Modern realities affect human health not in the best way.An unhealthy way of life, strict working conditions lead to a number of human health disorders.Osteochondrosis of the cervical column - a white collar disease takes 5th place in the world in the number of suffering of this disease.
What is cervical osteochondosis and why is it dangerous?
Under osteochondrosis of the cervical column, it is necessary to understand the defined damage defined dystrophically with intervertebral discs (the area between 1 and 7 vertebrae).Following this disease, deformation occurs, as well as exhaustion with damage to later vertebral bodies.The course of vertebral disease can have several stages, so it is important to recognize the disease in the early stages.
The diet of the nerve roots of the spine and blood vessels can cause a violation of blood supply to the brain.A neglected state can even lead to a stroke.At the same time, heart and blood vessels suffer, and you can fight pressure for years, and cervical osteochondrosis of the spine will be guilty.
Reasons for the development of the disease
There are many factors that lead to the occurrence of cervical column osteochondrosis:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Excess weight;
- vertebral injuries transmitted;
- deformation of the posture, constant tension of the back and neck;
- bad nutrition;
- physical activity;
- Stress and nervous disorders;
- heredity;
- infectious diseases;
- individual characteristics of the body structure;
- Change in the blood circulation of the cervical column.
Symptoms and signs of osteochondrosis
The danger of cervical osteochondosis is associated with the lack of symptoms at the initial stage.When the pain appears, the patient often uses pain relievers, which is very wrong, because the process of development of osteochondrosis of the cervical column is launched, and the correct diagnosis with subsequent treatment is made with a great delay for a successful treatment.
First of all, you must pay attention to the presence of the main symptoms of the manifestation of osteochondosis of the cervical column:
- Dizziness.You should understand that this symptom may indicate the presence of other diseases.With osteochondrosis of the cervical column, dizzy show a systemic character, that is to say that the patient feels the constant movement of surrounding objects.
- Headache.It has a real character with pulsation, can be constant or paroxysmal.
- Location of pain.Often, in patients with cervical osteochondosis, pain is observed during the transformation of the head, in the neck, in the shoulders, in the limbs.
- Blood pressure.It is combined with other symptoms (headache, tension and hands of the hands, stress and prolonged stay in a position).
- Noise in the ears and vision of vision.
- Weakness and rapid fatigue of the body.
- Disturbance of sleep and pain during sleep in the neck, in the limbs, their numbness.
Diagnosis of the disease
With the existence of the above symptoms of cervical osteochondosis, self-medication is strictly prohibited.Only a doctor can assess the condition, direct the patient to the diagnosis and choose treatment.To determine the disease, it is recommended:
- Spine x -Ray (cervical service);
- ECG;
- MRI of the spine (cervical compartment);
- Reoencephalography.
Computed tomography
One of the exact methods of diagnostic for osteochondrosis of the cervical column is CT (CT scan).The procedure is carried out for its ends, has no contraindications (restriction only by weight - up to 160 kilograms).The CT precisely displays the state of the spine, the intervertebral discs, determines fractures, tumors, hernias and other inflammatory processes.The method is absolutely sure.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging recognizes cervical osteochondrosis of the spine at the very beginning.The images clearly show the nerve roots, their integrity and their counterfeit places, hernias and other pathologies.Contraindication to MRI can be the presence of a cardiac stimulator.It is not desirable in the 1st quarter of pregnancy.Thanks to the image, the doctor may prescribe a processing.
Radiography
The X-ray cervical X-ray is carried out in two projections and shows how far the vertebrae, the condition of the vertebrae's processes, osteoporosis and the place of bone tissue, tumor processes, dystrophic states and other pathologies of the spine are located.
Contraindications: pregnancy, body weight of more than 180 kg, mental disorders.
Osteochondrosis development stages
There are 4 main steps for the development of osteochondosis of the cervical column:
- 1st step - pain, crunchy during the turn of the neck, reduced mobility, headache, sleep disorders;
- 2 steps - slimming of the capsule of the intervertebral disc, offense with nerve endings and blood vessels;
- 3 stages - the occurrence of protuberances, hernies, vertebral deformations, resulting in dizziness, pain, a movement of coordination of movement, an alteration of the brain;
- Stage 4 - Constant pain, neurological complications, loss of consciousness, visual disorders and even paralysis are possible.
Possible complications and consequences
If cervical osteochondosis is not treated, this can cause very serious disorders of the spine and the whole body:
- heart work and blood vessels;
- vision and hear;
- brain blood supply;
- Vestibular device;
- increased pressure;
- The occurrence of hernias in the spine.
Treatment of cervical osteochondosis
Before prescribing drug treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical column, the doctor will carry out a full examination to detect the stage of the disease.Then a complete treatment is selected for each individual case.
The following drugs are mainly prescribed:
- Medical drugs that relieve muscle cramps;
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory;
- A group B vitamins complex;
- Recovery stimulants.
With advanced osteochondosis of the cervical column, injections can be prescribed.It is often practiced for complex treatment and physiotherapy (electrophoresis, ultrasound, laser therapy, magnetic therapy).
First aid for acute pain
The first task is to eliminate the pain and cramps from the muscles.It is necessary to consult a doctor, to take prescribed pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs and to bed.After 4 to 5 days, as pain decreases, they can prescribe physiotherapy.As a rule, conservative treatment is prescribed.
Drugs
The basis of the treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of drugs:
- analgesics;
- antispasmodics;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- vasodilators;
- Chondroprotectors.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
NSAIDs are designed to relieve pain and inflammation.They are used in complex treatment for cervical osteochondosis.
Musory
There is a large list of muscle relaxants which are prescribed for the treatment of cervical osteochondosis.It is necessary to use them only in the case of intense pain because they do not relieve inflammation.
Analgesic
Treatment with pain relievers can be in tablets and injections.Anesthetics ointments and gels are also prescribed.
Vitamins
In the treatment of the spine and cervical osteochondrosis, the list of drugs must include vitamins of group B, A, E and D. Vitamin B affects the nervous system;Vitamin of helps absorb calcium;Vitamins A and E are responsible for the state of the cartilage.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
Easy to short -term exercises should be contained with the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the stage of osteochondrosis disease of the cervical column and the presence of other differences in the body.The exercises last an average of 15 to 20 minutes each day.The exercise complex is preferable to choose so that you can perform at home and at work.
Therapeutic gymnastics can quickly and effectively give a positive result in the disease.The main thing is that the patient does not feel pain and disadvantages in any movement.
Basic exercises for therapeutic exercises:
- In a sitting position with a flat back, gently turn your head on the left and right, then with elastic movements from top to bottom;
- Tress your hand on the forehead gently tilt your head forward, while offering slight resistance to your head;
- Lying on the stomach to turn the head on the left and right so that the ear touches the ground;
- Take a vertical position and raise your shoulders as much as possible, holding it for a few seconds.Repeat several times.
Balneotherapy
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, a large effect gives balneotherapy (treatment with mineral waters and mud).During the rehabilitation period, these procedures help natural substances active in penetrating the skin and influencing nerve endings.Procedures relieve pain, improve blood circulation and fix the positive effect of treatment for a long time.
Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis refers to combined physiotherapy methods.It is prescribed in the complex for the main treatment of intense pain.Electrophoresis is carried out using novocaine and allocated up to 10 procedures.
Acupuncture
Each human organ has its own point on the skin of the body.By acting on these points, you can control the work of the whole organization.Acupuncture with cervical osteochondosis stimulates blood intake to the brain, relieves dizziness, pain and general discomfort.It is an effective means of treatment that helps restore health and strength.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound with the introduction of drugs into the skin (phonophoresis) has a positive effect on the human body and gives a good effect on the context of the main treatment:
- deletes swelling;
- relieves spasm, massage the muscles;
- Improves blood flow in the places where it is directed.
Treatment with folk remedies
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, various popular methods to eliminate pain and inflammation are used:
- compresses;
- waste;
- Hirudotherapy (leech treatment).
Therapeutic massage
An important condition for massage for osteochondrosis of the cervical column is prudence.The patient can massage at home, but before that, a consultation of a doctor is necessary, taking into account the individual characteristics of the stage of vertebral disease.But we do not recommend self-massage to our patients!
The patient takes a practical horizontal pose, sometimes it is allowed to be in a sitting position.We start massage of the healthy part of the back and gradually, with smooth relaxing movements, go to the painful area.We pay a lot of attention to the collar area, neck.Gradually, from relaxing blows, we turn to friction and tapping.We use friction agents to increase blood circulation and relieve pain.
Prevention of the development of osteochondrosis
By using preventive measures, you can prevent or reduce the factors that develop this disease.
The most important thing is the correct and healthy lifestyle, that is to say a small physical activity, a balanced nutrition, a gymnastics.It helps prevent the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical column swimming regularly and yoga.Do not forget a comfortable dream with an orthopedic mattress and pillows.With a long stay in a pose, it is necessary to make a hot little-up.In any way possible to avoid nervous stress and overwork.Walk in the fresh air more.
Diet and nutrition for osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis of the cervical column, it is very important to observe the appropriate nutrition, which should provide the necessary micro-elements of the cartilage fabric.These substances include gelatin (natural chondroprotector).It is with a student, flooding fish, cold jelly and fruits.You should drink up to 2 liters.water per day.The base of the menu should be protein food.Exclude soda, coffee, sorrel, grapes, alcohol, broths.