Cervical osteochondrosis or spondylosis occurs as a result of a change in the shape and structure of the vertebrae.Although the cervical region is short enough for the entire spine, it is perhaps the most important part of the spine.Each pair of adjacent vertebrae forms the intervertebral holes through which the nerve roots go and go to all muscles and organs of the upper half of the body.Through other holes - through the lateral processes of these vertebrae - vital blood vessels ensure the blood supply to the brain.
Causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The causes of osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Injuries,
- "Sitting" work on the monitor below the eye level,
- Physical work that is associated with the transfer of weights,
- Long -term stay car driving,
- Work "by phone" without using distance tools (in this case the operator press the phone to the shoulder of the ear)
- Constitutional features (curve, congenital changes in cervical vertebrae, short neck)
Formation of pathological spine changes
In the case of osteochondrosis, small points are formed at the edges of the vertebrae that may damage the structures nearby.Most often, this occurs in response to excess loads of the cervix compartment and is not only a result of "aging" intervertebral joints (recalls that it was considered degenerative osteochondrosis and then a natural "age -related" disease such as osteoarthrosis).As the disease advances, the closure plates of the vertebrae and the height of the intervertebral discs occur.These plates have a normal role of shock absorber between the vertebrae and, among other things, prevent damage to spinal roots.Progressive osteochondrosis shows a protruding (hernia) protruding (hernia) protruding (hernia) protruding (hernia), which has increasing pressure during the disease while weakening the leagues from all sides.This hernia is also capable of tightening spinal structures and causing the nervous system manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of osteocondrosis of the cervix?
The cervical spine osteochondrosis with pain syndrome
Cervical pains force the pathology of the cervical spine.In terms of growth, the intensity of the pain syndrome is divided into 4 stages, the first patient feels numbness, tingling, "sensation" in a particular muscle group, and in the fourth stage, the pain is so intense that patients lead to mobility and loss of performance.
In the cervical and occlital region, the patient, in addition to the pain syndrome, was also "reflected" in the upper limb and the "radiation) pains of the chest-serving side.
With radicular syndrome of osteochondrosis of the cervix
They talk about participation in the process of nerve roots when pain, numbness and tingling spread to the lower jaw, upper back, forearm and fingers.At the same time, the patient draws attention to the fact that "he seemed to leave his hands, sleeping uncomfortably. It is noted that morning stiffness in the fingers of the fingers for up to 10-15 minutes. The development of radicular syndromes can be observed during the study.
The cervical spine osteochondrosis is the "spine arterial syndrome"
Participation in the blood vessels (squeezed by hernial protrusion or osteophyte), they say that when a patient complains of frequent headaches, especially after a long stay in a certain position, when they are thrown out of the head (when they swim with a beer) when the ears and shield worries.This clinical situation is well detected with ultrasound (with the "doppler mapping system").Ultrasound and the spinal arteries are invested in the narrowing of the lumen.In this case, we can talk about surgery, since a major change in blood flow in the spine arteries is a risk factor for the development of stroke.
The cervical spine osteochondrosis with "heart (heart) syndrome"
This syndrome causes the patient to contact the cardiologist primarily, as the main complaints with the pain in the left side of the chest, in the apple palatal region that weaken or increased when physical activity is performed or in the body position.After the exclusion of myocardial infarction and other heart disease, the patient is subject to observation and treatment of neurologist and orthopedics.
Diagnosis
Four methods are used to clarify the diagnosis: radiography, ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The cheapest method remains the radiography of the cervical spine, the most information is the radiography in the lateral projection ("side view").This method allows the first approximation to the presence of injuries and the gross structural changes of the vertebrae.
Ultrasound (ultrasound) is performed to clarify the condition of the spine arteries.This method helps you to find out what the blood flow is disturbed and, if so, to what extent and what obstacles have been arise and where they are localized.
Computer tomography (CT).This allows you to more accurately evaluate the condition of the bone structures, and the degree of bone density allows you to see smaller osteophytes (bone outgrowths) as much as possible with X -tray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).This type of examination is essential for the suspect's hernia, the exact localization of the spinal cord damage and the extent of this damage.This study is necessary if the issue is raised on surgical (surgical) treatment of cervical spinal diseases.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug treatment
Standard product set to treat cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of treatment: relieves pain syndrome, removes painful muscle cramps and inflammation of the nerve roots, increasing spine mobility.In order to achieve these goals, muscle relaxant products are used primarily for the use of analgesics, NSAIDs, NSAIDs -no -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.It should be recalled that medication from these groups itself can be dangerous as there is a misinterpretation of symptoms and underestimating the side effects of these drugs.From NSAIDs, local (Basel) drugs from NSAIDs are widely used in gel, and when the pain stops, the same drugs can be used in the form of ointment.
Systemic drugs are used to treat deeper, "basic" levels of osteochondrosis.These substances restore the cartilage structures of the vertebrae and prevent their additional damage.The treatment courses are long and the effect remains for many months.
Cervical osteochondrosis shows significant differences from other spine pathologies.In this case, cervical pain can not be provoked by signs of suffering spine circles, but is called painful chronic muscle - all muscle - tonic syndrome.It is a completely "benign" condition that is treated well with the same medicine: non -sertoidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxes, steroids are used with intramuscular "blockade".Usually, the doctor finds sharp pain when trying the so -called "starter" points on the entire cervix's spine and the muscles of the upper shoulder.Often such a pathology is found in women, mostly under 40 years of age.Despite the pronounced pain syndrome, the vascular structures remain intact and the blood flow of the head area is not suffered.
Manual therapy
This treatment method can be effective recently (often a small injury, subluxation) pain in the neck, not dizziness, nervous system and other changes in the circulatory system.It is allowed to use manual therapy only after a thorough examination, and the doctor who performs this procedure should have sufficient experience in traumatology and orthopedics.With the "old" forms of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!
Two methods of this type of intervention are known:
- manipulation (sharp short effects of significant force aimed at eliminating subluxation, well -known "bone clicks");
- Mobilization (the method is based on a smooth neck stretching after warming up and relaxing the neck of the neck).
We also use combined methods based on two main combinations.It is important to note that, in addition to these contraindications, manual therapy is prohibited for any disease, with the increase in blood pressure, with any pathology of the thyroid gland and ENT-Organ.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis
The first and main rules for beginners are to participate in physiotherapy, not to perform exercises, to overcome painful feelings.Of course, you should not start in the "acute" period when the pain was just coming out.Another important recommendation is to avoid sudden movements and circular movements in the cervical region.
Each lesson should begin with a short, bright self -mass self -mesh.
Below a "warming" is warm:
- The hands are lowered along the body, the shoulders are straight, the back is straight (the posture can be slightly checked, slightly pressed to the wall, the blades and bottoms).We walk on the entire foot in 1 minute, 1 minute - socks, 1 minute - around the corner.
- The starting position is the same.The brushes are clamped in the fist, the shoulders are lifting, and our hands straighten.The movements are slow, 20 reps, the last rise is more than 5 seconds.We make sure that the cervical muscles are not "tightened".
- The starting position is the same.We decide our heads to the right and then to the left.The movements are smooth, on a slope on 8 accounts, at the extreme tilt point - hold for 8 seconds.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.The smooth tilt of the head forward at the extreme point - hold for 8 seconds
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.Slowly tilt your head forward until your chin is in the chest, then slowly turn your head to the right (4 accounts) and left (4 accounts).Do not allow muscle tension.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.Rise the shoulder to 4 drawers and then let them in 4 numbers.10 repetitions.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.We lift our shoulders, but now we make circular movements at the back, 8 drawers.10 repetitions.
- Align the back and check the posture.To 4 accounts, reduce the flat blades behind your back, try to connect them, draw at the endpoint for 8 seconds, and then return to the starting position.
Pillows
As mentioned above, the hypertension of cervical muscles is the first and often the main cause of the cervical osteochondrosis.The rational selection of pillows and mattresses, ensuring the relaxed and comfortable position during sleep, is no less than gymnastics, physiology and drugs.
When choosing the mattress, pay attention to the composition of the filler (the products are appropriate, at least made from the coconut chip, ie they have sufficient stiffness).The soft spring mattresses do not ensure that the spine straightens sufficiently.The most optimal sleep of sleep is on its side, pulling one or both knees in the stomach.The pillow should be placed in such a way that it fills the entire space between the shoulder, ear and matratates, the parietal part of the head (crown) is on the same horizontal line with the spine.To get too high and too low and to avoid soft pillows.The ideal option is an ergonomic figure, ie in this case with a little pressure on one side.
General recommendations
Take care of your posture.When walking or standing, the situation is a situation where the chest protrudes forward and the stomach tightens.
Avoid long -term stay in a sitting position.Simple prevention of cervical osteochondrosis is known: every 60-minute work requires 10-15 minutes walk or warm-up.
The chair of the work must have a high headrest or backrest.
In a sitting position, the legs should relax on the floor and the neck should not be tense.For this purpose, use special orthopedic devices: rollers under the neck when driving in a car, a pillow under your back.
Avoid weightlifting.If necessary, kneel, press the heavy object on the body, then stood smoothly with the strength of the leg muscles, but not with the back "thrust".
Do not lean with straight legs.Use racks, functioning surfaces to bring the object closer and not convince your face to the subject.Try to do homework on a chair or sitting on a gymnastic ball.
If you need to use the use of a mop, broom or rake, do not stretch your arm, back and neck, or bend to the side.
Avoid swimming in the style of brass.