Modern realities affect human health not in the best way.An unhealthy lifestyle, strict working conditions lead to a number of human health disorders.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - a disease of white collar, takes 5th place in the world in the number of suffering from this ailment.
What is cervical osteochondrosis and why is it dangerous?
Under osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to understand the progressive dystrophically defined damage to the intervertebral discs (the area between 1 and 7 vertebrae).As a result of this disease, deformation occurs, as well as exhaustion with subsequent damage to the vertebral bodies.The course of the spinal disease can have several stages, so it is important to recognize the disease in the initial stages.
Powering the nerve roots of the spine and blood vessels can lead to a violation of the blood supply to the brain.A neglected state can even lead to a stroke.At the same time, the heart and blood vessels suffer, and you can fight pressure for years, and cervical osteochondrosis of the spine will be guilty.
The reasons for the development of the disease
There are many factors that lead to the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Excess weight;
- transmitted spinal injuries;
- deformation of posture, constant tension of the back and neck;
- improper nutrition;
- physical activity;
- stresses and nervous disorders;
- heredity;
- infectious diseases;
- individual characteristics of the structure of the body;
- Change in blood circulation of the cervical spine.
Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis
The danger of cervical osteochondrosis is associated with the lack of symptoms at the initial stage.When pain appears, the patient often uses analgesics, which is very erroneous, since the process of developing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is launched, and the correct diagnosis with subsequent treatment is made with great delay for successful treatment.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the presence of the main symptoms of the manifestation of cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- Dizziness.You need to understand that this symptom may indicate the presence of other diseases.With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, dizziness shows a systemic character, that is, the patient feels the constant movement of surrounding objects.
- Headache.It has a real character with pulsation, can be either constant or paroxysmal.
- Localization of pain.Often in patients with cervical osteochondrosis, pain is observed when turning the head, in the neck, in the shoulders, in the limbs.
- Blood pressure.It is combined with other symptoms (headache, tension and hands of hands, stress and prolonged stay in one position).
- Noise in the ears and vision of vision.
- Weakness and rapid fatigue of the body.
- Disruption of sleep and pain during sleep in the neck, in the limbs, their numbness.
Diagnosis of the disease
With the existence of the above symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, self -medication is strictly prohibited.Only a doctor can evaluate the condition, direct the patient to the diagnosis and choose a course of treatment.To determine the disease, it is recommended:
- spine X -ray (cervical department);
- ECG;
- MRI of the spine (cervical compartment);
- Reoencephalography.
Computed tomography
One of the exact methods for diagnosing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is CT (computed tomography).The procedure is carried out for its intended purpose, has no contraindications (restriction only by weight - up to 160 kilograms).CT accurately displays the condition of the spine, intervertebral discs, determines fractures, tumors, hernias and other inflammatory processes.The method is absolutely safe.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging recognizes cervical osteochondrosis of the spine at the very early stage.Pictures clearly show nerve roots, their integrity, and places of infringement, hernias and other pathologies.Contraindication to MRI may be the presence of a pacemaker.It is undesirable in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.Through the picture, the doctor may prescribe treatment.
Radiography
The cervical spine X -ray is performed in two projections and shows at what distance the vertebrae, the condition of the processes of the vertebrae, osteoporosis and the place of bone tissue, tumor processes, dystrophic states and other pathologies of the spine are located.
Contraindications: pregnancy, body weight more than 180 kg, mental disorders.
Stages of development of osteochondrosis
There are 4 main stages of development of cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- 1st stage - soreness, crunch when turning the neck, decreased mobility, headaches, sleep disturbance;
- 2 stages - thinning of the intervertebral disc capsule, infringement of nerve endings and blood vessels;
- 3 stages - the occurrence of protrusions, hernias, vertebral deformations, resulting in dizziness, pain, movement of coordination of movement, impaired brain supply;
- Stage 4 - constant pain, neurological complications, loss of consciousness, visual impairment, and even paralysis are possible.
Possible complications and consequences
If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated, it can lead to very serious disorders of both the spine and the whole organism:
- work of the heart and blood vessels;
- vision and hearing;
- cerebral blood supply;
- vestibular apparatus;
- increased pressure;
- the occurrence of hernias of the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Before prescribing drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the doctor will conduct a full examination to detect the stage of the disease.Then a comprehensive treatment is selected for each individual case.
The following drugs are mainly prescribed:
- Medical medicines that relieve muscle cramps;
- painkillers;
- anti -inflammatory;
- a complex of vitamins of group B;
- Recovery stimulants.
With advanced osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, injections can be prescribed.It is often practiced for complex treatment and physiotherapy (electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).
First aid for acute pain
The first task is to eliminate the pain and cramps of muscles.It is necessary to consult a doctor, take prescribed painkillers and anti -inflammatory drugs and go to bed.After 4-5 days, as the pain decreases, they can prescribe physiotherapy.As a rule, conservative treatment is prescribed.
Drug treatment
The basis of treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of drugs:
- analgesics;
- antispasmodics;
- anti -inflammatory drugs;
- vasodilators;
- Chondroprotectors.
Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs are designed to relieve pain and inflammation.They are used in complex treatment for cervical osteochondrosis.
Musorelaxants
There is an extensive list of muscle relaxants that are prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.It is necessary to use them only in the case of severe pain, since they do not relieve inflammation.
Analgesics
Treatment with painkillers can be in tablets and injections.Anesthetic ointments and gels are also prescribed.
Vitamins
In the treatment of the spine and cervical osteochondrosis, the list of drugs must include vitamins of group B, A, E and D. Vitamin B affects the nervous system;vitamin D helps to absorb calcium;Vitamins A and E are responsible for the condition of cartilage.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Easy short -sighted exercises must be agreed with the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the stage of the disease of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and the presence of other deviations in the body.Exercises last on average 15-20 minutes every day.The complex of exercises is better to choose so that you can carry out both at home and at work.
Therapeutic gymnastics can quickly and effectively give a positive result in the disease.The main thing is that the patient does not experience pain and inconvenience in any movement.
Basic exercises for therapeutic exercises:
- In a sitting position with a flat back, smoothly turn your head left and right, then with springy movements up and down;
- Holding your hand on the forehead smoothly tilt your head forward, while providing a slight resistance to your head;
- lying on the stomach to turn the head to the left and right so that the ear touches the floor;
- Take a vertical position and raise your shoulders as much as possible, holding it for a few seconds.Repeat several times.
Balneotherapy
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, a great effect gives balneotherapy (treatment with mineral waters and mud).In the rehabilitation period, these procedures help active natural substances to penetrate the skin and influence the nerve endings.The procedures relieve pain, improve blood circulation and fix the positive effect of treatment for a long time.
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis refers to combined physiotherapy methods.It is prescribed in the complex for the main treatment for severe pain.Electrophoresis is performed using novocaine, and assigned up to 10 procedures.
Acupuncture
Each human organ has its own point on the skin of the body.By acting on these points, you can control the work of the whole organism.Acupuncture with cervical osteochondrosis stimulates the blood supply to the brain, relieves dizziness, pain and general malaise.This is an effective way of treatment that helps restore health and strength.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound with the introduction of drugs into the skin (phonophoresis) has a positive effect on the human body and gives a good effect against the background of the main treatment:
- removes swelling;
- relieves spasm, massaging the muscles;
- Enhances blood flow to the places to which it is directed.
Treatment with folk remedies
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, various folk methods of removing pain and inflammation are used:
- compresses;
- rubbish;
- Hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).
Therapeutic massage
An important condition for massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is caution.The patient can massage at home, but before that, a doctor’s consultation is needed, taking into account the individual characteristics of the stage of the spinal disease.But we do not recommend self -massage to our patients!
The patient takes a convenient horizontal pose, sometimes it is allowed to be in a sitting position.We begin massage from the healthy part of the back and gradually, with smooth relaxing movements, go to the sore area.We pay much attention to the collar zone, neck.Gradually, from relaxing strokes, we turn to rubbing and patting.We use rubbing agents to increase blood flow and relieve pain.
Prevention of the development of osteochondrosis
Using preventive measures, you can prevent or reduce the factors that develop this disease.
The most important thing is the correct and healthy lifestyle, that is, small physical activity, balanced nutrition, gymnastics.It helps to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine regularly swimming and yoga.Do not forget about a comfortable dream with an orthopedic mattress and pillows.With a long stay in one pose, it is necessary to do a small warm -up.In every possible way to avoid nervous stress and overwork.Walk in the fresh air more.
Diet and nutrition for osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is very important to observe the proper nutrition, which should provide the necessary microelements of the cartilage tissue.Such substances include gelatin (natural chondroprotector).It is in a student, flooding fish, a cold and fruit jelly.You need to drink up to 2 liters.water per day.The basis of the menu should be protein food.Exclude soda, coffee, sorrel, grapes, alcohol, broths.