Some 30 years ago, osteochondrosis was associated exclusively with people of advanced age, whose joints become inactive and hurt with each movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are changing hard physical labor for sedentary work at the computer, they are less and less monitoring the quality of food, and more and more often encounter osteochondrosis of the cervical hotel. No wonder osteochondrosis is called the "disease of the century", and almost every person who has reached the age of 25 encounters the symptoms of this ailment.
This is an insidious disease, starting with unpleasant pain in the neck, very quickly leads to severe consequences in the form of hearing and vision weakening, as well as memory worsening until it is completely lost. That is why each person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and consult a doctor in a timely manner in the event of unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will talk about them in this article.
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical region
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begins in early childhood, or rather in primary school, where the child deteriorates posture and scoliosis develops. It is at this moment that the system of maintaining the head of the spine is violated, in particular, the most subtle and vulnerable department - the cervical. The second key factor in osteochondrosis of the cervical region, taking its beginning in distant childhood, is insufficient physical preparation, in particular, the weakness of the spinal muscles and the so -called muscle corset designed to support the spine.
These are two most important causes of the disease. All the rest with a heavy load fall on a weakened spine, provoking the development of the disease in quite young and healthy people. First of all, they include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular work, which is associated with a long stay in one position. This is most characteristic of drivers and office workers, replacing at the computer. All this is supplemented by an excess body weight, which seriously increases the load on the spine.
Of the other causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it should be distinguished:
- transmitted spinal injuries;
- metabolic violation;
- hereditary predisposition;
- Large physical exertion;
- constant nervous tension and stress;
- anomalies in the development of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the telephone tube with the ear and shoulder).
The development process of osteochondrosis
The listed adverse factors ultimately lead to an increase in the load on the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excess loading of the neck muscles, their spasm occurs, which leads to a violation of blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes. All this turns into the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the vertebrae begin to become thinner and get closer, squeezing out their contents (fibrous ring) outside the spine. Such a protrusion in the language of doctors is called protrusion.
In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still retains its integrity, but the protrusion already squeezes the blood vessels and nerves that pass along the spinal column and feed the brain. Moreover, converging and deforming vertebrae begins to squeeze the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of the so -called "radicular syndrome", which manifests itself with severe pain in the back and neck. If you do not identify the problem (which unpleasant symptoms will be eloquently signaling) and do not begin to treat osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will break and the vertebral hernia will appear. In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will arise.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In its development, the disease passes several stages, each of which has characteristic features and symptoms. It should be noted here that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal, and therefore even small degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
Osteochondrosis of the 1st degree.This is the preclinical stage of the development of the disease, in which the patient experiences slight pain and discomfort during head turns, as well as tension and rapid fatigue in the neck and back with prolonged finding in one position (often in sedentary). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated with a change in lifestyle, nutrition correction and regular physical exercises.
Osteochondrosis of the II degree.At this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae in the neck. In this case, a person is faced with intense pains, which are given to the shoulder, neck or hand. During inclinations or turns of the head, the pain increases significantly, since due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, the nerve endings begin to infringe on. The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance is reduced, distraction, forgetfulness appears, and headaches torment.
Osteochondrosis of the III degree.With the onset of the third stage of the disease, the pain in the back and neck becomes even stronger, the mobility of the neck decreases markedly, and when turning the neck, a crunch of vertebrae can be heard. At night, the patient begins to go numb with fingers (primarily a little finger and ring finger), which is why a person wakes up several times a night. Throughout the day, such patients have an unpleasant severity in their hands. And even a short conversation on the phone, in which a person is forced to hold a mobile near his ear, turns into unpleasant tingling and numbness in his fingers. All this indicates an increase in protrusion, and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical region.
Osteochondrosis of the IV degree.At the last stage of the disease, the vertebrates are destroyed, which stop performing their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue. A patient in this state may observe a violation of movement coordination, a noise appears and the pulsation in the ears is crazy, headaches are enhanced, visual acuity and hearing are reduced. In some cases, numbness of the language may be observed.
It should be said that due to the transfer of blood vessels, blood flow into the brain is disturbed. Because of this, the patient has neurotic disorders like insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood swings and the inability to concentrate. Outbreaks of anger or fear can occur periodically, to attack longing and depression.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, the strongest cramps of blood vessels can lead to the appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, a feeling of instability on a hard, flat surface, strong dizziness, migraines, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Diagnosis of the disease
To identify the cause of the pathology, the patient describes the doctor’s unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After hearing the patient, the specialist sends him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.Currently, this diagnostic method is considered uninformative, especially at the last stages of the development of the disease.
Ultrasound duplex scanning.This method is used in cases where a specialist involves a violation of blood flow in the arteries that give the brain to food. The study shows the flow rate of blood and determines whether there are obstacles in its path.
CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative in comparison with radiography, since not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of hernias, though with difficulty.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, which allows you to make out the bone structures, the presence of hernias, and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
We will immediately say that to combat such a serious problem as osteochondrosis of the cervical region, you should turn to a neurologist. True, if the clinic has a doctor in a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first. You can only treat osteochondrosis comprehensively. The complex of used methods includes drug therapy, massage of the cervical-high zone, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods, as well as proper nutrition. Only the combination of all these methods will help to cope with the disease and normalize the patient's well -being.
Help with severe pain
In the case of a strong pain syndrome, doctors recommend taking analgesics. When these funds cease to bring relief, you can switch to non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs.
In a general sense, drug therapy includes the following funds:
- NSAIDs (non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs). These products eliminate pain, relieve swelling and cope with inflammation of the nerve roots.
- Chondroprotectors. Such drugs perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissues.
- B vitamins B. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
- Musorelaxants. The effect of these drugs is aimed at reducing muscle cramps.
- Preparations that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to such means, the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improves.
It should be noted here that it is possible to achieve a tangible effect in the fight against osteochondrosis using ointments and tablets only if treatment with drugs is combined with other methods of therapy. Otherwise, the drugs will only give a temporary effect.
Many experts tend to treat osteochondrosis with injections in order to quickly affect the nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking tablets. However, vitamins are best taken orally, becauseVitamins are well absorbed by the body with any method of taking, but injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapeutic treatment methods
Treatment with drugs must be combined with physiotherapeutic methods of therapy. The most effective in this disease are considered:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with drugs). Medicines in this case penetrate damaged vertebrae under the influence of electric current.
- Ultrasound. This method of exposure allows you to relieve the inflammatory process, calm down pain and improve metabolic processes in the tissues.
- Magnetotherapy. This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy. This is a great method of combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Diet for osteochondrosis
The restoration of the affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents the deposition of salts, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue, and also strengthens the ligaments between vertebrates.
To achieve this, first of all, from the patient's diet should be excluded:
- alcoholic drinks;
- fat and fried dishes;
- Sharp and too salty dishes;
- strong broths;
- weaknesses and sdoba;
- strong tea and coffee;
- pickles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following food:
- low -fat meat and fish;
- low -fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (in small quantities);
- cereals and soups from whole cereals;
- jelly, pouring from fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- juices, fruit drinks, jelly and compotes.
When localizing osteochondrosis in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drinking regime, drinking at least 1. 5 liters of water per day. If there is overweight, then you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds that provide additional load on the spine. It is advisable to switch to power 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as can be seen from the list of products permitted for use, the basis of food should be low -fat vegetarian soups, boiled non -fat meat, fish, seafood, unsweetened vegetables and fruits.
The approximate menu for the day will look as follows:
- Breakfast: cottage cheese, pair of apples, tea without sugar;
- lunch: baked pear, a little oatmeal;
- Lunch: vegetarian borsch, boiled chicken with a vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack: dry cookies and fruit fruit fruit;
- Dinner: baked fish with vegetables and tea without sugar.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis
Physical education gives amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, the truth is to engage in gymnastics for the cervical spine only during the recovery period. It is important here that in the process of massage or gymnastics, the patient does not experience discomfort and pain.
Here are a few most effective gymnastic exercises aimed at strengthening the cervical muscles and improving blood circulation in this area.
Exercise number 1Lying on the stomach and resting your hands on the floor, slowly raise your head and the torso, so that the back remains straight. Hold in this position for 1 minute, then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2Lying on the stomach and stretching out your hands along the body, raise your head slightly and start turning it first to the right, trying to touch the floor with the ear, and then to the left. Perform 6 turns in each direction.
Exercise number 3Sitting on the floor, on inspiration, tilt forward, trying to reach your chin to the chest, and on the exhale, return to the starting position and throw your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4Attach your palms to your forehead and try to put pressure on your head with an effort. At the same time, straining the muscles of the neck, resist your hands, preventing the head to reject. Hold the pressure for 20-30 seconds, then lower your hands and relax. Repeat the element 2-3 times, and then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, giving with your grip hands on the back of the head.
Exercise number 5Start slowly turning your head to the right and to the left, trying to look behind your back. Make 10 turns in each side. Good health!