Cervical osteochondrosis or spondylosis occurs due to changes in the shape and structure of the vertebrae.Although the cervical spine area is related to the overall length of the spine, it is probably the most important part of the spine.Each pair of adjacent vertebrae forms vertebral foramen, and the nerve roots pass through to each muscle and organ in the upper half of the body.Through other bores - in the transverse process of these vertebrae - important blood vessels ensure blood supply to the brain.
Causes of cervical osteocartilage degeneration
The causes of osteochondrosis are:
- Injuried,
- "Sitting" work on a monitor located below the eye level
- Physical labor related to weight transfer,
- Waiting for a long time to drive,
- Working "on the phone" without using a remote device (in which case the operator presses the phone on the ear shoulder)
- Constitutional Characteristics (curved, congenital changes in the cervical spine, short neck)
The formation of pathological vertebrae changes
In osteocartilage, small dots begin to form at the edges of the vertebral body, which may damage nearby structures.Most commonly, this is due to excessive load on the cervical ventricular, not only the result of “aging” of the vertebral joint (recall that it is considered degenerative osteocartilage, but also a natural “age-related” disease, just like osteoarthritis).As the disease progresses, the closure plate and disc height of the vertebrae decrease.These discs work normally, and the shock absorbers between the vertebrae can prevent damage to the spine roots, among other things.With the occurrence of progressive osteocartilage, the herniation (hernia) of the intervertebral disc coat nucleus occurs, and during the disease, there is increasing pressure in the disease while weakening the ligament in all aspects.This hernia can also squeeze the spinal structure and cause the neurological manifestations of the disease.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis and Pain Syndrome in the Cervical Spine
Any pain in the neck will force the cervical spondylosis.In terms of growth, the intensity of pain syndrome is divided into 4 stages, with the first patient feeling numbness, tingling, and a “tight feeling” in a certain muscle group – most severe – most severe – pain is so intense that they cause a loss of patient’s fixity and performance.
In addition to pain syndrome in the cervical and occipital areas, the patient also pointed out that pain in the upper limbs (radiation) is the second-sided area of the chest.
Osteocartilage degeneration in the cervical vertebrae, radical syndrome
They talk about involvement in the nerve roots when pain, numbness and tingling spread to the jaw, upper back, forearm, and fingers.Meanwhile, the patient draws attention to the fact that he “seems to leave” his hand and he falls asleep inconveniently.Note that the morning stiffness of the finger joints lasts no more than 10-15 minutes.With the development of radiation syndrome, it can be noted that the muscle strength of the upper limbs is reduced.
Osteocartilage degeneration in the cervical vertebrae, vertebral artery syndrome”
Regarding the processes involved in blood vessels (squeezing them with hernia or bone flesh), they say that when a patient complains about frequent headache attacks, especially when he is thrown out of his head after a long stay in a position (e.g., while swimming with a copper tube), if noise is emitted in the ears and scalp.This clinical condition can be detected well using ultrasound (with the "Doppler mapping regime".The stenosis of the lumen was determined by ultrasound examination of the vertebral artery.In this case, we can talk about surgery because the obvious changes in blood flow in the vertebral artery are a risk factor for the development of stroke.
Osteocartilage degeneration in the cervical vertebrae with "heart (heart) syndrome"
The syndrome forces patients to contact cardiologists primarily because they are primarily complained about pain in the left half of the chest, the area of the shoulder cap bone that is weakened or strengthened when physical exercise or physical positioning.After excluding myocardial infarction and other heart diseases, the patient was observed and treated by neurologists and orthopedics.
diagnosis
To elucidate the diagnosis, four methods were used: X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
The most affordable method is still radiographing of the cervical spine, and the most useful is X-rays in transverse projection ("side view").This method allows the establishment of the presence of damage in the first approximation, structural changes in the vertebrae.
Perform an ultrasound examination (ultrasound examination) to clarify the condition of the vertebral artery.With the help of this approach, they found whether blood flow was disturbed and, if so, what level and what obstacles were present and where they were.
Computed tomography (CT).It allows you to more accurately assess the status of bone structure and the degree of bone density, allowing you to see bone plants (bone birth) that may be smaller than X-rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).For suspected hernia, the accurate location of spinal cord injury and the extent of such damage are essential.If the question of surgical treatment (surgical) treatment for cervical spine disease is raised, this study must be conducted.
Treatment of cervical bone and chondropathy
Drug treatment
The standard set of products for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis reflects the purpose of treatment: to relieve pain syndrome, eliminate painful muscle spasms and inflammation of nerve roots, and increase spinal mobility.To achieve these goals, painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - non-replacement anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants are used.It should be remembered that self-assays in these groups can be dangerous because symptoms may be misinterpreted and side effects of these drugs are underestimated.Topical (Basell) drugs in NSAID are widely used in gel form, and the same drugs can be used in the form of ointment if the pain stops.
Systemic drugs were used to treat osteochondrosis at a deeper "alkaline" level.These substances restore the cartilage structure of the vertebrae to prevent further damage.The treatment course was long and the effects lasted for many months.
There are significant differences in pathology between cervical osteochondrosis and other spinal columns.In this case, pain in the neck may not cause signals to the painful spinal nerves, but rather due to painful chronic muscle over-sanding - all called muscle-muscle syndrome.It is a completely "benevolent" state, well treated with the same medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, intramuscular "blocking" with steroids.Usually, doctors experience severe pain when they detect the SO-triggering point of the entire cervical spine and the muscles on the upper shoulder strap.This pathology often occurs in women, most of whom are over 40 years of age.Despite the obvious pain syndrome, the vascular Northworm structure remained intact and blood flow in the head area was not affected.
Manual therapy
This treatment may be effective (usually due to minor damage, subluxation) pain without dizziness, other changes in the nervous system and circulatory system.Refusal to manual treatment is only allowed after a thorough examination, and in addition, the doctor performing this procedure should have sufficient experience in the fields of trauma and orthopedics.Using the “old form” of the disease, the use of manual therapy is dangerous!
Two methods of this intervention are known:
- manipulation (designed to eliminate the sharp effects of the huge power of subluxation, well-known as "bone click");
- Mobilization (This method is based on warming and relaxing the smooth neck stretch behind the corset of the neck muscles).
A combined method based on two main methods is also used.It is important to remember that, besides these contraindications, manual treatment is prohibited and accompanied by increased blood pressure, thyroid and any pathology of ENT or ENT-ORGAN.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Medical gymnastics for cervical vertebrae
The first and main rule for beginners to practice physical therapy is to not exercise and overcome the feeling of pain.Of course, when the pain is just on the rise, you shouldn't start with the "acute" period.Another important advice is to avoid sudden movements and circulating movements in the cervical area.
Each course must start with a short, mild self-neck muscle.
Here is the warmth of "warming" - up:
- The hands are lowered along the body, the shoulders are even straight and the back is straight (you can check the posture slightly on the wall with high heels, shoulder blades and hips).We walked on the whole foot for 1 minute, 1 minute - on the socks and 1 minute on the heels.
- The starting position is the same.We squeezed the brush into fists, lifted our shoulders up, and our hands straightened.The movement was slow, we performed 20 repetitions, the last one rose for more than 5 seconds.We make sure that the neck muscles don’t “clip”.
- The starting position is the same.We tilt our heads to the right in turn, and then on the left.The action is smooth, on one slope on 8 accounts, at the extreme tilt point - hold for 8 seconds.
- The starting position is the same or sits in a hard chair.Lean forward on extreme head - hold for 8 seconds
- The starting position is the same or sits in a hard chair.Slowly tilt your head forward until your chin on your chest, then slowly turn your head to the right (4 accounts) and left (to 4 accounts).Muscle fatigue is not allowed.
- The starting position is the same or sits in a hard chair.We raise your shoulders to 4 accounts and we lower them to 4 counts as well.10 repetitions.
- The starting position is the same or sits in a hard chair.We lifted our shoulders, but now we are doing round motions front and back, 8 accounts.10 repetitions.
- We align the back and check the posture.To 4 accounts we reduced the shoulder blades behind you, tried to connect them, we wandered around at the end for 8 seconds, and then returned to the starting position.
Pillow
As mentioned earlier, hypertonicity of the neck muscles is the first and main reason for the development of cervical osteocartilage sp bone.A reasonable choice of pillows and mattresses ensures a relaxed and comfortable position during sleep at least less than gymnastics, physiology and drugs.
When choosing a mattress, be aware of the composition of the filler (the product is suitable, at least half is made of coconut chips, i.e. with sufficient stiffness).The soft spring mattress cannot fully straighten the spine.The best sleep sleep is on the side, pulling one or both knees into the stomach.The pillow should be in a way that fills the entire space between the shoulders, ears and hair, with the top of the head (crown) on the same horizontal line as the spine.Avoid too high and too low, as well as soft pillows.The ideal choice is a product that is ergonomic in which case the thin wall is squeezed on one side.
General recommendations
Pay attention to posture.Position is a position when the chest protrudes forward and pulls the stomach when it is in a walking or standing position.
Avoid staying in the sitting position for a long time.A simple rule known to prevent cervical bone and chondropathy: after working every 60 minutes, you need to walk for 10-15 minutes.
Working chairs should have high headrests or backs.
In the sitting position, the legs should be placed on the floor and the neck should not be tense.To do this, use special orthopedic equipment: the roller under the neck and the pillow under the back when driving the car.
Avoid weightlifting.If necessary, kneel down, press the weight on the body, and stand smoothly using the strength of the leg muscles instead of the “thrust” on the back.
Do not tilt with straightened legs.Use a shelf, work surfaces to bring objects closer to yourself, rather than convince your face to the subject.Try to do homework while sitting on a chair or gymnastics ball.
If you need to use a mop, broom or rake, do not place your arms, back and neck cloth and do not tilt to the side.
Avoid swimming in brass style.