Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by intervertebral disc deformity and structural changes.
Cervical osteochondrosis has recently become more common, which can be explained by the spread of a sedentary lifestyle (driving a car, sitting at a computer).
Unlike the thoracic and lumbar, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself more often, which is due to the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact is that the vertebrae in the neck are close enough to each other, and the muscle framework is poorly developed, which leads to the displacement of the vertebrae with small loads in the neck, resulting in constriction of blood vessels and nerves.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Attitude - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fear, tension and depression.
The cause of the manifestation and aggravation of cervical and vertebral osteochondrosis is a person's mental factor - they are frequent or constant stress, fears, worries, depression, accompanied by constant internal stress.
Our spine, including the cervical section, consists of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and is connected to many muscles and ligaments that form a kind of corset for the spine to keep the whole structure strong and stable. A very important role in this design is played by the intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move relative to each other, which leads to cushioning.
When these discs or vertebrae are damaged (structural changes due to metabolic diseases), osteochondrosis of the affected area occurs: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic and lumbar.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves extending from the spinal cord are compressed and the arteries are constricted, which disrupts blood flow. because it is difficult for blood to move inside the tense muscles. Of course, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting in oxygen starvation.
In addition, all these nerves coming from the spinal cord are connected to our internal organs, and therefore their work is disrupted.
Cervical osteochondrosis can also be caused by:
- damage to intervertebral discs;
- lift weights;
- wrong posture;
- hypothermia, draft;
- Incorrectly performed procedures, such as massage, etc.
- overeating, overweight - excessive stress on the spine;
- spicy, salty use aggravates osteochondrosis;
- congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
- Prolonged exposure to vibration - working with construction equipment, driving a car, etc.
- restless bed, feather pillows, big pillows, so the position of the neck in sleep is wrong;
- hereditary tendency;
- is loaded on the waist, not only strong, for example, monotonous;
- pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
- asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, injuries, chewing habits, malocclusion;
- tight-fitting bra straps, tight collars;
- Work with the same type of strenuous activity (especially when bending forward halfway): sawing wood, shovel gardening, anchoring, wood washing, vacuuming, etc.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are directly related to the target. From this point of view, there is a group of syndromes that accompany this disease:
- Radical syndromes.Radicular syndrome occurs when nerve roots in the cervical region are compressed (compressed nerve). This is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain in the neck is transmitted downwards and can spread to the scapula and even to the fingers on the outside of the forearm. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include, in some cases, a tingling, embarrassment, or runny nose in the forearm, hand, or fingers.
- Irriate reflex syndromes.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in reflex-reflex syndrome may include acute burning pain in the neck or occiput, which is accompanied by a sharp dizziness when moving after a static position, sneezing, after sleep). The pain may radiate to the shoulders and chest.
- Heart syndrome.In this syndrome, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis mainly coincide with the symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in the diagnosis. The nature of pain with cardinal syndrome is paroxysmal and long (up to several hours). Increased pain is caused by sudden movements that occur as a result of coughing, sneezing and a sharp dizziness. Often there is the appearance of tachycardia and extrasystoles against the background of complete absence of symptoms of circulatory disorders.
- Vertebral artery syndrome.In this condition, cervical osteochondrosis is often accompanied by symptoms such as a tingling or burning headache that covers the superficial region, the back of the head, the temples, the dark. Pain, as a rule, practically does not stop and is only paroxysmal in some cases. Increased pain occurs when moving or after staying in a restless state for a long time.
There is a possibility of hearing and vision disorders (decreased hearing and visual acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, pain in the eyes). Against the background of general weakness of the body, nausea or loss of consciousness is possible.
Summarizing the above, we can identify a number of symptoms characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Persistent neck pain extending to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, to the back of the head, and does not stop at night;
- Pain in hands, wrists, shoulders, worsens even with a light load;
- Weakness of muscle strength and decreased sensitivity of hands, arms, fingers and difficulty in movements;
- pain in the neck when turning and tilting the head;
- neck muscle tension, feeling of stretching in the morning;
- burning, numbness, tingling in legs or arms;
- extensive headache with initial localization in the occiput;
- darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, fainting with a sharp dizziness,
- decreased visual acuity and hearing;
- spread of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
- Pain in the heart area.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy aims to relieve pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively relieve pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is indicated the appointment of chondroprotectors - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the renewal of cartilage tissue.
The use of topical ointments and gels containing non-irritating or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug, which is part of the composition, is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle barrier. However, the use of these external substances makes sense, because when rubbed into the skin, the neck is massaged.
Patients are prescribed B vitamins to improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root. Doctors often prescribe intramuscular vitamin supplements to patients.
Traditional treatments for cervical osteochondrosis
Folk remedies are definitely not eliminated - cervical osteochondrosis with symptoms can be treated at home with essential oils, herbs, oils, roots and poisons. Alcohols combine with iodine and turpentine to obtain highly effective anti-inflammatory and warming agents for both external and internal use.
Phytotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis
Celery Cleanser. Grate the celery root through the best grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice at home for a tablespoon three times a day before meals for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and.
Less concentrated version of the drug - 100 ml of boiling water for 1 tablespoon of juice, leave for several hours and dissolve one tablespoon 4 times a day one hour before meals.
Instead of juice, you can use the root itself - pour 3 grams of carrots in 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a few hours until completely cooled, and for 20 ml before each meal.
Bay leaf treatment. In an enamel saucepan, pour 12 grams of bay leaf with 300 ml of cold water, boil for five minutes. Infuse for three hours, drain. During the day it is necessary to drink the infusion in small sips between meals. For the rest before bed. Continue to take the drug for four days, take a break for a week and repeat the course. Repeat the course every spring to prevent.
Herbal collection for cervical osteochondrosis. Grind and mix 100 grams of chamomile, parsley, hops and oregano, add 100 grams of nettle leaves and 200 grams of burdock root. Pour 1, 5 liters of boiling water and infuse in a thermos. Leave for three days. For one tablespoon of filtered solution twice a day - morning and evening. Keep in a cool, dark place.
Wipe
Red pepper medicine.Finely chop two hot red peppers, pour into a tightly closed bowl and add 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Apply to the affected area with gentle movements twice a day. You do not need to take a lot of money at once, because it can burn a lot. The effect of the product warms up, blood circulation improves.
Butter.Mix the egg with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of softened butter. Leave the product in a dark place for two days, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture and apply to the skin in the area of cervical osteochondrosis during massage. Do not store the prepared mixture for more than 3 days.
Compresses
Burdock and horseradish leaves have proven themselves as compresses. They are burned with boiling water, applied to the damaged area and kept for several hours, wrapped in a piece of cotton. Repeat 10 times a day. Repeat 2-4 times a year.
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
These exercises will help both existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as prevention. For the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis, gymnastics can be done at home in the evening, but it is better to use short breaks at work (this is a recommendation for those who are sedentary). Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis does not take long, but it gives a positive result very quickly.
- Exercise 1.Sit up straight, turn your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to the starting position. Exercise is performed slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Repeat five for each side.
- Exercise 2.Sit up straight, face forward, chin slightly raised. Slowly and gently turn your head to the right - as much as possible. Return to the starting position and turn the same turn to the left. Repeat 5 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.Put your palm on your forehead and press on your head, palms should remain in the same place, that is, resist the pressure. You need to tighten the neck muscles during head pressure. Slowly count to 5 and relax. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 4.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed behind the head and the palm should be pressed. The voltage should be maintained by counting itself to 5. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 5.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, but in this case, place your right palm on the right temple and press your head on the palm. The voltage should be maintained by counting itself to 5. Repeat 3 times. Then do the same thing by placing the left palm on the left temple - repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 6.Sit up straight, tilt your head back slightly with tension as you overcome the resistance, and then slowly bend, lowering your chin to your chest. Repeat 5 times.
- Exercise 7.Sit up straight, lower your head, and slowly turn your head left and right - 5 times in each direction. In this situation, the head remains down.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not include dizziness without hand support, especially when the neck is tense and painful.
Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Self-massage is never harmful, it is the main treatment at home. The main requirement is a frugal mode. You can not use excessive force, the procedure is performed only with your fingers. You can do this at least all day. It is recommended not to bend or bend the neck to the sides during exercise.
Start with the upper cervical vertebra and gradually lower the massaged area. The movements should be smooth spiral or circular from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If a muscle in the cervical region is stiff, it can also be kneaded. Remember the symmetrical load. The time for massage of the right and left parts is approximately equal. It will not be possible to completely cure the disease with massage, but it is possible to slow down the disease and speed up recovery.
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis
Doctors with cervical lumbar osteochondrosis recommend eating small portions at least 5 times a day. Eat cooked or steamed food. You need to drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day. Add olive oil to salads. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Add the following products to the menu:
- lean meat: beef, rabbit, chicken;
- vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
- dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
- seafood: fish, crayfish, oysters, crab;
- dishes with gelatin: jelly, mixed meat, aspic from fish;
- nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds;
- mushrooms, eggs, cereals.
Try to eat less sugar, grapes, broth. Eliminate salty and smoked foods, flour products, and spicy foods from your diet.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
As always, proper prevention will help avoid cervical lumbar osteochondrosis, but of course all physical exercise should be used regularly, otherwise "periodic" exercise will be of little use.
Simple rules to remember:
- Regular exercise, especially swimming, water aerobics, gymnastics for tension and flexibility of the vertebrae, is also suitable for the prevention of osteochondrosis, which can be applied at home;
- Eat more foods with more calcium and magnesium. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to avoid sugar, flour, smoked, spicy foods;
- Choose a good orthopedic mattress and pillow for the neck, keeping your head in the correct anatomical position during sleep (yes, your favorite giant low pillows do not end with spinal problems! ).
- Perform special medical gymnastics exercises at least once or twice a day during sedentary work.