Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease caused by the proliferation of bone tissue on both sides of the vertebrae, which penetrates trauma to the armpit muscles, ligaments, nerves and spinal membranes. These disorders often cause pain in the neck or other parts of the body, and can also cause dilation of the herniated spinal disc.
The presence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be due to being in stable positions for long periods of time, as well as frequent repetitive head movements of the same type.
The most obvious manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis are frequent headaches and dizziness, blurred vision, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, weakening of voice, hoarseness, snoring, misalignment of movements, worsening of teeth, numbness or coldness of fingers, Pain in the scalp. Throat, throat.
due to event
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is caused by catastrophic changes in cartilage tissue. This process can occur for several reasons:
- genetic tendency for the disease;
- overweight;
- spinal cord injury (fracture, injury);
- intoxication, infection, metabolic disorders in the body;
- Lack of vitamins, microelements and body fluids;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- spine curvature, poor posture;
- flat feet;
- instability of segments of spinal column;
- hypothermia;
- frequent changes in body condition, heavy lifting, work associated with excessive physical exertion;
- tension, nervous tension.
symptoms
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis depend directly on the target. In this regard, a group of syndromes associated with the disease are distinguished.
radicular
Radicular syndrome occurs when nerve roots have narrowed into the cervical region (pinch nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain in the neck spreads downward and can extend to the scapula and evenThat even to the anterior part of the fingers. Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are, in some cases, the effect of the forearm, numbness of hands or fingers, flexion, goose bumps.
iridate-reflex
In the case of reflex-reflex syndrome, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include intense burning pain in the neck or occiput, which occurs when a steady state (with sharp bend of head, when sneezing, after sleep)). Pain may spread to the shoulders and chest.
cardiac
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this syndrome largely correspond to the symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in diagnosis. With cardinal syndrome, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal and prolonged (manyHours). Pain increases with sudden movements due to coughing, sneezing, and sharp bending of the head. The presence of frequent, tachycardia and extrasystole is seen against the background of complete absence of signs of circulatory disorders.
vertebral artery syndrome
In this case, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by a symptom such as a throbbing or burning headache, which often catches the suprasiliary area, occiputes, temples, darkness. Pain, as a rule, is practical. The form does not stop, and in some cases it is paroxysmal. Increased pain occurs with agitation or after being in an uncomfortable position for a long time.
There is a possibility of hearing and visual impairment (hearing and visual acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, eye pain). Against the background of general weakness of the body, nausea or loss of consciousness is possible.
By doing the above sum, we can distinguish several symptoms that are the most frequent symptom of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Constant pain in the neck, girdle of the shoulder, extending to the ears and eyes, behind the head and does not stop even at night;
- arm, leg, shoulder pain, deteriorating even with slight weight;
- Weak muscle strength and decreased sensitivity to hands, hands, fingers, as well as difficulty in their movements;
- Neck pain when turning and tilting the head;
- tension of neck muscles, feeling of being back in the morning;
- Burning, numbness, tingling in feet or arms;
- pervasive headache with primary localization in occipute;
- darkening of eyes, tinnitus, numbness of tongue, dizziness, sharp head movements - syncope,
- visual acuity and hearing loss;
- proliferation of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
- Pain in the heart region.
treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
The effectiveness of cervical osteochondrosis treatment depends on the timeliness of therapeutic procedures initiated with the aim of relieving pain and neutralizing inflammatory processes. Treatment activities are carried out in three stages:
- neutralize pain;
- activation of blood supply and metabolic processes in affected areas of the spine;
- Physiotherapy and manual techniques.
In a period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which is accompanied by severe pain, to prevent pain syndrome and to relieve muscle tension in the area of the spinal motion segment, the patient is prescribedis:
- paravertebral blockade by local administration of drugs
- ;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics;
- Ointment and gels.
To improve blood circulation in the spine, a patient with cervical osteochondrosis is prescribed drugs to improve blood microcirculation, vitamin complexes, and nicotinic acid.
Pain medications can only relieve symptoms, but do not fight against erosion of the intervertebral discs. Regular activity and correctly selected exercise therapy complexes are the only correct decisions on any level of disease.
therapeutic gymnastics
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is performed only during periods, to avoid significant effort and pain.
A set of exercises to improve mobility of the cervical vertebrae, as well as flexibility of the neck muscles.
Repeat each exercise 5 to 10 times.
- Exercise 1. In the position of sitting or standing with the arms in the body as well as the back and lower back, the alternating smooth head is rotated to both the left and right sides, the chin over the shoulder. Strictly keeping.
- Exercise 2. The initial position is the same. The head is tilted down until the chin touches the chest. The muscles behind the neck should rest as much as possible. Lower the head even more with spontaneous movements. can go.
- Exercise 3. The initial position is the same. The neck is pulled back, while the chin is pulled in and the head is kept upright.
When there is a proliferation of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and on the recommendation of the attending physician, a course of manual therapy is performed, including massage of the disease-damaged areas.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Before beginning the massage process, it is necessary to prepare the patient's back by intensive superficial strokes for 2-3 minutes. The direction of the patching is from the lower border of the shoulder to the neck, and then from the neck to the shoulder girdle. The last moment of the warm-up is alternately kneading and shaking on the right and left sides.
Start massage, as a rule, from back to back, stroking, squeezing and kneading continuously. First of all, the area of the shoulder blades is massaged, moving slowly to the waist of the shoulder. The neck massage starts from the scalp and goes backwards. In the absence of pain in the spine, squeezing with the fingers is done very carefully along many lines.
Pectoralis major muscle massage is done in supine position. In this case, stroking, squeezing, kneading are used.
Special massage chair is massaged to sit on the chair. At the same time, the head is tilted forward, and the neck muscles are relaxed as much as possible. The massage starts from the occipital bone, directing all movements backwardsis.