Are there any unpleasant neck pains accompanied by dizziness, general weakness and fatigue? All this should be an alarm for everyone, because any of the listed symptoms may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
Such alarming symptoms should be treated responsibly, because if not treated in time, the pathology can lead to more serious consequences, including intervertebral hernia.
What is cervical spine osteochondrosis?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, in which the structure of connective tissue changes.
The disease is often disguised as a different type of disorder, but a timely visit to a specialist allows you to diagnose and begin treatment directly.
Degenerative changes in cervical spine tissue are most common in the medical history of adults (45-59) and the elderly (60-74).
However, it is worth noting that in modern society, there is a rejuvenation of the disease, confirmed by the periodic diagnosis of cervical spine osteochondrosis in childhood and adolescence.
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 region.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Today, it is impossible to name the exact causes of degenerative processes in the intervertebral discs. There is no evidence that cervical osteochondrosis is an old phenomenon.
Numerous studies conducted by scientists from different countries have found that cervical spine osteochondrosis has mainly provocative factors.
Among the reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the neck:
- low activity, inactivity and mostly sedentary lifestyle;
- types of work with static load on the cervical spine;
- overweight, insufficient level of physical development;
- disruption of connective tissue development processes;
- chronic spinal cord injury;
- deformity of the spine, the use of pillows, mattresses that are not comfortable enough for rest;
- genetic predisposition.
The vast majority of causes are in one way or another related to the natural processes of aging of body systems, as well as the development of pathologies of bone and cartilage tissue.
What is the danger of cervical osteochondrosis?
Decreased levels of movement and limited joint elasticity, loss of muscle elasticity, and other signs of aging are inevitable natural processes that accompany human ontogeny.
The irritability of pain that occurs long before the natural age of aging during exercise often leads to a loss of quality of life and even disability.
You should seek professional advice from your doctor to determine how to treat cervical osteochondrosis. In the absence of professional, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the disease progresses, which can lead not only to deterioration of well-being, but also to serious disorders 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, especially the cervical region, the most sensitive.
Among the striking features of the cervical spine structure, it is worth noting the presence of vertebrae, which are mainly small in size and relatively few muscles, so a disease such as osteochondrosis is most common in this region. It happens.
Pain is the most common syndrome of spinal disease. Depending on the affected area, there may be:
- in the humerus and / or shoulder;
- along the entire cervical spine;
- not the anterior surface of the sternum.
It is very difficult to determine the main symptoms of the disease independently, because in most cases they are insignificant and very nonspecific:
- pain in the areaneckmostly in the evening;
- violence,back, back pain;
- slight numbnesstingling in the shoulders, hands;
- crisis,tap while turning your head.
The progression of the disease is accompanied by a number of already noticeable leading symptoms.
Vegetative-dystonic symptoms
It is characterized by pain in the neck, especially in the lower part of the back of the head.
Pain often occurs during prolonged stay in the same position, for example, in the morning.
The neck muscles are tense, there are difficulties in moving the hand to the side, there is stiffness in the movements of the fingers.
Neurological manifestations due to narrowing of the vertebral arteries are common:
- recurrent headache;
- 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, resulting in disruption of nerve roots, which leads to narrowing of arteries and veins, which leads to the development of radicular and ischemic syndrome. .
Circulatory disorders are caused by:
- severe, migraine headaches;
- dizziness;
- visual disturbances, tinnitus;
- impairment of autonomic functions.
Rarely, there is a manifestation of cardinal syndrome, accompanied by excruciating pain in the heart muscle, shortness of breath and arrhythmias.
Developmental rates of cervical lumbar osteochondrosis and their characteristics
The development of the disease is very slow, but also has 4 clearly observed stages:
- Grade 1 cervical lumbar osteochondrosis - the appearance of discomfort and minor pain during long walks, static position. The beginning of the formation of seals in the intervertebral discs;
- Grade 2 cervical lumbar osteochondrosis - bright painful sensations. Hand therapy and appropriate medications are used to relieve pain;
- Grade 3 cervical lumbar osteochondrosis - the presence of obvious lesions of the connective tissue of the affected area;
- Grade 4 cervical lumbar osteochondrosis is the final stage in the development of the disease, which is characterized by damage to almost all parts of the spine.
The final stage of the disease requires surgery, which requires a long recovery.
Diagnosis of the disease
For the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis, you should consult an orthopedist or neurologist if you have characteristic symptoms.
As part of the diagnostic measures, the specialist will determine mobility and pain in the neck, assess the degree of sensitivity and identify other functional disorders.
It is customary to distinguish between the most effective diagnostic methods:
- Cervical spine radiography is performed in different projections;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) when a hernia / bulge is suspected.
In case of circulatory disorders, additional rheoencephalography and examination of the fundus may be performed.
Possible complications
Failure to treat in time can lead to serious complications, including:
- protrusion of intervertebral discs(hernia / bulge formation);
- rupture of the intervertebral disc,accompanied by constriction of nerves and blood vessels, which can be fatal;
- radiculopathy(damage to nerve roots), the formation of osteophytes (thorns in the spine) with the manifestation of multiple paresis and paralysis.
How to treat cervical spine osteochondrosis?
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed by a specialist and depends on the degree of development of the pathology, the form of its course and the characteristics of the clinical manifestations of the disease.
The most effective ways to treat the disease today are:
- conservative treatment, including drug / non-drug;
- surgical intervention;
- is a complex combination of techniques.
Physiotherapy
Predicts the impact of physical factors on the affected area. With an integrated approach and the skillful implementation of all procedures, improvements are already evident in the second or third month of treatment.
The most popular areas of physiotherapy for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- electrotherapy;
- shock wave therapy;
- magnetotherapy;
- balneotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- vibration massage.
Neck massage for osteochondrosis
Massage should be done carefully without using force. Violation of massage techniques can lead to negative consequences.
The starting position of the massage is the "inclined" or "sitting straight back" position.
All available massage techniques are based on the following techniques.
- stroke - affects the surface layers of the skin. It is carried with the tips of the hands and fingers from the back of the head downwards, to the level of the upper third of the back;
- compression - affects the deeper layers of the skin in the upper third of the back. It is performed with two fingers (thumb and forefinger) of the hand, which is carried along the neck;
- rubbing - the main purpose is to warm the skin and increase blood flow to any area;
- kneading - affects deep lying tissues, should be used with caution, as illiterate use can aggravate the situation.
Physiotherapywith cervical osteochondrosis
There are certain exercises for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The most effective of them:
Self-stretching
Starting position: sit / stand with a straight back.
How to do it: while maintaining the starting position, try to lower your shoulders as low as possible while extending the top of your head upwards.
Performance intensity: at least 10 times (2-5 seconds), at least 3 times a day.
Self-massage
Inventory: towel.
Starting position: sitting / standing, holding the neck with a towel, holding the ends with your hands.
Procedure: Gently knead the neck muscles and pull the ends of the towel in turn.
It is important! It is necessary to ensure that the towel does not slip and does not squeeze the neck during training.
Gymnastics (bending / stretching, bending, bending)
Starting position: sit / stand with a straight back.
How to do it: from the starting position, first in one direction, then in the other, smooth bending / stretching, bending or bending the head.
Intensity of performance: 5-7 movements in one direction.
Medications for cervical osteochondrosis
This is especially important during inflammation because the important blood vessels that supply the brain pass through the cervical spine.
As a means of treatment, tablets, injections, ointments and other topical substances prescribed by the attending physician may be used.
It is important! Self-medication with different groups of drugs is unacceptable and can lead to disability and death.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
It is one of the most effective drugs, most commonly used for osteochondrosis in the form of injections, but also available in the form of tablets, patches and ointments.
The main course of action is to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
Muscle relaxant
Provides an effective reduction in muscle tension that significantly reduces pain
The recommended duration of treatment is 2 to 4 weeks.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and warming ointments for cervical osteochondrosis
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs contain steroids to increase their effectiveness.
The action of warming ointments, which activate blood flow at the site of application of the drug, is also aimed at warming.
Chondroprotectors
It is used to slow down degenerative processes and accelerate the regeneration of connective tissue. Has a cumulative effect.
Recommended dosage regimen: 2 to 6 months.
Features of nutrition in the treatment and prevention of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Proper nutrition is an undeniable important component in maintaining the health of the body.
In terms of prevention or treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis, diet is an adjunct, but also a very important component.
The main goals of proper nutrition in the treatment or prevention of osteochondrosis are:
- eliminating the possibility of malnutrition necessary for the implementation of metabolic processes in the tissues of the intervertebral discs;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- Reduces the risk of developing vascular changes, prevents circulatory disorders.
Principles of diet
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis is based on the principles of rationality and functionality:
- Minimize inhibitions - a healthy diet is varied, balanced and saturated with all the necessary substances at the same time.
- Adherence to a drinking regimen is an important component in preventing degradation of intervertebral disc tissue.
- Reducing salt intake - eliminates the possibility of increasing the load on blood vessels and maintains water-electrolyte balance.
- Limit the use of starch and sugar to eliminate the possibility of metabolic disorders.
Prohibited and recommended foods
In the treatment and prevention of cervical spine osteochondrosis, nutrition requires the exclusion of products such as body obstruction:
- alcohol, which disrupts the water-electrolyte balance and causes tissue dehydration;
- fatty meats and smoked meats that are difficult to digest;
- sour, spicy foods that increase inflammation;
- semi-finished products that adversely affect the digestive process;
- sweets that disrupt blood circulation, sugar.
The list of recommended foods includes easily digestible foods of plant and animal origin, rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber:
- chicken, rabbit, lean beef and pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- dairy products, eggs;
- various types of cereals;
- whole wheat bread;
- fruits, vegetables, berries and herbs.
Preventive measures
The basis of the health of the human cervical spine is a strong back associated with health:
- sufficient physical activity;
- maintain optimal body weight;
- comfortable bed with anatomical pillows and quality mattress;
- maintain proper posture;
- a combination of relaxation and prolonged sitting with physical warm-up;
- adhere to proper nutrition.
In addition, it is recommended to prevent neck injuries and, of course, to lift unbearable weight.