The development of information technology and the computerization of the population have made the table a place where a person spends almost all day in this position. Almost every second person knows an unpleasant feeling of pain in the spine. Pain in the spine, limbs, numbness in the legs are the main signs of osteochondrosis. In addition, if earlier people over 40 suffered from osteochondrosis, today teenagers face this disease even in high school.
Depending on the localization, osteochondrosis is divided into several types - cervical, thoracic and lumbar. One of the most common diseases is cervical osteochondrosis. It should be said that due to its localization, it provokes complications in the work of the brain fraught with neurological diseases. Our article will tell you in detail about this disease, its course, the features of treatment and prevention.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It may sound a little strange, but the cause of osteochondrosis of the spine is . . . human life. Any excessive load on the spine leads to some deformation, which is why the disease occurs. Osteochondrosis can be prevented, cured, but only if it doesn't run. And for those who, fortunately, do not have pain, I would like to warn: analyze the degree of load on your spine - and you will understand whether you are at risk of osteochondrosis.
So, the main and most common cause of osteochondrosis in adults may be work, which consists in constant lifting of heavy objects, for example, when working loaders. Also, the disease can be provoked by "sedentary" work in the office or work "on the legs", such as in salespeople, who are in a certain position for a long time, and the same muscles, sections strain the spine.
There is a risk of osteochondrosis in athletes due to heavy loads or, conversely, poor physical development in those who do not play sports at all. There are cases of the onset of the disease even when athletes were actively training, and then suddenly they stopped abruptly. It is impossible to mention spinal injuries, which later lead to osteochondrosis. Can affect the spine and flat feet, if due to the irregular shape of the foot, the load on the vertebrae and intervertebral discs is unevenly distributed, causing discomfort.
Perhaps osteochondrosis in pregnant women due to the same increased load, as well as in women who constantly walk in heels, overloading the spine.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the neck area can be genetic or hereditary.
Spinal diseases can be manifested by metabolic disorders in the body, obesity, low immunity, intoxication and infectious diseases that affect the functionality of the spine.
Over the years, the spine becomes more fragile, loses the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, bone density and deforms. Age is another cause of osteochondrosis.
Finally, the impact on the backbone of the environment and living conditions is undeniable. Bad ecology, stress, nutrition not rich in vitamins and microelements - all this can provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are quite pronounced. They must be known in order to stop the development of the disease in time. After all, each of us is partially at risk.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
You can detect osteochondrosis by doing a simple exercise - turning your head. Painful sensations when twisting are the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. The following symptoms are muscle cramps, difficulty moving, numbness in fingers, pain in shoulders.
This type of disease is called radicular syndrome or cervical sciatica. It occurs when the nerve roots are squeezed by the vertebrae due to a violation of their location, the appearance of a hernia. The pain in this case descends in a wave from the shoulder to the fingers, tingling in the fingers and forearm is felt. If the little finger and ring finger go numb, it means that the brachial nerve is affected, this is the region of 7-8 vertebrae. If the other three fingers - the problem is in the range of 5-6-7 vertebrae, the central nerve is affected.
In addition, the disease has symptoms related to the functioning of the brain. Frequently recurring headaches associated with cervical osteochondrosis are severe or painful. Perhaps dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, tinnitus, spots before the eyes, blurred vision, hearing, problems with teeth. These symptoms indicate an influence on the two vertebral arteries that transport blood to the brain. Specifically in those areas responsible for blood pressure, in the cerebellar zone that controls our vestibular apparatus. This type of disease is called vertebral artery syndrome and is very common. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, affecting the arteries, is fraught with a violation of normal ability to move and even strokes.
There are also stimulus reflex syndromes. In this case of cervical osteochondrosis, the symptoms are similar to other types of diseases, but attacks of pain appear suddenly after a period of rest. For example, when a person gets up after sleeping, they feel a sharp, nagging pain in the neck.
Another type of disease is very similar to heart disease - angina pectoris, when pain appears in the chest and radiates to the shoulder for several hours. This is a cardiac syndrome. A cardiogram helps to distinguish osteochondrosis from heart disease, which confirms that blood circulation is not disturbed, and the patient is worried about the spine, and not the heart.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is divided into stages of the course of the disease. In the first or pre-clinical phase, there is a small change inside at the level of biochemistry. A person feels some discomfort during a long stay in one position during physical exertion. The back and neck muscles tire quickly.
The second stage of the disease is called the stage of progressive changes in the nucleus pulposus. At this point, the intervertebral disc is deformed, the metabolism in the nucleus pulposus is disturbed, some of its cells die. These processes reduce the distance between the vertebrae, which in turn leads to pinched nerves and spasms. A person feels pain in the areas of spinal damage.
In the third stage of the disease there is complete or partial destruction of the fibrous ring. Cracks appear through which the nucleus pulposus comes out, violating the strength of the vertebral connection. The spine becomes abnormally mobile, the vertebral sections shift. This causes pain in the entire back, movement disorders appear, sensitivity in the limbs disappears.
And the most severe, the fourth stage of osteochondrosis, is manifested by the regeneration of the intervertebral discs, the so-called fusion of the vertebrae. The nucleus pulposus replaces the cartilage, the pain subsides and the spine again serves as a support. But unfortunately the consequence of such changes in the spine is the restriction of human mobility up to disability.
The spine has three important functions in the human body. These are support, spinal cord protection and devaluation during movement. Our ability to move and exist comfortably depends on the spine. Back pain should not be viewed as a temporary and random phenomenon. Take it as a rule: if you feel pain with a gentle turn of your head, you should consult a neurologist.
Osteochondrosis in children
Osteochondrosis in children is not as common as in adults and is more likely to be a congenital or hereditary condition. However, since the deformation of the spine can lead to dire consequences and cause great harm to the development of the child's body, we decided to separately highlight this issue and draw the attention of parents to osteochondrosis in children.
A child's spine is more sensitive to injuries, frostbite, lack of nutrients for formation and development. And this, 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, varied and useful. In the case of injuries and falls on the back, especially at a young age, a doctor must be consulted for clarification and, if the illness is confirmed, for possible further treatment. By the way, 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. When spinal disease in children affects the growth zone of the bone, which is the area where bone grows, it can also affect the child's growth and overall development. Symptoms of osteochondrosis in children are similar to adults, but the pain is more moderate, movements are not disturbed. With cervical osteochondrosis, fainting and dizziness are likely.
If the child has prerequisites for osteochondrosis or you suspect back problems, consult a doctor immediately. The earlier the disease is detected, the sooner you can rid the child of it.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis, like 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, examines the condition of the spine during movement. Draws attention to posture, the location of the middle sulcus of the back, the position of the shoulder blades, shoulders. In addition to visual inspection, tactile inspection is also mandatory. The location of the lesion is found, guided by complaints, examination and also with a special technique of counting the vertebrae. In addition, the patient is prescribed X-ray or magnetic resonance therapy to examine the spine in more detail and find out the stage of the lesion. After diagnosis, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed.
treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, as a rule, is complex. Mostly it is based on some mandatory points. One of the most important is the right engine mode. Correct means moving without jerking your head. Fast movements do not benefit the vertebrae. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a special medical soft collar to wear, which will immobilize the neck for the duration of the treatment.
If the patient wants to look at something from his side, he should slowly turn his head. If you feel uncomfortable in the neck, do some special exercises, give yourself a massage.
A mandatory stage in the treatment of osteochondrosis in the acute stage is medication. The doctor will prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills to eliminate foci of inflammation and swelling. Necessarily alleviate the course of the disease will help painkillers. If osteochondrosis provokes muscle spasms, a drug that relieves spasms and reduces pain is also prescribed. Also, vitamin B is prescribed, which improves brain function, fights stress and strengthens muscles. And if the patient is in a depressed state, antidepressants are prescribed.
One cannot do without the treatment of osteochondrosis without external preparations - gels, ointments, creams. Known anti-inflammatory drugs 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 needs ointments or creams for therapeutic massage, which is also indispensable.
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 a shift in the intervertebral discs. With the right treatment, there are really positive results. But be careful when looking for a specialist. Before agreeing to treatment, ensure that the specialist has a medical degree and practices traditional healing practices, as well as additional training in neurology and chiropractors, and has confirmatory certificates. The experience of the operator is also important. Because the therapy itself requires clear movements and is fraught with injuries if used incorrectly. The principle of manual therapy is a selective impact on the structural components of the spine. With a quick nudge, the joint that has been shifted from the correct position returns to it. Proper therapy is undoubtedly a very effective treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
physical therapy
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis allow you to fight the disease even in the workplace. In addition, simple exercises are excellent prevention of spinal diseases.
So take your eyes off the screen, sit back in your chair, and learn some useful exercises.
Sit in a chair and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax, put your hands down. Slowly lower your head until your chin touches your chest. If it doesn't work out, that's ok, lower it as much as possible, as much as possible. Then slowly raise your head and tilt it backwards, also until it stops. With your head straight, return to the starting position and repeat the exercise 5 times.
Gently turn your head to the side without getting up from the chair. Rotate first in one direction, then back to the starting position and the other. 5 times each.
If you turn your head you can hit the slopes. The exercise is also performed while seated, slowly tilting the head to the left, then back, and then to the right. They bow their heads all the way and try to press their ears to their shoulders. The exercise is performed at least 5 times for each side.
It helps stretch the neck muscles and the next exercise. In the sitting position, the head is slowly thrown backwards, 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 do a shoulder warm-up exercise without leaving work. Sit in a relaxed position and begin rotating your shoulders forward five times and then back five times. Do this slowly and carefully, feeling every muscle.
It helps stretch your shoulders and the exercise everyone knows from kindergarten. It can be performed seated or standing as desired, as the situation allows. You slowly throw your left hand over your shoulder to the right side, touching your ear with your fingers and lowering it. Bring your right hand over your head to your left ear in the same way.
Now some warming up for the neck muscles. Put your palm on your forehead, begin to press your forehead onto your palm and resist with your hand. Hold this position with your neck tense and count to 5. Then relax and repeat the exercise twice.
The exercise is similar to the previous one. But now other neck muscles will be working. You throw your hand or, more conveniently, both, folded in a lock, behind your head, place it on the back of your head and begin to press your head onto your hands. Do the exercise 3 times for 5 seconds.
Now let's stretch the lateral neck muscles. There is only one scheme - the head presses on the hand, the hand resists. You put your left hand on your left temple, squeeze, count to 5, rest a few seconds and repeat 2 more times. In the same way, the exercise for the right side of the neck is performed.
And finally, a little warm-up while standing. It is better to choose a free place in the office for this. Feet are placed shoulder-width apart for better balance. With arms outstretched in the free state, begin rotating forward 5 times, then back 5 times synchronously.
After a short break of 10-15 minutes you will feel the tension in the muscles of your back and neck easing, take your eyes off the monitor, relax a little. Such work breaks make sense, and in many modern offices it is even common practice to leave colleagues to warm up. Do not neglect the 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 more severe cases of the disease, exercise therapy (physiotherapeutic exercises) is prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is simply irreplaceable. A set of exercises improves the functionality of the spine, helps to maintain constant muscle tone and relieves tension. Exercise requires 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 this between meals.
Lie on your back on the floor and stretch your arms along your torso. Face ahead and gradually begin looking away left and right, four times in each direction. After moving your eyes sideways, start looking up and down 4 times as well. After completing the lateral warm-up, immediately continue rotating your eyes in the direction of the clock, and then in the opposite direction.
In the same position while lying down, turn your head in different directions one by one. Gradually, slowly. After doing 4 twists in each direction, continue tilting your head sideways to the left and right shoulders.
You can do exercises with a head lift. Also, lie on a flat surface, lift your head off the floor and tilt it toward 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 doing exercises for cervical osteochondrosis, you need to remember that it is necessary to warm up not only the cervical region, but the whole body. Therefore, lie on your back, after completing the first simple exercises and warming up, move on to the next. Spread your arms sideways and turn sideways, try to touch the opposite side with your hand and foot, but don't roll onto your stomach. The rotation occurs on the inhale and they return to their original position on the exhale. Do no more than 5 turns.
The next exercise is to sit up from a prone position. Lying on the floor with your arms outstretched, you need to slowly rise, leaning on your hands. A rather difficult exercise for osteochondrosis, so once again we emphasize that you need to do it carefully and slowly 3-4 times.
Lie on your back, bend your legs and press them to your stomach, clasp your knees with your hands. Then gently pull your head to your feet and touch your knees. Next - also gently return to the prone position. Exercise is performed up to 5 times.
You lie down, legs bent at the knees at stomach level, arms spread. Rotate your body alternately right and left up to 5 times in each direction.
Don't bother doing abdominal exercises. Turn around and stretch your arms along your body. Start lifting your head off the floor, then your shoulders, your torso, and focus on your legs and hips. Then return to the starting position and repeat the exercise up to 5 times.
Breathing exercises are useful for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. After a small break from the previous exercises, lie on your back and clasp both hands on your stomach. Breathe in deeply and slowly, blow out your belly, also breathe out carefully, pull in your belly. Do 5 breaths and exhalations.
Put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Inhale shallowly, tense muscles, exhale, relax. The number of breaths is also 5.
These exercises are introductory only and should not be considered a complete treatment. Rather, they are recommendations for the prevention of the disease or its development. Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis is selected by the doctor based on the patient's needs.
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, trying to repeat a professional massage at home with the involvement of loved ones is out of the question, this matter is really only dealt with by health workers. But you can also make light kneading movements yourself, be distracted in the middle of the working day and reduce stress. By the way, massage is a good complement to gymnastics.
So if you feel pain in your neck, sit back in your chair, relax your back. The massage starts with stroking the neck with the palms of the hands from top to bottom, that is, from the hair to the shoulders. After stroking, turn your palms with one edge to the nape of your 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 your fingers meet at the center of your spine. Rub the body, moving your hands from the center of the whorl to the sides of the neck, going top to bottom. You can massage your neck with your fingertips by rubbing in a circular motion. Then begin pinching the skin and muscles by grasping them between your index finger and thumb. Then rub your palms over your neck 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, at the initial stage of the disease. Herbs such as mint, St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, licorice root, chamomile, birch and strawberry leaves are good for musculoskeletal disorders. Brew teas from these herbs, drink regularly, as a tonic and a means of prevention.
You can also take herbal baths. For each bath you need at least 300 grams of dry plants. Stone pine bath helps a lot. The needles of coniferous plants are ground, poured with boiling water and boiled for 20 minutes. Then filtered, placed in a hot bath and steamed in it for up to half an hour.
You can and should take baths from chamomile, which has anti-inflammatory effects and perfectly heals the body. Chamomile is poured with boiling water, insisted for up to an hour, filtered and added to water.
A quick compress of improvised means relieves back pain. Everyone has potatoes and honey in the house. Folk methods are recommended for making such a compress from it: grate greens and mix them with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The composition is applied to gauze and applied to the sore spot. Relief is guaranteed, but unfortunately not for long.
Ginger garlic ointment works the same way. They are rubbed on a grater and combined 1: 1, a little butter or petroleum jelly is added so that it can be smeared, and the sore spot is rubbed. It will also reduce pain and inflammation, but it will not cure the disease. With osteochondrosis, a mandatory visit to a neurologist is required, who will prescribe a full course of treatment.
In conclusion, I would like to say something about the basic rules of behavior in osteochondrosis. First, keep your back straight and your head straight. Set up your workspace to these standards, put a book under your monitor if it's low, or find a higher chair.
Do not lift heavy things unless absolutely necessary. And if you really had to carry the load, don't take the heaviness in a bent position, but do it like weightlifters with a barbell - sit down, and then stand up with a load.
Do not cool your back, protect it from drafts. A wide range of fashionable and stylish vests will keep your back warm in any season and in any circumstance.
Move more, swim, do gymnastics, hang on the horizontal bar.
Having mastered all the secrets of gymnastics, self-massage and the prevention of osteochondrosis with folk remedies, share them with your office friends. So you can not only insure yourself against diseases of the spine, but also help colleagues to avoid back pain and increased fatigue. Health!