You know that feeling of tension in your neck?This happens because there is "numbness" from working and automatically pulling your head left and right.Or massage your neck while reading a book.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be hidden behind these symptoms.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue of the cervical spine.It is characterized by changes in the structure of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and the surrounding tissues, a pathological process.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The disease has a characteristic set of symptoms:
- Complaints of pain (both sharp and aching) that can be localized in the neck, back of the head and in the arm and shoulder blade.This is due to pinching of the nerve roots of the corresponding cervical segment.
- Muscle weakness and numbness in the neck and arm.
- Stiffness in the neck and vertigo when moving.
- Increased fatigue and decreased performance may occur.
- Hearing and visual impairment are less common (with advanced disease).
The above symptoms and complaints can be combined.It depends on the specific location and degree of the pathological process.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis appear?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are many factors.It often develops because of:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Hereditary syndromes of developmental disorders of connective tissue development: Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Joint HyperMobility Syndrome.
- Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Poor posture that overloads the corresponding part of the spine.
- Previous injuries to the relevant part of the spine.
Incorrect stereotyped postures and habits greatly contribute to the development of the disease.Due to the frequent use of gadgets and long hours of work at the computer, it is becoming more and more common - the neck is bent forward and down.If you have studied for a long time and have incorrect postures during sleep - an unsuitable pillow, mattress, sleeping on your stomach.As a result of these factors, neck muscles are under constant tension.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
For the effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, complex treatment methods are used, including:
- Drug therapy (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, b vitamins, magnesium, etc.) Vitamin complexes.).Medicines reduce pain and inflammation, reduce muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercise.Therapeutic exercise and massage improve blood circulation that saturates the affected cells with oxygen and nutrients.Thanks to this, the pathological process stops and the pain stops.
- Physiotherapy procedures and massage.Physiotherapy can be performed both in a medical institution and at home.Almost all physiotherapeutic methods are used for these purposes: exposure to current, laser, ultrasound, magnetic radiation, shock wave therapy.The choice of method depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of contraindications.
It is advisable to create the correct stereotypical positions of the head and neck during work and the correct arrangement of the sleeping place.It may be worth replacing the pillow with an orthopedic one.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
It is only possible to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and stop the progression of the disease if you follow the following prevention rules:
- Regular moderate physical activity and/or physical therapy.
- Eat a healthy diet with enough water, calcium, magnesium and protein.
- Doing exercises for the cervical spine during sedentary work at least once every two hours.
Gymnastics for the cervical spine
During the remission period, perform exercises slowly without sudden movements.In the starting position, inhale and when you bend and turn your head, exhale.In each position, it seems to stretch the neck muscles.
- Starting position: sit straight, look forward.
- Bend your head forward, then return to the starting position.Bend your head back, then return to the starting position.
- Bending your head to the right, return to the starting position.Tilting your head to the left, return to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right, then in front of you.Turn your head to the left, then in front of you.
If your health allows, you can use a more complex version of gymnastics - the same movements, but with reverse arm resistance.Press your head forward and down and press with your hands, preventing your head from tilting forward and down.Perform the exercises for 5-15 seconds, depending on your strength.Repeat the exercises in all directions.
Important: Gymnastics should not cause pain!
If there are obvious symptoms of the disease, it is necessary to contact a specialized specialist for timely diagnosis, determination of the stage of the disease and selection of individual treatment tactics.