine the primary signs of the disease, as in most cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmostly in the evening;
- weight,back pain;
- slight tinglingtingling in the shoulder, arms;
- crisis,click when turning the head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already noticeable leading symptoms.
Vegetative-dystonic symptom
It is characterized by shooting pains in the neck area, especially felt in the area just below the nape of the neck.
The painful sensation often occurs during prolonged stay in the same position, for example in the morning.
The muscles of the neck are tense, there are difficulties in moving the arm to the side, stiffness in the movements of the fingers.
Due to the compression of the vertebral arteries, neurological manifestations are often found:
- recurrent headaches;
- nausea;
- fainting.
Spinal symptom
Localization of the area - left behind the chest.
In the process of gradual disruption of the structure of the intervertebral discs compression occurs and as a result of this disruption of the nerve roots, which leads to narrowing of the arteries and veins, which in turn leads to the formation of radicular and ischemic syndrome.
Circulatory disorders cause:
- severe migraine headache;
- dizziness;
- visual impairment, tinnitus;
- violations of autonomous functions.
In rare cases, the manifestation of cardinal syndrome is observed, accompanied by compressive pain in the heart muscle, shortness of breath and heart rhythm disorders.
Degrees of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and their characteristic symptoms
The process of disease development is quite slow, but at the same time there are 4 clearly traced stages:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 1st degree - the appearance of discomfort and slight pain during prolonged walking, static position. The beginning of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 2nd degree - vivid painful sensations. To eliminate the pain, manual therapy and appropriate medications are used;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 3rd degree - the presence of pronounced lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine of the 4th degree - the last stage of the disease, characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The last stage of the disease requires surgery, which leads to a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
In the presence of characteristic symptoms, in order 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 the mobility and pain in the neck, as well as assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
Among the most effective diagnostic methods it is common to distinguish:
- X-ray of the cervical spine, performed in different projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if a hernia / bulge is suspected.
In circulatory disorders, rheoencephalography can be used, as well as examination of the fundus.
Possible complications
Lack of timely treatment can lead to serious complications, including:
- protrusion of the intervertebral discs(hernia / bulge formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by pinching of nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- radiculopathy(damage to the nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (spines on the body of the vertebrae) with the manifestation of numerous paresis and paralysis.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?
The 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 drug / non-drug;
- surgical intervention;
- a complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
Assumes the effect of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and competent implementation of all procedures, the improvements become obvious in the second or third month of treatment.
Among the most popular areas of physiotherapy prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- balneotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibration massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
The massage should be performed carefully, without the use of force. Violation of the massage technique can cause negative consequences.
The starting position for the massage is the position "lying down" or "sitting with a straight back".
All existing massage techniques are based on techniques such as:
- ironing - affects the surface layers of the skin. It is performed with the palms of the hands and the tips of the fingers down from the nape, to the level of the upper third of the back;
- squeezing - affecting the deep layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is performed with two fingers (thumb and forefinger), done through the neck;
- friction - the main purpose is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to the desired area;
- kneading - affects deep-lying tissues, should be used with caution, as illiterate use can worsen the situation.
Physiotherapywith cervical osteochondrosis
There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them are:
Self-stretching
Starting position: sitting / standing with back straight.
Order of execution: while maintaining the starting position, try to lower the shoulders as low as possible, while stretching the upper part of the head up.
Intensity of performance: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: towel.
Starting position: sitting / standing, cover the neck with a towel, grab the ends with your hands.
Procedure: successively pull the edges of the towel, gently kneading the muscles of the neck.
Important! During the exercise it is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slip and does not rub the neck.
Gymnastics (bending / unfolding, twists, turns)
Starting position: sitting / standing with back straight.
The order of execution: from the starting position, perform a smooth bending / unfolding, turning or tilting of the head, first in one direction, then in the other.
Intensity of execution: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Drugs for cervical osteochondrosis
This is especially important during exacerbations, because it is through the cervical spine that important blood vessels pass, providing nourishment to the brain.
Tablets, injections, ointments, and other topical medications prescribed by your doctor may be used as a treatment.
Important! Self-medication with drugs from different groups is unacceptable and can lead to disability, death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
One of the most effective drugs, often used in osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The key course of action is to reduce pain, eliminate swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Provides effective reduction of muscle tension, which significantly reduces pain.
The recommended treatment period is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis
To increase their effectiveness, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroids in their composition.
The action of warming ointments is aimed at relieving pain, as well as warming, which activates blood flow at the site of application of the drug.
Chondroprotectors
They are used to slow down the degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. It has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosing regimen: 2 to 6 months.
Characteristics of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Proper nutrition is undoubtedly an important component for maintaining the health of the body.
In the context of the prevention or treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, diet is, although ancillary, but at the same time a very important component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- eliminating the possibility of nutrient deficiencies necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- reducing the risk of developing vascular changes, preventing circulatory disorders.
Principles of diet
Nutrition in cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimize inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and at the same time saturated with all the necessary substances.
- Adherence to the drinking regimen is an important component to prevent the degradation of the tissue of the intervertebral discs.
- Reducing salt intake - eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and maintains water-electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starches and sugars to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Prohibited and recommended food
Nutrition in the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires the exclusion of such products that clog the body as:
- alcohol, which disturbs the water-electrolyte balance and provokes tissue dehydration;
- fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
- sour, spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products that adversely affect digestive processes;
- sweets, sugar, which disrupt blood circulation.
The list of recommended foods includes mainly easily digestible foods of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, including:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- cereals of various kinds;
- whole grain bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive actions
At the heart of human cervical health is a healthy back, whose health is due to:
- sufficient level of physical activity;
- maintaining optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and quality mattress;
- maintaining proper posture;
- a combination of prolonged sitting with periods of rest and physical warm-up;
- adherence to proper nutrition.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid neck injuries and, of course, lifting unbearable weights.