Cervical osteochondrosis

The life of a modern person is associated with the constant overloads to which the spine is exposed. And if the previous diseases of this important organ were found mainly in mature and elderly people, then today, according to medical statistics, representatives of the younger generation are increasingly experiencing such problems. The leader in this group of diseases iscervical osteochondrosis(SHOOH). This pathology gives a person a lot of inconvenience.

Therefore, it is worth knowing the reasons for its occurrence and the methods of treatment.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

For a long time, most people try not to notice unpleasant discomfort in the neck area, referring to the usual overexertion and fatigue. But over time, the pain adds to the discomfort when moving the head and other unpleasant symptoms appear. And only when the situation becomes critical, a person seeks medical help and learns that he has cervical osteochondrosis.

This disease affects both sexes with equal frequency. As already noted, today it is often found in very young people under the age of 30. This phenomenon is due in large part to the introduction of computer technologies in all spheres of life. People just stop moving and spend most of their time in a monitor-chained state. As a result, pathological changes begin to occur in the cervical spine: the vertebrae shift, and the cartilaginous tissues between them, representing a kind of layer, become thinner. In other words, overgrowth of connective tissue occurs when growth-like formations appear on the vertebral body.

The consequence of such pathological changes is a decrease in the effect of shock absorption between the vertebrae, bone surfaces, in contact with each other, cause friction and squeeze nearby nerves and blood vessels. All of these pathological changes lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the posterior parts of the brain, causing a deterioration in general well-being and pain. If the problem is not addressed in a timely manner, the disease will progress and in severe cases it can even lead to disability.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis.

Not so long ago, the main causes of SHOC have always been associated with age-related changes in the body. But in the realities of modern life, factors have appeared that increase the risk of developing pathology at an earlier age.

Some of these reasons include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• forced stay in one position (usually sitting);
• over weight;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• drafts;
• stressful situations;
• injuries in the cervical or occipital region;
• congenital anomalies of the spine;
• violation of metabolic processes.

In some cases, the disease develops as a result of hormonal disorders or unfavorable heredity.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.

Unlike pathological processes in other parts of the spine, SHOX manifests itself more pronouncedly. This characteristic is explained by the fact that in the cervical spine the vertebrae are very close to each other, so the height of the intervertebral discs is small. This anatomical characteristic contributes to a greater extent than in other parts of the spinal column, to the compression of the nervous tissues and blood vessels. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease are located in the upper back, in the cervical region and in the head.

In this case, patients present the following complaints:

• limitation of neck mobility, especially if you want to turn your head;
• severe pain, which often does not allow a person to perform an elementary action (bend over, turn the head);
• characteristic crunch when moving;
• decreased sensitivity in the hands;
• violation of coordination of movements;
• dizziness;
• General weakness;
• Decreased vision and hearing, tactile sensitivity, or taste perception.

Since the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the site of the dystrophic injury, the disease has its own characteristic signs. Usually in these departments there is a disorder of sensation or restriction of mobility as a result of compression of the spinal roots. Therefore, cervical osteochondrosis is differentiated by root symptoms, that is, it is taken into account which vertebra is involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:

1. the first vertebra: sensitivity decreases and numbness of the occipital region and neck is noted;
2. the second - pain in the back of the head and the parietal region;
3. third - pain in the part of the neck where the root is attached, the perception of speech and taste is also affected;
4. fourth - pain radiating to the shoulder, under the scapula, respiratory disorders can be observed;
5. fifth - pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder;
6. sixth: pain in the neck extending to the forearm and thumbs of the hand;
7. seventh - pain radiating to the scapular region, shoulder back, forearm and fingers;
8. Eighth: pain extends from the neck to the shoulder and beyond the arm to the little fingers.

It should be noted here that the diagnosis pays special attention to the extent of the lesion. Because this criterion determines the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. There are only four of them and they determine the severity of the pathological process.

Diagnosis of the disease

It should be noted that an experienced doctor can easily diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the initial examination, focusing only on the characteristic clinical symptoms. But to determine the degree of damage and the prevalence of the pathology, the patient is recommended to undergo a number of examinations.These are all basically hardware research methods. The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• Radiographic examination of the cervical spine. In the diagnostic process, the degree of damage, localization, salt deposits, and features of the location of the vertebrae are established.
• Computed tomography - allows you to detect possible ruptures, establish the actual height of the intervertebral discs, the places of compression of the nerve tissues and the spinal cord, if applicable.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - Provides accurate visualization of pathological changes. Thanks to this type of examination, it is possible to accurately determine the state of nerve fibers, as well as the intensity of blood flow.

Most often, when diagnosing, one of the listed types of examination is sufficient. In most cases, doctors use a technique that has been proven for decades, namely X-rays.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Any pathology of the spine is fraught with serious problems. After all, the spinal column is a kind of foundation on which the entire structure of the human body rests. Important bloodlines pass through the cervical region that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are many nerve endings here. Therefore, a violation of the innervation or blood supply to important organs threatens with serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the danger, since osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has serious consequences.

In addition to the perceived discomfort, the resulting vertebral defect leads to hearing loss, visual impairment. The brain with SCH suffers from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered the most dangerous form of this disease.

To convince yourself of this, it is enough to list only the most common complications of SHOX:

• persistent hypertension;
• chronic migraines;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD);
• respiratory problems;
• various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually acquire an irreversible form;
• cardiovascular pathologies, of which strokes are the most dangerous.

In advanced cases of the disease, patients develop vertebral artery syndrome and prolonged compression of the nerve roots leads to radiculopathy. Changes in the structure of the vertebrae can subsequently lead to a complete loss of mobility in the neck. But the most serious complication of cervical osteochondrosis is death, which leads to compression of the spinal cord.

Given the seriousness of the situation and the high probability of complications, if alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a hospital. Among those unpleasant signs may be: systematic headaches, dizziness, discomfort in the neck or in the back of the head. After diagnostic measures, the doctor will select an appropriate therapy.

Treatment of patients with SHS is often complex. Therapy necessarily includes massages, recovery gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures. Of course, without the use of drugs, it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the complex of drug treatment for osteochondrosis includes:

• analgesics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chondroprotectors;
• muscle relaxants are means that relieve muscle tension;
• necessarily a complex of vitamins is prescribed.

All therapy is selected by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any kind of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is unacceptable. All of these drugs are intended to localize symptoms in the acute phase of the disease. During the remission period, other techniques are relevant. Treatment is usually done at home, that is, on an outpatient basis. But in especially severe cases, the patient is hospitalized.

Traditional methods of treatment.

Doctors are always ready to supplement the drug complex of treatment with natural preparations prepared on the basis of popular recipes. Various decoctions, infusions help stop inflammation and relieve pain.

Here are some recipes for the alternative treatment of osteochondrosis:

• Dill seeds (200 g) should be poured with vodka (250 ml) or alcohol diluted in half with water. After two weeks of infusion, it is recommended to take on an empty stomach three times a day, one tablespoon of infusion.
• Means for external use are easy to prepare in the following sequence: lilac (fresh) leaves need to be crushed into a fine mass, add 300 ml of radish juice (black) to them, and then add 200 g of good honey to the mass . It is necessary to insist on the composition of the whole day in a dark place. Then it can be used to rub the problem area. It is recommended to use this product after consulting a doctor. The composition is contraindicated for those who are allergic to its components.
• From lilac flowers, you can prepare an infusion for internal use. To do this, take a spoon (tablespoon) of fragrant inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, strain in an hour and take 1 liter three times. Art.

Important! When taking all herbal preparations, the prescribed dosage should be strictly observed.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk about the recovery gymnastics complex with SHH only after stopping the acute period. With an exacerbation of the disease, such activities can only aggravate the situation.

All physical therapy exercises are intended to maintain normal mobility in the cervical spine. Classes are held at a calm pace, there should be no sudden movements. If there are signs of fatigue or painful sensations, classes stop immediately. The complex includes the following exercises that you can do regularly at home:

• When standing, you should tilt your head as you inhale so that your chin touches your chest. When you exhale, the head is gently withdrawn. The same exercise can be done freely sitting in a chair.
• In any starting position, it is advisable to perform rotational movements of the head. It is better to periodically change the direction of movement so that the head does not turn. It is recommended to perform the exercise at a slow pace.
• Regular performance of this exercise will help to perfectly strengthen the cervical muscles: you need to put your hands in a "lock" and press your forehead against them as much as possible. For a long-lasting effect, repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can press your palms to your forehead and then apply forehead pressure to your palms.

There are many other effective methods, but any option can be used only after doctor's approval.

To prevent a history of diagnosis "cervical osteochondrosis», You need to lead an active life, exercise regularly in the morning, paying attention to your neck and properly equip your workplace.