Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which the pulp between the vertebrae, acting as a damper, becomes an ossified tissue.
Pain in the neck?Dizziness?Crunch?Cervical photos?"It's really osteochondrosis ..." - You think, gaining a request on the internet.Without panic!Cervical spine osteochondrosis is not a sentence, it can be avoided, slowing and even healed.As?Let's find that.
Introduction
Unfortunately, cervical osteochondrosis is a silent and insidious disease.You may not suspect your existence, until at some point you feel muscle spasm and neck pain.It is often added dizziness and dormancy of the limbs.
The reason for such apparently not related phenomena in the complex nature of osteochondrosis.
What is osteochondrosis: from the general ...
Osteochondrosis is a spine disease in which intervertebral discs are damaged, playing the role of shock absorbers.Squeezing and opening, they give the elasticity and elasticity of the spine while allowing the body to maintain a balance in the movement process.With its partial or complete destruction, this balance is lost, which inevitably affects a person's motor activity.The cause of such changes is often physical wear and deformation of the disc or, more simply, their "aging".At the same time, the rest of our body can serve us faithfully for many years.
It is generally accepted that osteochondrosis is an age disease.However, in recent years, the disease has been visibly "younger": in the risk zone, 25 years ago and even younger.The fault of everything is a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition and unequal physical activity in the body.In addition, statistics show that women are sick more often than osteochondrosis.First of all, this is due to anatomical characteristics and emotional background.However, the disease is more difficult in men.
... for private cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical spine osteochondrosis is more common.The fact is that it is in the neck that most vessels and nerve endings are concentrated, while the vertebrae themselves are much smaller (approximately half compared to the lumbar department) and muscle scarce is tangibly weaker.
Along with the high mobility and proximity of the spinal cord, our body's neck needs greater attention.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
Unfortunately, the danger of cervical osteochondrosis is anatomically justified - the vertebral arteries pass through the cervical region, which saturate important brain centers in the rear parts of the brain.And any failures and violations of blood supply may be irreversible in nature, varying from the pathological curvature of the spine (neck lordosis) to complete loss of motor capacity, stroke and even death.
Fortunately, it is almost impossible not to perceive the symptoms of an imminent disaster: problems with coordination, a strong deterioration in vision and hearing, frequent dizziness and loss of consciousness ...
If, along with regular cervical pain, you have noticed these signs in yourself, consult a doctor immediately!
Diagnosis and symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a serious illness, and only a qualified specialist, ie a vertebrologist specializing in solving problems with the spine, orthopedist or neurologist can diagnose.
The most accurate ways to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis: X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic nuclear resonance (RM), which allow not only the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, but also other concomitant changes in the body.
When several of the following symptoms appear, seek professional counseling immediately to the doctor.
- dull, painful and intense pain in the neck and nape
- Cervicals, crispy when turning his head
- dizziness, "veil" before my eyes, fainting
- headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dormancy of the members
- noise in ears, visual impairment
- General muscle weakness
Pain for osteochondrosis is often painful, given to the head and is accompanied by the numbness of the arms and legs.This is caused first and foremost by a pinch of nerve endings and an increase in intracranial pressure.
Nature of osteochondrosis
Like any disease, spine osteochondrosis has several stages of development.
For a better understanding of the processes that occur in the body, we first propose to understand the structure of the disc itself and then analyze what changes are characteristic of each stage of osteochondrosis.
The vertebral disc itself consists of several parts: a nucleus of -bunken pulp jacket (inside), a fibrous ring (outer shell) and hyaline cartilage that separate the disc from the vertebra and performing the power function.
The Pulpic nucleus is rich in water, and is responsible for depreciation, adjusting to the center of gravity, squeezing and moving like a mercury ball.The fibrous ring around it, on the contrary, has a solid structure and consists of intertwined fibers.As the main task of the fibrous ring is to protect the nucleus from damage, it takes the "blow" in itself in high loads.
Osteochondrosis stages
Traditionally, four stages of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
1st degree cervical osteochondrosis - pre -clinical stage
This is the early stage of the disease when the dish drying occurs: its height and elasticity are reduced.
At the same time, there are no structural changes yet - however, as well as symptoms and therefore complaints.You may not feel discomfort;The only harbinger can become morning stiffness and salt deposits in the neck.Although, see, with our way of life, these sensations are the norm.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the 2nd degree - the beginning of structural changes
Here, irreversible changes begin in the pulpitic nucleus - necrosis and destruction caused by a violation of metabolic processes - simultaneously with the formation of cracks in a fibrous ring.
The body begins to send SOS signals in the form of acute neck pain, decreased resistance and fast fatigue.
3rd degree cervical osteochondrosis - progressive disc
The squeeze of the fibrous ring is disturbed as a result of which the pulpate core 'projects' on the spinal canal through the formed cracks.
If a complete rupture of the outer shell does not occur, the intervertebral disc may still be restored.This process is called the spine protrusion and is successfully treated on an outpatient base.At the same time, you have constant pain in the neck and all the back, progressing during the loads and remaining in an uncomfortable position.
In the case of complete destruction of the fibrous ring, coordination problems, dizziness and nausea are added to pain;There is a risk of disability.It is necessary to seek medical help quickly!
4th degree cervical osteochondrosis - regeneration
As a result of irreversible processes between vertebrae, growth (osteophyte) are formed that block joint mobility.The core of the pulpae is replaced by a scar tissue, nerve endings are injured, a cure is only surgically.
Paradoxically, in well, you may feel noticeable improvements - the column again gets the ability to carry loads.However, limited pain and motor activity will only intensify.
The causes of osteochondrosis
Unfortunately, speaking of the causes of a disease as difficult as osteochondrosis, you must keep in mind many factors: from external conditions to physiological predisposition.
How to understand that you are at risk?Mentally place a selection brand opposite each of the right points for you and your lifestyle.
- Have you ever had lesions in the spine?
- Is there overweight (degree of obesity)?
- Explored by bad habits (smoking, alcohol use), regular stress?
- Do you suffer from chronic infectious diseases, metabolic disorders?
- Is your work related to hard physical work?
- Were you diagnosed with posture and/or flat feet?
- Do you try regular column loads?
If at least one of the questions you answered affirmatively, unfortunately, you are at risk.This is bad news.But there is also good: cervical spine osteochondrosis can be interrupted, healed and even avoided with timely diagnosis and the beginning of proper prevention.
How to prevent osteochondrosis
There are several preventive measures that we recommend observing the game "before leadership" with cervical spine osteochondrosis.
Step 1. Get up!
Are you leading a sedentary lifestyle?Sedentary work, many hours of stay on the computer, irregular and malnutrition, lack of sleep, stress ... is familiar?
All of this contributes to the "stagnant" processes in the body and causes the early stage of osteochondrosis.
To avoid the progression of the disease, reasonably address the daily routine, take regular breaks (every hour for five minutes) and take more care of your health.Believe me, very soon you will say "thank you" yourself!
Take a rule: Put reminders (or in particular cases "neglected" - an alarm clock) so you don't lose the moment of work thrill ... When you just need to get up and leave.
Step 2. Take care of your own convenience!
For convenience, we mean the physical signs that the body gives.Listen and take care of yourself!
First, avoid excessive and irrational loads.If you are regular from the gym, the dose, do not miss the heat and follow the regularity of training.
Secondly, give up uncomfortable shoes.We do not relentlessly insist on getting rid of your favorite shoes or output boots - let them stay on special occasions.It is important that these "special cases" do not become their standard of life in 24/7 mode.“For every day,” choose shoes with a comfortable block that does not cause discomfort and does not affect posture and march.
Third, do not save on sleeping furniture and accessories.If the office chair is not categorically suitable for you, agree to replace or take care of your own comfort.Subsequently, this investment of a time can save it from serious regular expenses.
Use only anatomically correct furniture that reduces the load in the column.For a house, choose a bed with a hard mattress and a comfortable pillow suitable in density and height.Anatomical or common - you decide, because it depends a lot on the characteristics of your body.
Step 3. Do not forget the prevention!
WARNING - means armed, isn't it?
If you feel fatigue and periodic pain in the neck and back, or, inversely, they want to avoid them, we recommend a simple set of exercise, especially effective at the early (preclinical) stage of osteochondrosis.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis
You can perform gymnastics for cervical spine osteochondrosis, both at home and directly at the workplace.
- Sit uniformly, straighten your back, relax your hands and lower it along the body.Turn the head alternately to the right and left, about 90 degrees (or how much the joints allow).Move without problems, avoid sudden movements.
Make 8 repetitions for the first time and in the future gradually increases the number of laps to 15 in each direction. - In the same position, tilt your head forward, pressing your chin into your chest and back, taking the back of the head to the back of the neck.Also start with 8 repetitions and increase to 15 times.
- Then go to your shoulders.First, lift the two shoulders (towards the ears), hold for a few seconds and lower back.So 8 repetitions.
Then move your shoulders alternately: up, to the left, shift - 8 repetitions. - Put the palm of your forehead and press with a simultaneous inclination of your head forward.A 10 second pause - and so 8 times in a row.
After the complex end, be sure to massage the neck to relieve the tension.
Attention!If you feel severe discomfort during exercises, consult a specialist and carefully dose the load!
Cervical osteochondrosis: treatment
Treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis can be closely focused or complex, combining multiple components at the same time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis is a method of local effects directly on the focus of inflammation.The therapeutic effect is achieved due to the improvement of blood circulation and metabolic processes.The neck pain for, the severity of the symptoms decreases.
There are many physiotherapy options for cervical osteochondrosis: electrotherapy, exposure to a magnet, laser, water and mud procedures, electrophoresis, acupuncture and moderate heating of the inflamed area.
Before you enroll in procedures, carefully study against -indications and consult your doctor.
Massage
With cervical osteochondrosis, the massage of the collar area helps well.You can apply for masseuse sessions or massage using professional vibration massagers.
Medicines and Diet
Among the most used in drug osteochondrosis are anti -inflammatory drugs, painkillers, antispasmodic, antioxidants, as well as medicines designed to improve blood and metabolic circulation processes.The spectrum of medications includes tablets, creams, ointments and intramuscular injection solutions.
Remember, only a doctor can competely choose a medical drug!
A balanced diet will help increase the effectiveness of drugs and improve the overall tone of the body.Limit the consumption of fat, spicy and smoked food, salt.Give preference to vegetables and fruits, properly cooked meat, fish and dairy.Add nuts and honey to the diet.And drink more fluids.
Even if osteochondrosis does not threaten it, a balanced diet will positively affect the general well and the state of the body.You will see, after a few weeks, you will notice amazing changes!Checked your own experience!