Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which the pulp between the vertebrae, which acts as a shock absorber, becomes a ossified tissue.
Neck pain?Dizziness?Crunch?Cervical blows?"Osteocondrosis is really ..." - you think, gaining a request on the internet.Without panic!The osteochondrosis of the cervical column is not a phrase, it can be prevented, slowed down and even cared for.As?Let's find out.
Introduction
Unfortunately, cervical osteochondosis is a silent and insidious disease.You may not suspect its existence, until you feel muscle spasm and neck pain.Dizziness and numbness of the limbs are often added.
The reason for these apparently unrelated phenomena in the complex nature of osteochondrosis.
What is osteochondrosis: from the general ...
Osteocondrosis is a disease of the spine in which intervertebral discs are damaged, performing the role of shock absorbers.By tightening and stunning, they give the elasticity and elasticity of the spine, allowing the body to maintain a balance in the movement process.With their partial or complete destruction, this balance is lost, which inevitably affects the motor activity of a person.The cause of these changes is often the physical wear and deformation of the disc or, more simply, its "aging".At the same time, the rest of our body can serve us faithfully for many years.
It is generally accepted that osteochondosis is a disease of age.However, in recent years, the disease has been considerably "younger": in the risk area there are 25 years and even younger.The fault of everything is a sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition and irregular physical activity on the body.In addition, statistics show that women are more often sick than osteochondrosis.First of all, this is due to the anatomical characteristics and emotional background.However, the disease is harder in men.
... to private osteochondosis - cervical
The osteochondrosis of the cervical column is more common.The fact is that it is in the neck that most of the vessels and nerve endings are concentrated, while the vertebrae themselves are much smaller here (about half of the lumbar department) and the muscle corset is tangibly weaker.
Together with the high mobility and proximity of the spinal cord, the neck of our body needs greater attention.
Why is cervical osteochondosis dangerous?
Alas, the danger of cervical osteocondrosis is anatomically justified: vertebral arteries cross the cervical region, which saturate important brain centers in the rear parts of the brain.And any malfunction and violations of the blood intake can be irreversible in nature, ranging from the pathological curvature of the spine (lordosis of the neck) up to the complete loss of motor capacity, stroke and even death.
Fortunately, it is almost impossible not to notice the symptoms of an imminent disaster: coordination problems, a strong deterioration of vision and hearing, frequent dizziness and loss of consciousness ...
If, combined with normal cervical pain, you have noticed these signs on yourself, consult a doctor immediately!
Diagnosis and symptoms of osteochondosis of the cervical column
Osteocondrosis is a serious disease and only a qualified specialist, that is, a vertebrologist specialized in the resolution of problems with the spine, the orthopedist or the neurologist can diagnose.
The most accurate ways to diagnose cervical osteochondrosis: X -rays, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic nuclear resonance (MRI), which allow not only the symptoms of cervical osteochondosis, but also other concomitant changes in the body.
When some of the following symptoms appear, consult professional advice to the doctor immediately.
- Opaque, painful, intense pain in the neck and neck
- cervical, creak when turning your head
- dizziness, "veil" in front of my eyes, selling off
- heachache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Numbness of the limbs
- noise in the ears, visual impairment
- General muscle weakness
The pain for osteochondrosis is often painful, given to the head and is accompanied by numbness of the arms and legs.This is caused, first of all, by a pinch of nerve endings and an increase in intracranial pressure.
Nature of the osteochondrosis
Like any disease, the osteochondosis of the spine has several development phases.
For a better understanding of the processes that occur in the body, we propose before understanding the structure of the disc itself and therefore analyzing which changes are characteristic of each phase of the osteocondrosis.
The vertebral disc itself consists of several parts: a nucleus of the pulp shaving jacket (inside), a fibrous ring (external shell) and a cartilage IALINA that separates the disc from the vertebra and performs the function of the power.
The Polpic nucleus is rich in water, and is responsible for the demort, which adapts to the center of gravity, tightening and moving like a mercury ball.The fibrous ring that surrounds it, on the contrary, has a solid structure and consists of intertwined fibers.Since the main task of the fibrous ring is to protect the nucleus from damage, it is that it takes the "blow" to high loads alone.
Osteochondrosis phase
Traditionally, four phases of osteochondrosis are distinguished.
Cervical osteochondosis of the 1st degree - preclinical stage
This is the initial phase of the disease when the so -called "dried" of the disc occurs: its height and elasticity are reduced.
At the same time, there are still no structural changes - however, as well as symptoms and, consequently, complaints.You may not experience discomfort;The only "Harbinger" can prove to be a morning stiffness and salt deposits on their neck.Although, see, with our way of life, these sensations are rather the norm.
Cervical osteochondosis of the 2nd degree - the beginning of structural changes
Here the irreversible changes in the Pulpic nucleus - necrosis and destruction caused by a violation of metabolic processes - at the same time as the formation of cracks in a fibrous ring begin.
The body begins to send SOS signals in the form of severe neck pain, decrease in resistance and rapid fatigue.
Cervical osteochondosis of the 3rd degree - progressive speeches
The sealing of the fibrous ring is disturbed, due to which the octopus nucleus "protrudes" in the spinal canal through the cracks formed.
If a complete breaking of the external shell does not occur, the intervertebral disc can still be restored.This process is called the protrusion of the spine and is successfully treated on an outpatient basis.At the same time, feel constant pain in the neck and all the back, progressing during the loads and remaining in an uncomfortable position.
In the case of the complete destruction of the fibrous ring, coordination problems, dizziness and nausea are added to pain;There is the risk of disability.It is necessary to quickly look for medical assistance!
Cervical osteochondosis of the 4th degree - regeneration
As a result of irreversible processes between the vertebrae, the growths (osteophytes) are formed that block the mobility of the joints.The octopus nucleus is replaced by a scar tissue, the nerve endings are injured, a cure is possible only surgically.
Paradoxically, in terms of well -being, you can feel obvious improvements: the spine still acquires the ability to take on loads.However, the pain and limited motor activity will intensify later.
The causes of osteochondosis
Alas, speaking of the causes of such a difficult disease as osteochondrosis, you have to keep in mind many factors: from the conditions external to the physiological predisposition.
How to understand that you are at risk?Mentally put a check mark in front of each of the points suitable for you and your lifestyle.
- Have you had injuries to the spine?
- Is there excess weight (degree of obesity)?
- Explored from bad habits (smoking, alcohol consumption), regular stress?
- Do you suffer from chronic infectious diseases, metabolic disorders?
- Is your job related to hard physical work?
- Have you been diagnosed with the posture and/or the flat feet?
- Do you try regular loads on the spine?
If at least one of the questions you answered, alas, you are at risk.This is bad news.But there is also the good: the osteochondosis of the cervical column can be stopped, cared for and even prevented with timely diagnosis and the beginning of the correct prevention.
How to prevent osteochondosis
There are several preventive measures that we recommend observing the game "in front of the command" with osteochondosis of the cervical column.
Step 1. Get up!
Are you guiding a sedentary lifestyle?Sedentary work, many hours of staying on the computer, irregular and malnutrition, lack of sleep, stress ... is it familiar?
All this contributes to the "stagnant" processes in the body and causes the initial stage of osteochondosis.
To avoid the progression of the disease, reasonably approach the daily routine, take regular breaks (every hour for five minutes) and take care of your health.Believe me, very soon you will say "thanks"!
Take a rule: put reminder (or in particularly "neglected" cases - an alarm clock) so as not to lose the moment in the functioning excitement ... when you just have to get up and go.
Step 2. Take care of your comfort!
By convenience, we mean the physical signals that the body gives.Listen and take care of yourself!
First of all, avoid excessive and unreasonable loads.If you are a normal of the gym, dose of weight, do not miss the heat and follow the regularity of the training.
Secondly, give up uncomfortable shoes.We do not urge ruthlessly to get rid of your favorite shoes or output boots: let them stay for special occasions.It is important that these "special cases" do not become your life standard in 24/7 mode."For each day" choose the shoes with a comfortable block that do not cause discomfort and does not affect posture and pace.
Third, don't save furniture and sleep accessories.If the office chair is not categorically suitable for you, it agrees to replace or take care of your comfort alone.Subsequently, this investment at the same time can save you from serious regular expenses.
Use only anatomically correct furniture that reduce the load on the spine.For a house, choose a bed with a hard mattress and a comfortable pillow suitable for density and height.Anatomical or ordinary - decides, because much depends on the characteristics of your body.
Step 3. Don't forget prevention!
WANRED - It means armed, right?
If you feel a periodic effort and a pain in the neck and back or, on the contrary, you want to avoid them, we recommend a simple set of exercises, particularly effective in the initial (preclinical) phase of osteochondosis.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondosis
You can perform gymnastics for osteochondosis of the cervical column both at home and directly in the workplace.
- Sit in a uniform way, straighten your back, relax your hands and lower it along the body.Transform the head alternately to the right and left, about 90 degrees (or how much the joints allow).Move without hitches, avoid sudden movements.
Do 8 repetitions for the first time and in the future the number of shifts in 15 gradually increases in each direction. - In the same position, he tilt his head forward, pressing the chin on the chest and back, taking the back of the head on the back of the neck.It also starts with 8 repetitions and increases 15 times.
- Next, go behind you.First of all, it raises both shoulders (in the direction of the ears), keep for a couple of seconds and lower it.So 8 repetitions.
Then move your shoulders alternately: on the right, left, on the turn - 8 repetitions. - Put the palm on the forehead and press with a simultaneous inclination of the head forward.A break 10 seconds - and so 8 times in a row.
After the end of the complex, be sure to massage the neck to relieve the voltage.
Attention!If you hear serious discomfort during the exercises, consult a specialist and carefully doses the load!
Cervical osteochondrosis: treatment
The treatment of the osteocondrosis of the cervical column can be strictly focused or complex, combining different components at the same time.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis is a method of local effects directly on the focus of inflammation.The therapeutic effect is obtained due to the improvement of blood circulation and metabolic processes.Neck pain stops, the severity of the symptoms decreases.
There are many options for physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis: electrotherapy, exposure to a magnet, laser, water and mud procedures, electrophoresis, acupuncture and moderate heating of the inflamed area.
Before enrolling in the procedures, carefully study the contraindications and consult the doctor.
Massage
With cervical osteochondrosis, the massage of the collar area helps well.You can subscribe to the sessions to the masseur or make you massage using professional vibrations masseurs.
Medicines and Diet
Among the most commonly used in drugs of drugs there are anti -inflammatory, pain relievers, antispasmodic, antioxidants and drugs aimed at improving blood circulation and metabolic processes.The spectrum of drugs includes tablets, creams, ointments and solutions for intramuscular injection.
Remember, only a doctor can carefully choose a medical drug!
A balanced diet will help increase the effectiveness of medicines and improve the general tone of the body.Limit the consumption of fatty, spicy, smoked food, salt.Give preference to vegetables and fruit, meat, fish and lactiero -casear products correctly cooked.Add walnuts and honey to the diet.And drink more liquids.
Even if the osteochondrosis does not threaten you, a balanced diet will positively influence the general well -being and the state of the body.You will see, after a couple of weeks you will notice incredible changes!Checked for your experience!