Do you know the feeling of tension in your neck?It happens that you work and automatically pull your head left and right because your muscles are "numb".Or catch 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 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 for the disease:
- Complaints about pain (acute and dull, painful), which can be localized in the neck, back of the head, and in the hands and shoulder blades.This is due to pinching of the nerve roots of the corresponding cervical segment.
- Weakness and numbness of the muscles in the neck and arms.
- Stiffness when moving the neck and dizziness.
- Increased fatigue and decreased performance may occur.
- Impairment of hearing and vision is less common (with advanced disease).
The above symptoms and complaints can be combined.It depends on the specific location and extent of the pathological process.
Why does cervical osteochondrosis appear?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are many factors.It most often develops due to:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Hereditary syndromes of disorders of connective tissue development: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome.
- Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Poor posture that creates overload in the corresponding part of the spine.
- Previous injuries to the corresponding part of the spine.
Improper stereotypical attitudes and habits make a big contribution to the development of the disease.Today, they are more and more common due to the frequent use of gadgets and long-term work at the computer - the neck is bent forward and down.If you read for a long time and have the wrong positions during sleep - inappropriate pillow, mattress, sleeping on your stomach.As a result of the influence of these factors, the neck muscles are in constant tension.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Complex treatment methods are used for effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, including:
- Drug therapy (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes based on vitamin B, magnesium, etc.).Medicines reduce pain and inflammation, reduce muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercise.Therapeutic exercises and massage improve blood circulation, saturation of affected cells with oxygen and nutrients.Thanks to this, the pathological process is stopped and the pain is alleviated.
- Physiotherapy procedures and massage.Physiotherapy can be performed both in a medical institution and at home.For these purposes, almost the entire range of physiotherapeutic methods is used: exposure to electricity, 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 recommended to create the correct stereotypical positions of the head and neck during work, as well as the proper organization of sleeping places.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.
- Maintain a healthy diet with enough water, calcium, magnesium and protein.
- Performing exercises for the cervical spine during prolonged sitting work, at least once every two hours.
Gymnastics for the cervical spine
Perform the exercises slowly without sudden movements during the remission period.In the starting position, inhale, and when bending and turning the head, exhale.Hold each position, as if stretching your neck muscles.
- Starting position: sit straight, look ahead.
- Tilt your head forward, then return to the starting position.Tilt your head back and then return to the starting position.
- Tilt your head to the right, return to the starting position.Tilt your head to the left, return to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right and then in front of you.Turn your head to the left, then in front of you.
If your health allows, you can use a more complex version of gymnastics - the same movements, but with the reverse resistance of the hands.Press the head back and forth and press with your hands, preventing the head from tilting back and forth.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 specialist for timely diagnosis, determination of the stage of the disease and selection of individual treatment tactics.