Osteochondrosis is a complex of pathological anatomical and functional disorders associated with degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. This condition develops slowly and with timely intervention, good results can be achieved with simple conservative measures.
Causes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The vertebrae of the cervical spine experience increased stress associated with mobility of the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of displacement of the vertebrae with sudden or atypical movements of the head, and a weak muscular corset does not protect the spine from damage. The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are not fully understood and the course is asymptomatic in most cases. This leads to the fact that most patients seek medical help quite late. Leads to the development of osteochondrosis:
- altered posture, instability of the spinal structures;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary work or being in a forced position for a long time, lack of sufficient physical activity;
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in ligaments and cartilage cause compression of the arteries and nerve trunks, causing cerebral circulation disorders and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. By tilting or turning the head, a distinctive crisp sound can be heard. Traction pains can radiate to the thoracic region, there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades.
- Feeling of exhaustion, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. With cervical osteochondrosis, the headache is concentrated in the occipital region and radiates to the lateral parts of the neck.
- When tilting the head, there may be a feeling of numbness in the hands and fingers.
- Chest pains, nausea, dizziness.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on an examination, X-ray, or CT scan of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI will be required, and rheoencephalography and a fundus study are required to assess functional circulatory disorders.
Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as the restoration of natural cartilage tissue through chondroprotectors. Acupressure, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises are also effective.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the muscular system of the back effectively maintain the normal state of the vertebral structures. Daily gymnastics and control of the position of the neck and back during the workday help normalize blood circulation and relieve excessive stress on certain segments of the spine.
It is also necessary to control the diversity of the diet and avoid excess weight. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, a course of massage helps, which should be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.
11 myths in neurology
These days it is difficult to meet a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Life in a city with its stresses, bad habits and physical inactivity leads to most people having at least one health problem related to neurology. These are deeply ingrained misconceptions, and "traditional" medicine prevents patients from contacting a doctor and getting qualified help.
Smartphone hostages
The morning does not start with coffee. Studies show that, in the first place, hundreds of thousands of people, barely opening their eyes, reach for a smartphone and, suddenly, a message arrives. Then read the news on the screen during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In transportation: while moving away from the road for correspondence. At the office - work chat, at home - communication with friends and family. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much value in a small device: information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become something too much in our life?
In the hands of the master
Massage is one of the oldest treatments. No matter what new ways to get rid of disease mankind has invented, massage therapists still do not sit idle. And sometimes it is precisely with the skillful hands of a specialist that better results can be achieved than with ultra-modern drugs and devices.
Difficult time of year
Come to the clinic in the summer: half-empty corridors and silence. But fall is coming, and again, doctors have more work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who would not have increased patients in September-October.
Is the sun friend or foe?
Petersburg did it: they survived a long, dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. More and more, he looks out the windows and gets hot on the streets. Is this not a reason for joy? Or is it not? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-healing. When it gets dangerous
Perhaps there is no person who does not know what to take for a cold or headache. Each has its own "proven means". And advertising suggests solutions for any ailment. You can also ask friends, a pharmacist at a pharmacy, or just on the Internet for advice. But is everything so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists are regularly faced with requests from patients to advise on a medicine, and then the doctors deal with the results of the self-treatment.
Late jokes are bad
No one is immune to back pain.
Suddenly I lifted a weight, awkwardly bent over or stretched out, and now something on my back was hurting and stabbing me. Also at risk are office workers who do not appear to unload wagons, plow the land and still suffer from back pain. What to do and who to contact when illness has disrupted plans?