Cervical osteochondrosis or spondyloses occur due to changes in the shape and structure of the vertebrae.Despite the fact that the cervix area is short enough in relation to the total length of the spine, it may be the most important part of the spine.Each pair of neighboring vertebrae forms the intervertebral holes through which the nerve roots go to every muscle and the organ of the upper half of the body.Through other holes - in the lateral processes of these vertebrae - vital vessels ensure blood supply to the brain.
The causes of osteochondose of the cervical spine
The causes of osteochondrosis are:
- Injuries,
- "Sedentary" work on the monitor under eye level,
- Physical work in connection with the transfer of weights,
- Drive a car for a long time,
- Work "on the phone" without the use of distance devices (in this case the operator presses the phone to the ear shoulder)
- Constitutional features (crooked, innate changes in the cervical vertebrae, short neck)
Formation of pathological vertebrae changes
In the case of osteochondrosis, the vertebral bodies begin to form small dots on the edges of the vertebral bodies, which can violate the structures nearby.In most cases, this occurs in response to an excess strain in the cervix compartment, and not only the result of the "aging" of the intermediate bralen (remember that it was viewed as a degenerative osteochondrosis, then a natural "age -related" illness, as osteo arthrosis).While the disease develops, the locking plates of the vertebrae and a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs occur.These slices are normal, play the role of the shock absorber between the vertebrae and, among other things, prevent damage to the spine roots.In progressive osteochondrosis, an protruding (hernia) of the Jackekern of the intervertebral disc occurs, on which there is more and more pressure during the disease, while the "restriction" of the ligaments is evading on all sides.This hernia can also press spinal structures and cause neurological manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with pain syndrome
All pain in the neck forced the pathology of the cervical spine.With regard to growth, the intensity of pain syndrome is divided into 4 stadiums.The first patient feels deaf, tingling, a feeling of the "narrow" in the area of a certain muscle group in the fourth stage - the hardest - the pain is so intense that they lead to the immobility of the patient and the loss of performance.
In addition to pain syndrome in the cervix and the occipital region, the patient finds that pain in the upper extremity, the sub-ranges of the breast, was reflected in the upper extremity.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with radicular syndrome
They talk about the participation in the process of nerve roots when pain, numbness and tingling spread to the lower jaw, the upper back, the forearm and finger.At the same time, the patient directs the fact that he "seemed to be left his hand" and slept unfavorably.The morning stiffness in the fingers of the fingers, which does not last more than 10 to 15 minutes, is noted.With the development of radicular syndromes, the muscle strength of the upper extremities can be determined during the examination.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the "vertebral artery syndrome"
About the participation in the process of blood vessels (press Hernial lead or osteophytes), say when the patient strikes frequent headaches, especially after a long stay in a certain position when he is thrown out of the head (for example, when swimming with brass), if noise is worried in the ears, the ears that are worried are.This clinical situation is well recognized using ultrasound (with the "Doppler -mapping regime").In the case of ultrasound, the Inquisition of the vertebral arteries is determined and the narrowing of your lumen is determined.In this case, we can talk about an operation, since a pronounced change in blood flow in the vertebrae arteries is a risk factor for the development of stroke.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with "heart (heart) syndrome"
This syndrome forces the patient to contact the cardiologist mainly, since the main complaints relate to the pain in the left half of the breast, in the subcapular area, weaknesses or strengthens when physical activity is carried out, or in body position.After the exclusion of myocardial infarction and other heart diseases, the patient becomes under the observation and treatment of a neurologist and orthopedic surgeon.
Diagnosis
To clarify the diagnosis, four methods are used: radiography, ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The most affordable method is still the radiography of the cervical spine.Radiography in the lateral projection ("side view") is the most informative.This method enables the first approximation to determine the presence of injuries and gross structural changes in the vertebrae.
The ultrasound examination (ultrasound) is carried out to clarify the condition of the vertebrae arteries.With the help of this method you will find out whether the blood flow is disturbed and if so, to what extent and what kind of obstacles you have arisen and where you are located.
Computer tomography (CT).It enables them to evaluate the condition of the bone structures, the degree of bone density, more precisely, smaller osteophytes (bone growth) than with X -Ray.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).This type of examination is indispensable for suspected hernia, a precise localization of the damage to the spinal cord and the degree of this damage.This study is necessary if the question is raised to the surgical (surgical) treatment of diseases of the cervical spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Drug treatment
The standard rate of products for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of the treatment: relieve pain syndrome, remove painful muscle spasms and inflammation of the nerve roots, which increases the mobility of the spine.In order to achieve these goals, the use of pain relievers, NSAIDS -not steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants are mainly used.It should be remembered that the self -mediation from these groups can be dangerous, since there is the possibility of incorrect interpretation of symptoms and underestimating the side effects of these medicines.Local (Basel) medication from the NSAIDs in the form of geles are widespread, and if pain is stopped, the same medications can already be used in the form of ointments.
Systemic medications are used to treat osteochondrosis on a deeper, "basic" level.These substances restore the cartilage structures of the vertebrae and prevent their further damage.Treatment courses are long, the effect remains for many months.
The cervical osteochondrosis has significant differences from the pathology of other spine.The pain in the neck in this case cannot be provoked by signals from the suffering spinal nerves, but by painful chronic muscle excavations -everything together is referred to as muscle -tonic syndrome.This is a fully benign state that is treated well with the same medicines: non -steroid anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants using the intramuscular "blockade" using steroids.Usually the doctor shows a sharp pain when checking the "trigger" mentioned in this way along the entire cervical spine and in the muscles of the upper shoulder belt.Such a pathology is more common in women who are usually younger than 40 years old.Despite the pronounced pain syndrome, the vascular structures remain intact, the blood flow of the head area does not suffer.
Manual therapy
This treatment method can recently be effective (often as a result of a small injury, subluxation) pain in the neck, not accompanied by dizziness, other changes from the nervous system and the circulatory system.It is permissible to only use manual therapy after a thorough examination.In addition, the doctor who carries out this procedure should have sufficient experience in the field of traumatology and orthopedics.With "old" forms of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!
Two methods of this type of intervention are known:
- Manipulation (sharp short influences of significant power to eliminate subluxation, well -known "bone clicks");
- Mobilization (the method is based on a smooth neck expansion after the sore muscles of the neck was heated and relaxed).
A combined method is also used based on a combination of two main main acids.It is important to note that in addition to these contraindications, manual therapy is prohibited for every disease, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, for every pathology of the thyroid and development or disorganization.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis
The first and main rule for beginners to carry out physiotherapy exercises is not to carry out exercises and overcome painful sensations.Of course, you shouldn't start in the "acute" time in which the pain has just appeared.Another important recommendation is to avoid sudden movements and circular movements in the cervix area.
Each lesson has to start with a short light self -massage of the neck muscles.
The following is a "warming" warm -up:
- The hands are lowered along the body, the shoulders are even, the back is straight (you can check the posture with slightly pressed with heels, shoulder blades and buttocks on the wall).Instead of 1 min on the entire foot, 1 min on socks, 1 min - on our heels.
- The starting position is the same.We press the brushes into fists, raise our shoulders, our hands are straightened.The movements are slow, we make 20 repetitions, the last increase is more than 5 seconds.We ensure that the neck muscles are not "clamped".
- The starting position is the same.We tend our heads to the right, then on the left.The movements are smooth, a slope on 8 accounts, on the extreme tendency - hold for 8 seconds.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.Smooth tendencies of the head forward, at the extreme point - hold for 8 seconds
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.Slowly tilt your head forward until the chin in the chest and then head to the right (on 4 accounts) and turn to the left (up to 4 accounts).Do not allow muscle pollution.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.We increase your shoulders on 4 accounts and then lower them into 4 counts.10 repetitions.
- The starting position is the same or sits on a hard chair.We lift our shoulders, but now we carry out circular movements in front of the back, 8 accounts.10 repetitions.
- We align the back, check the attitude.We reduce the shoulder blades behind our back to 4 accounts and try to connect them, at the end point we stay for 8 seconds, then we return to the starting position.
Pillow
As already mentioned, the hypertension of the neck muscles is the first and often the main reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis.A rational selection of pillows and mattresses that ensure a relaxed and comfortable position during sleep is nothing less than gymnastics, physiocumat and drugs.
When choosing a mattress, pay attention to the composition of the filler (products are suitable, at least half made of coconut chips, i.e. with a sufficient degree of rigidity).Soft spring mattresses do not provide the spine sufficiently.The most optimal sleep for sleep is on the side and pulls one or both knees into the stomach.The pillow should be in such a way that the entire room fills between the shoulder, ear and matt rates.The parietal part (crown) of the head is located on the same horizontal line with the spine.To avoid too high and too low and soft pillows.The ideal option is an ergonomic form, i.e. in this case with a small Squeeze Leal on one side.
General recommendations
Pay attention to attitude.While walking or in a standing position, the position is a position when the breast protrudes forward and the stomach is pulled.
Avoid long -term stay in a seated position.A simple rule for preventing the cervical osteochondrosis is known: after 60 minutes of work, a 10-15-minute time of walking or warming is required.
A chair for work should have a high headrest or back.
The legs should rest on the floor in a seated position and the neck should not be tense.For this purpose, use special orthopedic devices: Roles under your neck when you drive in a car, a pillow under your back.
Avoid lifting weight.If necessary, kneel, press the heavy object onto the body and then stand smoothly with the strength of the legs of the legs, but not with the "thrust" of the back.
Don't take yourself with smooth legs.Use stocks, work surfaces to bring the object closer to yourself and not to convince your face on the subject.Try to do homework on a chair or gymnastics.
If you have to use a mop, broom or a rake, do not strain your arms, back and neck and do not lean on the side.
Avoid swimming in the brass style.