And how much time we spend sitting in transport or at the table!For this we pay for it with various diseases, among which the leader is cervical osteochondrosis.Well, what should we do with it?
It's different for everyone
Cervical osteochondrosis is not a flu that “attacks” suddenly: pathological changes in the vertebrae develop slowly, “mature” and gain strength.And, as a rule, we do not pay attention to the first signs because we know nothing about them.Experts say that if you suddenly feel that it is uncomfortable to sleep on a high pillow or, for no apparent reason, your hands begin to go numb and cold, then it's time to see a doctor.
Since we are all different, each one has their own “specific” manifestations of the disease.But if "the process has begun", most often the following symptoms "signal" that problems have begun:
- paroxysmal, painful headache, usually starting at the back of the head and then spreading to the crown and temples;
- pain in the shoulder, forearm, hands;
- numbness, burning, tingling in arms or legs;
- dizziness and even fainting when turning your head suddenly;
- tinnitus;
- sometimes squeezing pain in the heart area, radiating to the shoulder blade and forearm.With osteochondrosis, unlike angina, it can persist and even intensify for several days.
Don't step on the same rake!
We must learn to live with any chronic disease, and cervical osteochondrosis is no exception: periods of relative calm give way to exacerbations, which we often cause ourselves.So let's learn to “hold the line” to avoid situations that could provoke another attack.
Which ones exactly?Do not read or watch television while lying in bed, so as not to overload the cervical vertebrae.Be careful with household chores that require keeping your head tilted up or, conversely, down for a long time: for example, gluing wallpaper or weeding a flower bed with your favorite flowers is not for you.
While sitting at the computer, take a break every half hour to give your neck a chance to rest.Do not turn your head completely while driving.And in general, always and everywhere avoid sudden and impulsive movements of the head and neck.
The fabulous five
It is impossible to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis forever, no matter what effective treatment methods you are promised.But it is quite possible to minimize the "visits" of an unpleasant guest.
To prevent attacks and exacerbations, do special exercises twice a day.It will take very little time.Here are five simple exercises, do them sitting in a chair with your back straight.
- Tilt your head forward slightly and place your palms on your forehead.Press your head between your hands.Remain in this position for 10 seconds.Repeat the same, pressing your fingers on your temples.And now, on the back of the neck.
- Sitting on a chair, lower your arms along your body, throw your head back and slowly turn it to the left.Freeze in this pose for 30 seconds.Repeat the exercise turning your head to the right.
- Raise your shoulders, trying to reach your ears.Stay in this position for 10 seconds.Lower your shoulders, breathe deeply, and relax for 10 to 15 seconds.Repeat the same, raising one shoulder and lowering the other.
- Lower your head, trying to press your chin to your chest.Repeat 5 times.
- Gently tilt your head back, forward, left and right.Repeat the movement in each direction three times.
Let's caress him, warm him up?
Self-massage also helps to activate the neck muscles, improve their blood flow and metabolic processes.It is not difficult at all and does not take more than five minutes, the main thing is to do the massage daily.So shall we begin?
Take a comfortable position in a chair and relax.Press four fingers of your palm against the back of your neck, stroking it up and down.Repeat 3-4 times.
Do the same, but with more force, massaging the back of the neck with only your thumbs.
Using a circular rotating motion (again, using only four fingers from each palm), rub your neck along the sides of the occipital bone, moving down along lines parallel to your spine.
Stretch your neck muscles: first, on the right side, with your left hand, grab the muscle with your thumb and four others, pinch it lightly and move it toward the palm with your thumb.Repeat the same on the left side of the neck, working with the right hand.
Finally, complete the massage by lightly caressing your neck from top to bottom.
Don't just trust yourself
Prevention is very good, but with osteochondrosis you will have to surround your own neck with the attention of doctors.Especially if you are over forty years old.Time changes us not only externally but also internally: pathological changes in the cervical spine are accelerating, and here the number one task is to "control" its condition.
The arteries that supply blood to the brain pass through the cervical spine.Disturbances in blood supply caused by vascular compression lead to unpleasant complications.One of the most common is associated with changes in the hypothalamus - a special section that is "responsible" for the emotional state, metabolism, blood pressure, activity of the cardiovascular system and much more.
This causes insomnia, irritability, memory loss, severe migraines and sudden increases in blood pressure.
If you want to help yourself, get tested.An x-ray of the cervical spine allows you to monitor for bad changes;To clarify the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging, Dopplerography of cerebral vessels and some other examinations are performed.