Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spine characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc., with a significant decrease in height, reactive growth of the marginal osteophyte, as well as sclerosis of the spinal discs.
The vertebrae of the cervical region are quite close to each other. The muscular framework in this area is relatively poorly developed, so cervical osteochondrosis, even in the case of a small load, causes the displacement of the spinal disc, and then compression of nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilage tissue of the disc affected by osteochondrosis is gradually transformed and turns into bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size, and as a result, it loses its cushioning properties between the vertebral discs, which causes further pain and pressure on the nerve endings.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrocartilaginous plate. In the center of the disc is the annulus fibrosus, i. e. the core surrounded by tendon-like tissue. 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 is the spinal muscles, their dystrophy causes symptoms of osteochondrosis.. In the process of weight lifting, jumping or other physical exertion, the shock absorption functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. A disorder is a pathology. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize, because protrusions (the main symptoms of osteochondrosis) are more likely to form in the lumbar region, and therefore intervertebral tears occur.
A herniated disc is a disc prolapse (bulging) without rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
The protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, that is, the rupture of the fibrous ring, is a herniated disc - the last stage of osteochondrosis.
Reasons for development
- Infections.
- Intoxication.
- Metabolic disease.
- Age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of liquid and vitamins in the diet (nutrition).
- Spinal injury.
- Excess weight.
- Bad ecology.
- Posture disorder.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Straight legs.
- Sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Staying in uncomfortable positions for a long time (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movement or change in body position.
- Overloading of the spine due to the use of uncomfortable shoes such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Unequally developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- To smoke.
- 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 symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by headaches. This condition is associated with pressure on the cervical and head veins. Usually, these symptoms and pain syndrome cause serious discomfort to a person, reduce performance. Moreover, the headache is intensified by various movements of the body;
- dizzinessappears during a sharp turn of the head to the side;
- Pain in the chest and armsDuring osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the symptoms of angina pectoris, that is, burning or pressing pain 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. A similar unpleasant feeling, like intense pain, extends to the fingers of the hands;
- Numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis leads to restriction of tongue movements. In this regard, many patients complain of changes in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as speech.
Diagnostics
Thus, diagnosis and treatment are carried out by medical specialists - vertebrologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons with the help of a visual examination of the patient with complaints of limited mobility or deformation. Examine the patient sitting, lying down, standing, resting, or moving. The level of damage to the spinal cord is determined according to a special scheme.
Determination of the localization, degree and nature of pain, increased tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, twisting, bending of 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 cervical region requires the appointment of a duplex scan or ultrasound tomography.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and its complications are treated with conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain syndromes, dysfunction of the spinal roots, as well as preventing the development of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine. If conservative treatment is ineffective, according to certain indications, surgical (operative) treatment is performed, the extent of which depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the level of damage.
The treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the severity of the course of the disease, age-related changes, the treatment method used, and the conscientious implementation of the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician.. Usually, at the beginning of the treatment, there is an increase in pain in the neck and back region, but it is soon 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 to reduce pain, strengthen the cervical muscles, which reduces the likelihood of osteochondrosis relapse.
- It is recommended to start witha simple exercise - ten sharp turns of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head turns in one direction, freezes at a certain point for a few seconds, then repeats the procedure at another. During the exercise, the head should not be lowered, the eyes should be directed in front of you.
- Exercises - bowing. The head is tilted to the left to touch the ear-shoulder joint and the shoulders should be kept in a relaxed position. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock absorption properties. Photo below.
- Stretching exercises for neck muscles.We bend the neck and bend the head back and forth. In the process of forward movement, the chin is pressed against the chest and is kept in a similar position for several seconds. As a result, we screw the head back to its original position and bend 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! At home, drug treatment, massage, therapeutic exercises are quite possible.
Massage of the cervical spine with osteochondrosis is performed in the presence of a person close to you. Massage oil is used to reduce anxiety.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared, whereby the patient is placed on a wide surface and a folded towel is placed under the shoulder blades.These movements will help stretch the neck muscles and stretch the spine. For a while, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits in a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is lubricated with massage oil. Oil takes into account drugs that have a headache-relieving effect. Such oil usually contains capsaicin, which is heated when used, thereby providing a comfortable environment during the massage.
Thus, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder, is rubbed. Knead hard enough to feel pressure, but gently, without pain. The muscle of 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 massaged area with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desired.. Proper massage causes drowsiness.