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 spinal discs.
The vertebrae of the cervical region are sufficiently close together. The muscular structure in this area has a relatively weak development, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis, even in the case of a light load, leads to a displacement of the spinal disc, followed by compression of the nerves and blood vessels.
The affected cartilaginous tissue of the osteochondrosis disc gradually transforms and degenerates into a 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 onset 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, tendon-like tissue. The intervertebral disc has no vascular system and therefore nutrition takes place 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. In the process of 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. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize, since bumps (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 annulus fibrosus.
The exit from the nucleus pulposus, that is, the rupture of the annulus fibrosus, is a herniated disc - the final stage of osteochondrosis.
reasons for development
- infections.
- Intoxication.
- Metabolic disease.
- Age changes.
- genetic predisposition.
- Lack of fluids and vitamins in the diet (malnutrition).
- Spinal injury.
- Overweight.
- Bad ecology.
- Postural disorder.
- rachiocampus.
- Flat foot.
- A sedentary way of life of the body.
- Instability of segments in the spine.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerky movements or change in body position.
- Spinal overload due to wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Unevenly developed skeletal muscle system.
- Pregnancy.
- Stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoke.
- Hypothermia.
- Stay 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. Often, these symptoms and the pain syndrome cause a person serious discomfort, reducing performance. Also, the headache intensifies with various body movements;
- dizzinessappear during a sharp turn of the head to the side;
- Chest and arm painduring the period of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the signs of angina pectoris, that is, burning pain or pressure in the heart. In most cases, hand pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. An unpleasant sensation similar to a sharp pain extends to the fingers;
- tongue numbness. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis causes a restriction of tongue movements. In this regard, many patients complain of a change in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as in speech.
Diagnosis
Thus, diagnosis and treatment are carried out by medical specialists - vertebrologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons, with the help of a visual examination of the patient in relation to complaints of limited mobility or deformity. Examine the patient sitting, lying, standing, at rest or in motion. The level of damage to the spinal area is determined according to a special scheme.
Determining the location, degree and nature of pain, the increase in tension in the muscles along the spine is carried out by feeling the spine. Bending, turning, bending the body indicate the range of motion in the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis is diagnosed using MRI, CT scan, 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 painful syndromes, spinal root dysfunction, as well as preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the spine structure. In the event that conservative treatment is ineffective, then, according to certain indications, surgical (operative) treatment is carried out, 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 cervical spine pain, but it is soon interrupted by the use of medications, physical therapy procedures, in addition to physical procedures and therapeutic massage.
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, so that osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of relapse.
- It is advisable to start witha simple exercise - ten unsharpened rounds of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head rotates 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 be kept relaxed. We repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock absorbing properties. Photo below.
- Stretching exercises for the neck muscles.We bend the neck and tilt the head back and forth. In the process of moving forward, the chin is pressed against the chest and held in a similar position for several 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, neck exercises or gymnastics 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 by placing the patient on a wide surface and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades.These actions will help stretch your neck muscles and lengthen your spine. For some time, 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. The oil takes into account medicines that have the effect of relieving headaches. This oil usually contains capsaicin, which heats up when used, providing a comfortable environment for massage.
Then, the massage begins as follows, the trapezius muscle is palpated, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder. Knead hard enough to feel 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 massaged site with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. Proper massage exercise causes drowsiness.