Cervical osteochondrosis

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

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

What is cervical osteochondrosis

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

This disease affects both sexes equally often. As already mentioned, today it is often found in very young people under the age of 30. This phenomenon is largely due to the introduction of computer technology in all spheres of life. People simply stop moving and spend most of their time in a monitor-related state. As a result, pathological changes begin to occur in the cervical spine: the vertebrae move, and the cartilaginous tissues between them, which represent a kind of layer, become thinner. In other words, excessive growth of connective tissue occurs when formations in the form of growths appear on the body of the vertebrae.

The consequence of such pathological changes is a reduction in the effect of shock absorption between the vertebrae, the surfaces of the bones, which are in contact with each other, cause friction and constrict 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 resolved in time, the disease will progress and in severe cases 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 reality of modern life, factors have emerged that increase the risk of developing pathology at a younger age.

Some of these reasons include:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• forced stay in one position (usually sitting);
• overweight;
• autoimmune diseases;
• drafts;
• stressful situations;
• injuries of 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 an unfavorable inheritance.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Unlike pathological processes in other parts of the spine, SHOX manifests itself more pronounced. This feature 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 feature contributes to a greater extent than in other parts of the spine, the compression of nerve tissue and blood vessels. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease are localized in the upper back, in the cervical region and in the head.

In this case, patients complain of the following:

• limiting the mobility of the neck, especially if you want to turn your head;
• intense pain, which often does not allow a person to perform elementary action (bending, turning the head);
• characteristic crunch when moving;
• decreased sensitivity in the hands;
• violation of movement coordination;
• dizziness;
• general weakness;
• reduced vision and hearing, tactile sensitivity or taste perception.

Because the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the location of the dystrophic lesion, the disease has its own characteristic signs. Usually in these departments there is a disturbance of sensitivity or restriction of mobility as a consequence of compression of the spinal roots. Therefore, cervical osteochondrosis is distinguished by radicular symptoms, ie the vertebra is involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include:

1. first vertebra - sensitivity decreases and stiffness of the occipital region and neck is observed;
2. second - pain in the back of the head and parietal region;
3. third - pain in the part of the neck where the root is pinched, speech and taste perception are also disturbed;
4. fourth - pain radiating to the shoulder, below the shoulder blade, respiratory disorders may be observed;
5. fifth - pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder;
6. sixth - neck pain extends to the forearm and thumbs;
7. seventh - pain radiating to the shoulder blade, back shoulder, forearm and fingers;
8. eighth - the pain spreads from the neck to the shoulders and further down the arms to the little fingers.

It should be noted here that in the diagnosis, special attention is paid 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 physician can easily diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the initial examination, focusing only on the characteristic clinical symptoms. However, in order to determine the degree of damage and the prevalence of pathology, the patient is recommended to undergo a series of examinations.Basically, these are all 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 characteristics of the vertebral location are determined.
• Computed tomography - enables the detection of possible interruptions, determination of the actual height of the intervertebral discs, the place of compression of the nervous tissue and the spinal cord, if any.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - gives an accurate picture of pathological changes. Thanks to this type of examination, it is possible to accurately determine the condition of nerve fibers, as well as the intensity of blood flow.

Most often, one of the listed types of examinations is sufficient when diagnosing. 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 blood lines pass through the cervical region, supplying the brain with oxygen and nutrients. There are a lot of nerve endings here. Therefore, violation of the innervation or blood supply to important organs threatens serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the danger, because osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has serious consequences.

In addition to 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 be convinced of this, it is enough to list only the most common complications of SHOX:

• persistent hypertension;
• chronic migraines;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD);
• breathing problems;
• various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually take 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 spine 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 spinal cord compression.

Given the seriousness of the situation and the high probability of complications, if alarming symptoms occur, you should contact the hospital immediately. Such unpleasant signs may include: systemic headache, dizziness, discomfort in the neck or back of the head. After diagnostic measures, the doctor will select the appropriate therapy.

The treatment of patients with SCS is usually complex. Therapy necessarily includes massage, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapeutic procedures. Of course, without the use of medication, it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the complex of drugs for osteochondrosis includes:

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

The entire therapy is selected by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any type of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is unacceptable. All of these drugs aim to localize symptoms in the acute phase of the disease. In the period of remission, other techniques are also relevant. Treatment is usually performed at home or on an outpatient basis. But in particularly severe cases the patient is hospitalized.

Traditional methods of treatment

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

Here are some recipes for alternative treatments for osteochondrosis:

• Pour vodka seeds (200 g) over 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, per tablespoon of infusion.
• Means for external use are easily prepared in the following sequence: lilac leaves (fresh) must be crushed into a fine mass, add 300 ml of radish juice (black), 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. It can then 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.
• You can prepare an infusion of lilac flowers for internal use. To do this, take a tablespoon (tablespoon) of fragrant inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, strain for an hour and take 1 liter three times. Art.

Bitan! When taking all herbal preparations it is necessary to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk about the complex of therapeutic gymnastics with SHH only after the end of the acute period. With the worsening of the disease, such activities can only make the situation worse.

All physiotherapy exercises are aimed at maintaining normal mobility in the cervical spine. Classes take place in a calm rhythm, there must be no sudden movements. If there are signs of fatigue or painful sensations, classes are stopped immediately. The complex includes the following exercises that you can perform regularly at home:

• As you stand, you must tilt your head as you inhale so that your chin touches your chest. When you exhale, your head is gently pulled back. You are free to perform the same exercise while sitting on a chair.
• In any initial position, it is convenient to perform rotational movements of the head. It is better to change the direction of movement from time to time so that your head does not turn. It is recommended to perform the exercise in a slow rhythm.
• Performing this exercise regularly will help to perfectly strengthen the muscles of the cervix: you need to put your hands in the "lock" and press your forehead as much as possible next to them. To achieve a lasting effect, repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds. You can alternately press your palms to your forehead and then press your forehead to your palms.

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

To prevent a history of diagnosis "cervical osteochondrosis», You must lead an active life, do regular exercises in the morning, take care of your neck and equip your workplace properly.