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 in this position. Almost every second person experiences an unpleasant painful sensation in the spine. Pain in the spine, limbs, numbness in the legs are the main signs of osteochondrosis. Moreover, if previously people over 40 suffered from osteochondrosis, today adolescents face this disease already in high school.
According to the localization, osteochondrosis is divided into several types: cervical, thoracic and lumbar. One of the most common types of the disease is called cervical osteochondrosis. It must 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, the features of treatment and prevention.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It may sound a little strange, but the cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is. . . human life. Any excessive load on the spine leads to a certain deformation, which is why the disease occurs. Osteochondrosis can be prevented, treated, but only if it is not ongoing. 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 if you are at risk of osteochondrosis.
So, the main and most common cause of osteochondrosis in adults can be work, which consists of constantly lifting heavy objects, such as loaders. In addition, the disease can be provoked by "sedentary" work in the office or work "on the legs", such as, for example, with salesmen who are in a certain position for a long time, creating a load on the same muscles, sections of the vertebral column.
There is a risk of osteochondrosis in athletes due to heavy loads or, conversely, a poor level of physical development in those who do not play sports at all. There are cases of the onset of the disease even when athletes were actively engaged in training and then suddenly stopped them. 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 on their heels, overloading the spine.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the neck area can be genetic or hereditary.
Diseases of the spine can occur 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, the bone density and deforms. Age is another cause of osteochondrosis.
And finally, the impact on the backbone of the environment and living conditions cannot be taken for granted. Bad ecology, stress, nutrition, not rich in vitamins and microelements - all this could provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are quite pronounced. They must be known to stop the development of the disease in time. After all, each of us is partly 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 in the fingers, shoulder pain.
This type of disease is called radicular syndrome or cervical sciatica. It occurs if the nerve roots are compressed by the vertebrae due to a violation of their position, the occurrence of a hernia. The pain in this case goes down in a wave from the shoulder to the fingers, tingling is felt in the fingers and forearm. If the little and ring fingers become numb, it means that the brachial nerve is affected, this is the region of the 7-8 vertebrae. If the other three fingers - the problem is in the region of 5-6-7 vertebrae, the central nerve is affected.
In addition, the disease has symptoms associated with the functioning of the brain. The often recurring headache with cervical osteochondrosis is severe or painful. Perhaps dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, tinnitus, spots in front of the eyes, blurred vision, hearing, dental problems. 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 stroke.
There are also irritation reflex syndromes. In this case of cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms are similar to those of other types of the disease, but pain attacks occur suddenly after a state of rest. For example, when a person gets up after sleeping, he feels a sharp dull pain in the neck.
Another type of disease is very similar to heart disease: angina pectoris, when pain occurs in the chest and radiates to the shoulder, lasting for several hours. This is a heart syndrome. A cardiogram will help distinguish osteochondrosis from heart disease, which will confirm that 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 early or preclinical phase, there is a slight change within at the biochemical level. A person experiences some inconvenience during a long stay in one position, during physical exertion. The muscles of the back, neck get tired quickly.
The second stage of the disease is called the stage of increased changes in the nucleus pulposus. At this time, the intervertebral disc is deformed, the 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 experiences pain in the damaged areas of the spine.
In the third stage of the disease, complete or partial destruction of the fibrous ring occurs. Cracks appear through which the pulpus nucleus exits, violating the tightness of the connection of the vertebrae. The spine becomes abnormally mobile, the vertebral sections are displaced. This causes pain in a person throughout the back, movement disorders occur, sensitivity in the limbs 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 again acts as a support. But, unfortunately, the consequence of such changes in the spine is the limitation 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 move and exist comfortably depends on the spine. Back pain should not be viewed as a temporary and random phenomenon. Take it as a rule: if you feel pain by gently turning your 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 lead to negative consequences and cause serious damage 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 baby'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 essential to consult a doctor for an 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 due to heredity, when the fragility of the vertebrae is transmitted genetically. If, in the case of spinal disease in children, the growth zone of the bone is affected, that is, the area where the bone grows, this can also lead to impaired growth and general development of the child. Symptoms of osteochondrosis in children are similar to those in adults, but the pain is more moderate, the movements are not disturbed. With cervical osteochondrosis, fainting, dizziness are likely.
If the child has the prerequisites for osteochondrosis or suspected back problems, consult a doctor immediately. The sooner the disease is detected, the sooner you can get rid of the baby.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis, like other diseases, begins with an examination by a doctor. In this case, a neurologist. The doctor examines the patient in various positions: standing, sitting, lying, examines the state of the spine during movement. He draws attention to posture, the position of the median 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 the lesion 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 more carefully examine the spine, to find out the stage of the injury. After diagnosis, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is generally complex. Most often, it is based on some mandatory points. One of the main ones is the correct engine mode. Correct means moving without shaking your head. Any rapid movements do not help the vertebrae. The doctor will most likely prescribe a special soft medical collar to wear, which will immobilize the neck for the duration of the treatment.
Wanting to consider something from the side of himself, the patient should slowly turn his head. If you feel uncomfortable in the neck, do special exercises, get a massage.
An obligatory stage in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the acute stage is drugs. The doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills to eliminate foci of inflammation and swelling. Be sure to help alleviate the course of painkillers of the disease. If osteochondrosis causes muscle spasm, a medicine is also prescribed that relieves cramps and relieves pain. Vitamin B will also be prescribed, which improves brain function, helps fight stress, and strengthens muscles. And if the patient is in a depressive state, antidepressants will be prescribed.
You can not do without the 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 called chondroprotectors, that is, ointments with elements that restore the cartilage 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 occurrence of a hernia or displacement of the discs. With the right treatment it gives really positive results. But when looking for a specialist, be careful. Before accepting treatment, ensure that the specialist has a medical degree and is practicing traditional treatment, as well as having completed additional training in the neurologist and chiropractor specialties and has confirmatory certificates. Operator experience is also important. After all, the therapy itself requires clear movements and, when used incorrectly, is fraught with wounds. The principle of manual therapy is a point impact on the structural components of the spine. With a quick push, the joint that has moved from the correct position returns to it again. 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. In addition, simple exercises will be an excellent prevention of diseases of the spine.
Then, take your eyes off the screen, relax in the chair and learn some useful exercises.
Sitting in a chair, put 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 okay, turn it down as low as possible, as much as possible. After that, slowly raise your head and tilt it back, even until it stops. Returning to the starting position with your head straight, repeat the exercise 5 times.
Without getting up from your chair, gently turn your head to the side. First in one direction, then return to the starting position and turn in the other. 5 times each.
Turning your head, you can go to the slopes. The exercise is also performed while seated, slowly tilting the head to the left, then back and then to the right. They completely bend their heads, trying to press their ears to their shoulders. The exercise is performed at least 5 times per side.
It will help to stretch the neck muscles and the next exercise. In the sitting position, the head is slowly thrown back, hold this position for a few seconds and slowly begin to 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 your workplace, do an exercise to warm up your shoulder muscles. Sitting in a relaxed position, begin to rotate your shoulders 5 times forward, then 5 times back. Do this slowly and carefully, feeling every muscle.
It will help to stretch the shoulders and the exercise known to everyone from kindergarten. It can be performed at will, sitting or standing, depending on the situation. Slowly throw your left hand over the shoulder to the right side, touch the ear with your fingers and lower it. Throw your right hand in the same way over your head to your left ear.
Now a little more warm-up for the neck muscles. Put your palm on your forehead, start pressing your forehead to the palm, resisting with your hand. Hold this position with the neck straight and count to 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 lock, behind your head, put them behind your head and start pressing your head on your hands. Do the exercise 3 times for 5 seconds.
Now let's stretch the lateral muscles of the neck. There is only one pattern: the head presses on the hand, the hand resists. Put your left hand on your left temple, press, counting to 5, pause for a few seconds and repeat 2 more times. Similarly, 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 rotate synchronously 5 times forward, then 5 times back.
After taking a short break of 10-15 minutes, you will feel the tension in the muscles of the back and neck ease, let the eyes rest from the monitor, relax a little. Such work breaks are useful, and in many modern offices they even practice a mass outing of colleagues to warm up. Don't overlook 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 severe cases of the disease, a course of physical therapy (physiotherapy exercises) is prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Physical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is simply irreplaceable. A series of exercises will improve the function of the spine, help maintain muscle tone consistently and relieve tension. Exercise will require some free time and a warm 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 this between meals.
Lying on your back on the floor, stretch your arms along your torso. Look ahead and begin to gradually look away left and right, 4 times in each direction. After moving your eyes to the side, start looking up and down even 4 times. After finishing the side warm-up, proceed to roll your eyes immediately in the direction of the watch, then in the opposite direction.
In the same position, lying down, turn your head in turn in different directions. Gradually, slowly. After making 4 turns in each direction, proceed to tilt your head sideways to the left and to the right shoulder.
You can do exercises by lifting your head. Also, lying on a flat surface, lift your head off the floor and tilt it towards your chest, trying to touch your chest with your chin. Bring your head as close as possible. All this without sudden movements no more than 4 times.
When performing exercises for cervical osteochondrosis, it should be remembered 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. Spread your arms at your sides and turn to the side, trying to touch the opposite side with your hand and foot, but without rolling on your stomach. The shift is performed during inhalation and they return to their original position during exhalation. No more than 5 laps.
The next exercise is to sit in a prone position. Lying on the floor with your arms extended along the body, you need to slowly get up, resting on your hands. A rather difficult exercise for osteochondrosis, so we emphasize once again that it is necessary to do it carefully and slowly, 3-4 times.
Lying on your back, bend your legs and press them to your stomach, squeeze your knees with your hands. He then gently pulls his head towards his feet and touches his knees. Furthermore - he also carefully returns to the prone position. The exercise is performed up to 5 times.
You are lying down, legs bent at the knees at the level of the abdomen, arms spread apart. Rotate your body alternately left and right up to 5 times in each direction.
Don't interfere with abdominal exercises. Turn around and stretch your arms along your body. Start lifting your head off the floor, then your shoulders, torso, focusing 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 some rest from the previous exercises, lie on your back, fold both hands on your stomach. Inhale deeply and slowly, blowing out the stomach, exhale also carefully, pulling in the stomach. Take 5 breaths and exhalations.
Put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a shallow breath, tensing the 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. Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis is selected by the doctor, based on the patient's needs.
Self-massage
Massage is one of the necessary and pleasant procedures in the course of the 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 taken care of by health professionals. But light kneading movements can be done alone, distracted in the middle of the workday, and relieving stress. By the way, massage will be a good addition to gymnastics.
Then, feeling pain in the neck, lean back in the chair, relax your back. The massage begins by stroking the neck with the palms of the hands from top to bottom, that is, from the hair to the shoulders. After stroking, turn your palms with one edge towards the neck and move your hand from top to bottom several times, pressing lightly. Then start grinding. Place your palms on the back of your head so that your fingers converge in the center of the spine. Rub your 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 the neck with your fingertips, rubbing it in a circular motion. Then start pinching the skin and muscles, grabbing them between the index finger and thumb. And then caress the 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 folk 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 mint, St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, licorice root, chamomile, birch and strawberry leaves help fight diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Make tea from these herbs, drink regularly, as a tonic and means of prevention.
You can also take herbal baths. At least 300 grams of dry plants are needed for each bath. The pine bath helps a lot. Coniferous plant needles are ground, poured with boiled water and boiled for 20 minutes. Then filtered, added to a hot bath and steamed for up to half an hour.
You can and should take chamomile bath, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and perfectly heals 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 are advised to make such a compress from it: grate vegetables and mix them with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The composition is applied to gauze and applied to the sore spot. Relief is guaranteed, but sadly, not for long.
Ginger and garlic ointment works in much the same way. They are rubbed on a grater and combined 1: 1, a little butter or petroleum jelly is added so that it can be smeared and the sore spot is rubbed. 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 comprehensive 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. Configure your workspace according to these standards, up to putting a book under the monitor if it's low or finding a taller chair.
Do not lift heavy objects 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 stand up with a weight.
Do not overcool your back, protect it from drafts. A wide selection of stylish and trendy 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 learned all the secrets of gymnastics, self-massage and the prevention of osteochondrosis with folk remedies, share them with your friends from the office. So you can not only insure yourself against spinal diseases, but also help colleagues avoid back pain and increased fatigue. Be healthy!