Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spinal column, 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 close enough to each other. The muscular frame in this area has a relatively weak development, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even in the case of a slight load, leads to a displacement of the spinal disc, followed by compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
The affected cartilaginous tissue of the disc from osteochondrosis gradually turns and degenerates into a bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size, and eventually loses cushioning properties between the vertebral discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with the further appearance of 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 resembling 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 spinal muscles, it is their dystrophy that leads to symptoms of osteochondrosis. In the process of lifting weights, jumping or other physical exertion, the shock-absorbing functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. The 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 hernias.
A protrusion of the intervertebral disc is a prolapse (protrusion) of the disc with no rupture of the fibrous ring.
The outflow of the nucleus pulposus, that is, the rupture of the fibrous ring, is a herniated disc - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Reasons for development
- Infections.
- Intoxication.
- Metabolic disease.
- Age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of fluid and vitamins in the diet (malnutrition).
- Spinal injury.
- Overweight.
- Bad ecology.
- Posture disorder.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Flat feet.
- A sedentary way of life of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movement or change in body position.
- Overloading of the spine due to the use of uncomfortable shoes, such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Unevenly developed muscular skeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Staying in a cold environment for a long time.
- Nervous strain.
Signs and symptoms
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has the following symptoms:
- Dizziness, headache. It should be emphasized that in most cases the signs of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by headaches. This circumstance is associated with pressure on the vessels of the cervical and head. Usually, these symptoms and pain syndrome cause serious discomfort to a person, reducing performance. Moreover, the headache intensifies with various movements of the body;
- dizzinessappear during a sharp turn of the head to the side;
- Pain in the 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 pressing pain in the heart. In most cases, pain in the hands is accompanied by a feeling of tingling and numbness;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar unpleasant sensation, as a severe pain, extends to the fingers;
- Numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis causes a restriction 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 speech.
Diagnostics
So, diagnosis and treatment is carried out by medical specialists - a vertebrologist, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient in connection with complaints of limited mobility or deformity. Examine the patient in a sitting position, lying down, standing, at rest or in motion. The level of damage to the spinal area is determined according to a special scheme.
Determination of the localization, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spinal column is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, turning, bending 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 that are 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 carried out, 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 treatment, there is an increase in pain in the cervical spine, but soon they are stopped by the use of medications, physiotherapy procedures, as well as performing physical procedures and therapeutic massage.
The most effective result in the treatment of osteochondrosis is the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Exercises
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis in the cervical spine help reduce pain, strengthen the cervical muscles, so that osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of relapse.
- It is advisable to start witha simple exercise - ten unsharp turns of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head turns in one direction, while freezing at a certain point for several 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 tilts. The head is tilted to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear, and the shoulders must be kept relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock-absorbing properties. Photo below.
- Stretching exercises for the neck muscles.We bend the neck and tilt the head back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed against the chest and held in a similar position for several seconds. As a result, we screw the head 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 carried out in the presence of a person close to you. Massage oil is used to reduce discomfort.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared, thereby laying the patient on a wide surface, and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades.These actions will help stretch the muscles of the neck and lengthen the spine. For some time, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits on a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is lubricated with massage oil. The oil takes into account drugs that have the effect of relieving headaches. Such oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, thereby providing a comfortable environment at the moment when the massage is performed.
So, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle is groped, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder. Knead it hard enough to feel the pressure, but gently, with no 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 place that was massaged with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. Proper exercise of massage causes drowsiness.