About 30 years ago, osteochondrosis has been associated exclusively with advanced people whose joints become inactive and injured with each movement. However, times have changed. Today, more and more people are changing hard work to sedentary work on the computer, they are less and less monitoring food quality and, more and more often, find cervical hotel osteochondrosis. No wonder osteochondrosis is called "century disease" and almost all people who have reached the 25 years find the symptoms of this disease.
This is an insidious disease, starting with unpleasant neck pain, quickly leads to serious consequences in the form of hearing and weakening the vision, and worsens the memory until it is completely lost. This is why each person should know the causes of osteochondrosis and consult a doctor in a timely manner in case of unpleasant symptoms of the disease. We will talk about them in this article.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the cervical region
Paradoxically, all our problems with the cervical spine begin in early childhood, or rather at primary school, where the child deteriorates posture and scoliosis. It is at this time that the system of keeping the head of the spine is violated, in particular, the most subtle and vulnerable department - the cervical. The second -chave factor in cervical region osteochondrosis, taking its beginning in the distant childhood, is insufficient physical preparation, in particular the weakness of the spinal muscles and the muscular spear called to support the spine.
These are two most important causes of the disease. Everything else with a heavy load falls into a weakened spine, causing the development of the disease in very young and healthy people. First of all, they include a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, in particular work, which is associated with a long stay in a position. This is more characteristic of drivers and office workers, replacing the computer. All of this is complemented by an overweight body weight, which seriously increases the load in the spine.
Of the other causes of cervical spine osteochondrosis, it should be distinguished:
- transmitted spine lesions;
- metabolic violation;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Great physical effort;
- Constant nervous tension and stress;
- Anomalies in the development of the cervical spine;
- bad habits (holding the telephone tube with the ear and shoulder).
The Osteochondrosis Development Process
The adverse factors listed lead to an increase in the load in the cervical spine. When trying to compensate for the excess load of the neck muscles, its spasm occurs, which leads to a violation of blood circulation in this area and a decrease in metabolic processes. All of this becomes the development of degenerative processes in the spine. First of all, the vertebrae begin to become thinner and approach, squeezing their content (fibrous ring) outside the spine. This protrusion in the language of doctors is called protrusion.
In the case of protrusion, the fibrous ring still maintains its integrity, but the protrusion already tightens the blood vessels and nerves passing through the spinal spine and feed the brain. In addition, converging and deformed vertebrae begin to squeeze the roots of the peripheral nerves, which leads to the development of "root syndrome", which manifests itself with intense back and neck pain. If you do not identify the problem (which unpleasant symptoms signal eloquently) and will not begin to treat osteochondrosis, the fibrous ring will break and vertebral hernia will appear. In this case, serious problems with brain nutrition will arise.
Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms
In its development, the disease passes several stages, each of which has characteristics and symptoms. It should be noted here that cervical spine osteochondrosis differs from degenerative changes in other parts of the spine. The distances between the vertebrae here are minimal and therefore even minor degenerative changes cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to various complications.
1st degree osteochondrosis.This is the pre -clinical stage of disease development, in which the patient experiences light pain and discomfort during head curves, as well as tension and fast fatigue in the neck and back with prolonged findings in a position (usually in sedentary). At this stage, osteochondrosis is perfectly treated with a change in lifestyle, nutritional correction and regular exercise.
Grade II osteochondrosis.At this stage, instability appears between the vertebrae in the neck. In this case, a person faces intense pain, which are given to the shoulder, neck or hand. During inclinations or turns of the head, the pain increases significantly because due to a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, nerve endings begin to infringe. The patient begins to get tired quickly, his performance is reduced, distraction, forgetfulness appears and headaches torment.
Grade III osteochondrosis.With the beginning of the third stage of the disease, back and neck pain becomes even stronger, neck mobility decreases markedly and, when turning the neck, a vertebra crisis can be heard. At night, the patient begins to be numb with his fingers (especially a little finger and a ring finger), which is why a person wakes up several times a night. Throughout the day, these patients have unpleasant severity in their hands. And even a brief conversation on the phone, in which a person is forced to keep a cell phone close to his ear, turns unpleasant tingling and numbness on his fingers. All of this indicates an increase in protrusion and possibly the appearance of a hernia in the cervical region.
Grade IV osteochondrosis.In the last stage of the disease, vertebrates are destroyed, which stop performing their functions and begin to be replaced by connective tissue. A patient in this state can observe a violation of movement coordination, a noise appears and the pulse in the ears is crazy, headaches are improved, visual acuity and hearing are reduced. In some cases, the numbness of the language can be observed.
It should be said that due to the transfer of blood vessels, blood flow to the brain is disturbed. For this reason, the patient has neurotic disorders such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability and resentment, frequent mood changes and inability to concentrate. Anger or fear outbreaks can occur periodically to attack desire and depression.
In the later stages of the development of osteochondrosis, the strongest colic of blood vessels can lead to the appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, a sense of instability on a hard, flat surface, strong dizziness, migraine, nausea, vomiting and frequent fainting.
Disease diagnosis
To identify the cause of pathology, the patient describes the doctor's unpleasant symptoms of his condition. After listening to the patient, the expert sends him to one of the following research methods.
Radiography.Currently, this method of diagnosis is considered misinformation, especially in the latest stages of disease development.
Duplex digitization by ultrasound.This method is used in cases where an expert involves a breach of blood flow in the arteries that give the brain to food. The study shows the blood flow rate and determines if there are obstacles in its way.
CT (computed tomography).This method is more informative compared to radiography, as it not only reveals the problem, but also allows you to determine the presence and size of the hernias, although with difficulty.
Magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging).The most informative method for the diagnosis of osteochondrosis, which allows you to distribute bone structures, the presence of hernias and even the direction of their development.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
We immediately say that, to combat a problem as serious as cervical osteochondrosis, you must resort to a neurologist. It is true that if the clinic has a doctor in a vertebrologist, it is better to contact him first. You can only treat osteochondrosis comprehensively. The method of methods used includes drug therapy, cervical height massage, exercise therapy, physiotherapeutic methods and proper nutrition. Only the combination of all these methods will help deal with the disease and normalize the patient's well.
Help with intense pain
In the case of severe pain syndrome, doctors recommend taking painkillers. When these funds no longer bring relief, you can change to non -esteroid anti -inflammatory drugs.
In general, drug therapy includes the following funds:
- NSAIDs (anti -non -esteroids). These products eliminate pain, alleviate swelling and deal with inflammation of nerve roots.
- Condropoprotectors. Such medications perfectly restore damaged cartilage tissues.
- Vitamins B B. They are necessary to improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
- Muslaxantes. The effect of these drugs aims to reduce muscle cramps.
- Preparations that improve the rheological properties of blood. Thanks to such means, oxygen flow and nutrients to the brain and nerve endings improve.
It should be noted here that a tangible effect in the fight against osteochondros is possible using ointments and tablets only if drug treatment is combined with other therapy methods. Otherwise, medicines will only give a temporary effect.
Many experts tend to treat injections osteochondrosis to quickly affect nerve endings and save the patient from possible side effects when taking pills. However, vitamins are better taken orally, because vitamins are well absorbed by the body with any socket method, but the injections with them can be painful.
Physiotherapeutic treatment methods
Drug treatment should be combined with therapy physiotherapeutic methods. The most effective in this disease are considered:
- Electrophoresis (in combination with medicines). The medicines in this case penetrate the damaged vertebrae under the influence of the electric current.
- Ultrasound. This exposure method allows you to relieve the inflammatory process, calm pain and improve metabolic processes in tissues.
- Magnetotherapy. This type of physiotherapy relieves swelling and eliminates pain.
- Laser therapy. This is a great method for combating inflammatory processes, which also improves blood circulation.
Osteochondrosis diet
Restoration of affected vertebrae also includes a special diet that normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents the deposition of salts, nourishes and restores cartilage tissue and also strengthens the ligaments between vertebrates.
To achieve this, first and foremost, the patient's diet must be excluded:
- alcoholic beverages;
- Fat and fried dishes;
- Sharp and very salty dishes;
- Strong broths;
- weaknesses and sdoba;
- Strong tea and coffee;
- Picles and marinades;
- canned products.
The diet of a patient with osteochondrosis should consist of the following foods:
- Low fat meat and fish;
- Low fat milk, cottage cheese and kefir;
- butter (in small quantities);
- whole cereal cereals and soups;
- Jelly, spilling with fish or meat;
- vegetables, fruits and berries;
- Juices, fruit drinks, jelly and jams.
When locating osteochondrosis in the cervical region, it is important to adhere to the drink regime, drinking at least 1, 5 liters of water per day. If there is overweight, you should think about how to get rid of extra pounds that provide additional load in the spine. It is advisable to switch to energy 5 times a day in small portions.
At the same time, as can be seen in the list of products allowed for use, the basis of foods should be low -fat vegetarian soups, cooked fat, fish, seafood, vegetables and sugar -free fruits.
The approximate menu for the day to seem the following:
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese, apple pair, sugar -free tea;
- Lunch: Baked pear, a little oatmeal;
- Lunch: Vegetarian Borsch, cooked chicken with vegetable salad;
- Afternoon snack: dry cookies and fruits;
- Dinner: Baked fish with vegetables and sugar -free tea.
EXERCISE THERAPY FOR OSTEOCONDROSIS
Physical education provides amazing results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, the truth is to engage in gymnastics for the cervical spine only during the recovery period. It is important here that, in the massage or gymnastics process, the patient does not suffer discomfort and pain.
Here are some most effective gymnastics exercises designed to strengthen cervical muscles and improve blood circulation in this area.
Exercise number 1Lying in the stomach and resting his hands on the floor, slowly lift his head and trunk so that his back remains straight. Hold in this position for 1 minute and then return to the starting position. The element is repeated 2-3 times.
Exercise number 2Lying in the stomach and stretching your hands along the body, lift your head slightly and start spinning first to the right, trying to touch the floor with the ear and then to the left. Run 6 turns in each direction.
Exercise number 3Sitting on the floor, in inspiration, lean forward, trying to reach the chin in the chest and, in expiration, return to the starting position and throw your head back. Repeat the element 10-15 times.
Exercise number 4Secure your palms on your forehead and try to press your head with an effort. At the same time, forcing the muscles of the neck, resist the hands, preventing the head from rejecting. Keep the pressure for 20 to 30 seconds, then lower your hands and relax. Repeat the element 2-3 times and then repeat the exercise in the opposite direction, giving your hands on the back of the head.
Exercise number 5Start slowly turning your head to the right and left, trying to look at the back. Make 10 laps on each side. Good health!