Osteochondrosis of the cervix

The life of modern man is associated with constant overload, to which the spine is exposed. And if earlier diseases of this important organ were found mainly in people in adulthood and old age, today, according to medical statistics, members of the younger generation are increasingly experiencing similar problems. The leader in this group of diseases iscervical osteochondrosis(SHOW). This pathology brings a person a lot of inconvenience.

That is why it is worth learning about the reasons for its appearance and methods of treatment.

What is cervical osteochondrosis

For a long time, most people try not to notice unpleasant discomfort in the neck, referring to the usual strain and fatigue. But over time, the discomfort of moving the head is accompanied by pain and other unpleasant symptoms. And only when the situation becomes critical, a person seeks medical help and learns that he has cervical osteochondrosis.

This disease affects both sexes equally often. As already noted, it is now common in many young people under the age of 30. This phenomenon is largely due to the introduction of computer technology in all spheres of life. People just stop moving and spend most of their time in a state pinned to the monitor. As a result, pathological changes begin to appear in the cervical spine: the vertebrae are displaced, and the cartilage tissue between them, which is a kind of layer, becomes thinner. In other words, connective tissue overgrowth occurs when growths form in the form of growths on the vertebral body.

The consequence of such pathological changes is a reduction in the effect of shock absorption between the vertebrae, bone surfaces, in contact with each other, causing friction and compression of nearby nerves and blood vessels. All these pathological changes lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the back of the brain, which causes a deterioration in general well-being and pain. If the problem is not solved in time, the disease will progress, and in severe cases may even lead to damage.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Not so long ago, the main causes of SHOC have always been related to age-related changes in the body. But in the realities of modern life, factors have emerged that increase the risk of developing pathology at a younger age.

Some of these reasons include:

• sedentary way of life;
• forced stay in one position (usually sitting);
• Overweight;
• autoimmune diseases;
• drafts;
• stressful situations;
• injuries of the cervical or occipital region;
• congenital anomalies of the spine;
• violation of metabolic processes.

In some cases, the disease develops as a result of hormonal disorders or unfavorable heredity.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

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

In this case, patients have the following complaints:

• restrict neck mobility, especially if you want to turn your head;
• severe pain, which often does not allow a person to perform elementary action (bending, turning the head);
• characteristic crunch when moving;
• decreased sensitivity in the hands;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• dizziness;
• general weakness;
• reduced vision and hearing, tactile sensitivity or taste perception.

Because the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the location of the dystrophic lesion, the disease has its own characteristic features. Usually in these departments there is a violation of sensitivity or restriction of mobility as a result of compression of the spinal roots. Therefore, cervical osteochondrosis is differentiated by radicular symptoms, ie which vertebra is involved in the pathological process.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be as follows:

1. the first vertebra - the sensitivity decreases and numbness of the occipital area and neck is noticed;
2. the second - soreness in the back of the head and parietal area;
3. third - pain in the part of the neck where the root is pressed, speech and taste perception are also impaired;
4. fourth - pain radiating to the shoulder, under the shoulder blade, respiratory disorders may be observed;
5. fifth - pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder;
6. sixth - the pain in the neck extends to the forearm and thumbs;
7. seventh - pain radiating to the shoulder blade, hind shoulder, forearm and fingers;
8. eighth - the pain spreads from the neck to the shoulder and down the arm to the little fingers.

It should be noted here 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 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the initial examination, focusing only on the characteristic clinical symptoms. But to determine the degree of damage and the spread of the pathology, the patient is advised to undergo a series of examinations.Basically, these are all methods for testing hardware. The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• X-ray examination of the cervical spine. In the process of diagnosis the degree of damage, localization, salt deposits and peculiarities of the location of the vertebrae are established.
• Computed tomography - allows you to detect possible interruptions, to determine the actual 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 display of pathological changes. Thanks to 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, one of the listed types of tests is sufficient for diagnosis. In most cases, doctors use a technique that has been proven for decades, namely X-rays.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Any pathology of the spine is fraught with serious problems. After all, the spine is a kind of foundation on which the whole structure of the human body rests. Important blood lines pass through the cervical region, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are many nerve endings here. Therefore, disruption of the innervation or blood supply to important organs threatens with serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the danger, as osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has serious consequences.

In addition to the perceived discomfort, the resulting spinal defect leads to hearing loss, visual impairment. The brain with SCH suffers from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered 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;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD);
• breathing problems;
• various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually acquire an irreversible form;
• cardiovascular pathologies, of which strokes are the most dangerous.

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

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

The treatment of patients with SHS is usually complex. Therapy must include massage, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures. Of course, without the use of drugs it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the complex of drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis includes:

• analgesics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chondroprotectors;
• muscle relaxants are agents that relieve muscle tension;
• a complex of vitamins must be prescribed.

The whole therapy is chosen by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any type of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is unacceptable. All these drugs are aimed at localizing the symptoms in the acute phase of the disease. Other techniques are appropriate during the remission period. The treatment is usually performed 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 drug complex of treatment 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 with vodka (250 ml) or alcohol, diluted in half with water. After two weeks of infusion is recommended to take on an empty stomach three times a day, one tablespoon of infusion.
• Means for external use are easily prepared in the following sequence: lilac leaves (fresh) should be crushed into a fine mass, add 300 ml of radish juice (black), then add 200 g of good honey to the table. . It is necessary to insist the composition all day in a dark place. It can then be used to rub the problem area. This product is recommended to be used after consulting a 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 spoonful (tablespoon) of fragrant inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, strain for an hour and take 1 liter three times. Art.

Important! When taking all herbal preparations, the prescribed dose must be strictly observed.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk about the complex of therapeutic gymnastics with SHH only after stopping the acute period. When the disease worsens, such activities can only worsen the situation.

All physiotherapy exercises are aimed at maintaining normal mobility in the cervical spine. Classes are held in a calm rhythm, there should be no sudden movements. If there are signs of fatigue or pain, classes stop immediately. The complex includes the following exercises that you can do regularly at home:

• When standing, you should tilt your head as you inhale so that your chin touches your chest. When you exhale, the head is slightly pulled back. The same exercise can be done freely while sitting in a chair.
• In each starting position it is convenient to make rotational movements of the head. It is better to change the direction of movement periodically so that your head does not turn. It is recommended to perform the exercise in a slow rhythm.
• Regular performance of this exercise will help to perfectly strengthen the neck muscles: you need to put your hands in a "lock" and press your forehead to them as much as possible. To achieve a lasting effect, repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds. You can successively press your palms on your forehead and then press your forehead on your palms.

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

To prevent a history of diagnosis "cervical osteochondrosis», You should lead an active life, exercise regularly in the morning, paying attention to your neck and properly equip your workplace.