The development of information technologies and the computerization of the population have made the desk a place where a person in this position spends almost the entire day. An unpleasant painful sensation in the spine is known to almost every other person. Pain in the spine, limbs, numbness in the legs are the main signs of osteochondrosis. Moreover, if earlier people over 40 suffered from osteochondrosis, today teenagers are already facing this disease in high school.
According to localization, osteochondrosis is divided into several types - cervical, thoracic and lumbar. One of the most common types of disease is called cervical osteochondrosis. It should be said that due to its localization, it causes complications in the work of the brain, full of neurological diseases. From our article, you will learn in detail about this disease, its course, features of treatment and prevention.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It may sound a bit strange, but the cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is . . . human life. Any excessive load on the spine leads to some deformation, which causes disease. Osteochondrosis can be prevented, cured, but only if it does not work. And for those who, fortunately, do not suffer from pain, I would like to warn: analyze the degree of stress on the spine - and you will understand whether you are at risk of osteochondrosis.
So, the main and most common cause of osteochondrosis in adults can be work, which consists in constantly lifting heavy objects, such as loader work. Also, the disease can be caused by "sitting" work in the office or work "on the feet", as, for example, in salespeople who are in a certain position for a long time, creating a load on the same muscles, parts of the spine.
There is a risk of osteochondrosis in athletes due to heavy loads or, conversely, due to poor physical development in those who do not play sports at all. There are cases of the appearance of the disease even when athletes are actively involved in training, and then suddenly abruptly stop it. It is impossible not to mention spinal injuries, which later lead to osteochondrosis. It can affect the spine and flat feet, when due to the irregular shape of the feet, the load on the vertebrae and discs is distributed differently, causing discomfort.
Perhaps osteochondrosis in pregnant women due to the same increased load, as in women who constantly walk in heels, overloading the spine.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the neck area can be genetic or hereditary.
Spine diseases can manifest due to disturbed metabolism in the body, obesity, low immunity, poisoning, infectious diseases that reduce the functionality of the spine.
With age, the spine becomes fragile, loses the elasticity of the discs, bone density and deforms. Old age is another cause of osteochondrosis.
And finally, the influence of the environment and living conditions on the spine cannot be ignored. Bad ecology, stress, diet, not rich in vitamins and microelements - all this can cause the development of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are quite pronounced. You need to know them in order to stop the development of the disease in time. After all, each of us is partially threatened.
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, pain in the shoulders.
This type of disease is called radicular syndrome or cervical sciatica. It appears if the nerve roots are compressed by the vertebrae due to a violation of their location, the appearance of a hernia. In this case, the pain goes down in waves from the shoulder to the fingers, the fingers and forearms are tingling. If the little finger and ring finger are numb, it means that the brachial nerve is affected, that is the area of the 7-8 vertebrae. If three fingers are left - the problem is in the area of 5-6-7 vertebrae, the central nerve is affected.
In addition, the disease has symptoms related to the functioning of the brain. Often recurring headache with cervical osteochondrosis is severe or painful. Maybe dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, tinnitus, spots before 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. Especially in those areas responsible for blood pressure, in the cerebellum, which controls our vestibular apparatus. This type of disease is called vertebral artery syndrome and is very common. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which affects the arteries, is fraught with violations of the ability to move normally and even strokes.
There are also irritative-reflex syndromes. In this case of cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms are similar to those of other types of disease, but pain attacks occur suddenly after a state of rest. For example, when a person gets up after sleeping, he feels a severe dull pain in his neck.
Another type of disease is very similar to heart disease - angina pectoris, when pain occurs in the chest and radiates to the shoulder, which lasts for several hours. This is a cardiac syndrome. A cardiogram will help distinguish osteochondrosis from heart disease, which will confirm that blood circulation is not disturbed and that the patient is worried about the spine, not the heart.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into stages of the course of the disease. In the first or preclinical stage, there is little change from within at the level of biochemistry. A person feels some discomfort during a long stay in one position, during physical exertion. The muscles of the back and neck tire quickly.
The second stage of the disease is called the stage of increasing changes in the nucleus pulposus. At this moment, 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 then leads to pinched nerves and spasms. A person feels pain in the areas of spinal damage.
In the third stage of the disease, the fibrous ring is completely or partially destroyed. Cracks appear through which the nucleus pulposus exits, disrupting the strength of the joints of the vertebrae. The spine becomes abnormally mobile, the vertebrae are displaced. This causes pain in the entire back, movement disorders occur, and the 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 once again serves as a support. But, unfortunately, the consequence of such changes on the spine is the limitation of human mobility and even disability.
The spine has three important functions in the human body. These are support, protection of the spinal cord and cushioning during movement. Our ability to move comfortably and exist depends on the spine. Back pain should not be seen as a temporary and random occurrence. Take it as a rule: if you feel pain with a smooth turn of the head, consult a neurologist.
Osteochondrosis in children
Osteochondrosis in children is not as common as in adults, rather it is a congenital or hereditary disease. However, since the deformation of the spine can lead to bad consequences and cause great damage to the development of the child's body, we decided to separate this topic separately and draw the attention of parents to osteochondrosis in children.
Children's spine is more sensitive to injury, freezing, lack of nutrients for formation and development. And that, as already mentioned, is the cause of osteochondrosis. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the child's diet, remember that it should be rich in calcium and other trace elements, be varied and useful. In case of injuries and falls on the back, especially at a younger age, it is necessary to consult a doctor for an examination and, if the disease is confirmed, possible further treatment. Otherwise, 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 genetically transmitted. If the spine disease in children affects the bone growth zone, i. e. the area where the bone grows, it can also lead to growth disorders and the overall development of the child. Symptoms of osteochondrosis in children are similar to those in adults, but the pain is more moderate, movements are not hindered. With cervical osteochondrosis, fainting and dizziness are likely.
If your child has the prerequisites for osteochondrosis or you suspect back problems, seek medical advice immediately. The earlier the disease is detected, the sooner you can get rid of the child.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis, as well as other diseases, begins with an examination by a doctor. In this case, a neurologist. The doctor examines the patient in different positions - standing, sitting, lying down, examines the condition of the spine during movement. It draws attention to the posture, the position of the middle groove of the back, the position of the shoulder blades, shoulders. In addition to the visual inspection, a tactile inspection is also mandatory. The location of the lesion is found, guided by complaints, examination, and also using a special technique for counting vertebrae. In addition, the patient is prescribed X-ray or magnetic resonance therapy to examine the spine more carefully, in order to reveal the stage of the lesion. After the diagnosis, the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually complex. Most often, it is based on several mandatory points. One of the main ones is the correct motor mode. Correctly means to move without jerking the head. Fast movements do not benefit the vertebrae. The doctor will most likely prescribe a special medical soft collar to wear, which will immobilize the neck during the treatment.
Wanting to consider something from his side, the patient should slowly turn his head. If you feel uncomfortable in your neck, do some special exercises, massage yourself.
Medicines are a mandatory stage in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the acute phase. The doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets to eliminate the focus of inflammation and swelling. Analgesics must help alleviate the course of the disease. If osteochondrosis causes muscle spasm, then a drug is prescribed that relieves spasms and pain. Vitamin B will also be prescribed, which improves brain function, helps fight stress and strengthens muscles. And if the patient is depressed, then antidepressants will be prescribed.
You cannot do without 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 necessary.
Manual therapy of 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 appearance of a hernia or displacement of discs. With the right treatment, it really gives positive results. But when looking for a specialist, be careful. Before agreeing to treatment, make sure that the specialist has a medical degree and practices traditional healing, as well as additional training in the specialties of neurology and chiropractic, and has certification. The experience of the operator is also important. After all, the therapy itself requires clear movements and, if used incorrectly, is full of injuries. The principle of manual therapy is point impact on the structural components of the spine. With a quick press, the joint that has moved from the correct position is returned to it again. Proper therapy is, without a doubt, a very effective treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis will allow you to fight the disease even at work. Moreover, simple exercises will be an excellent prevention of spinal diseases.
So, take your eyes off the screen, sit back in your chair and learn some useful exercises.
Sitting on a chair, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax, put your hands down. Slowly lower your head down until your chin touches your chest. If it doesn't work, it's okay, lower as much as possible, as high as possible. After that, slowly raise your head and throw it back, also until it stops. Returning to the starting position with a straight head, repeat the exercise 5 times.
Without getting up from the chair, gently turn your head to the side. First in one direction, then return to the starting position and turn in the other direction. 5 times each.
By turning your head, you can go on the slopes. The exercise is also done sitting, slowly tilting the head to the left, then back, then to the right. They bend their heads all the way, trying to put their ears on their shoulders. The exercise is performed at least 5 times for each side.
It will help in stretching the neck muscles and the next exercise. In a 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 a total of at least 10 turns.
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 backward. Do it slowly and carefully, feel every muscle.
It will help you stretch your shoulders and exercise familiar to everyone from kindergarten. It can be performed as desired - sitting or standing, as the situation allows. Slowly move your left hand over your shoulder to the right side, touch your 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 warm-up for the neck muscles. Put your palm on your forehead, start pressing your forehead against your palm, resisting with your hand. Hold this position with a tense neck 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. Throw your hand or, what is more convenient, both, folded in a lock, behind your head, put them on the back of your head and start pressing your head on your hands. Do the exercise 3 times for 5 seconds.
Now we stretch the lateral muscles of the neck. There is only one scheme - the head presses the hand, the hand resists. Put your left hand on your left temple, press, count to 5, take a break for a few seconds and repeat 2 more times. The exercise is done in the same way for the right side of the neck.
And finally, a little warm-up in a standing position. For that, it is better to choose free space in the office. 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 a short break of 10-15 minutes, you will feel that the tension in the back and neck muscles relaxes, let your eyes rest from the monitor, relax a little. Such breaks in work are useful, and many modern offices even practice mass outings of colleagues to warm up. Do not ignore a simple rule - warm up every time 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 exercise (physiotherapy exercises) is prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is simply irreplaceable. A set of exercises will improve the functionality of the spine, help maintain muscle tone and relieve tension. The exercise will require some free time and a warm exercise 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 it between meals.
Lying on your back on the floor, stretch your arms along your torso. Look forward and begin to gradually turn your gaze to the right and left, 4 times in each direction. After moving your eyes to the side, start looking up and down also 4 times. After completing the lateral warm-up, proceed with the rotation of the eyes immediately clockwise and then counterclockwise.
In the same position, lying down, turn your head alternately in different directions. Gradually, slowly. After making 4 turns in each direction, continue tilting your head sideways to the left and to the right shoulder.
You can do head lifting exercises. 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. Pull your head as close as possible. All this without sudden movements no more than 4 times.
When performing exercises for cervical osteochondrosis, you must remember that not only the cervical region, but also the whole body requires warming up. Therefore, lying on your back, after completing the first simple exercises, after warming up, move on to the next one. Spread your arms out to the side and turn to the side, trying to touch the opposite side with your hand and foot, but not to roll onto your stomach. Turning is done on inhalation, and they return to the original position on exhalation. Do not do more than 5 turns.
The next exercise is sitting from a lying position. Lying on the floor with your arms stretched out along your body, you need to slowly rise up, leaning on your hands. A rather difficult exercise for osteochondrosis, so once again we emphasize that you should 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. Then gently pull your head down to your feet and touch your knees. Next - also carefully return to the lying position. The exercise is done up to 5 times.
Lie down, legs bent at the knees at the level of the stomach, arms outstretched. Turn the body alternately to the right and to the left up to 5 times in each direction.
Do not interfere with abdominal exercises. Turn around and stretch your arms along your body. Begin to lift 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 a little rest from the previous exercises, lie on your back, bend both arms on your stomach. Inhale deeply and slowly, blowing out the stomach, also exhale carefully, drawing the stomach in. Do 5 inhalations and exhalations.
Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Take a shallow breath, tense your muscles, exhale, relax. The number of breaths is also 5.
These exercises are only introductory and should not be considered a complete treatment. Rather, they are recommendations for the prevention of the disease or its development. The therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis is selected by the doctor, based on the needs of the patient.
Self massage
Massage is one of the necessary and pleasant procedures in 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, with the help of relatives, this is really only done by health professionals. But you can do light kneading movements on your own, distracting yourself in the middle of the work day and relieving stress. Otherwise, massage will be a good addition to gymnastics.
So, feeling pain in the neck, sit 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 caressing, turn your palms with the edge towards the neck and move your hand from top to bottom several times, gently pressing. Then start grinding. Place your palms on the back of your head so that your fingers meet in the middle on the spine. Rub the body, moving your hands from the center of the spine to the sides of the neck, moving from top to bottom. You can massage your neck with your fingertips, rubbing it in circular motions. Then start pinching the skin and muscles, grasping them between your index finger and thumb. And then stroke the neck with your palms and finish 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. Plants such as mint, St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, licorice root, chamomile, birch and strawberry leaves help well in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Make teas from these plants, drink regularly, as a tonic and a means of prevention.
You can also take herbal baths. At least 300 grams of dry herbs are needed for each bath. A pine bath helps a lot. The needles of coniferous plants are ground, poured with boiled water and boiled for 20 minutes. Then strain, add to a hot bath and steam for up to half an hour.
You can and should take chamomile baths, 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 poultice made from improvised means will help relieve back pain. Everyone in the house has potatoes and honey. It is advised to make such a poultice from them using folk methods: grate vegetables and mix with honey in a ratio of 1: 1. The composition is applied to gauze and applied to the painful area. Relief is guaranteed, but unfortunately not for long.
Ginger and garlic ointment works in much the same way. They are rubbed on a grater and mixed 1: 1, a little butter or vaseline is added to lubricate, and the sore spot is rubbed. It will also relieve pain and inflammation, but will not cure the disease. Osteochondrosis requires a mandatory visit to a neurologist, who will prescribe complete treatment.
Finally, I would like to say about the basic rules of behavior in osteochondrosis. First of all, keep your back straight and your head straight. Set up your workspace according to these standards, right down to putting a book under the monitor if it's low or finding a chair that's taller.
Do not lift heavy objects unless absolutely necessary. And if you really had to carry a load, take a heavy one not in a bent position, but do it like a weightlifter with a barbell - sit down and then stand up with the load.
Do not catch a cold on your back, protect it from drafts. A large selection of stylish and fashionable vests will warm your back at any time of the year and under any circumstances.
Move more, do swimming, gymnastics, hang on the horizontal bar.
After you have mastered all the secrets of gymnastics, self-massage and prevention of osteochondrosis with folk remedies, share them with your friends from the office. In this way, you can not only insure yourself against spinal diseases, but also help your colleagues avoid back pain and increased fatigue. Be healthy!