Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the spinal column characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc., with a significant decrease in height, reactive growth of marginal osteophyta, and sclerosis of the spinal discs.
The vertebrae of the cervical region are quite close to each other. The musculature in this area is relatively poorly developed, therefore, cervical osteochondrosis leads to displacement of the spinal disc, and compression of nerves and blood vessels, even in the case of mild stress.
The affected disc from osteochondrosis gradually transforms and degenerates into bone formation. As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size, and eventually loses its cushioning properties between the vertebral discs, which causes pressure on the nerve endings, with the further appearance of pain.
The intervertebral discs of the cervical region are a fibrocartilaginous disc. In the center of the disc is the core, which is surrounded by annulus fibrosus, i. e. tissue resembling tendons. The intervertebral disc does not have a vascular system, so nutrition is carried out with the help of other tissues.
Spinal muscles are an important source of intervertebral discs, their dystrophy causes the symptoms of osteochondrosis. During weight lifting, jumping or other physical exertion, the shock-absorbing functions of the spine maintain the necessary distance between the vertebrae. Disorder is pathology. Photo below.
I would like to emphasize that the protrusions (the main signs of osteochondrosis) are much more likely to develop in the lumbar spine, and therefore complications appear - intervertebral hernia.
Protrusion of the intervertebral disc is prolapse (protrusion) of the disc without rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
Outflow of the nucleus pulposus, that is, rupture of the fibrous ring, disc herniation - 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.
- Disturbance of posture.
- Rachiocampsis.
- Crow's feet.
- Sedentary lifestyle of the body.
- Instability of spinal segments.
- Prolonged stay in uncomfortable positions (pressure on the discs).
- Frequent jerking movements or changes in body position.
- Spinal overload due to wearing uncomfortable shoes such as high heels.
- Physical exercise.
- Unevenly developed musculoskeletal system.
- Pregnancy.
- stressful situations.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Hypothermia.
- Prolonged exposure to cold environments.
- Nervous tension.
signs and symptoms
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows::
- Dizziness, headache. It should be emphasized that in most cases the signs of cervical osteochondrosis are accompanied by a headache. This condition is associated with pressure on the vessels of the neck and head. In general, these symptoms and the pain syndrome cause a person serious discomfort, reducing performance. In addition, the headache is aggravated by various movements of the body;
- dizzinessthey appear when turning the head sharply to the side;
- Pain in the chest and armsin the period of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, it is very similar to the signs of angina pectoris, i. e. burning or pressing pain in the heart. In most cases, pain in the hand is accompanied by a feeling of tingling and numbness;
- Lumbago- This is the most common symptom of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar discomfort, like a strong pain, extends to the fingers of the hands;
- Numbness of the tongue. The appearance of this symptom of cervical osteochondrosis causes restriction of the movement of the tongue. In this regard, many patients complain of changes in the tone of the vocal cords (they become very rough), as well as speech.
Diagnostics
Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment are carried out by specialists - vertebrologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons - with a visual examination of the patient in relation to complaints of limited mobility or deformity.Examine the patient sitting, lying down, standing, resting or moving. The degree of damage to the spinal area is determined according to a special scheme.
The location, extent and nature of the pain, as well as the increased tension of the muscles along the spinal column, are determined by palpation of the spine. Bending, turning, bending of the body indicates the range of motion of the affected area.
In the future, osteochondrosis will be diagnosed using MRI, computed tomography or radiography. To check the condition of the vessels of the neck region, it is necessary to appoint 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, spinal root dysfunction, and preventing the progression of dystrophic changes in the structure of the spine. In the event that conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical (operative) treatment is performed according to certain indications, where the volume depends on the clinical manifestation of osteochondrosis and the extent of the lesion.
The treatment of osteochondrosis directly depends on the severity of the course of the disease, the 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, the pain of the cervical spine increases, but soon it stops with medication, physiotherapy procedures, physical procedures and therapeutic massage.
The most effective result of the treatment of osteochondrosis is the complex treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Tasks
Exercises and gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine help reduce pain, strengthen the neck muscles, so osteochondrosis reduces the likelihood of relapse.
- It makes sense to start with thata simple exercise - ten non-sharp turns of the cervical spine. Gymnastics is performed as follows: the head turns in one direction, while freezing at a certain point for a few seconds, then in the other direction, repeating the procedure. During the exercise, the head must not be lowered, the gaze is directed in front of you.
- Exercises - head tilt. The head is tilted to the left so that the ear touches the shoulder joint, and the shoulders should be kept relaxed. Repeat on the right side. The above exercises restore shock-absorbing properties. Photo below.
- Stretching exercises for neck muscles.Bend the neck, tilt the head back and forth. During the forward movement, the chin is pressed to the chest and held in a similar position for a few seconds. As a result, the head is twisted to its original position and tilted back. The exercises are repeated ten times.
As you can see, neck exercises or gymnastics are very simple, but extremely effective. The point is regular exercise..
Massage
Osteochondrosis is not a sentence! Drug treatment, massage, and therapeutic exercises are also possible at home.
Osteochondrosis massage of the cervical spine is performed in the presence of a close person. Massage oil is used to reduce discomfort.
To perform the procedure, the neck is prepared by laying the patient on a wide surface and placing a folded towel under the shoulder blades.These actions help to stretch the muscles of the neck and lengthen the spine. For a while, the patient's muscles relax. As a result, the patient sits on a chair with a straight back..
After a certain time, the neck is smeared with massage oil. The oil takes into account the drugs that have a headache-relieving effect. Such oils usually contain capsaicin, which heats up during use, providing a comfortable environment at the moment the massage is performed.
So the massage begins as follows, we palpate the trapezius muscle, which descends from the upper part of the neck to the shoulder. Knead hard enough to feel the pressure, but gently without pain. Massage the muscles of the left side with the right hand. Count each muscle for five minutes, then let it rest and repeat.
The massage ends by wrapping the massaged area with a warm towel, after which bed rest is desirable.. The proper practice of massage causes drowsiness.