Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by deformation and structural changes in 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 the thoracic and lumbar spine, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself much more frequently, which is due to the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact is that in the neck region the vertebrae are close enough and the muscular structure is poorly developed, which leads to the displacement of the vertebrae even with small loads in the neck region and, consequently, to the compression of blood vessels and nerves.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Relationship - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fears, tension and depression.
No less relevant cause of manifestation and worsening of cervical and vertebral osteochondrosis is the human mental factor - there are frequent or constant stresses, fears, anxieties, a state of depression, which are always accompanied by the appearance of internal stress.
Our spine, including the cervical section, consists of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and in order for this whole structure to be sustained and strong, the spine is tied with many muscles and ligaments that form a kind of corset. A very important role in this project is played by the intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move in relation to each other, thanks to which amortization occurs.
When these same discs or vertebrae are damaged (alteration of the structure due to metabolic disorders), osteochondrosis occurs, which is named after the affected area: cervical, thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.
In cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord are pinched and the vessels are compressed, which interrupts blood flow. because, inside the tense muscles, the blood is difficult to move. Obviously, the blood supply to the brain is also interrupted, resulting in a lack of oxygen.
Furthermore, all of these nerves that come out of the spinal cord are connected to our internal organs, and therefore their work is also interrupted.
In addition, the causes of cervical osteochondrosis can be:
- intervertebral disc injuries;
- weight lifting;
- incorrect posture;
- hypothermia, draft;
- performed procedures incorrectly, for example, massage and others.
- overeating, overweight - excessive stress on the spine;
- the use of spicy and salty aggravates osteochondrosis;
- congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
- long-term exposure to vibration - working with construction machinery, driving a car, etc.
- uncomfortable bed, feather mattresses, large pillows, so the position of the neck in sleep is wrong;
- hereditary predisposition;
- carries on the spine, not only strong, but, for example, monotonous;
- pathology of the muscle-ligament system;
- asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, its injuries, masticatory habits, malocclusion;
- tight and uncomfortable bra straps, tight collars;
- work with strenuous movements of the same type (especially in the middle to bend forward): sawing-splitting firewood, gardening with a shovel, with a hoe, washing on the board, vacuuming and the like.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis directly depend on the target. In this regard, a group of syndromes that accompany this disease is distinct:
- Root syndromes.Root syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the cervical region are compressed (compressed nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain that occurs in the neck is transmitted downwards and can go down to the scapula and 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, pastyness, chilling effect.
- Reflex syndromes irriate.In the case of reflex-reflex syndrome, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include sharp burning pain in the neck or occiput, which occurs when moving after a static state (with sudden head turns, when sneezing, aftersleep). 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. In 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 sudden turn of the head. Tachycardia and extrasystoles frequently appear in the context of a complete absence of signs of circulatory disorders.
- Vertebral artery syndrome.In this case, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by a symptom such as a throbbing or burning headache, which most often captures the superciliary region, the back of the head, the temple, the dark. Pain, as a rule, practically does not stop, and only in some cases has a paroxysmal character. The increased pain occurs when moving or after an extended stay in an uncomfortable position.
There is a possibility of hearing and visual impairment (decreased hearing and visual acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, eye pain). In a context of general weakness of the body, nausea or loss of consciousness is possible.
Summarizing the above, we can distinguish a series of more characteristic symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- constant pain in the neck, spreading to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, back of the head and not even at night;
- pain in 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 their movements;
- pain in the neck when turning and tilting the head;
- tension in the neck muscles, feeling of lying on your back in the morning;
- burning, numbness, tingling in the legs or arms;
- extensive headache with primary location in the occiput;
- darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, with an abrupt turn of the head - fainting,
- decreased visual and auditory acuity;
- 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. The therapy aims to eliminate pain and fight the inflammatory process in the affected area.
Patients receive painkillers. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate the painful 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 indication of chondroprotectants is indicated - drugs that delay the destruction of cartilaginous tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug that is part of its 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, because when they are rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.
To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, group B vitamins are prescribed to patients. Very often, doctors recommend to patients combined vitamin preparations, which are administered intramuscularly.
Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis
Folk remedies definitely cannot be ruled out - 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 provide very effective anti-inflammatory agents and heaters for indoor and outdoor use.
Herbal medicine for cervical osteochondrosis
Celery solution. Grate the celery root on the best grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice for cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment at home three times a day for one tablespoon before meals.
Less concentrated version of the medicine - for 1 tablespoon of juice of 100 ml of boiling water, leave for a few hours and take a tablespoon of solution one hour before meals 4 times a day.
You can also use the root itself instead of juice - pour 3 grams of root into 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a few hours until it is completely cool and drink 20 ml before each meal.
Bay leaf medicine. In a glazed pan, pour 12 grams of bay leaf with 300 ml of cold water, boil for five minutes. Let it ferment for three hours, drain. Throughout the day, between meals, drink the infusion in small sips. Drink the rest before bed. Continue taking the medication for four days, take a week-long break and repeat the course. For prevention, repeat the course every spring.
Herbal collection 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. Brew in a thermos, pouring 1. 5 liters of boiling water. Leave for three days. Drink the filtered solution in a tablespoon twice a day - in the morning and at night. Store in a cool, dark place.
Scrub
Red pepper remedy.Chop two red hot chilli peppers, place them in a tightly closed container and pour 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Rub in the affected area with gentle movements twice a day. It is not necessary to take many resources at once, as it can burn a lot. The effect of the product is warming, blood circulation is improved.
Based on butter.Mix the egg with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of soft butter. Leave the product in a dark place for a few days, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture and rub on the skin of the cervical osteochondrosis area during the massage. Store the prepared mixture for no more than 3 days.
Compresses
Burdock and horseradish leaves proved to be compresses. They are scalded with boiling water, applied to the damaged area and kept 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 prophylaxis. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis with preventive purposes can be performed at night at home, but it is better to use short breaks at work for this (this is a recommendation for those who have a sedentary job). Gymnastics with cervical osteochondrosis does not take long, but it gives a positive and very fast result.
- Exercise 1.Sit up straight, tilt your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to your starting position. The exercise is performed slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Do five repetitions for each side.
- Exercise 2.Sit erect, face forward, chin slightly raised. Turn your head slowly and gently to the right - as far as possible. Return to the starting position and make the same left turn. Repeat 5 times in each direction.
- Exercise 3.Place your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, while your palm should remain in the same place, that is, resist pressure. During head pressure, you need to stretch your neck muscles. Slowly count to 5 for yourself and relax. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 4.The exercise is similar to Exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed on the back of the head and it is with them to press the palm of the hand. The tension must be maintained, counting to yourself up to 5. Repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 5.The exercise is similar to Exercise 3, but in this case, place your right palm on your right temple and press your head against your palm. The tension must be maintained, counting to yourself up to 5. Repeat 3 times. Then do the same, placing the left palm on the left temple - repeat 3 times.
- Exercise 6.Sit upright, lean your head back slightly and slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head, pressing your chin against your chest. Repeat 5 times.
- Exercise 7.Sitting upright, lower your head and slowly rotate your head to the right and left - 5 times in each direction. In that case, the head remains down.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not include head rotations without hand support, especially when the neck is tense and aching.
Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Self-massage is never enough, it is a fundamental treatment at home. The main requirement is an economy regime. Excessive force cannot be used, the procedure is performed exclusively with the fingers. You can do this all day, at least. During exercise, it is advisable not to bend or lean your neck to the sides.
It is necessary to start with the upper cervical vertebra and gradually lower the massaged area. The movements should be smooth in a spiral or circular, from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If a muscle in the cervical region is stiff, it can be kneaded separately. Remember the symmetrical load. The time to massage the right and left parts is approximately equal. It will not be possible to completely cure the disease with self-massage, but it is quite possible to delay the disease and speed up recovery.
Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors advise eating in small portions at least 5 times a day. Eat steamed or cooked meals. Drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day. Season the salads with olive oil. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol.
Include the following products in the menu:
- lean meat: cow, rabbit, chicken;
- vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
- dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
- seafood: fish, lobsters, oysters, crabs;
- gelatin dishes: jelly, meat with gel, 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 spicy seasonings from the diet.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
As usual, adequate prophylaxis will help prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but, of course, all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise there will be little benefit from "periodic" exercises.
It remains to remember simple rules:
- playing sports regularly, mainly 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. They are fish, peas, vegetables, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to abstain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy;
- choose a good orthopedic mattress and an ideal pillow for your neck, resting your head in the correct anatomical position while sleeping (yes, your favorite huge feather pillows will not go away with spine problems! ).
- during sedentary work, at least a few times a day, do a special series of therapeutic exercises.