Do you know that feeling of tension in your neck?It happens that you are working and automatically pull your head left and right because your muscles are “numb”.Or you find yourself massaging your neck while reading a book.Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be hidden behind these symptoms.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and the connective tissue of the cervical spine.It is characterized by changes in the cartilage structure of the intervertebral discs and the development of a pathological process in the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
There are a number of characteristic symptoms of the disease:
- Complaints of pain (both acute and dull, aching), which can be localized in the neck, back of the head, as well as in the arms and shoulder blade.This is due to entrapment of the nerve roots of the corresponding neck segment.
- Muscle weakness and numbness in the neck and arms.
- Stiffness when moving the neck and dizziness.
- Increased fatigue and reduced performance can occur.
- Impairment of hearing and vision is less common (in advanced disease).
The symptoms and complaints mentioned above can be combined.This depends on the specific location and extent of the pathological process.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis occur?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are many factors.Most often it arises due to:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Hereditary syndromes of connective tissue development disorders: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome.
- Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Poor posture leads to overloading of the corresponding part of the spine.
- Previous injuries to the corresponding part of the spine.
Incorrect stereotypical postures and habits contribute significantly to the development of the disease.Nowadays, due to the frequent use of gadgets and long hours of work at the computer, they are becoming more and more common - the neck is tilted forward and down.If you read for a long time and take the wrong posture while sleeping - unsuitable pillow, unsuitable mattress, sleeping on your stomach.Due to the influence of these factors, the neck muscles are under constant tension.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
To effectively treat cervical osteochondrosis, complex treatment methods are used, including:
- Drug therapy (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes based on B vitamins, magnesium, etc.).Medications relieve pain and inflammation and reduce muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercise.Therapeutic exercises and massages improve blood circulation and saturate the affected cells with oxygen and nutrients.As a result, the pathological process stops and the pain is relieved.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures and massage.Physiotherapy can be carried out both in a medical facility and at home.For this purpose, almost the entire spectrum of physiotherapeutic methods is used: 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 while working, as well as the correct organization of the sleeping place.It may be worth replacing the pillow with an orthopedic one.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
If you follow the following prevention rules, it is possible not only to prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but also to stop the development of the disease:
- Regular moderate physical activity and/or physical therapy.
- Eat a healthy diet with enough water, calcium, magnesium and protein.
- Performing exercises for the cervical spine during prolonged sedentary work, at least every two hours.
Gymnastics for the cervical spine
During remission periods, perform the exercises slowly and without sudden movements.In the starting position, breathe in and breathe out as you bend and turn your head.Hold each position as if you are stretching the neck muscles.
- Starting position: Sit upright, look forward.
- Tilt your head forward and then return to the starting position.Tilt your head back and then return to the starting position.
- Tilt your head to the right and return to the starting position.Tilt your head to the left and return to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right, then forward.Turn your head to the left, then forward.
If your health permits, you can use a more complicated version of gymnastics - the same movements, but with reverse arm resistance.Push your head forward and down and push with your hands to prevent your head from tilting forward and down.Perform the exercise for 5-15 seconds depending on your strength.Repeat the exercise in all indicated directions.
Important: Gymnastics must not cause pain!
If there are obvious signs 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.