Cervical osteochondrosis has become one of the most important health problems facing mankind in recent years. A few decades ago, this disease was considered more common in the elderly due to age-related changes in the intervertebral cartilage. Now, osteochondrosis of the neck is increasingly being diagnosed in very young, even adolescent people.
Who Can Get Cervical Osteochondrosis?
A computer and television have entered almost every home. Long periods of work and games on the computer and many hours of television do not have the optimal effect on the cervical spine.
Those who spend a lot of time driving a car are also prone to this disease. Heavy physical work or, conversely, inactivity (physical inactivity), obesity and some diseases, such as metabolism, can also provoke the appearance of osteochondrosis of the neck.
How and why does this disease occur?
With cervical osteochondrosis, there is a gradual destruction of the intervertebral cartilage. Because of this, there is a violation of the normal position of the vertebrae relative to each other.
With a long course of the disease, the vessels and spinal nerves in the bone canals of the cervical vertebrae are also involved in the pathological process.
The main manifestations of osteochondrosis of the neck
For a long time the disease can not manifest itself in any way. Neck discomfort, recurring pain, or crunching may only occur occasionally. As a rule, the majority of patients do not see a doctor at this stage.
Later, when the progression of the disease develops, the manifestation of the disease occurs in the cervical spine. Most often, osteochondrosis of the neck is manifested in the following symptoms:
- Pain. Pain is most common in the neck, sometimes in the collarbone, shoulder, and upper limb. The pain may be accompanied by impaired sensitivity (numbness, "creeping creep", etc. ).
- Cracking with every movement of the neck.
- Dizziness.
- A headache. They usually don't respond to traditional pain relievers.
- Imbalance and other symptoms.
These and other manifestations of the disease lead the sick person to still seek help from a neuropathologist. However, they already indicate an active degenerative process in the cervical spine.
How can the development of osteochondrosis of the neck be prevented?
First of all, you should lead an active lifestyle. It is necessary to do sports in the morning or at least do exercises every day. The correct organization of working and rest times plays a major role in the prevention of the disease.
In work that involves long forced postures, you should take regular breaks.
During these breaks, it is very useful to gently warm up the muscles of the neck and massage this area yourself. Choose the right mattress and pillow for your sleep.
What if the disease has already appeared?
In addition to the recommendations of the doctor for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck, a few simple rules should be followed in everyday life. Compliance with them will make it possible to keep the frequency of exacerbation of the disease as low as possible:
- Daily implementation of the recommended complex of physical therapy exercises.
- During sedentary work, change the position of the body every 30-50 minutes, take breaks for gymnastics for the neck.
- If possible, limit the amount of time you work on your computer, watch TV, etc.
- Maintain correct posture.
- Use orthopedic mattresses and pillows for sleeping.
- The car should have hard seats with an adapted headrest and a comfortable backrest.
- Try not to do heavy physical labor or make sudden movements.
- If you have to lift a heavy thing, the first thing to do is sit down and then pick it up.
- Do not carry heavy bags on your shoulder. A backpack should be used for carrying.
- You should get rid of excess weight.
- Avoid hypothermia and drafts.
In the case of acute neck pain, sharp heat effects (baths, saunas, etc. ) are contraindicated. Swimming is helpful, especially on your back in a pool or open body of water.
Neck gymnastics complex
It is recommended that this or a similar series of exercises be performed regularly during work breaks. And not only for patients with osteochondrosis of the neck, but also for the prevention of the disease. After all, such exercises can not only eliminate tension in the neck muscles, but also significantly increase efficiency and concentration, and improve the state of memory:
- Lower your chin on the back of your neck and slowly turn your head in both directions. Perform five times in each direction.
- Raise your chin a little and turn your head in each direction. Repeat five times.
- Tilt your head to the right and try to reach the appropriate shoulder with your ear. Do the same for the opposite side. Repeat five times.
- The chin is straight, both hands are pressed on the back of the head. Press the back of the head on the hands for seven seconds to overcome the resistance of the neck muscles. Repeat three more times.
- Press motionless palms with your forehead for seven seconds. Repeat three more times.
- Place your right palm on your right temple and press your head against it, straining your neck muscles for seven seconds. Do the same on the opposite side. Repeat three times.
- The head is straight. Try tilting your head forward to overcome the resistance of tense neck muscles. Repeat five times.
- Tilt your head back and try to pull your chin up. Repeat five times.
- Cross your fingers and place them under your chin. Press them on motionless hands and put strain on the neck muscles for seven seconds. Repeat three more times.
Breathe easily, evenly and calmly while exercising. Do not overexert yourself. If you notice the slightest sign of discomfort (pain or numbness, dizziness, etc. ), you should stop exercising and tell your doctor about it.
How do I sleep properly?
In a dream we spend an average of a third of our life. Therefore, it is important to delve deeper into these nuances. Ideally, you need to buy an orthopedic mattress, and especially a pillow.
If that's not possible, here are a few tips to choose from:
- The mattress should be firm and elastic. In the acute phase of the disease, it is advisable to put an additional shield or wide boards under the mattress.
- The pillow should be small and moderately soft. It should only support the head and neck. The shoulders are outside of her. In case of exacerbation of the disease, a special roller or a small bag of warm sand can be placed under the neck. If the patient shows signs of vertebral artery damage, a tall and rigid pillow should be used. The height of the pillow also depends on the width of the patient's shoulders. Patients with cervical osteochondrosis should not fully sleep without a pillow. This recommendation only applies to disease prevention.
- The sleeping position for osteochondrosis of the neck should be chosen on the back or on the side. Sleeping on your stomach is highly undesirable. If this is not possible, a small flat pillow should be placed under the rib cage.
Modern treatment methods
All methods of treating osteochondrosis of the neck are aimed at improving the anatomical function of the intervertebral discs and joints, as well as the ligaments and bone tissue of the vertebrae. Symptomatic treatment is used, aimed at reducing the severity of the manifestations of the disease.
Acute phase of cervical osteochondrosis
With an exacerbation of the disease, drug treatment is mainly used. Its main goal is to reduce the intensity of the pain in the cervical spine.
Appropriate corrective therapy is used for dizziness, headache and other symptoms suggestive of involvement of the vertebral arteries in the pathological process.
Treatment in remission
After the acute manifestations have subsided, the main treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine may be carried out. This should not be neglected. In fact, it is precisely the careful implementation of the recommendations of the attending physician during this period that will reduce the frequency and intensity of exacerbations of the disease in the future. Apply for this:
- Massage.
- Manual therapy.
- Physical therapy.
- Reflexology.
- Physiotherapy and special gymnastics.
- Restorative drug treatment: drugs that improve the condition of the cartilage of the intervertebral discs (chondroprotectors); Vitamin therapy.
Of course, the complex of therapeutic effects should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
Is it possible to get rid of osteochondrosis of the neck?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a long-term disease that causes great problems for the patient. And, of course, we are all interested in the main question: how to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis?
Unfortunately, changes in the intervertebral cartilage and other anatomical structures of the cervical spine are irreversible.
However, careful observance of all medical recommendations and a complete change in lifestyle will allow you to forget about neck pain for a long time, and sometimes even forever.