Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, with a significant decrease in its height, reactive growth of the marginal osteophyte, as well as sclerosis of the intervertebral discs.
The vertebrae of the cervical region are close enough to each other. The muscular framework in this area is relatively weak, therefore cervical osteochondrosis leads to a displacement of the intervertebral disc even with a small load, followed by compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
The affected cartilage tissue of the intervertebral disc from osteochondrosis gradually transforms and degenerates into a bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and shrinks, eventually losing its cushioning properties between the discs, causing pressure on the nerve endings, with the onset of pain.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrocartilaginous plate. In the center of the intervertebral disc is the nucleus, which is surrounded by an annulus fibrosus, i. e. tendon-like tissue. The intervertebral disc does not have a vascular system, so nutrition occurs with the help of other tissues.
An important source of intervertebral discs are the spinal muscles, the dystrophy of which leads to symptoms of osteochondrosis. When lifting weights, jumping, or other physical exertion, the shock-absorbing functions of the spine maintain the necessary spacing between the vertebrae. The disorder is a pathology. photo below.
I want to emphasize that in the lumbar spine, protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are more likely to form, and therefore complications arise - intervertebral hernias.
A herniated disc is a protrusion of the disc without a 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.
- postural disorder
- rachiocampsis.
- flat feet.
- A sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the intervertebral discs).
- Frequent jerky movements or changes in posture.
- Overloading of the spine due to uncomfortable shoes such as high heels.
- Physical activity.
- Unevenly developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- hypothermia.
- Prolonged stay in a cold environment.
- 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 a headache. This circumstance is associated with pressure on the vessels of the neck and head. Usually these symptoms and pain syndrome cause a person serious discomfort and reduce performance. In addition, the headaches intensify with various movements of the body;
- dizzinessappear sideways during a sharp turn of the head;
- pain in chest and armsDuring osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the signs of angina, that is, burning or pressing pains in the heart. In most cases, pain in the hands is accompanied by tingling 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;
- numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis leads to a restriction in 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.
diagnosis
Therefore, diagnosis and treatment are carried out by 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, standing, at rest or in motion. The extent of damage to the spinal area is determined according to a special scheme.
Determining the localization, extent and nature of the pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by palpation of the spine. Bending, twisting, bending the body indicates 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 neck 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 aimed at eliminating pain syndromes, dysfunction of the roots of the spine and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine. If conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical (operative) treatment is carried out according to certain indications, the volume of which depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the extent 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 pain in the cervical spine, but it is soon stopped with the use of drugs, physiotherapeutic procedures, as well as physical interventions and therapeutic massage.
The most effective result in the treatment of osteochondrosis is the complex treatment of diseases of the entire musculoskeletal system.
exercises
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis in the cervical spine will help relieve pain, strengthen the muscles of the neck, so osteochondrosis will reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
- It is advisable to start with thisa simple exercise - ten fuzzy twists of the cervical spine. The gymnastics is performed as follows: the head turns in one direction, while freezing at a certain point for a few seconds, then in the other, repeating the process. During the exercise, the head should not be lowered, the gaze is directed forward.
- Exercises - head tilts. The head is tilted to the left to touch the shoulder joint with the ear and the shoulders must remain relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore the shock-absorbing properties. photo below.
- Stretching exercises for the neck muscles.We bend our necks and tilt our heads back and forth. During the forward movement, the chin is pressed against the chest and held in a similar position for a few 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 relieve discomfort.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared, laying the patient on a wide surface and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades. These actions help stretch the neck muscles and lengthen the spine. For some time, the patient's muscles relax. This places the patient in a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is smeared with massage oil. The oil takes into account medications that have a headache-relieving effect. Such an oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when applied, thus creating a comfortable environment at the moment of the massage.
So the massage begins as follows, palpating the trapezius muscle that descends from the top of the neck to the shoulder. Knead it hard enough to feel the pressure but gently without pain. The left side muscle is massaged with the right hand. Each muscle is counted for five minutes, then rested and repeated again.
The massage is completed by wrapping the massaged area with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. Proper practice of massage causes drowsiness.