Cervical osteochondrosis, or spondylosis, occurs as a result of changes in the form and structure of the vertebrae.Despite the fact that the cervical region is short enough in relation to the total length of the spine, it is perhaps the most important part of the spinal column.Each pair of neighboring vertebrae forms intervertebral holes through which nerve roots go and go to each muscle and organ of the upper half of the body.Through other holes, in the lateral processes of these vertebrae, vital vessels ensure the blood supply to the brain.
The causes of the osteochondrosis of the cervical column
The causes of osteochondrosis are:
- wounds,
- "Sedentary" work on the monitor located below the level of the eyes,
- physical work associated with the transfer of weights,
- Long -term stay driving a car,
- Work "on the phone" without the use of distance devices (in this case, the operator presses the phone towards the ear shoulder)
- Constitutional characteristics (constant and congenital changes in the cervical vertebrae, short neck)
Training of pathological vertebral changes
With osteochondrosis, small scores begin to form on the edges of the vertebral bodies, which can damage the structures located nearby.Very often, this occurs in response to an excess of load in the cervical compartment, and it is not only the result of the "aging" of the intervertebral joints (remember that it was used to be considered degenerative osteochondrosis, then a natural disease "re -elected by age", such as osteoarthrosis).As the disease develops, the closing plates of the vertebrae and a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs are produced.These discs are normal, the role of the shock absorber between the vertebrae and, among other things, avoid damage to spinal roots.With progressive osteochondrosis, there is an outstanding (hernia) of the core of the intervertebral disc jacket, on which during the disease there are more and more pressure while "restricting" the ligaments of all sides.This hernia is also able to tighten spinal structures and cause neurological manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column with pain syndrome
Any pain in the neck force the pathology of the cervical column.In terms of growth, the intensity of pain syndrome is divided into 4 stages, the first patient feels numb, tingling, a feeling of "oppression" in the area of a certain muscular group, in the fourth stage, the most severe, the pain is so intense that leads to the immobility of the patient and the loss of performance.
In addition to the pain syndrome in the cervical and occipital region, the patient points out that they "reflected" (irradia) pains in the upper limb, the subsequent side areas of the chest.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column with root syndrome
They talk about participation in the process of nerve roots when pain, numbness and tingling extend to the lower jaw, the upper back, forearm and fingers.At the same time, the patient draws attention to the fact that "he seemed to be leaving" his hand, he slept inconveniently.Morning stiffness is observed in fingertips, which lasts no more than 10-15 minutes.With the development of root syndromes, during the exam, a decrease in the muscle force of the upper extremities can be observed.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column with the "vertebral artery syndrome"
On the participation in the process of blood vessels (squeezing them with hernial or osteophite protrusion), they say that when the patient complains of frequent attacks of headaches, especially after a long stay in a certain position, when he throws it from the head (for example, when they swim with a brass), if the noise in the ears and the dizziness are worried.This clinical situation is well detected using ultrasound (with the "mapping doppler regime").With ultrasound, the inquisition of the vertebral arteries, the narrowing of their light is determined.In this case, we can talk about surgery, since a change pronounced in blood flow in the vertebral arteries is a risk factor for the development of stroke.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical column with "cardiac syndrome (heart)"
This syndrome obliges the patient to mainly contact the cardiologist, since the main complaints are related to pain in the left half of the chest, the subscapular region, which weaken or intensify when the physical activity or the position of the body is performed.After the exclusion of myocardial infarction and other heart disease, the patient is seen under the observation and treatment of a neurologist and orthopedist.
Diagnosis
To clarify the diagnosis, four methods are used: radiography, ultrasound, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance.
The most affordable method remains the radiography of the cervical column, the most informative radiography is in the lateral projection ("lateral view").This method allows in the first approach to establish the presence of lesions, gross structural changes in the vertebrae.
The ultrasound exam (ultrasound) is performed to clarify the condition of the vertebral arteries.With the help of this method, they discover if the blood flow is disturbed and, if so, to what extent and what kind of obstacles arose and where they are located.
Computed tomography (CT).It allows you to evaluate more accurately the status of bone structures, the degree of bone density, allows you to see smaller (bone superior) osteophytes of what is possible with X -Ray.
Magnetic resonance images (MRI).This type of exam is indispensable for hernias suspicions, precise location of the damage to the spinal cord and the degree of this damage.This study is necessary if the question of surgical (surgical) treatment of diseases of the cervical spine is raised.
Cervical osteochondrosis treatment
Drug treatment
The standard set of products for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of the treatment: Relieve pain syndrome, eliminate painful muscle spasm and inflammation of nerve roots, increasing the mobility of the spine.To achieve these objectives, mainly the use of analgesics, NSAIDs, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory medications are used, muscle relaxants are used.It should be remembered that the auto -medical these groups can be dangerous, since there is the possibility of an erroneous interpretation of the symptoms, as well as the underestimation of the side effects of these medications.Local drugs (Basel) between gels -shaped NSAIs are widely used, and if pain stops, the same drugs can already be used in the form of ointments.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at a deeper, "basic" level, systemic medications are used.These substances restore cartilage structures of the vertebrae, prevent their greater damage.The treatment courses are long, the effect persists for many months.
Cervical osteochondrosis has significant differences with respect to the pathology of another spine.The pain in the neck in this case may not be caused by the signs of the spinal nerves they suffer, but by the painful and chronic superfinite, everything together is called muscle tonic syndrome.This is a completely "benign" state, which is well treated with the same drug set: non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, using intramuscular "blocky" using steroids.In general, the doctor reveals acute pain by probe "trigger" points called throughout the cervical column, as well as in the upper waist muscles.More often, such pathology occurs in women, mostly under 40.Despite the pronounced pain syndrome, vascular structures remain intact, the blood flow of the head area does not suffer.
Manual therapy
This treatment method can be effective for recently arising (often as a result of a small injury, subluxation) neck pain, not accompanied by dizziness, other changes in the nervous system and the circulatory system.It is allowed to resort to manual therapy only after an exhaustive exam, in addition, the doctor who performs this procedure must have enough experience in the field of traumatology and orthopedics.With "ancient" forms of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!
Two methods of this type of intervention are known:
- Manipulation (strong short influences of significant force aimed at eliminating subluxation, well -known "bone clicks");
- Mobilization (the method is based on a smooth neck stretch after heating and relaxing the muscle corset of the neck).
A combined method is also used based on a combination of two main.It is important to remember that, in addition to these contraindications, manual therapy is prohibited for any disease, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, for any pathology of the thyroid gland and ent-organgan.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical Gymnastics for Cervical Osteochondrosis
The first and main rule for beginners to participate in physiotherapy exercises is not exercising, overcoming painful sensations.Of course, it should not begin in the "acute" period when the pain has just appeared.Another important recommendation is to avoid sudden movements and circular movements in the cervical region.
Each lesson must begin with a short light self -standing of the neck muscles.
The following is a hot "warming":
- The hands are lowered along the body, the shoulders are even, the back is straight (it can verify the posture by pressing slightly with heels, shoulder blades and buttocks on the wall).We walk in the place of 1 minute throughout the foot, 1 min - in socks, 1 min - on the heels.
- The initial position is the same.We squeeze the brushes in the fists, reduce the shoulders, our hands are straightened.The movements are slow, we make 20 repetitions, the last increase is more than 5 seconds.We make sure the neck muscles are not "subjects."
- The initial position is the same.We incline our heads to the right, then on the left side.The movements are soft, a slope in 8 accounts, at the end point of inclination: retain for 8 seconds.
- The initial position is the same or sitting in a hard chair.Soft headlines of the head forward, at the end point - Keep for 8 seconds
- The initial position is the same or sitting in a hard chair.Slowly tilting your head forward, until your chin in the chest, then slowly turn your head to the right (4 accounts) and to the left (to 4 accounts).Do not allow muscle tension.
- The initial position is the same or sitting in a hard chair.We lift the shoulders to 4 accounts, then we also lower them in 4 counts.10 repetitions.
- The initial position is the same or sitting in a hard chair.We lift our shoulders, but now we perform circular movements on the back, 8 accounts.10 repetitions.
- We align the back, we review the posture.At 4 accounts, we reduce the shoulder blades, trying to connect them, at the end point we remain for 8 seconds, then we return to the initial position.
Pillows
As already mentioned, the hypertonicity 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, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable position during sleep is no less than gymnastics, physiociness and drugs.
When choosing a mattress, pay attention to the composition of the filling (the products are adequate, at least half of coconut chips, that is, it has a sufficient degree of stiffness).Soft spring mattresses do not provide enough straightening the spine.The most optimal sleep is on the side, pull one or both knees to the stomach.The pillow must be located in such a way that fill the entire space between the shoulder, the ear and the mattratos, the parietal part (crown) of the head is in the same horizontal line with the spine.To avoid too high and too low, as well as soft pillows.The ideal option is an ergonomic product, that is, in this case, with a small layer of pressure on one side.
General recommendations
Pay attention to posture.During walking or standing, the position is a position when the chest stands forward and the stomach is thrown.
Avoid long -term stay in a sitting position.A simple rule of cervical osteochondrosis is known: every 60 minutes of work, a period of 10-15 minutes of walking or heating is required.
A chair for work must have a headrest or a back.
In a sitting position, the legs must rest on the floor, and the neck should not be tense.For this purpose, use special orthopedic devices: rollers under the neck when driving in a car, a pillow under the back.
Avoid weightlifting.If necessary, kneel, press the heavy object to the body and then maintain gently using the strength of the legs of the legs, but not the "thrust" of the back.
Do not lean with straightened legs.Use supports, work surfaces to bring the object to yourself and not persuade your face towards the subject.Try to do your task sitting in a chair or gymnastics.
If you need to use a mop, broom or rake, do not strain your arms, back and neck, do not lean towards the sides.
Avoid swimming in the brass style.