Cervical osteochondrosis, or spondylosis, occurs as a result of changes in the shape and structure of the spine.Although the cervical region is short enough for the whole length of the spine, it is probably the most important part of the spinal column.Each pair of neighboring spine creates intervertebral holes through which the nerve roots go and go to each muscle and body of the upper half of the body.Through other holes - during the lateral processes of this spine - vital vessels provide blood supply to the brain.
Causes of cervical spine osteochondrosis
The causes of osteochondrosis are:
- Injuries
- "Sedentary" work on the monitor below the eye level,
- Physical labor related to weight transfer,
- Long -term to stay in the car,
- Work on the "phone" without the use of remote devices (in this case, the operator pushes the phone to the ear shoulder)
- Constitutional Properties (crooke, congenital changes in cervical spine, short neck)
The formation of abnormal spine changes
With osteochondrosis, small dots begin to form on the edges of the spine, which can damage nearby structures.Most often, this is the result of excessive loading on the cervix and not just the "aging" of the intervertebral joints (we remind you that it was considered degenerative osteochondrosis, and then natural "age -related" disease, as well as osteoarthritis).As the disease progresses, the spine closure plates and the height of the intervertebral discs are reduced.These drives normally play the role of shock offspring among the vertebrates and, among other things, prevent damage to the spinal roots.With progressive osteochondrosis, the nucleus of the intervertebral disk jacket (hernia) is prolonged, in which there is more and more pressure during the disease and the "restriction" of the ligaments on all sides.This hernia can also weaken the spinal structures and cause neurological manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
Cervical spine osteochondrosis with pain syndrome
Any pain in the neck forces the cervical spine pathology.In terms of growth, the intensity of pain syndrome is divided into 4 stages, the first patient feels fist, tingling, "severity" in the area of a certain muscle group, in the fourth stage - the most severe - the pain is so intense that they cause the patient's immobilization and loss of performance.
In addition to pain syndrome in the cervical and occipital region, the patient notes that the upper limb is "reflected" (radiated) pains, chest substrate lateral sides.
Cervical spine osteochondrosis with radical syndrome
They talk about participating in the nerve root process when pain, numbness and tingling apply to the lower jaw, upper back, forearm and fingers.At the same time, the patient focuses on the fact that he seemed to "seem" to be pushing.Morning firmness in the joints of the fingers lasts no more than 10-15 minutes.With the development of radicular syndromes, during examination, the muscle force of the upper extremities may be reduced.
Cervical spine osteochondrosis with "spine artery syndrome"
On the involvement of blood vessels (their hernia with protrusion or osteophytic), they say that when a patient complains of frequent headache attacks, especially after a long stay in a certain position, when he or she throws his head (for example, when swimming), if there is noise in the ears and dysinda.This clinical situation is well identified using ultrasound (with "Doppler Mapping mode").Ultrasound, the Inquisition of Spine arteries, is determined by the narrowing of their lumen.In this case, we can talk about surgery, as a pronounced change in blood flow to the spine is a risk factor for stroke.
Cervical spine osteochondrosis with "heart (heart) syndrome"
This syndrome forces the patient to contact a cardiologist primarily, as the main complaints relate to the pain in the left half of the chest, the subcapular region that weakens or enhances physical activity, or body position.After eliminating myocardial infarction and other heart disease, the patient comes under the observation and treatment of a neurologist and orthopedics.
Diagnostics
Four methods are used to make a diagnosis: radiography, ultrasound, computing tomography and magnetic -resonance imaging.
The most affordable method is still a cervical spine radiography, the most informative is the radiograph of lateral projection ("side view").This method allows the first approach to determine the presence of trauma, the rough structural changes of the spine.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is performed to find out the condition of the spine arteries.With the help of this method, they have found out whether the blood flow disorder is and if so, how much it has arisen and what kind of obstacles arise and where it is localized.
Computed tomography (CT).This allows you to more accurately evaluate the condition of bone structures, the degree of bone density, allowing you to see smaller osteophytes (bone results) than possible with x -ray.
Magnetic -resonance imaging (MRI).This type of examination is essential for suspicion of hernia prosthesis, for the exact localization of spinal cord damage and the degree of this damage.This examination is necessary if the issue is initiated by surgical (surgical) treatment of cervical spine diseases.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treating the drug
The standard set of products for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of treatment: relieving pain syndrome, removing painful muscle spasms and inflammation of the nerve roots, increases the mobility of the spine.To achieve these goals, first of all, the use of painkillers, NSAIDs -is used to calm the muscles.It should be remembered that self -government can be dangerous from these groups, as there is a possibility of misinterpretation of symptoms as well as evaluation of the side effects of these drugs.Local (basel) drugs between NSAIDs are widely used as gels, and when painful pain, the same drugs can be used as ointments.
For the deeper, "basic" level of osteochondrosis, the drugs of chondroprotectors containing glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are used.These substances restore the cartilage structures of the spine, preventing them from further damage.Treatment courses are long, the effect is maintained for many months.
Cervical osteochondrosis has significant differences from other spine pathology.In this case, pain in the neck may not be provoked by signals from the spinal nerves, but rather with painful chronic muscles - all of the muscles are called - tonic syndrome.This is a completely "benign" condition that is well treated with the same set of the same drugs: with muscle soothing, anti -anti -anti -remedies, steroids using intramuscular "blockade".Usually, the doctor shows sharp pain when examining the so -called "trigger" dots along the entire spine of the cervix, as well as in the upper shoulder belt muscles.More often such pathology is found in women, mainly over 40 years of age.Despite the pain syndrome, the vascular-body structures remain intact, with no blood flow to the head.
Manual therapy
This method of reducing treatment may be effective recently (often as a result of minor injury, sublux), which is not accompanied by dizziness, other changes from the nervous system and the circulatory system.It is permissible to use manual therapy only after a thorough examination, in addition to the physician who performs this procedure should have sufficient experience in the field of traumatology and orthopedics.In the "old" forms of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!Two methods of this type of intervention are known:
- Manipulation (a significant short impact of force aimed at eliminating sublux, well -known "bone click");
- Mobilization (the method is based on smooth stretching of the neck and after resting the neck muscles corset).
A combined method is also used, based on the combination of two main individuals.It is important to remember that in addition to these contraindications, manual therapy for any disease, accompanied by increased blood pressure, thyroid gland and ENT or Organ.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis
The first and foremost rule for beginners to participate in physiotherapy exercises is not to perform exercises, to overcome painful sensations.Of course, you should not start during the "acute" period when the pain has just appeared.Another important recommendation is to avoid unexpected movements and circular movements in the cervical region.
Each lesson should start with a short light of the neck muscles.Below is "warming" warm:
- The hands are reduced, the shoulders are along the body, the back is straight (you can check the posture slightly pressed with heels, shoulder blades and buttocks on the wall).We go for 1 minute to the whole feet, 1 min - socks, 1 min - on the heels.
- The starting position is the same.We brush the brushes into fists, shoulder lift, hands straight.The movements are slow, we do 20 repetitions, the last rise is more than 5 seconds.We make sure the neck muscles are not "locked".
- The starting position is the same.We turn our heads to the right, then on the left side.The movements are smooth, one slope in 8 accounts, at the extreme point of inclination - hold for 8 seconds.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a heavy chair.Head smooth angled, at an extreme point - hold for 8 seconds
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a heavy chair.Slowly the tilting head forward until the chin is on the chest, then slowly turning itself to the right (4 account) and left (4 accounts).Do not allow muscle strain.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a heavy chair.We raise our shoulders in 4 accounts, and then reduce them to 4.10 Repeat.
- The starting position is the same or sitting on a heavy chair.We have our shoulders, but now we do circular movements at the front rear, 8 accounts.10 Repeat.
- We travel behind our backs, checking the posture (see exercise 1).In 4 accounts, we reduce the shoulder blades on your back, try to contact them, after all, we manifest for 8 seconds, and then return to the starting position.
Pads
As already mentioned, the hypertension of the neck muscles is first and often the main cause of cervical osteochondrosis and progression.Rational selection of pads and mattresses, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable condition during sleep, no less gymnastics, physiocyte and drugs.
When choosing a mattress, pay attention to the composition of the filler (products are suitable, at least half of the coconut chip, or sufficient quality firmness).Soft spring mattress does not allow the spine to straighten sufficiently.The most optimal sleep for sleep is on the side, pulling one or both of the knees to the abdomen.The pillow should be placed so that the entire space between the shoulder, ear and the matstrats, the parietal part of the head (crown) is on the same horizontal line with the spine.Very high and very low as well as to avoid soft pads.The ideal option is an ergonomic shaped polyurethane foam, that is, in this case, with a small spray on one side.
General recommendations
Pay attention to the posture.During walking or in a constant state, the position is in a position when the chest rises forward and the stomach is removed.
Avoid long -term stay at the session.It is known for the simple rule of cervical osteochondrosis: every 60 minutes after work, you need 10-15 minutes of walking or warming.
The chair for the job should have a high scaffold or back.
In the sitting, the legs should rest on the floor, the neck should not be tense.For this purpose, use special orthopedic devices: under the neck rollers in the car while driving, on the back of the pillow.
Avoid weight gain.If necessary, knock, press the heavy object on the body and then smoothly stand by the strength of the leg muscles, but not the back.
Did not lean on the straight legs.Use stands, work surfaces to get the object closer to yourself and not convince your face for the subject.Try to do your homework on a chair or gymnastics ball.
If you need to use a mop, broom or rake, do not bend your arms, back and neck, do not rely on sideways.
Avoid swim in copper style.