Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by the development of changes in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and reactive processes in the surrounding tissues.
Cervical osteochondrosis spineIt differs in its manifestations from thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are associated with the anatomical features of the cervical spine.The dimensions of the vertebrae of the cervical region are less than the size of the other departments.The cervical department is constantly experiencing a load, holding the head, and at the same time it is very mobility.
The causes of osteochondrosis
The causes of the development of the disease, first of all, are due to the age -related aging of the body and the developing destruction of bone and cartilage.The following causes of osteochondrosis can also be called:
- violation of posture,
- reducing motor activity as a result of a sedentary lifestyle,
- Excess weight, which is the result of metabolic disorders, has a load on the intervertebral discs,
- hereditary factor,
- Long -term physical activity,
- abnormalities of the spine.
Uniform physical activity, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle significantly reduce the likelihood of developing this disease, and also reduce the effect on overall well -being.
Symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis differ from symptoms in other spine.This is due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae have a different structure and are very close.Therefore, any displacement is manifested by severe pain.In addition, a nervous bundle and arteries are often pinched in the cervical spine.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the spineIt is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Sensations of pain - pain can be felt in different parts of the body.This is due to the fact that pinches the nerve endings and the muscles of the corresponding part of the body.
- Weakness in the upper limbs-manifests itself due to pinching of the nerve endings responsible for motor activity.
- Difficulties in turning the head, the emergence of a crunch of vertebrae in the cervical region-arise due to changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc, the appearance of bone formations.
- Low sensitivity of the hands.
- Weakness and dizziness appear due to pinching of the artery, which ensures blood and nutrition into the brain.
- Reducing hearing and vision - appears at the last stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum is disturbed.
Signs of the cervical department of osteochondrosis
- Rine syndrome - characterized by a pinching of the nerve beam in the neck.It is manifested by severe pains that can be felt in the shoulders, spatula.
- Vertebrate syndrome - manifested by the strongest headaches, pain in the temples and the back of the head.
- Reflex syndrome - characterized by severe pain in the cervical region, which can intensify with any head movement.Pain can move to the shoulder and on the chest.
- Cardinal syndrome - resembles an attack of angina pectoris, which is extremely difficult to determine.
The degree of development of cervical spine osteochondrosis
As it develops, the disease passes several stages.Each stage has its own characteristics and is characterized by certain features.
- 1st stage.The bone-chrysny tissue of the vertebrae gradually begins to collapse.Symptoms of the disease are not noticeable.And very often patients simply do not notice them, but associate fatigue and pain with overwork and stress.
- Stage 2.In height, the disk begins to decrease, cracks appear on it.The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, numbness of the face.
- Stage 3.Drops of discs begin to form, the cervical vessels and muscles are damaged.There are complaints about dizziness, pain in the back of the head.
- 4th stage.Bone tissue that protects the vertebrae from excess load begins to grow, as a result of which the nerve endings are pinched.There is stiffness in movements, neighboring joints are damaged.
The dangers of cervical osteochondrosis
A large number of nerves and arteries are located in the cervical region, which provide nutrition to the brain.In case of violation of their work, the brain will not receive sufficient nutrition for normal functioning.This situation can violate the motor activity of a person, cause pain in the limbs, as well as the loss of coordination.
In an advanced stage of osteochondrosis, ischemia, stroke and many other diseases that are dangerous to human life can develop.
Therefore, when any symptoms associated with this disease appear, it is recommended to seek medical help.
Diagnosis of the cervical spine
The following types of diagnostics are used to examine the spinal diseases:
- X -ray picture is an ineffective way to diagnose this disease,
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows bone structures, formed disk hernias and their sizes,
- CT (computed tomography) is ineffective compared to MRI, since with the help of this diagnostic method it is difficult to determine the sizes of hernias,
- Ultrasound duplex scanning is used when the total blood flow is disturbed.This examination shows the existing velocity of blood flow, as well as the presence of barriers on its way.
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine should be carried out in the complex depending on the situation.A positive effect can be achieved thanks to a comprehensive and individual approach, which includes drug treatment, physio of the procedure, physiotherapy exercises, massage, and traditional medicine are also used.
During the aggravation period, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is aimed at increasing blood circulation, at getting rid of muscle cramps.In this case, agents that improve blood flow, anti -inflammatory and painkillers, and vitamin complex are prescribed.
Media physical education for osteochondrosis of the cervical region
Therapeutic gymnastics gives visible results and is less dangerous at the recovery stage.The principle of action of physiotherapy exercises is to restore blood flow on damaged parts of the body.Performing exercises of physiotherapy exercises, the patient should not feel pain and inconvenience.
The set of exercises for the cervical spine is designed to strengthen the neck muscles, and also acts as a prevention for the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Massage is performed in order to strengthen the tone in the muscles and relieve pain.Depending on the stage of development of the disease, different massage methods are made.Classic massage techniques include:
- Stroking - this technique consists in the effect on the surface layers of the skin.Massage begins with a collar area and continues to clavicula and armpits.
- Squeezing - in this case, the effect during the massage occurs on the deeper layers of the skin.Bashening the neck with the thumb and forefinger perform movements to capture the skin, which resemble squeezing.
- Rubbing - performed with the aim of warming up and relaxing the skin to improve blood supply in the collar area of the cervical spine.
- kneading - has special restrictions, as it affects deeply lying fabrics.If this technique is incorrectly performed, the patient can be harmful.
In cases where the patient’s feeling of pain occurs only on one side, the massage should begin to perform from the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving to that part of the cervical region where the pain appears.
Massage can be performed both at home and in a medical institution.However, during its implementation, you should be very careful so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the disease or not to do worse.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
To prevent the occurrence and development of the disease, it is recommended to comply with simple rules:
- lead a healthy lifestyle, perform physical exercises, regularly visit the pool;
- diversify the diet of foods rich in magnesium and calcium;
- In the case of sedentary work, it is necessary to warm up several times a day;
- For sleep, you should choose an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.