Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by deformation and structural changes of the intervertebral disc.
Cervical osteochondrosis has recently become more common, which can be explained by the spread of a sedentary lifestyle (driving, sitting at the computer).
Unlike thoracic and lumbar, cervical osteochondrosis occurs much more often, due to the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact is that in the neck area the vertebrae are quite close to each other and the muscle structure is poorly developed, which leads to the displacement of the vertebrae even with small loads on the neck area and, consequently, to the compression of theblood vessels and nerves.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Relationship - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fears, tension and depression.
The no less relevant cause of manifestation and aggravation of cervical and vertebral osteochondrosis is the human mental factor: it is stress, fears, frequent or constant anxieties, a state of depression, which are always accompanied by an internal stress deriving.
Our vertebral column, including the cervical section, is made up of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and so that all this structure is held and strong, the spine is linked with many muscles and ligaments that create asort of corset. A very important role in this design is played by the intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move relative to each other, thanks to which depreciation occurs.
When these same discs or vertebrae are damaged (change in structure due to metabolic disorders), osteochondrosis occurs, which takes its name from the affected area: cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.
With cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves extending from the spinal cord are pinched and the vessels are compressed, which disrupts blood flow. because, within tense muscles, blood is difficult to move. Of course, the blood supply to the brain is also cut off, as a result of which oxygen starvation occurs.
Furthermore, all these nerves coming out of the spinal cord are connected to our internal organs and therefore their work is also interrupted.
Furthermore, the causes of cervical osteochondrosis can be:
- lesions of the intervertebral discs;
- weight lifting;
- incorrect posture;
- hypothermia, draft;
- procedures performed incorrectly, such as massage and others.
- overeating, overweight: excessive stress on the spine;
- the use of hot and salty spices aggravates osteochondrosis;
- congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
- Long-term exposure to vibrations: working with construction machinery, driving a car, etc.
- uncomfortable bed, feather beds, large pillows, so the position of the neck in sleep is wrong;
- hereditary predisposition;
- load on the spine, not only strong, but, for example, monotonous;
- pathology of the musculo-ligament apparatus;
- asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, its injuries, chewing habits, malocclusion;
- tight and uncomfortable braces, tight collars;
- works with strenuous movements of the same type (especially when bending half forward): sawing-splitting firewood, gardening with a shovel, with a hoe, washing on the table, vacuuming and the like.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are directly dependent on the target. In this regard, a group of syndromes accompanying this disease stands out:
- Radicular syndromes.Root syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the cervical region are compressed (pinched nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain that occurs in the neck is transmitted downwards and can go down to the shoulder blade and also to the outside of the forearm to the fingers. Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, in some cases, there is tingling in the forearm, hand or fingers, pastiness, the effect of goosebumps.
- Irritated reflex syndromes.In the case of reflex-reflex syndrome, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can include acute burning in the neck or occiput, which occurs when moving after a static state (with sharp turning of the head, sneezing, afterthe sleep). The pain can radiate to the shoulder and chest.
- Cardiac syndrome.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this syndrome largely coincide with the symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in the diagnosis. With cardinal syndrome, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal and prolonged (up to several hours). The increase in pain occurs with sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing and a sharp rotation of the head. Often, the appearance of tachycardia and extrasystole is observed against the background of a complete absence of signs of circulatory disorders.
- Vertebral artery syndrome.In this case, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by such a symptom as a throbbing or burning headache, which most often captures the eyebrow region, the back of the head, the temple, darkness. Pain, as a rule, practically does not stop, and only in some cases has a paroxysmal character. An increase in pain occurs during movement or after a prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position.
There is a possibility of hearing and vision disturbances (decreased hearing and visual acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, pain in the eyes). Against the background of the general weakness of the body, nausea or loss of consciousness is possible.
Summarizing the above, we can distinguish a series of symptoms more characteristic of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- constant neck pain that extends to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, to the back of the head and does not stop even at night;
- pain in the hands, forearm, shoulder, worsening even with a light load;
- weakening of muscle strength and decreased sensitivity of the hands, hands, fingers, as well as difficulty in movement;
- pain in the neck when turning and tilting the head;
- tension of the neck muscles, feeling of lying down in the morning;
- burning, numbness, tingling in the legs or arms;
- extensive headache with primary localization in the occiput;
- darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, with a sharp turn of the head - fainting,
- decreased visual acuity and hearing;
- proliferation of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
- pain in the heart region.
Medication for cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and fighting the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate the pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these medicines also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug substance that is part of their composition is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, it makes sense to use these external agents, since when rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Most often, doctors recommend combined vitamin preparations to patients, which are administered intramuscularly.
Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis
Folk remedies absolutely cannot be canceled: cervical osteochondrosis with its symptoms can be treated at home with essential oils, herbs, fats, roots and poisons. They are combined with alcohols, iodine and turpentine and get enough effective anti-inflammatory and warming agents for both external and internal use.
Phytotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis
Celery Remedy. Grate the celery root on the finest grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice for cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and home treatment three times a day for one tablespoon before meals.
Less concentrated version of the medicine - for 1 tablespoon of juice 100 ml of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours and take a tablespoon of solution one hour before meals 4 times a day.
You can also use the root itself instead of the juice: pour 3 grams of root into 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours until it cools completely and drink 20 ml before each meal.
Bay Leaf Remedy. In an enamel saucepan pour 12 grams of bay leaf with 300 ml of cold water, boil for five minutes. Let it brew for three hours, drain. Throughout the day, away from meals, drink the infusion in small sips. Drink the rest before going to bed. Continue to take the drug for four days, take a break for a week and repeat the course. For prevention, repeat the course every spring.
Collection of herbs for cervical osteochondrosis. Grind and mix 100 grams of chamomile, parsley, hops and oregano, add 100 grams of nettle leaf and 200 grams of burdock root. Prepare in a thermos, pouring 1, 5 liters of boiling water. Leave for three days. Drink the filtered solution in a spoon twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Store in a cool, dark place.
Rubbing
Chilli remedy.Finely chop two hot red peppers, pour them into a tightly closed container and add 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Rub on the affected area with gentle movements twice a day. It is not necessary to take a lot of funds at once, as it can burn a lot. The effect of the product is warming up, blood circulation is improved.
Butter based.Mix the egg with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of softened butter. Leave the product for a couple of days in a dark place, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture and rub it into the skin in the area of cervical osteochondrosis during massage. Keep the prepared mixture for no more than 3 days.
Compress
Burdock and horseradish leaves have proven to be compressed. They are scalded with boiling water, applied to the damaged area and stored for several hours, wrapped in a cotton cloth. Repeat every day 10 times. Repeat 2-4 times a year.
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis
These exercises will help both with existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and as a prophylaxis. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis for preventive purposes can be done in the evening at home, but it is better to use short breaks from work for this (this is a recommendation for those who have sedentary work). Gymnastics with cervical osteochondrosis does not take a long time, but it gives a positive result and quite quickly.
- Exercise 1.Sit with your back straight, tilt your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to the starting position. The exercise is performed slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Do five repetitions on each side.
- Exercise 2.Sit upright, face forward, chin slightly raised. Slowly and smoothly turn your head to the right as much as possible. Return to the starting position and make the same left turn. Repeat 5 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.Place the palm of your hand on your forehead and press your head on it, while the palm must remain in the same place, ie resist the pressure. During head pressure, you need to strain the neck muscles. Count slowly to 5 and relax. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 4.Exercise is similar to exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) must be placed on the back of the head and is with them to press on the palm. Tension should be maintained for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 5.Exercise is similar to exercise 3, but in this case, place your right palm on your right temple and press your head against the palm. Tension should be maintained for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times. Then do the same, placing the left palm on the left temple - repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 6.Sit with your back straight, tilt your head back slightly and then slowly, with tension, as if to overcome resistance, lower your head, pressing your chin against your chest. Repeat 5 times.
- Exercise 7.Sitting upright, lower your head and slowly turn your head left and right - 5 times in each direction. In this case, the head remains lowered.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not include rotations of the head without support for the hands, especially in those times when the neck is strained and painful.
Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Self-massage never hurts, it is an essential treatment at home. The main requirement is a thrifty regime. Excessive force cannot be used, the procedure is carried out exclusively with the fingers. You can at least do it all day. During the exercise, it is recommended not to bend or tilt the neck to the sides.
Start with the upper cervical vertebra and gradually lower the massaged area. The movements should be smooth spiral or circular, from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If a muscle in the cervical area is stiff, it can be kneaded separately. Remember the symmetrical load. The time for massaging the right and left sides is approximately the same. It will not be possible to completely cure the disease with self-massage, but it is quite possible to slow down the disease and speed up recovery.
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors recommend eating in small portions at least 5 times a day. Eat cooked or steamed meals. Drink at least 1. 5 liters of water per day. Dress the salads with olive oil. Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
Include the following products in the menu:
- lean meat: beef, rabbit, chicken;
- fruits and vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
- dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
- seafood: fish, lobster, oysters, crabs;
- dishes with jelly: jelly, jellied meat, fish jelly;
- nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds;
- mushrooms, eggs, cereals.
Try to eat less sugar, grapes, broths. Eliminate salty and smoked foods, flour products and hot spices from the diet.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
As usual, adequate prophylaxis will help avoid osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but, of course, all physical exercises must be used regularly, otherwise there will be little benefit from "periodic" exercises.
It remains to remember simple rules:
- regularly practicing sports, in particular swimming, water aerobics, gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of the vertebrae is also indicated to prevent osteochondrosis, which can be practiced at home;
- Eat more foods with a lot of calcium and magnesium. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to refrain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy;
- choose a good orthopedic mattress and an ideal pillow for the neck, supporting the head in the correct anatomical position during sleep (yes, your favorite huge feather pillows will not go away with spinal problems! ).
- during sedentary work, at least a couple of times a day, perform a special set of therapeutic exercises.