The development of information technologies and the computerization of the population have made the table a place where a person spends almost the whole day at this position. Almost one in two people knows an unpleasant painful sensation in the spine. Pain in the spine, limbs, numbness in the legs are the main signs of osteochondrosis. Moreover, if earlier people over 40 years old suffered from osteochondrosis, today adolescents are already facing this disease in high school.
Depending on the localization, osteochondrosis is divided into several types: cervical, thoracic and lumbar. One of the most common types of disease is called cervical osteochondrosis. It should be said that, due to its localization, it causes complications in the work of the brain, fraught with neurological diseases. From our article you will learn in detail about this disease, its course, features of treatment and prevention.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It may sound a little strange, but the cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is. . . the human life. Any excessive load on the spine leads to some deformation, which is why the disease occurs. Osteochondrosis can be prevented, cured, but only if it is not running. And for those who, fortunately, do not suffer from pain, I would like to warn: analyze the degree of stress on your spine, and you will understand whether you are at risk of osteochondrosis.
So, the main and most common cause of osteochondrosis in adults can be work, which consists in the constant lifting of heavy objects, such as the work of loaders. Also, the disease can be provoked by "sedentary" work in the office or work "on the legs", as, for example, with sellers who are in a certain position for a long time, creating a load on the same muscles, spinal column sections
There is a risk of osteochondrosis in athletes due to heavy loads or, conversely, due to a low level of physical development in those who do not play any sports. There are cases of disease onset even when athletes were actively participating in training and then suddenly stopped. It is impossible not to mention spinal injuries, which subsequently lead to osteochondrosis. It can affect the spine and flat feet, when due to the irregular shape of the foot, the load on the vertebrae and discs is distributed differently, creating discomfort.
Perhaps osteochondrosis in pregnant women due to the same increased load, as well as in women who constantly walk in heels, overloading the spine.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the neck area can be genetic or hereditary.
Spine diseases can manifest themselves due to impaired metabolism in the body, obesity, low immunity, poisoning, infectious diseases that reduce the functionality of the spine.
Over the years, the spine becomes more fragile, loses the elasticity of the discs, loses bone density and becomes deformed. Age is another cause of osteochondrosis.
And finally, the impact on the backbone of the environment and living conditions cannot be ruled out. Poor ecology, stress, nutrition, not rich in vitamins and microelements - all this can provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are quite pronounced. They must be known in order to stop the development of the disease in time. After all, each of us is partially at risk.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
You can recognize osteochondrosis with a simple exercise - turning your head. Painful sensations when turning are the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. The following symptoms are muscle spasms, difficulty moving, numbness of the fingers, pain in the shoulders.
This type of disease is called radicular syndrome or cervical sciatica. It occurs if the vertebrae compress the nerve roots due to a violation of their location, the appearance of a hernia. The pain in this case descends in a wave from the shoulder to the fingers, tingling is felt in the fingers and forearm. If the little finger and ring finger go numb, it means that the brachial nerve is affected, this is the region of 7-8 vertebrae. If the other three fingers, the problem is in the region of the 5-6-7 vertebrae, the central nerve is affected.
In addition, the disease has symptoms associated with the functioning of the brain. Often recurring headache with cervical osteochondrosis is severe or painful. Perhaps dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, tinnitus, spots before the eyes, blurred vision, hearing, problems with teeth. These signs of the disease indicate that there is an effect on the two vertebral arteries that carry blood to the brain. In particular, in those areas that are responsible for blood pressure, in the cerebellar area, which controls our vestibular apparatus. This type of disease is called vertebral artery syndrome and is very common. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, affecting the arteries, is fraught with a violation of the ability to move normally and even shock.
There are also irritative reflex syndromes. In this case of cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms are similar to those of other types of the disease, but the pain attacks occur suddenly after a state of rest. For example, when a person gets up after sleeping, he feels a dull strong pain in his neck.
Another type of disease is very similar to heart disease: angina pectoris, when the pain occurs in the chest and radiates to the shoulder, and lasts for several hours. This is a cardiac syndrome. A cardiogram will help distinguish osteochondrosis from heart disease, confirming that the blood circulation is not disturbed, and the patient is worried about the spine, and not the heart.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into stages of the course of the disease. In the first stage or preclinical stage, there is a slight internal change at the biochemical level. A person feels some inconvenience during a long stay in one position, during physical exertion. The muscles of the back, neck tire quickly.
The second stage of the disease is called the stage of increasing changes in the nucleus pulposus. At this time, the intervertebral disc is deformed, metabolism is disturbed in the nucleus pulposus, some of its cells die. Due to these processes, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which subsequently leads to pinched nerves and spasms. A person feels pain in the damaged areas of the spine.
In the third stage of the disease, total or partial destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. Cracks appear through which the nucleus pulposus comes out, violating the tightness of the connection of the vertebrae. The spine becomes abnormally mobile, the vertebral sections are displaced. This causes pain throughout the back, movement disorders occur, sensitivity in the extremities disappears.
And the most severe, the fourth stage of osteochondrosis, is manifested by the regeneration of the vertebral discs, the so-called fusion of the vertebrae. The nucleus pulposus replaces the cartilage, the pain subsides, and the spine functions as a support again. But, unfortunately, the consequence of such changes in the spine is the restriction of human mobility and even disability.
The spine has three important functions in the human body. These are support, spinal cord protection and depreciation during movement. Our ability to comfortably move and exist depends on the spine. Back pain should not be seen as a temporary and random phenomenon. Take it as a rule: if you feel pain with a smooth turn of the head, you should contact a neurologist.
Osteochondrosis in children
Osteochondrosis in children is not as common as in adults, and is rather a congenital disease or due to heredity. But since the deformation of the spine can have bad consequences and cause great harm to the development of the child's body, we decided to highlight this topic separately and draw the attention of parents to osteochondrosis in children.
A child's spine is more sensitive to injury, frostbite, lack of nutrients for formation and development. And this, as already mentioned, is the cause of osteochondrosis. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the child's nutrition, remember that it should be rich in calcium and other trace elements, be varied and useful. In case of back injuries and falls, especially at a young age, it is imperative to see a doctor for examination and, if the disease is confirmed, its possible further treatment. By the way, osteochondrosis in a child can be a consequence of birth trauma.
Osteochondrosis occurs in children and by heredity, when the fragility of the vertebrae is transmitted genetically. If, in case of spinal disease in children, the bone growth zone is affected, that is, the area in which the bone grows, this can also lead to poor overall growth and development of the child. Symptoms of osteochondrosis in children are similar to those in adults, but the pain is more moderate, and movements are not disturbed. With cervical osteochondrosis, fainting, dizziness are likely.
If the child has prerequisites for osteochondrosis or suspects back problems, immediately seek medical attention. The earlier the disease is detected, the sooner you can rid the child of it.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis, like other diseases, begins with a medical examination. In this case, a neurologist. The doctor examines the patient in various positions: standing, sitting, lying down, examines the state of the spine during movement. He draws attention to the posture, the location of the middle groove of the back, the position of the shoulder blades, the shoulders. In addition to visual inspection, tactile inspection is also mandatory. The site of injury is found, guided by complaints, examination, and also using a special technique for counting the vertebrae. Also, the patient is prescribed X-ray or MRI therapy to examine the spine more carefully and find out the stage of the injury. After diagnosis, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is often complex. Most of the time, it is based on some mandatory points. One of the main ones is the correct motor mode. Right means moving without shaking your head. Any fast movement does not benefit the vertebrae. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a special medical soft collar to wear, which will immobilize your neck for the duration of treatment.
Wanting to consider something from the side of himself, the patient must slowly turn his head. If you feel uncomfortable in your neck, do some special exercises, give yourself a massage.
An obligatory stage in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the acute stage is medication. The doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills to eliminate the foci of inflammation and swelling. Be sure to help alleviate the course of the disease painkillers. If osteochondrosis causes muscle spasms, a drug that relieves cramps and relieves pain is also prescribed. Vitamin B, which improves brain function, helps fight stress and strengthens muscles, will also be prescribed. And if the patient is in a depressive state, antidepressants will be prescribed.
You can not do without treatment of osteochondrosis without external preparations: gels, ointments, creams. Known anti-inflammatory drugs will act directly on the focus of the disease. There are ointments that are called chondroprotective, that is, ointments with elements that restore the cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. And, of course, the patient will need ointments or creams for therapeutic massage, which is also indispensable.
Manual therapy for osteochondrosis
Many patients with osteochondrosis seek help from chiropractors. This method of treatment can be included in the complex if the patient has an anatomical change in the spine, the appearance of a hernia or displacement of the discs. With proper treatment, it really gives positive results. But when looking for a specialist, be careful. Before agreeing to treatment, make sure the specialist has a medical degree and practices traditional treatment, has completed additional training in the specialties of neurology and chiropractic, and has confirmation certificates. Operator experience is also important. After all, the therapy itself requires clear movements, and if used incorrectly, it is fraught with injury. The principle of manual therapy is a punctual impact on the structural components of the spine. With a quick push, the joint that has been displaced from the correct position returns to the same position. Adequate therapy, undoubtedly, is a very effective treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis will allow you to fight the disease even in the workplace. Also, simple exercises will be an excellent prevention of diseases of the spine.
So, take your eyes off the screen, lean back in your chair, and learn some helpful exercises.
Sitting in a chair, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax, put your hands down. Slowly lower your head until your chin touches your chest. If it doesn't work, that's fine, turn it down as low as possible, as low as possible. After that, slowly raise your head and tilt it back, also until it stops. Returning to the starting position with your head straight, repeat the exercise 5 times.
Without getting up from the chair, gently turn your head to the side. First in one direction, then return to the starting position and rotate in the other. 5 times each.
Turning your head, you can go to the slopes. The exercise is also done sitting down, slowly tilting your head to the left, then back, then to the right. They tilt their heads completely, trying to press their ears against their shoulders. The exercise is performed at least 5 times for each side.
It will help stretch your neck muscles and the next exercise. In the sitting position, the head is slowly thrown back, hold this position for a few seconds and begin to slowly turn the head, without lifting it, to the left and then to the right, making at least 10 turns in total.
You can also, without leaving the workplace, do an exercise to warm up your shoulder muscles. Sitting in a relaxed position, start rotating your shoulders 5 times forward and then 5 times backward. Do this slowly and carefully, feeling each muscle.
It will help to stretch your shoulders and exercise known to everyone from kindergarten. It can be performed as desired, sitting or standing, as the situation allows. Slowly he reaches his left hand over his shoulder to the right side, touches his ear with his fingers and lowers it. Throw your right hand in the same way over your head towards your left ear.
Now a little more warm up for the neck muscles. Put your palm on your forehead, start pressing your forehead into your palm, resisting with your hand. Hold this position with your neck tense for a count of 5. Then relax and repeat the exercise twice.
The exercise is similar to the previous one. But now other cervical muscles will work. You throw your hand or, more conveniently, both, folded into a strand, behind your head, put them on the back of your head and begin to press your head on your hands. Do the exercise 3 times for 5 seconds.
Now we stretch the lateral muscles of the neck. There is only one scheme: the head presses the hand, the hand resists. You put your left hand on your left temple, press, counting to 5, take a few seconds break and repeat 2 more times. In the same way, the exercise is performed for the right side of the neck.
And finally, a little warm-up in a standing position. It is better to choose a free space in the office for this. Feet are placed shoulder-width apart for better balance. With outstretched arms in a free state, they begin to synchronously rotate 5 times forward, and then 5 times back.
After taking a short break for 10-15 minutes, you will feel the tension in your back and neck muscles decrease, let your eyes rest from the monitor, relax a little. Such breaks in work are useful, and in many modern offices they even practice a mass outing of colleagues to warm up. Do not neglect the simple rule: warm up whenever you are tired and tense. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis is an excellent treatment for the initial stages of the disease and effective prevention. In more severe cases of the disease, a course of exercise therapy (physiotherapy exercises) is prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is simply irreplaceable. A set of exercises will improve the functionality of the spine, help to constantly maintain muscle tone and relieve tension. The exercise will require some free time and a warm exercise mat on the floor. They can be done at home in the evening or in the morning before work. Of course, it is advisable to do it between meals.
Lying on your back on the floor, stretch your arms along your torso. Look straight ahead and start looking away gradually to the right and left, 4 times in each direction. After moving your eyes to the sides, start looking up and down also 4 times. After finishing the lateral warm-up, proceed to the rotation of the eyes immediately in a clockwise direction, and then in the opposite direction.
In the same position, lying down, turn your head in turns in different directions. Litlle by litte, slowly. After doing 4 twists in each direction, proceed to tilt your head to the left side and to your right shoulder.
You can do exercises with a head elevation. Also, lying on a flat surface, raise your head from the floor and tilt it towards your chest, trying to touch your chest with your chin. Get your head as close as possible. All this without sudden movements no more than 4 times.
When performing exercises for cervical osteochondrosis, you need to remember that not only the cervical region, but the whole body requires warming up. Therefore, lying on your back, having completed the first simple exercises, having warmed up, proceed to the next. Extend your arms to your sides and roll to one side, trying to touch the opposite side with your hand and foot, but without turning onto your stomach. The twist is made when inhaling and they return to their original position when exhaling. Don't do more than 5 laps.
The next exercise is to sit from a prone position. Lying on the floor with arms outstretched along the body, you need to get up slowly, leaning on your hands. Quite a difficult exercise for osteochondrosis, so we emphasize once again that you need to do it carefully and slowly, 3-4 times.
Lying on your back, bend your legs and press them to your stomach, hold your knees with your hands. Then gently pull your head to your feet and touch your knees. Also, carefully return to the prone position as well. The exercise is performed up to 5 times.
He is lying down, legs bent at the knees at the level of the abdomen, arms apart. Rotate your body alternately to the right and left up to 5 times in each direction.
Do not interfere with abdominal exercises. Turn around and stretch your arms alongside your body. Start by lifting your head off the floor, then your shoulders, your torso, concentrating on your legs and hips. Then return to the starting position and do the exercise up to 5 times.
Breathing exercises are useful for osteochondrosis of the cervical region. After a short break from the above exercises, lie on your back, fold both hands on your stomach. Inhale deeply and slowly, blowing out your stomach, exhale carefully too, contracting your stomach. Do 5 breaths and exhalations.
Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a shallow breath, tensing your muscles, exhaling, relax. The number of breaths is also 5.
These exercises are introductory only and should not be considered a complete treatment. Rather, these are recommendations for the prevention of the disease or its development. The doctor selects therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis, depending on the needs of the patient.
self massage
Massage is one of the necessary and pleasant procedures in the course of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis and is prescribed by a doctor. Of course, it is out of the question to try to repeat a professional massage at home, involving relatives, this matter is really only handled by health workers. But light kneading movements can be done by yourself, distracting yourself in the middle of the working day and relieving stress. By the way, massage will be a good addition to gymnastics.
So, feeling pain in the neck, lean back in your chair, relax your back. The massage begins by stroking the neck with the palms from top to bottom, that is, from the hair to the shoulders. After stroking, turn your palms with one edge to the neck and move your hand up and down several times, pressing lightly. Then it starts to grind. Place the palms of the hands on the back of the head so that the fingers converge in the center of the spine. Rub the body, moving your hands from the center of the vertebra to the sides of the neck, going down from top to bottom. You can massage your neck with your fingertips, rubbing it in a circular motion. Then start pinching the skin and muscles, grabbing them between your index finger and thumb. And then caress your neck with the palms of your hands, completing the massage.
Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis will help relieve pain and muscle tension.
Treatment with folk remedies.
The most popular home remedies for any disease are herbal preparations. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with folk remedies is possible, as a rule, in the initial stages of the disease. Herbs such as peppermint, St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, licorice root, chamomile, birch, and strawberry leaves help fight diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Brew teas from these herbs, drink regularly, as a tonic and as a means of prevention.
You can also take herbal baths. For each bath you need at least 300 grams of dried plants. Pine bath helps a lot. The needles of coniferous plants are ground, poured with boiled water and boiled for 20 minutes. It is then filtered, added to a hot bath and steamed for up to half an hour.
You can and should take chamomile baths, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and perfectly heal the body. Chamomile is poured with boiling water, insisted for up to an hour, filtered and added to the water.
A quick compress from improvised means will help relieve back pain. Everyone has potatoes and honey in the house. Folk methods for making such a compress are recommended: grate vegetables and mix with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The composition is applied to gauze and applied to the sore spot. Relief is guaranteed, but unfortunately not for long.
Ginger and garlic ointment works the same way. They are rubbed on a grater and mixed 1: 1, add a little butter or petroleum jelly so that it is smeared and rubbed on the sore spot. It will also relieve pain and inflammation, but it will not cure the disease. With osteochondrosis, a mandatory visit to a neurologist is required, who will prescribe a full course of treatment.
Finally, I would like to talk about the basic rules of behavior for osteochondrosis. First of all, keep your back straight and your head straight. Set up your workspace according to these standards, right down to putting a book under your monitor if it's short, or finding a chair that's taller.
Don't lift heavy things unless absolutely necessary. And if you really had to carry the load, take the heavy one not in a bent position, but do it like weightlifters with a barbell: sit down, and then get up with a load.
Do not cool your back too much, protect it from drafts. A large selection of modern and stylish vests will keep your back warm at any time of the year and under any circumstances.
Move more, do swimming, gymnastics, hang on the horizontal bar.
Having mastered all the secrets of gymnastics, self-massage and prevention of osteochondrosis with folk remedies, share them with your office friends. So you can not only insure yourself against spinal diseases, but also help your colleagues avoid back pain and increased fatigue. Be healthy!