Cervical osteochondrosis

The life of a modern person is associated with constant overloads to which the spine is exposed. And if earlier diseases of this vital organ were found mainly in mature and older people, today, according to medical data, representatives of the younger generation are involved in this. facing all kinds of problems. This group of diseases is leadingcervical osteochondrosis(Shuh). This deformity gives a lot of inconvenience to a person.

Therefore, it is worth knowing about the causes of its appearance and methods of treatment.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

For a long time, most people try not to notice unpleasant discomfort in the neck area, referring to general overexertion and fatigue. But over time, the discomfort worsens when moving the head, and other unpleasant symptoms. And only when the condition becomes severe, a person seeks medical help and learns that he has cervical osteochondrosis.

The disease often affects both sexes equally. As already mentioned, today it is most often found in very young people under the age of 30. This phenomenon is largely observed in all walks of life. This is due to the introduction of computer technologies in the U. S. People simply stop walking and spend most of their time in a monitor-bound state. As a result, pathological changes begin to occur in the cervical spine: the vertebrae are displaced, and the cartilaginous ones between themThe tissues, which represent a type of layer, become thinner. In other words, overgrowth of connective tissue occurs when structures appear as growths on the vertebral body.

The result of such pathological changes is a reduction in the effect of shock absorption between the vertebrae, bone surfaces in contact with each other, causing friction, and squeezing nearby nerves and blood vessels. All these pathologicalThe changes lead to a drop in the blood supply to the posterior parts of the brain, leading to a decline in general well-being and pain. If the problem is not addressed in time, the disease will progress and in severe cases it can even lead to disability. could.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Not so long ago, the main causes of SHOC have always been associated with age-related changes in the body. But the realities of modern life have revealed factors that increase the risk of developing pathology at a young age.

Some of these reasons include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• Forced stay in one position (usually sitting);
• overweight;
• autoimmune diseases;
• draft;
• stressful situations;
• injuries to the cervical or occipital region;
• congenital anomalies of the spine;
• Violation of metabolic processes.

In some cases, the disease develops as a result of hormonal disorders or unfavorable heredity.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Unlike pathological processes in other parts of the spine, SHOX manifests itself more clearly. This feature is explained by the fact that the vertebrae in the cervical spine are very close to each other, so the height of the intervertebral discs is smaller. This anatomical feature contributes to a greater extent than other parts of the spinal column, compression of nerve tissues and blood vessels. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease are localized in the upper back, in the cervical region and in the headThere are.

In this case, patients present the following complaints:

• limitation of neck mobility, especially if you tend to turn your head;
• acute pain, which often does not allow a person to perform primary actions (bending, turning the head);
• characteristic crunch while walking;
• decreased sensitivity in the hands;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• Dizziness;
• general weakness;
• Decreased vision and hearing, tactile sensitivity or taste perception.

Since the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the location of the dystrophic lesion, the disease has its own characteristic symptoms. There is usually a disorder of sensitivity or restriction of mobility as a result of compression of the spinal roots in these departments. Therefore, cervicalOsteochondrosis is differentiated by radicular symptoms, that is, taking into account which vertebrae are involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:

1. first vertebra - sensitivity is reduced and numbness of the occipital region and neck is noted;
2. the second - pain in the back of the head and parietal region;
3. third - pain in the part of the neck where the root is suppressed, speech and taste perception also worsens;
4. fourth - pain up to the shoulder, below the scapula, breathing disorders can be observed;
5. fifth - pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder;
6. sixth - pain in the neck extending to the thumb on the forearm and hand;
7. seventh - pain that radiates to the scapular region, shoulder of the back, forearm and fingers;
8. Eighth - The pain spreads from the neck to the shoulder and down the hand to the little fingers.

It should be noted here that the diagnosis pays special attention to the extent of the lesion. Because this criterion determines the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. There are only four of them and they determine the severity of the pathological process.

diagnosis of disease

It should be noted that an experienced doctor can easily diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, focusing only on specific clinical symptoms during the initial examination. But to determine the degree of damage and the prevalence of pathology, The patient is advised to undergo several examinations.Basically, these are all hardware research methods. Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• Radiographic examination of the cervical spine. In the process of diagnosis, the degree of damage, localization, features of the location of salt deposits and vertebrae are established.
• Computed tomography - allows you to detect possible breaks, establish the true height of the intervertebral discs, the places of compression of the nerve tissues and spinal cord, if any.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - gives an accurate display of pathological changes. Thanks to this type of examination, it is possible to accurately determine the state of nerve fibers, as well as the intensity of blood flow.

Most often, when making a diagnosis, one of the listed types of examination is sufficient. In most cases, doctors use a technique that has been proven for decades, namely X-rays.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Any deformity of the spine is fraught with serious problems. After all, the spinal column is a kind of foundation on which the entire structure of the human body rests. Vital blood lines pass through the cervical region, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are a lot of nerve endings. Therefore, infection or violation of the blood supply to vital organs threatens serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the danger, because osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has serious consequences.

In addition to perceived discomfort, the resulting vertebral defect leads to hearing loss, visual impairment. The brain with SCH suffers from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered the most dangerous form of the disease.

To be sure of this, it is enough to list only the most common complications of SHOX:

• persistent high blood pressure;
• chronic migraine;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD);
• shortness of breath;
• various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually take an irreversible form;
• Cardiovascular pathologies, of which strokes are the most dangerous.

In advanced cases of the disease, patients develop vertebral artery syndrome, and prolonged compression of nerve roots leads to radiculopathy. Changes in the structure of the vertebrae can subsequently lead to a complete loss of mobility in the neck. But most of the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis areA serious complication is death, which leads to compression of the spinal cord.

Given the severity of the condition and the high likelihood of complications, you should immediately contact the hospital if alarming symptoms appear. Such unpleasant signs may include: systematic headache, dizziness, discomfort in the neck or back of the head. After the diagnostic measures, the doctor will select an adequate therapy.

Treatment of patients with SHS is usually complex. The therapy necessarily includes massage, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures. Of course, without the use of drugs, it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the complex of drug treatment for osteochondrosis includes:

• analgesics;
• anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs;
• chondroprotectors;
• Muscle relaxants are means that relieve muscle tension;
• A complex of vitamins is necessarily prescribed.

All therapy is selected by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any kind of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is unacceptable. All these drugs are aimed at localizing symptoms in the acute stage of the disease. During the period of remission, other techniques are relevant. Usually, the treatment is carried out at home, that is, on an outpatient basis. But in especially severe cases, the patient is hospitalized.

traditional methods of treatment

Doctors are always ready to supplement the pharmaceutical complex of treatment with natural preparations prepared on the basis of folk recipes. Various decoctions, infusions help stop inflammation and relieve pain.

Here are some recipes for alternative treatment of osteochondrosis:

• Dill seeds (200 g) should be mixed with vodka (250 ml) or alcohol dissolved in half water. After two weeks of infusion, it is recommended to take a tablespoon of the infusion, three times a day, on an empty stomach.
• Means for external use is easy to prepare in the following order: lilac leaves (fresh) must be crushed into a fine mass, add 300 ml of radish juice (black) to them, then add 200 g of good honey to the mass. All dayIt is necessary to insist the composition of a dark place. Then it can be used to rub the problem area. It is advisable to use this product after consulting a doctor. The composition is contraindicated for thoseThose who are allergic to its components.
• From the flowers of lilac, you can prepare an infusion for internal use. To do this, take a teaspoon (teaspoon) of fragrant inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, strain for an hour and take 1 liter three times a day. Art.

Necessary! While taking all herbal preparations, the prescribed dosage should be strictly adhered to.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk about the complex of therapeutic gymnastics with SHH only after stopping the acute period. With the progression of the disease, such activities can only aggravate the condition.

All exercises in physiotherapy exercises are aimed at maintaining normal mobility in the cervical spine. Classes are held in a calm rhythm, there should be no sudden movements. If there are signs of fatigue or pain, classes are immediately stopped. ComplexIncludes the following exercises that you can do regularly at home:

• While standing, you need to tilt your head while inhaling so that your chin touches your chest. When you exhale, the head is gently pulled back. The same exercise is done independently while sitting on a chaircan go.
• In any starting position, it is convenient to do rotational movements of the head. From time to time it is better to change the direction of movement so that your head does not rotate. Exercises are recommended to be done in a slow rhythm.
• Regular performance of this exercise will help to fully strengthen the cervical muscles: you need to keep your hands in the "lock" and press your forehead against them as much as possible. To achieve a lasting effect, repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds. You can alternately press with your palms to your forehead, and then apply pressure to your palms from your forehead.

There are many other effective methods, but any option can be used only after the approval of the doctor.

To prevent a history of diagnosis"cervical osteochondrosis», you need to lead an active life, exercise regularly in the morning, pay attention to your neck and properly equip your workplace.