You know that 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 can 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 cartilage structure of the intervertebral discs and the development of a pathological process in the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
There is a set of symptoms characteristic of the disease:
- Complaints of pain (both acute and dull, aching), which can be located in the neck, back of the head and arms and shoulder blades.This is due to the compression 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.
- There may be increased fatigue and decreased performance.
- Hearing and vision impairment is less common (with advanced disease).
The above symptoms and complaints can be combined.It depends on the specific location and extent of the pathological process.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis occur?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are many factors.It most often develops due to:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Hereditary syndromes of connective tissue developmental 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 relevant part of the spine.
Stereotypical wrong attitudes and habits make a big contribution to the development of the disease.They are more and more common nowadays due to the frequent use of devices and long hours of work at the computer - the neck is tilted forward and down.If you read for a long time and have wrong positions while sleeping - unsuitable pillow, mattress, stomach sleeping.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 (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes based on B vitamins, magnesium, etc.).Medicines reduce pain and inflammation, reduce muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercises.Therapeutic exercises and massage improve blood circulation, saturating the affected cells with oxygen and nutrients.Thanks to this, the pathological process is stopped and the pain is relieved.
- Physiotherapy procedure and massage.Physiotherapy can be performed both in a medical institution 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 recommended to create the correct stereotypical positions of the head and neck during work and the proper organization of the sleeping place.Maybe it's worth replacing the pillow with an orthopedic one.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
If you follow the following prevention rules, 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 sitting 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 you bend and turn your head, exhale.Hold it in any position, as if stretching your neck muscles.
- Starting position: sit straight, look ahead.
- Turn your head forward, then return to the starting position.Tilt your head back, then return to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right, return to the starting position.Turn 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 opposite arm resistance.Press your head forward and down and press with your hands, preventing your head from bending forward and down.Perform the exercise for 5-15 seconds, depending on your strength.Repeat the exercise in all directions shown.
Important: gymnastics should not cause pain!
If there are visible signs of the disease, it is necessary to contact a specialized specialist for timely diagnosis, determination of the stage of the disease and the choice of individual treatment tactics.