Diseases of the spine can be very unpleasant. In the event that they affect the cervical spine, there is a likelihood of complications in the spinal cord and brain. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often leads to headaches, impaired functioning of internal organs and circulatory disorders.
Doctors divide the development of cervical osteochondrosis into three stages. In the first and second stages, degenerative-dystrophic changes appear in the vertebral discs (dryness, flattening). In this case, the structure of the disks themselves does not change.
At the initial stage, the symptoms of the disease are just starting to appear. In the second stage, their manifestation is more specific, as it intensifies with head movements, severe fatigue and stress. The third stage is the appearance of pathological processes of the vertebral disc (osteophytes), a rupture of the fibrous ring is observed, which leads to the prolapse of the nucleus of the vertebral disc and, as a result, the formation of a hernia of the cervical spine. In the third stage, pain is observed continuously, while the movements of the head and shoulders are difficult, the person is unable to perform normal household operations.
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is pain in the back of the neck, caused by pinching or inflammation of the nerve roots. In this case, the pain usually radiates to the neck-collar area, shoulder, forearm and under the shoulder blade. The pain can spread to the left or right hand and cause numbness in some fingers.
In addition to pain, cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by:
- dizziness,
- "Flies" in front of the eyes,
- hearing problem
- reduced memory
- headache with localization in the back of the head and temples.
If the disease lasts for several years, vascular atherosclerosis and discirculatory encephalopathy (a severe decrease in mental capacity) can be added.
With a circular motion of the head, a patient with cervical osteochondrosis usually hears a characteristic crunch.
The reasons
The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is the incorrect position of the body in a sitting position. In addition, when carrying out daily operations tilted forward, during construction and repair work with the head back, it is also easy to acquire the symptoms of this disease. This is due to the fact that excessive stress on the neck can change the structure of cartilage tissues, which can lead to pathological changes in the intervertebral discs. Also, the reasons for the development of cervical osteochondrosis can be a violation of calcium metabolism in the body, hereditary factors, trauma, severe hypothermia and increased sports.
Treatment
It is possible to completely cure and prevent the re-development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine only with a complete lifestyle change, constant prophylaxis and spa treatment. In practice, few people achieve this.
At the first stage of the development of osteochondrosis, the patient is usually helped by conservative non-drug treatment. At the same time, it is necessary to correct posture, pay more attention to the correct equipment of the workplace, and often stop for simple physiotherapy exercises. Swimming, increased physical activity and the intake of vitamin and mineral complexes can have a positive effect on the entire musculoskeletal system.
In the event that the treatment began in the second or third stage of the disease, the main task is to relieve pain. In advanced cases, surgical methods of treatment may be prescribed to stabilize damaged vertebrae, but such cases are individual, and modern physiotherapy often helps to avoid this.
Physiotherapy methods
In cases where drug therapy is contraindicated or has not shown the necessary positive effect, physiotherapy methods of classical and alternative medicine are used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. First of all, they are aimed at eliminating muscle spasms, inflammation and pain.
reflexology.The essence of the method is to stimulate biologically active points by introducing special thin needles into them at a certain depth. The procedure is painful and helps relieve pain in the spine. A complete reflexology course consists of several sessions.
Massage.The classic method to eliminate muscle pain and improve blood flow.
Shock Wave Therapy (SWT).It is able to restore blood flow and eliminate osteophytes, restores the normal structure of cartilage tissue. The positive effect is observed after 1-2 sessions. The course of shock wave therapy is usually up to ten procedures and can be prescribed as part of complex therapy.
Physiotherapy.A series of specific daily exercises help strengthen the muscles of the cervical spine, which in turn can reduce the stress on this area. Physical therapy is indicated at all stages of the disease, as well as as a preventive measure. A range of such exercises can include:
- turns of the head to the sides;
- the head tilts back and forth;
- raise your shoulders;
- alternating tension of the flexors and extensors of the neck with a stationary position of the head.
Exercises need to be repeated 5-7 times. The duration of the lesson is 15-20 minutes.
The set of exercises is always selected by specialists in physiotherapy, taking into account the specifics of the disease and the patient's condition.
Food and lifestyle. Both in the conservative treatment process and after surgery it is recommended to consume foods rich in calcium and vitamins, to correct the usual postures and postures in general, orthopedic pillows and a mattress.
Prevention
It is necessary, if possible, to avoid hypothermia and infectious diseases, a prolonged stay at the computer in one position. If you are going on a long journey, use a cervical support pillow that can reduce muscle tension. For daily sleep it is recommended to use orthopedic pillows and a mattress that can guarantee the correct position of the head.