The development of information technology and the computerization of the population have made the desk a place where people spend almost the entire day in this position. Almost every second person knows the unpleasant painful feeling in the spine. Pain in the spine, limbs, numbness in the legs are the main signs of osteochondrosis. What's more, if previously 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 the disease is called cervical osteochondrosis. It must be said that due to its localization, it causes complications in the work of the brain, full of neurological diseases. In our article, you can learn more about this disease, its course, treatment and prevention features.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
It may sound a bit strange, but it is the cause of osteochondrosis of the spine. . . Human life. Any excessive load on the spine leads to a certain deformation, which is why the disease occurs. Osteochondrosis can be prevented and cured, but only if you don't run. 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 there is a risk of osteochondrosis.
So, the main and most common cause of osteochondrosis in adults can be work, which consists of constantly lifting heavy objects, for example, during the work of loaders. The disease can also be triggered by "sitting" office work or work on "feet", such as for salespeople who are in a certain position for a long time and strain the same muscles and sections. the spine.
There is a risk of osteochondrosis in athletes due to heavy loads, or vice versa, in those who do not play sports at all, due to poor physical development. There are cases when the disease occurs even when athletes have been actively participating in training and then suddenly stopped. It is impossible not to talk about spinal injuries, which later lead to osteochondrosis. It can affect the spine and flat feet, when due to the irregular shape of the foot, the load on the vertebrae and discs is distributed differently, causing discomfort.
Perhaps, osteochondrosis in pregnant women is due to the same increased load, as well as in women who constantly walk on their heels, overloading the spine.
The causes of osteochondrosis in the neck area can be genetic or hereditary.
Spine diseases can manifest in the body due to impaired metabolism, obesity, low immunity, poisoning, infectious diseases that reduce the function of the spine.
Over the years, the spine becomes more fragile, loses the flexibility of the discs, bone density and deforms. Another cause of osteochondrosis is age.
And finally, the impact of the environment and living conditions on the spine cannot be ignored. Bad ecology, stress, nutrition, not rich in vitamins and microelements - all this can provoke the development of cervical osteochondrosis. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are quite pronounced. It is necessary to know them in order to stop the development of the disease in time. After all, all of us are in some way at risk.
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Recognition of osteochondrosis with a simple exercise - turning the head. Painful sensations when turning are the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. The following symptoms are muscle spasms, movement difficulties, numbness of the fingers, shoulder pain.
This type of disease is called radicular syndrome or cervical sciatica. It occurs when the nerve roots are compressed by the vertebrae due to a violation of their location or the occurrence of a hernia. In this case, the pain descends in a wave 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, this is the region of the 7-8 vertebrae. If the other three fingers - the problem is in the region of the 5-6-7 vertebrae, then the central nerve is affected.
In addition, the disease has symptoms related to the functioning of the brain. Frequent headaches with cervical osteochondrosis are severe or painful. Perhaps dizziness with cervical osteochondrosis, tinnitus, spots before the eyes, blurred vision, hearing, dental problems. These signs of the disease indicate that it affects the two vertebral arteries that carry blood to the brain. Especially in the areas responsible for blood pressure, in the cerebellar zone, 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, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are similar to other types of the disease, but pain attacks appear suddenly, after a state of rest. For example, when a person gets up after sleeping, he feels a strong 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 and lasts for several hours. It's a heart syndrome. A cardiogram helps distinguish osteochondrosis from heart disease, which confirms that blood circulation is not disturbed, and 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 a slight change within the level of biochemistry. A person feels 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 increasing changes in the nucleus pulposus. Then the intervertebral disc deforms, the metabolism in the nucleus pulposus is disrupted, and some of its cells die. As a result of these processes, the distance between the vertebrae decreases, which subsequently leads to pinched nerves and spasms. A person feels pain in the damaged areas of the spine.
In the third stage of the disease, the fibrous ring is completely or partially destroyed. Cracks appear, through which the nucleus pulposus comes out, violating the tightness of the connection of the vertebrae. The spine becomes abnormally mobile, the vertebral sections move. This causes pain in the entire back, movement disorders occur, and the sensitivity of the limbs ceases.
The most serious, fourth stage of osteochondrosis is manifested in the regeneration of the vertebral plates, the so-called fusion of the vertebrae. The nucleus pulposus replaces the cartilage, the pain subsides, and the spine acts as a support again. But unfortunately, the consequence of such changes in the spine is the limitation of human mobility and even disability.
The spine performs three important functions in the human body. These are support, protection of the spinal cord and depreciation during movement. The ability to move and exist comfortably depends on the spine. Back pain should not be considered a temporary and random phenomenon. Take it as a rule: if you feel pain just by turning your head, 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 disease. But since the deformation of the spine can have bad consequences and cause great harm to the development of the child's body, we decided to highlight this topic and draw parents' attention to osteochondrosis in children.
A child's spine is more sensitive to injuries, freezing, and the lack of nutrients necessary for its formation and development. And this, as already mentioned, is the cause of osteochondrosis. That is why it is important to pay attention to the child's diet, remember that it is rich in calcium and other trace elements, varied and useful. In case of injuries or falls on the back, especially at a young age, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor for examination and possible further treatment if the disease is confirmed. By the way, osteochondrosis of 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. In the case of spinal disease in children, the growth zone of the bone, that is, the area where the bone grows, can also lead to deterioration of the child's growth and general development. The symptoms of osteochondrosis in children are similar to those in adults, but the pain is milder and movements are not disturbed. In the case of cervical osteochondrosis, fainting and dizziness are likely.
If your child has prerequisites for osteochondrosis or you suspect back problems, consult a doctor immediately. The sooner the disease is detected, the sooner the child can get rid of it.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
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 down, examines the condition of the spine while moving. It draws attention to posture, the location of the middle groove of the back, the position of the shoulder blades and shoulders. In addition to the visual inspection, a tactile inspection is also mandatory. We find the location of the lesion based on complaints and examination, as well as using a special vertebral counting technique. In addition, the patient is prescribed X-ray or magnetic resonance therapy for a more thorough examination of the spine, in order to reveal the stage of the lesion. After the diagnosis, treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is prescribed.
Treatment
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is usually complex. Most often, it is based on a few mandatory points. One of the most important is the correct engine mode. Correct means you move without jerking your head. Any fast movement is not good for the vertebrae. The doctor will most likely prescribe a special medical soft collar to immobilize the neck during the treatment.
If you want to consider something from the patient's side, slowly turn his head. If you feel discomfort in your neck, do special exercises, massage yourself.
Medicines are a mandatory part of the treatment of osteochondrosis in the acute stage. The doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablets to eliminate foci of inflammation and swelling. Be sure to help alleviate the course of the disease with painkillers. If osteochondrosis causes muscle spasms, then a drug is also prescribed that relieves spasms and relieves pain. They also prescribe vitamin B, which improves brain function, helps fight stress and strengthens muscles. And if the patient is depressed, they prescribe antidepressants.
You 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 cartilaginous tissue of the intervertebral discs. And, of course, the patient will need ointments or creams for the therapeutic massage, which is also indispensable.
Manual therapy in osteochondrosis
Many patients with osteochondrosis seek help from chiropractors. This treatment method can be included in the complex if the patient's spine has anatomical changes, a hernia or displacement of discs. With proper treatment, it really gives positive results. But when looking for a professional, be careful. Before agreeing to treatment, make sure that the specialist has a medical degree and carries out traditional treatment, as well as additional training in neurology and chiropractic, and whether he has certifications. The operator's experience is also important. After all, the therapy itself requires clean movements and, if used incorrectly, is fraught with injuries. The principle of manual therapy is a point effect on the structural elements of the spine. With a quick push, the joint displaced from the correct position is returned to its proper position. Adequate therapy is undoubtedly a very effective treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Physiotherapy
Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis make it possible to fight the disease even at work. In addition, simple exercises are an excellent prevention for spinal diseases.
So take your eyes off the screen, lean 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 until your chin touches your chest. If it doesn't work, that's okay, let it go as far as you can, as much as you can. Then slowly raise your head and tilt it back, again until it stops. Returning to the starting position with your head straight, repeat the exercise 5 times.
Without getting up from the chair, carefully turn your head to the side. First in one direction, then return to the starting position and turn to the other. 5 times each.
Turning your head, you can go to the slopes. The exercise can also be done while sitting, slowly tilting the head to the left, then back, then to the right. They bend their heads all the way down, try to press their ears to their shoulders. The exercise is performed at least 5 times on both sides.
It helps to stretch the muscles of the neck and the following exercise. In a sitting position, slowly bend the head back, keep it in this position for a few seconds, and slowly start turning the head without lifting it, to the left, then to the right, making at least 10 turns in total.
You can do exercises to warm up the shoulder muscles without leaving the workplace. Sitting in a relaxed position, start rolling your shoulders forward 5 times and then back 5 times. Do this slowly and carefully, feeling every muscle.
It helps stretch your shoulders and is an exercise that everyone knows from kindergarten. It can be done as you like - sitting or standing, depending on the situation. He slowly throws his left hand over his shoulder to the right side, touches his ear with his fingers and lowers it. Throw your right hand over your head in the same way to your left ear.
Now a little warm-up for the neck muscles. Put your palm to your forehead, start pressing your forehead into 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 neck muscles will work. You throw your hands behind your head, or what's more comfortable, you place both of them, folded into a lock, on the back of your head and start pressing your head onto 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. You place your left hand on your left temple, press it to the count of 5, pause for a few seconds, and repeat 2 more times. We do the same exercise on the right side of the neck.
And finally, a little warm-up in a standing position. For this, it is better to choose a free space in the office. For better balance, the feet are placed shoulder width apart. With outstretched arms, in a free state, they begin to rotate in sync 5 times forward, then 5 times backward.
After a short break of 10-15 minutes, you will feel that the tension in the back and neck muscles subsides, let your eyes rest from the monitor, relax a little. Such breaks at work are useful, and many modern offices even practice mass exits of colleagues to warm up. Do not neglect the simple rule - warm up every time you are tired and tense. Cervical osteochondrosis gymnastics is an excellent treatment in the initial stages of the disease and effective prevention. In more severe cases of the disease, exercise therapy (physiotherapy exercises) is prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Practical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is simply irreplaceable. A series of exercises improves the functionality of the spine, helps maintain muscle tone and relieves tension. Training 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 this between meals.
Lying on your back on the floor, stretch your arms along your torso. Look forward and gradually start looking right and left, 4 times in each direction. After moving your eyes to the side, start looking up and down four times. After completing the side warm-up, immediately proceed to rotate the eyes clockwise and then counterclockwise.
In the same position, lying down, turn your head in different directions. Gradually, slowly. After making 4 turns in both directions, turn your head sideways to the left and right shoulder.
You can do the exercises with your head up. Lying 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 at most 4 times.
When performing exercises for cervical osteochondrosis, you need to remember that not only the neck region, but the whole body requires warming up. Therefore, lying on your back, after performing the first simple exercises, after warming up, continue with the next one. Spread your arms at your sides and turn to the side, try to touch the opposite side with your hands and feet, but do not roll onto your stomach. The turn occurs when you inhale, and when you exhale, they return to their original position. Do not do more than 5 turns.
The next exercise is to sit down from a lying position. Lying on the floor, with arms extended along the body, you should rise slowly, leaning on your hands. It is a rather difficult exercise for osteochondrosis, so we emphasize once again 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 to your leg and touch your knee. Next - also carefully return to the prone position. The exercise is performed a maximum of 5 times.
He lies, legs bent at the knees at the level of the abdomen, arms spread. Turn your body alternately right and left up to 5 times in each direction.
Do not interfere with abdominal exercises. Turn around and extend your arms along your body. Start by lifting your head off the floor, then your shoulders, torso, focusing on your legs and hips. Then return to the starting position and perform 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, fold both hands on your stomach. Inhale deeply and slowly, blow out the stomach, exhale carefully, pulling the stomach in. Do 5 breaths 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 full treatment. These are rather recommendations for the prevention of the disease or its development. The therapeutic practice of cervical osteochondrosis is selected by the doctor, based on the patient's needs.
Self-massage
Massage is one of the necessary and pleasant procedures for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, which is prescribed by a doctor. Of course, it is impossible to try to repeat a professional massage at home with the involvement of relatives, only health workers really deal with this matter. However, you can do the light kneading movements yourself, as a distraction and stress reliever in the middle of the work day. By the way, massage will be a good addition to gymnastics.
So, if you feel pain in your neck, lean back in your chair, relax your back. The massage begins by stroking the neck with the palms from top to bottom, that is, from the hair to the shoulders. After caressing, turn your palm with the edge to her neck and move your hand up and down several times, pressing lightly. Then start grinding. Place your palms on the back of your head so that your fingers converge at the center of the spine. Rub the body, moving your hands from the center of the vertebrae to the sides of the neck, moving from top to bottom. You can massage your neck with your fingertips and rub it in circular motions. Then start pinching the skin and muscles, grasping them between the index finger and thumb. Then stroke your neck with your palms, ending the massage.
Self-massage of cervical osteochondrosis helps relieve pain and muscle tension.
Treatment with folk remedies
The most popular folk remedies for the treatment of any disease are herbal preparations. Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with folk remedies is usually possible in the initial stages of the disease. Herbs such as mint, St. John's wort, calendula, yarrow, licorice root, chamomile, birch and strawberry leaf are good for fighting musculoskeletal disorders. Make tea from these herbs and drink regularly as a tonic and preventative.
You can also take herbal baths. For each bath you need at least 300 grams of dry plants. The pine bath helps a lot. The needles of coniferous plants are ground, poured with boiled water and boiled for 20 minutes. Then strain it, add it to a hot bath, and steam it for no more than half an hour.
You can and should take a bath with chamomile, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and perfectly heals the body. Chamomile is poured with boiling water, left to stand for no more than an hour, filtered and added to water.
A quick compress made from improvised means will help relieve back pain. Everyone has potatoes and honey in the house. Using folk methods, it is advisable to make such a poultice from them: grate the vegetables and mix them with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The composition should be applied to the gauze and applied to the sore spot. Relief is guaranteed, but unfortunately not for long.
Ginger and garlic ointment works in much the same way. Rub it on a grater and mix it in a 1: 1 ratio, add a little butter or vaseline to make it spreadable, and rub the painful area. It also relieves pain and inflammation, but does not cure the disease. In the case of osteochondrosis, a visit to a neurologist is mandatory, who prescribes full treatment.
Finally, I would like to tell you the basic rules of behavior for osteochondrosis. First, keep your back straight and your head straight. Adjust your workspace to these standards, right down to placing a book under your monitor if it's low or finding a taller chair.
Do not lift heavy objects unless absolutely necessary. And if you really had to carry the load, don't take the weight in a bent position, but do it like weight lifters with dumbbells - sit down, then stand up with the load.
Do not overcool your back, protect it from drafts. A large selection of fashionable and stylish vests will keep your back warm at any time of the year and in all conditions.
Move more, swim, do gymnastics, hang on the horizontal bar.
Having mastered the secrets of gymnastics, self-massage and prevention of osteochondrosis with folk remedies, share them with your office friends. In this way, you can not only insure yourself against spinal diseases, but also help your colleagues avoid back pain and increased fatigue. To be healthy!