Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine 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 vertebral discs.
The vertebrae in the cervical region are close enough to each other. The muscular framework in this zone has a relatively weak development, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even with a slight load, leads to displacement of the spinal disc, followed by compression of nerves and blood vessels.
The affected cartilaginous tissue of the disk of osteochondrosis gradually turns and degenerates into bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks in size, and eventually loses its cushioning properties between the vertebral discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with the further occurrence 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 a fibrous ring, that is, tissues 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 muscles of the spine, it is their dystrophy that leads to symptoms of osteochondrosis. When 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. Picture below.
I would like to emphasize, because protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are much more likely to form in the lumbar spine, and therefore complications appear - intervertebral hernias.
An intervertebral disc protrusion is a prolapse (protrusion) of the disc without rupture of the fibrous annulus.
The exit of the pulpy nucleus, that is, the rupture of the fibrous ring, is a herniated disc - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
Reasons for development
- infections.
- Poisoning.
- Metabolic disease.
- The age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of fluids and vitamins in the diet (malnutrition).
- Spine injury.
- Overweight.
- Bad ecology.
- Postural disorder.
- Rachiocampus.
- Flat foot.
- A sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of the segments of the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movements or change in body position.
- Spinal overload due to the use of uncomfortable shoes, such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Unevenly developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Staying in a cold environment for a long time.
- Nervous tension.
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 cervix and head. Usually these symptoms and pain syndrome cause severe discomfort to a person, which reduces performance. In addition, 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, that is, a feeling of burning or pressure in the heart. In most cases, pain in the hands is accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. An unpleasant feeling similar to a strong pain extends to the fingers of the hands;
- Tongue numbness. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis leads to a restriction of the movements of the tongue. In this regard, many patients complain of a change in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as speech.
Diagnostic
So, the diagnosis and treatment are carried out by medical specialists - vertebrologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient in connection with complaints of reduced mobility or deformity. Examine the patient while sitting, lying down, standing, at rest or in motion. The level of damage to the vertebral region is determined according to a special scheme.
Determining the location, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, turning, bending the body indicates the range of motion in the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis will be diagnosed by MRI, CT or X-ray. Checking the condition of the vessels of the cervical region requires the appointment of a duplex CT scan or ultrasound tomography.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its complications are treated using conservative methods 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 event that conservative treatment is ineffective, then, according to certain indications, surgical (operative) treatment is performed, where the volume depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the level of the lesion.
The 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 drugs, physiotherapy procedures, as well as physical procedures and therapeutic massages.
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 cervical muscles, so osteochondrosis reduces the risk of relapse.
- It is advisable to start witha simple exercise - ten fuzzy turns of the cervical spine. The gymnastics proceeds 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 tilt. The head is tilted to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear, and the shoulders should remain relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore the shock absorbing properties. Picture below.
- Stretching exercises for the neck muscles.We bend our necks and tilt our heads back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed to the chest and held in a similar position for several seconds. As a result, we screw the head into 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 performed 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 neck muscles and lengthen the spine. For a while, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits in a chair with a straight back..
After some time, the neck is lubricated with massage oil. The oil accounts for medications that have the effect of relieving headaches. Such oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, providing a comfortable environment while 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, without pain. The muscle on 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 has been massaged with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. A good massage exercise causes drowsiness.