Do you know the feeling of tension in your neck?It happens that you work and automatically pull your head left and right because your muscles are “numb.”Or while reading a book you catch yourself massaging your neck.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be hidden behind these symptoms.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue of the cervical spine.It is characterized by changes in the structure of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and the development of a pathological process in the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
There is a set of characteristic symptoms for the disease:
- Complaints of pain (both acute and dull, aching), which can be localized in the neck, back of the head, and in the arms and shoulder blade.This is due to pinching of the nerve roots of the corresponding cervical segment.
- Muscle weakness and numbness in the neck and arms.
- Stiffness when moving the neck and dizziness.
- Increased fatigue and decreased performance may occur.
- Hearing and vision impairment is less common (with advanced disease).
The above symptoms and complaints can be combined.This depends on the specific location and extent of the pathological process.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis appear?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are many factors.Most often it develops due to:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Hereditary syndromes of connective tissue development disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome.
- Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Poor posture that creates overload in the corresponding part of the spine.
- Previous injuries to the corresponding part of the spine.
Incorrect stereotypical postures and habits make a big contribution to the development of the disease.They are increasingly common nowadays due to the frequent use of gadgets and long hours of work at the computer - the neck is tilted forward and down.If you read for a long time and have incorrect postures during sleep - unsuitable pillow, mattress, sleeping on your stomach.As a result of the influence of these factors, the neck muscles are in constant tension.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
To effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, complex treatment methods are used, including:
- Drug therapy (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes based on B vitamins, magnesium, etc.).Medicines reduce pain and inflammation, reduce muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercise.Therapeutic exercise and massage improve blood circulation, saturating the affected cells with oxygen and nutrients.Thanks to this, the pathological process stops and the pain is relieved.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures and massage.Physiotherapy can be carried out both in a medical facility and at home.For these purposes, almost the entire range of physiotherapeutic methods is used: exposure to current, laser, ultrasound, magnetic radiation, shock wave therapy.The choice of method depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of contraindications.
It is advisable to create the correct stereotypical positions of the head and neck during work, and the correct organization of the sleeping place.It may be worth replacing the pillow with an orthopedic one.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
If you follow the following rules of prevention, it is possible not only to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but also to stop the development of the disease:
- Regular moderate physical activity and/or physical therapy.
- Maintain a healthy diet with enough water, calcium, magnesium and protein.
- Performing exercises for the cervical spine during long sedentary work, at least once every two hours.
Gymnastics for the cervical spine
Perform exercises slowly without sudden movements during periods of remission.In the starting position, inhale, and when bending and turning your head, exhale.Hold in each position, as if stretching the neck muscles.
- Starting position: sit up straight, look ahead.
- Tilt your head forward, then return to the starting position.Tilt your head back, then return to the starting position.
- Tilt your head to the right, return to the starting position.Tilt your head to the left, return to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right, then in front of you.Turn your head to the left, then in front of you.
If your health allows, you can use a more complicated version of gymnastics - the same movements, but with reverse arm resistance.Press your head forward and down, and press with your hands, preventing your head from leaning forward and down.Perform the exercise for 5-15 seconds, depending on your strength.Repeat the exercise in all indicated directions.
Important: gymnastics should not cause pain!
If there are obvious signs of the disease, it is necessary to contact a specialized specialist for timely diagnosis, determination of the stage of the disease and selection of individual treatment tactics.