Cervical osteochondrosis

Modern human life is associated with the constant overload to which the spine is subjected. And if the early diseases of this important organ were mainly found in adults and the elderly, today, according to medical statistics, the younger generation is increasingly experiencing such problems. Is the leader in this group of diseasesCervical osteochondrosis(SHOOH). This pathology causes a lot of discomfort to a person.

Therefore, it is worthwhile to learn about the causes of its appearance and methods of treatment.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

For a long time, most people try not to notice the unpleasant discomfort around the neck, which means the usual overload and fatigue. But over time, the pain adds to the discomfort of moving around and other unpleasant symptoms appear. And only when the situation becomes critical, the person seeks medical help and learns that he has cervical osteochondrosis.

This disease affects both sexes equally often. As already mentioned, today it is often found in young people under 30 years. This phenomenon is largely due to the introduction of computer technology in all areas of life. People just stop moving and spend most of their time riding in a monitor. As a result, abnormal changes begin in the cervical spine: the vertebrae move, and between them the cartilage tissue, which forms a kind of layer, becomes thinner. In other words, excess growth of connective tissue occurs when growths form in the form of growths on the vertebral body.

The result of such pathological changes is a reduction in the effect of shock absorption between the vertebrae, between the bone surfaces, in contact with each other, causing friction and suffocating nearby nerves and blood vessels. All of these abnormal changes lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the back of the brain, leading to a deterioration in general well-being and pain. If the problem is not solved in time, the disease progresses and in severe cases can even lead to disability.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Not so long ago, the main causes of SHOC were always associated with age-related changes in the body. But in the reality of modern life have appeared factors that increase the risk of developing pathology at a young age.

Some of these reasons include:

• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Forced presence in one position (usually sitting);
• Excess weight;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Drawings;
• Stressful situations;
• Lesions of the cervix or occipital region;
• Congenital anomalies of the spine;
• Disruption of metabolic processes.

In some cases, the disease develops as a result of hormonal disorders or an unwanted inheritance.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Unlike other pathological processes in other parts of the spine, SHOX is more pronounced. This feature is explained by the fact that the vertebrae of the cervix are very close to each other, so the height of the intervertebral discs is small. This anatomical feature contributes more to the compression of nerve tissues and blood vessels than to other parts of the spinal column. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease are localized in the upper back, cervix and head.

In this case, patients present with the following complaints:

• Restriction of neck mobility, especially if you want to turn your head;
• Intense pain, which often does not allow a person to perform an elementary action (bending, turning his head);
• Crisis characteristic of moving;
• Reduced sensitivity of the hands;
• Disorders of movement coordination;
• Dizziness;
• General weakness;
• Visual and auditory impairment, tactile sensitivity or taste perception.

Since the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the location of the dystrophic lesion, the disease has its own characteristic signs. Usually, there is a loss of sensitivity or limited mobility in these sections as a result of compression of the spinal roots. Thus, cervical osteochondrosis is differentiated by radicular symptoms, i. e. it is taken into account which spine is involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include the following:

1. First spine - sensitivity decreases and there is numbness of the occipital region and neck;
2. Second - pain in the head and parietal region;
3. Third - pain in the part of the neck where the root is attached, speech and taste perception are impaired;
4. Fourth - pain radiating to the shoulder, under the shoulder, breathing disturbances may be observed;
5. Fifth - pain in the neck, which radiates to the shoulder;
6. Sixth - pain in the neck extends to the forearm and cere finger;
7. Seventh - pain radiating to the scalp, back of the shoulder, forearm and fingers;
8. Eighth - The pain extends from the neck to the shoulders and further from the arm to the little fingers.

It should also be noted that the diagnosis pays special attention to the extent of the lesion. Because this criterion determines the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. There are only four of them and they determine the severity of the pathological process.

Diagnosis of the disease

It should be noted that an experienced physician can easily diagnose cervical osteochondrosis during the initial examination, focusing only on the characteristic clinical symptoms. But in order to determine the degree of damage and the spread of pathology, the patient is recommended to undergo a series of examinations.Basically, these are hardware research methods. Diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• X-ray examination of the cervical spine. The degree of damage, localization, salt deposits and location characteristics of the spine are determined during the diagnostic process.
• Computed tomography - allows you to detect possible breaks, determine the true height of the intervertebral discs, the sites of compression of nerve tissue and the spinal cord, if any.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - gives an accurate indication of abnormal changes. With this type of examination, it is possible to accurately determine the condition of nerve fibers as well as the intensity of blood flow.

Most often, when making a diagnosis, one of the listed types of examination is sufficient. In most cases, physicians use decades-proven techniques, particularly radiography.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Any pathology of the spine is fraught with serious problems. After all, the spinal column is the kind of foundation on which the entire structure of the human body rests. Important blood lines run through the cervical region, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are a lot of nerve endings here. Therefore, disruption of the innervation of important organs or the blood supply threatens serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the danger, because osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will have serious consequences.

In addition to perceived discomfort, the resulting spinal defect leads to hearing impairment, impaired vision. The brain with SCH suffers from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered to be the most dangerous form of this disease.

To be convinced of this, it is enough to list only the most common complications of SHOX:

• Persistent hypertension;
• Chronic migraine;
• Plantar Vascular Dystonia (VVD);
• Breathing problems;
• Various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually take an irreversible form;
• Cardiovascular pathologies, of which stroke is the most dangerous.

In advanced cases of the disease, patients develop vertebral artery syndrome, and prolonged compression of the nerve roots causes radiculopathy. Changes in the structure of the spine can further lead to a complete loss of neck mobility. But the most serious complication of cervical osteochondrosis is death, which causes the spinal cord to contract.

Given the seriousness of the situation and the high probability of complications, if alarming symptoms appear, you should contact the hospital immediately. Such unpleasant signs may include: systematic headache, dizziness, discomfort in the neck or back of the head. After diagnostic measures the doctor will select adequate therapy.

Patients with SHS are usually difficult to treat. Therapy necessarily includes massage, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures. Of course, without the use of medication it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the treatment of osteochondrosis includes:

• Painkillers;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Chondroprotectors;
• Muscle relaxants are remedies that relieve muscle tension;
• Definitely prescribed a complex of vitamins.

All therapies are selected by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any kind of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is not allowed. All of these medications are intended to localize symptoms in the acute phase of the disease. Other techniques are relevant during the remission period. Usually, the treatment is carried out at home, ie on an outpatient basis. But in particularly severe cases the patient is hospitalized.

Traditional methods of treatment

Doctors are always ready to supplement the complex of medicines with natural preparations prepared on the basis of folk recipes. Various decoctions, infusions help to stop inflammation and relieve pain.

Here are some recipes for alternative treatments for osteochondrosis:

• Dill seeds (200 g) should be poured into vodka (250 ml) or alcohol, which is diluted with water. Two weeks after the infusion, it is recommended to take on an empty stomach three times a day with a tablespoon of infusion.
• Preparations for external use are easy to prepare in the following order: purple leaves (fresh) should be crushed into a fine mass, add to them 300 ml of radish juice (black), then add to the mass 200 g of good honey. It is necessary to insist on the composition of the whole day in a dark place. It can then be used to clean the problem area. This product is recommended to use after consulting your doctor. The composition is contraindicated for those who are allergic to its components.
• From lilac flowers you can prepare an infusion for internal use. To do this, take a teaspoon (tablespoon) of fragrant inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, strain for an hour and take 1 liter three times. Art.

ᲛImportant! When taking all herbal preparations should strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk to SHH about a therapeutic gymnastics complex only after the cessation of the acute period. With the aggravation of the disease, such activities can only aggravate the situation.

All physiotherapy exercises aim to maintain normal movement in the cervical spine. Classes are held in a calm rhythm, no sudden movements should occur. If there are signs of fatigue or painful sensations, classes are terminated immediately. The complex includes the following exercises that you can do regularly at home:

• When standing, inhale and close your head so that your chin touches your chest. As he exhales, he gently pulls his head back. The same exercise can be done freely while sitting on a chair.
• It is convenient to perform its moving movements in any starting position. It is best to periodically change the direction of movement so that the head does not rotate. It is advisable to perform the exercise in a slow rhythm.
• Regular performance of this exercise will help to perfectly strengthen the muscles of the cervix: you need to put your hands in the "lock" and press the forehead against them as much as possible. Repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds to achieve a lasting effect. You can alternately press the palms on the forehead, and then apply pressure with the forehead to the wrists.

There are many other effective methods, but any option can be used only after a doctor's approval.

To prevent a history of diagnosis "Cervical osteochondrosis», You need to lead an active life, exercise regularly in the morning, pay attention to your neck and properly organize your workplace.