Cervical osteochondrosis, or spondylosis, occurs as a result of changes in the shape and structure of the vertebrae.Despite the fact that the cervical region is short enough in relation to the total length of the spine, it is perhaps the most important part of the spinal column.Each pair of neighboring vertebrae forms the intervertebral holes through which the nerve roots go and go to each muscle and organ of the upper half of the body.Through other holes - in the lateral processes of these vertebrae - vital vessels ensure the blood supply to the brain.
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The causes of osteochondrosis are:
- injuries,
- "Sedentary" work at the monitor located below the eye level,
- physical labor related to the transfer of weights,
- Long -term stay driving a car,
- Work "on the phone" without the use of distance devices (in this case, the operator presses the phone to the ear shoulder)
- Constitutional features (crooked, congenital changes in the cervical vertebrae, short neck)
Formation of pathological vertebral changes
With osteochondrosis, small pointings begin to form on the edges of the vertebral bodies, which can injure the structures located nearby.Most often, this occurs in response to an excess load on the cervical compartment, and not only is the result of the “aging” of the intervertebral joints (recall that it was used to be considered degenerative osteochondrosis, then a natural “age -related” disease, like osteoarthrosis).As the disease develops, the closure plates of the vertebrae and a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs occur.These discs are normal play the role of the shock absorber between the vertebrae, and, among other things, prevent damage to the spinal roots.With progressive osteochondrosis, a protruding (hernia) of the jacket nucleus of the intervertebral disk occurs, on which during the disease there is more and more pressure while weakening “restraining” the ligaments from all sides.This hernia is also capable of squeezing spinal structures and cause neurological manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with pain syndrome
Any pain in the neck forces the pathology of the cervical spine.In terms of growing, the intensity of the pain syndrome is divided into 4 stages, the first patient feels numbness, tingling, a sense of “tightness” in the area of a certain muscle group, at the fourth stage - the most severe - the pain is so intense that they lead to the patient's immobility and the loss of performance.
In addition to the pain syndrome in the cervical and occipital region, the patient notes “reflected” (radiating) pains in the upper limb, the subservist side areas of the chest.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with radicular syndrome
They talk about involvement in the process of nerve roots when pain, numbness and tingling spread to the lower jaw, the upper back, forearm and fingers.At the same time, the patient draws attention to the fact that he “seemed to be leaving” his hand, he slept inconveniently.Morning stiffness in the joints of the fingers, lasting no more than 10-15 minutes, is noted.With the development of radicular syndromes, during examination, a decrease in the muscle force of the upper extremities may be noted.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the "vertebral artery syndrome"
About the involvement in the process of blood vessels (squeezing them with hernial protrusion or osteophyte), they say when the patient complains of frequent attacks of headaches, especially after a long stay in a certain position, when he is thrown out of his head (for example, when swimming with a brass), if noise in the ears and dizziness are worried.This clinical situation is well detected using ultrasound (with the "Doppler mapping regime").With ultrasound, the inquisition of the vertebral arteries, the narrowing of their lumen is determined.In this case, we can talk about surgery, since a pronounced change in blood flow in the vertebral arteries is a risk factor for the development of stroke.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with "cardiac (heart) syndrome"
This syndrome forces the patient to contact the cardiologist primarily, since the main complaints relate to the pain in the left half of the chest, the subscapular region, which weaken or intensify when the physical activity is performed or the body position.After the exclusion of myocardial infarction and other cardiac diseases, the patient comes under the observation and treatment of a neurologist and orthopedist.
Diagnostics
To clarify the diagnosis, four methods are used: radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The most affordable method is still the radiography of the cervical spine, the most informative is radiography in the lateral projection (“side view”).This method allows in the first approximation to establish the presence of injury, gross structural changes in the vertebrae.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is performed to clarify the condition of the vertebral arteries.With the help of this method, they find out whether the blood flow is disturbed, and if so, to what extent and what kind of obstacles arose and where they are localized.
Computed tomography (CT).It allows you to more accurately assess the state of bone structures, the degree of bone density, allows you to see smaller osteophytes (bone outgrowths) than it is possible with x -ray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).This type of examination is indispensable for suspected hernias, accurate localization of damage to the spinal cord and the degree of this damage.This study is necessary if the question is raised of surgical (surgical) treatment of diseases of the cervical spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug treatment
The standard set of products for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of treatment: relieve pain syndrome, removing painful muscle spasm and inflammation of the nerve roots, increasing the mobility of the spine.To achieve these goals, primarily the use of painkillers, NSAIDs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants are used.It should be remembered that self -medication from these groups can be dangerous, since there is a possibility of erroneous interpretation of symptoms, as well as underestimation of the side effects of these drugs.Local (basel) drugs from among the NSAIDs in the form of gels are widely used, and if pain is stopped, the same drugs can be used already in the form of ointments.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at a deeper, “basic” level, systemic drugs are used.These substances restore the cartilage structures of the vertebrae, prevent their further damage.Treatment courses are long, the effect persists for many months.
Cervical osteochondrosis has significant differences from the pathology of other spine.The pain in the neck in this case may not be provoked by signals from the suffering spinal nerves, but by painful chronic muscle overstrain - all together is called muscle - tonic syndrome.This is a completely “benign” state, which is well treated with the same set of drugs: non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, using intramuscular “blockade” using steroids.Usually, the doctor reveals a sharp pain when probing the so -called “trigger” points along the entire cervical spine, as well as in the muscles of the upper shoulder girdle.More often such a pathology occurs in women, mostly younger than 40 years old.Despite the pronounced pain syndrome, the vascular-nore structures remain intact, the blood flow of the head area does not suffer.
Manual therapy
This method of treatment can be effective for recently arising (often as a result of a small injury, subluxation) pain in the neck, not accompanied by dizziness, other changes from the nervous system and the circulatory system.It is permissible to resort to manual therapy only after a thorough examination, in addition, the doctor performing this procedure should have sufficient experience in the field of traumatology and orthopedics.With "old" forms of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!
Two methods of this type of intervention are known:
- manipulation (sharp short influences of significant force aimed at eliminating subluxation, well -known “bone clicks”);
- Mobilization (the method is based on a smooth neck stretch after warming up and relaxing the muscle corset of the neck).
A combined method based on a combination of two main ones is also used.It is important to remember that in addition to these contraindications, manual therapy is prohibited for any disease, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, for any pathology of the thyroid gland and ENT or ENT-organ.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis
The first and main rule for beginners to engage in physiotherapy exercises is not to perform exercises, overcoming painful sensations.Of course, you should not start in the “acute” period when the pain has just appeared.Another important recommendation is to avoid sudden movements and circular movements in the cervical region.
Each lesson must begin with a short light self -massage of the neck muscles.
The following is a “warming” warm -up:
- Hands are lowered along the body, the shoulders are even, the back is straight (you can check the posture by slightly pressed with heels, shoulder blades and buttocks to the wall).We walk in the place of 1 min on the entire foot, 1 min - on socks, 1 min - on the heels.
- The starting position is the same.We squeeze the brushes into fists, lift-lowering the shoulders, our hands are straightened.The movements are slow, we make 20 repetitions, the last rise is more than 5 seconds.We make sure that the neck muscles are not “clamped”.
- The starting position is the same.We tilt our heads in turn to the right, then on the left side.The movements are smooth, one slope on 8 accounts, at the extreme point of inclination - hold for 8 seconds.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a hard chair.Smooth tilts of the head forward, at the extreme point - hold for 8 seconds
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a hard chair.Slowly tilting the head forward, until the chin in the chest, then slowly turn the head to the right (to 4 accounts) and to the left (to 4 accounts).Do not allow muscle strain.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a hard chair.We raise your shoulders to 4 accounts, then we also lower them into 4 counts.10 repetitions.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a hard chair.We raise our shoulders, but now we perform circular movements in front back, 8 accounts.10 repetitions.
- We align the back, check the posture.To 4 accounts, we reduce the shoulder blades behind your back, trying to connect them, at the end point we linger for 8 seconds, then we return to the starting position.
Pillows
As already mentioned, the hypertonicity of the neck muscles is the first and often the main reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis.A rational selection of pillows and mattresses, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable position during sleep is no less than gymnastics, physiociety and drugs.
When choosing a mattress, pay attention to the composition of the filler (products are suitable, at least half made of coconut chip, that is, having a sufficient degree of rigidity).Soft spring mattresses do not provide sufficiently straightening the spine.The most optimal sleep for sleep is on the side, pull one or both knees to the stomach.The pillow should be located in such a way as to fill the entire space between the shoulder, ear and mattrates, the parietal part (crown) of the head is on the same horizontal line with the spine.To avoid too high and too low, as well as soft pillows.The ideal option is a product of an ergonomic shape, that is, in this case, with a small squeeze-leal on one side.
General recommendations
Pay attention to posture.During walking or in a standing position, the position is a position when the chest protrudes forward and the stomach is pulled.
Avoid long -term stay in a sitting position.A simple rule of prevention of cervical osteochondrosis is known: after every 60 minutes of work, a 10-15 minute period of walking or warm-up is required.
A chair for work should have a high headrest or back.
In a sitting position, the legs should rest 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 the back.
Avoid weight lifting.If necessary, kneel down, press the heavy object to the body and then stood smoothly using the strength of the muscles of the legs, but not the “thrust” of the back.
Do not lean with straightened legs.Use stands, working surfaces in order to bring the object closer to yourself, and not to persuade your face to the subject.Try to do homework sitting on a chair or gymnastic ball.
If you need to use a mop, broom or rake, do not strain your arms, back and neck, do not lean sideways.
Avoid swimming in the style of Brass.