There are a huge number of nerve bundles and blood vessels in the human neck that guarantee the normal functioning of the brain and sensory organs.The most common cause of pinching is cervical osteochondrosis - a dangerous degenerative disease of cartilage and bone tissue, which is accompanied by severe pain, worsening of hearing, vision and cognitive functions, the feeling of numbness in the face and the gradual loss of ability to work.
If you experience pain and stiffness when you turn your head, frequent dizziness or weakness in your hands, it's time to consider treating cervical osteochondrosis.
Causes for cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis has its own characteristics due to its anatomical structure.The vertebrae of the cervical spine are smaller than the lumbar and even the thoracic, and also experience a constant static load (head weight).During the day, loads can be expressed to maintain the same stand - for example, when you read documents operating on a computer.At night, the neck is also often deprived of rest due to a non -physical sleep position and an uncomfortable pillow (head or "hanging" on the pillow, or is a point of support and has pressure).As a result of this preparation condition, the so -called overtraining of the muscles.Some muscle groups experience excessive stress and therefore need a longer period of rest and recovery, but they do not receive them - after all, no one has canceled the graphics.
All this causes constant tension in some muscle groups and dystrophic changes in others and often leads to the appearance of a "turtle neck" (a person trimmed as the head protrudes forward and the neck forms a characteristic deviation).In such a situation, the weight of the head falls on the atlas, the first cervical vertebrae.He is forced to absorb this part of the workload that handles the neck muscles during normal physical development.But the fact is that it is not at all suitable for such a task!
Additional factors that can accelerate the wear of the intervertebral cartilage into the cervical spine often include:
- Age and hormonal changes -most often after 45 years (inorganic substances predominate above organic, which reduces the flexibility of the bones and causes their mineralization, and the destruction of bone tissue occurs more than its growth);
- neck injuries and other parts of the spine;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system and acquired postural disorders;
- Physical inaction (after all, the intervertebral joints of the neck are the most movable and different loads are needed for their health);
- Smoking and other bad habits.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis
The stage of cervical osteochondrosis is established on the basis of diagnostic criteria.These include the patient's own sensations, palpation, evaluation of neck mobility, as well as the clearance of the joint space between the vertebrae and other X -ray indicators.Depending on the stage of the disease, the orthopedic physician chooses the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, preventative measures and, if necessary, supports orthoses.
1st degree of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical degree osteochondrosis 1 is also called a preclinical stage.As a rule, patients ignore the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment is not performed due to mild severity.They are attributed to fatigue after a working day, the uncomfortable position of sleep, stress, migraines and various diseases.Patients feel:
- Neck stiffness, especially in the morning or after a long stay in the same position;
- pain when rotating the head;
- Frequent headache (including when time changes).
At this stage of the disease, the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is most likely -because their symptoms are more pronounced.This is due to both the specifics of the work and the physical activity (such as working in the office during the day and bending over the sink or homework of the child in the evening), as well as hormonal and anatomical characteristics (lower muscle mass and bone mineral density).At the pre -clinical stage, women are especially characterized by pressure jumps, numbness and pale skin (especially the face), a tendency to faint and dizziness, nausea and some other symptoms of cerebral hypoxia.
Most often, the symptoms and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis occur in patients aged 45 to 65 years, but with chronic fatigue, excessive physical activity and other risk factors, they can occur quite early - starting for 25 years.
At this stage, the disease can be completely defeated with the help of therapeutic exercises, ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, orthopedic training and normalization of diet.
2nd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
At the 2nd stage of the disease, the height of the intervertebral cartilage, which plays the role of a shock-absorbing lining between the vertebrae, begins to decrease.Therefore, the microtraum to the neck often occurs during acute turns, jumps or excessive loads.Convexity (swelling) of intervertebral discs and radicular syndrome (compression of the nerve endings) also appears.
These changes cause severe pain - both in the head and in the neck.The ability to concentrate, the speed of thinking and the sensitivity of the face and hands decrease.Patients complain of increased fatigue and irritability.At this stage, effective drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is already required.
3rd degree of cervical osteochondrosis
The severe and acute pain is constant and can be radiated to the hands, upper back or back of the head.One or both of the patient's hands get tired quickly.The process begins to spread to adjacent joints due to impaired natural compensatory functions of the spine.The patient has difficulties or cannot turn his head at all due to the formation of bone growths - osteophytes, and the fact that cartilage is replaced by connective tissue.Any movement, if possible, is accompanied by a rough crunch.The neck loses mobility, its muscles atrophy.Hernias often form and cracks appear on the vertebrae.There is noise in the ears.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed in complete, taking into account the age, construction, profession, level of physical fitness of the patient, his lifestyle and the presence of concomitant diseases.Therefore, the expediency of specific therapeutic measures in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women and men should be determined by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation, improve nerve conductivity and nourish the brain, the following physiotherapy methods are used for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Ultrasound therapy and phonophoresis - have a warming effect, improve the effect of external drugs;
- Electrophoresis - increases the effect of medicines used, has a stimulating and warming effect;
- Shock wave therapy (SWT) - activates blood supply, relieves inflammation and improves the processes of regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue;
- Electromyostimulation - improves the mobility and endurance of the neck and hands, relieves pain;
- Cold and ozone therapy - reducing pain and inflammation, help reduce the dose of corticosteroid drugs;
- Physical therapy and kineotherapy - strengthens the muscles of the neck, improves blood circulation and metabolism, maintains the mobility of the neck;
- Manual therapy and mechanical adhesion (grip) - helps to get rid of tension and pain;
- Acupuncture - helps maintain the mobility and sensitivity of the nerves;
- Paraffin applications - stimulate metabolic processes, reduce pain.
The methods for the sanatorium for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are effective and beneficial - for example, balneotherapy (hydrogen sulfide, radon and turpentine baths), hirudotherapy (leech treatment).
Massage in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
Therapeutic, lymphatic drainage massage and physiotherapy have a positive effect on the intervertebral discs, bone tissue, muscles and connections of the cervical spine.Some movements can be done independently - for example, rubbing the cervical collar, the parotid area and the shoulders, mixing the neck with your fingers and the edge of the palm, tapping, caressing and moving up the back of the neck.In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebra, it would be useful to do a round massage on the back of the head, as well as a warming for the keyboard area, shoulders and upper back.Massage before exercise exercises is particularly effective.You can combine it with the use of ointment for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
For osteochondrosis of the neck is also recommended hydromassage - a physiotherapy technique that improves metabolism, inhibits fibrous outgrowths, helps to get rid of headache and improve nerve conduction.
Exercise therapy for cervical osteochondrosis
The lack of adequate physical activity on the muscles of the neck and back is the main cause of the development and the more progression of cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, daily exercises are used for both prevention and treatment of this disease (but not for the treatment of exacerbations of cervical osteochondrosis!).Remember that the exercises should be performed at least 3-5 times a day (1 time in the morning, after waking up).All movements should be smooth without pulling.If you are experiencing pain while performing the exercise, stop it and if you do the whole complex is painful for you, contact an orthopedist for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis drugs, and also visit a physical therapy instructor.
You can perform the following exercises every day (5-7 reps):
- Press your palm to your forehead and strain your neck, trying to move your palm with your forehead.Repeat this exercise for the back of your head and then, in turn, for the right and left temple.
- Tilt your head back and then slowly lower it, pressing your chin against your chest.
- Stand straight and turn your head as far as possible to the left.Repeat the exercise on the right.
- Tilt your head back and try to touch your ear to your shoulder.Repeat on both sides.
- Lower your chin to the jagular slit and first turn your head in one direction (5 times or more), then, similarly, in the other.
Heating the shoulder, like the "mill", will also be helpful.Daily exercises in the early stages of the disease help to do without pills to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
Please note: If you are already diagnosed with osteochondrosis, you should not describe your head in a full circle because this can be traumatic.
Medicines and preparations for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Starting from the second stage of the disease, medicines are used to treat exacerbation of cervical osteochondrosis.But it will not be possible to mislead the disease only with the help of pharmacotherapy - therefore it is important to combine the drugs and drugs listed below for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and wearing orthosis (eg, the jacket of the chantato).
Chondroprotectors for cervical osteochondrosis
Chondroprotectors activate the processes of cartilage and bone regeneration and are therefore excellent as a supportive treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.They are taken for 3 to 6 months.They are produced both in the form of tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as in the form of sachets, injections and capsules.
To consolidate remission and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors recommend chondroprotective drugs.
Anti -inflammatory drugs for cervical osteochondrosis
Anti -inflammatory drugs for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into non -steroidal (NSAIDs) and steroid (hormonal) drugs.Both groups are taken in short courses, as prescribed by a doctor - in the form of tablets for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis or intramuscular injections.Steroids are used in the short stages of the disease when the pain cannot be overcome otherwise.
Antizingmodics and angioprotectors
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, it is important to protect the central nervous system that is at risk of this disease.Therefore, for the effective treatment of cervical osteochondrosis drugs, doctors recommend that they be taken:
- Antispasmodics.
- Angioprotectors.
- Nootropes, amino acids and vitamin complexes for the brain.
External warming agents
Warming gels, creams and ointments for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis improve blood flow, relieve inflammation and dissipate the patient from pain.
Diet in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be classified as so -called."Whole body diseases."Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the diet has two purposes: saturation of the body with nutrients and restriction of substances that contribute to dehydration, mineralization of the joints and their destruction.
Therefore, in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, a special place in the diet should be given:
- Houses, lean beef, play, liver and offal.
- Seafood - fish, mussels, crustaceans, edible algae.
- Eggs and dairy products.
- Whole grains and legumes - oats, wheat (including sprouted wheat), brown rice, beans, peas.
- Vegetables - carrots, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce and others.
- Fruits - apricots, bananas, citrus, plums, apples, avocados, peaches, pomegranate.
- Nuts.
- All fruits (fresh, dried, frozen) and dried fruits.
But it is better to exclude marinades, salty dishes, fast food, semi-finished products and sausages.It is also important to reduce white bread, potatoes, sweets (except for dark chocolate and dried fruits), soda and coffee "from bags" in the menu - this will reduce the need for treatment with osteochondrosis medicines for the cervical spine.