Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is more common than others - it does not affect the elderly or young people over 20 years of age. People around him complain about his daily manifestations, writing down their feelings either on magnetic storms, or on energy vampires, or more prose, but still far from the truth, explanation.
The localization of the disease in the cervical spine, which includes the 7 vertebrae, is explained by the fact that the intervertebral disc in this area is the thinnest. Thus, their drying and destruction more quickly causes pinching of the nerves and abrasion of the vertebral bones - however, the distance between the bones is already small. It is also influenced by the weak development of the cervical muscles, which are used by modern people to a minimum.
Unfortunately, the non-inflammatory process in the spine remains unnoticed for a long time until the intervertebral disc degeneration enters the second stage and the pain becomes a constant companion. But even this alarming sign is often ignored by people, associating it with fatigue, or even getting used to it, as a daily “background”. Let’s think about why you can’t ignore a headache, is your mother right when she says “don’t move your head”, and how to treat cervical spine osteochondrosis to bring chronic disease into permanent remission.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Discomfort due to cervical osteochondrosis extends to the head, neck and limbs of the shoulder girdle. In the early stages, special complaints are not observed - usually, patients only begin to feel numbness in their neck more often, which is not at all surprising during office work. Gradually, the gap between the vertebrae decreases, the load on the ligaments, muscles of the neck, shoulders and back increases, and the blood supply to the brain and spinal cord decreases. This leads to a range of nonspecific symptoms; a combination of these few things is a good reason to see a doctor.
Osteochondrosis grade 1 cervical spine
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis in the early stages include:
- local muscle tension;
- stiffness of movement and decrease in their amplitude (when turning head, twisting shoulders) after long stay in one position;
- the need to always support the head with one hand while sitting to avoid fatigue and discomfort;
- fatigue and frequent headaches;
- increased irritation and chronic fatigue;
- inability to sleep quickly due to attempts to be comfortable, rub pillows in a comfortable way;
- dark in the eyes, the appearance of "flies" after a load on the cervical spine or in the morning / sharp rise;
- crackling sounds etc. when tilting the head;
- appearance called "Lumbago" in the area from the back of the head to the shoulder blades;
- decreased sensitivity at fingertips, tingling sensation in the hand;
- weakness in the arms, decreased stamina and muscle strength;
- increased blood pressure - arterial hypertension;
- change of voice, hoarse voice for no apparent reason, snoring, heaviness, "swelling" in the head.
Osteochondrosis grade 2 cervical spine
- chronic pain syndrome - head, neck or shoulder may experience persistent pain for 2-3 days or longer;
- sleep problems - difficulty falling asleep or waking up, often waking up in the middle of the night due to nightmares caused by lack of oxygen;
- high meteosensitivity;
- the appearance of pain and cramps in the muscles and internal organs, in particular, if necessary to maintain the same position for a long time or change it;
- inability to press the chin to the chest and tilt the head backwards without pain;
- falling head syndrome - pain that can be clearly seen when trying to sit without supporting your head;
- numbness in the hands ("disobedient hands"), the appearance of pain in the neck with minimal pressure on the upper limbs;
- tinnitus and blackheads in front of the eyes, dizziness and even fainting;
- clamps appear;
- heart disorders;
- migraine;
- persistent nausea;
- excessive growth of connective tissue ("thick skin") in the neck zone.
Ignoring the signs of cervical osteochondrosis is filled with large nerves and ducts located next to the spine, which are pinched when the vertebrae are stranded. Complications of this disease include:
- paresis (limitation, weakness of movement) and even paralysis of the arm - one or both sides;
- intervertebral hernia - a common cause of disability and deformity, resulting in wheelchairs;
- vertebral artery syndrome that causes dizziness and noise in the head, 25% leads to ischemic stroke;
- rapid memory, cognition, vision and hearing impairment;
- impaired coordination of movements, causing difficulty even on the go.
How to treat cervical spine osteochondrosis
To combat cervical spine osteochondrosis, pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy are used, as well as cervical zone massage and hydromassage, therapeutic gymnastics, swimming, balneological and mud treatments, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, acupuncture, ultrasound, shock waves, lasers, laserUFO, magnets andother types of apparatus therapy. Symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differ significantly at the stage of remission and exacerbation. Therefore, for example, massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the inflammatory process is strictly contraindicated - as a start, topical ointments and creams are used. In the acute period, it is important to restore blood circulation and tissue nutrition, relieve cramps and improve the quality of life of patients. Therapy, aimed at regrowth of cartilage tissue and osteophytes, is performed exclusively in a state of remission.
Surgical intervention is rarely used - especially for the removal of concomitant pathologies, such as hernias, vertebral transplants.
Level 1 cervical osteochondrosis responds well to treatment and can even be a permanent remission with mild acute episodes. Typically, treatment involves lifestyle changes, maintaining muscle and ligament apparatus with the help of therapeutic exercises. Stage 2 of the disease has a less optimistic prognosis: in this case, treatment aims to relieve obvious negative symptoms, prevent further destruction of the spine.
In some cases, therapy is needed for diseases that have become a kind of catalyst for degenerative changes in cartilage. These include curvature of the spine, problems with the endocrine system, incl. hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders, insomnia, depression, alcohol and nicotine addiction, overweight, hereditary diseases.
Timely treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis improves motor function, prevents macrotraumatization of the vertebrae, adjacent tissues, nerves, large ducts and organic systems. If medical recommendations are followed and daily maintenance therapy is followed, the development of osteochondrosis can be slowed and spinal mobility can be maintained until old age.Remedy for cervical spine osteochondrosis
At the onset of the disease, patients are shown to receive condro, rehydration and nutrient saturation in cartilage tissue. Vitamin-mineral and antioxidant complexes are actively used, including. natural origin. Medicines for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are used primarily externally or orally - in the form of warming, local irritating ointments, anti-inflammatory, tablets, capsules. If there is stage 2 osteochondrosis, in addition to the above, analgesics, antispasmodics (muscle relaxation), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. Treatment is carried out for life, but some medications (painkillers, glucocorticosteroids, etc. ) are prescribed in the course of being harmless.
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors in medicine are drugs that contain glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfates. In household use, the names "glucosamine" and "chondroitin" are more common. As the backbone of cartilage structures, they act as "building blocks" used by the body to repair intervertebral discs. The reception of chondroprotectors is very complex - it has a beneficial effect on all articular surfaces in the body and prevents the development of not only the cervix, but also other types of osteochondrosis, as well as arthrosis and other degenerative cartilage diseases. This drug needs to be taken for a lifetime and continuously - because of cartilage without blood vessels, this drug is fertilized by means of dissemination. This means that new cell growth is very slow - the first results are observed only after 3-6 months of taking a drug containing chondroitin.
Ointment for cervical spine osteochondrosis
For the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, ointments with vasodilating, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects are used. To improve blood circulation, bee or snake venom is often included in their composition, and propolis and natural essential oils are used to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. With mild pain syndrome, local analgesic creams or irritating ointments may be prescribed to divert the patient's attention from discomfort. Warming ointment activates trophic and metabolic processes in tissues, prevents their destruction and inhibits degenerative processes.
Tablets for cervical spine osteochondrosis
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, tablets play an additional role. In tablet form, complex action analgesics are usually prescribed, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Antispasmodics can be prescribed to relieve acute pain.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is very important to take medications that strengthen blood vessels and improve blood circulation. This helps curb the negative effects of the disease on the brain, which causes hypoxia and malnutrition.
Injection
Injections for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are performed locally to eliminate local inflammatory processes that are not sensitive to other methods of exposure. With severe pain syndrome, restrictions of lidocaine and novocaine are also indicated. They represent the introduction of anesthetic cocktails (they can contain more than a dozen components - NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, decongestants, hyaluronic acid and other substances to nourish and hydrate cartilage). Spinal blockage can only be done by a specialist because of the high risk of damage to the spinal cord and nerve endings during the injection, as well as the possibility of contraindications.
A diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates helps to prolong the effects of medication. The inclusion of seafood, shellfish and other foods rich in gel-forming agents, calcium and vitamin D3 in the menu has a positive effect on remission resistance.
Exercises for cervical spine osteochondrosis
The first physical therapy session (exercise therapy) is conducted under the supervision of a doctor. He also chose a set of daily exercises.
For the prevention and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, do moderate warming:
- Sit on a chair, turn your head to the left and to the right, trying to describe it in a half-degree circle. If the disease is not already felt or is in the first stage, you can throw his head back and turn it slowly clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Lift the shoulder as high as possible and lock in this position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position and repeat.
- Place the palm of your hand on your forehead and, while holding the light resistance in yourself, try to slowly lower your head. After 10 repetitions, place your palms on your temples and repeat with side bends.
- With the shoulders raised, try to form a circle around your lower neck.
- Complete a set of exercises with a strong self-massage, feeling both the spine and muscles as well as warming the skin. Avoid pain while doing this.
You can complete this list independently with exercises for general tone.
In addition to exercise therapy for cervical spine osteochondrosis, it is important to observe the orthopedic regimen. It is designed to relieve the spine while performing household chores and during sleep. For patients with osteochondrosis who have reached stage 1, special orthopedic pillows and mattresses, vehicle and other head restraints, and travel pillows are highly desirable. Workplaces also need to be refurbished according to physiological needs - for example, buy a chair with a high back and armrest that follows the anatomical curves of the back, adjust the height of the table and seats, ensure a comfortable monitor position, etc.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, sit with your back straight, leaning on the back of the furniture. The position of the feet is just as important - your feet must be perpendicular to the floor and your feet must be completely flat on the floor. The bent arm (about 75 degrees) must be relaxed loosely, without constant tension, on the table. Cannot spend free time lying down with a laptop. When using the computer on the bed, use the stand.