Osteochondrosis is a complex of anatomical and pathological 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 undergo greater stress associated with the 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 muscle 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 a little late. Leads to the development of osteochondrosis:
- impaired posture, instability of spine structures;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary work or for a long time in a forced position, lack of sufficient physical activity;
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in the ligaments and cartilage cause compression of the arteries and nerve trunks, causing disorders of the cerebral circulation and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When tilting or rotating the head, a distinctive distinctive sound can be heard. Pulling pains can radiate to the thoracic region, there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades.
- Feeling tired, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. In 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 sensation of numbness in the hands and fingers.
- Chest pain, nausea, dizziness.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on examination, X-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI, reoencephalography and fundus examination will be necessary 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 using chondroprotectors. Acupressure, physiotherapy and 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 condition of the spinal structures. Daily gymnastics and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the workday help to normalize blood circulation, relieve excessive stress in certain segments of the spine.
It is also necessary to monitor the diversity of the diet and avoid being overweight. To activate the metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, a massage course, which must be repeated at intervals of 2 to 3 times a year, helps.
11 myths in neurology
Nowadays it is difficult to find a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Life in a city with its stresses, bad habits and physical inactivity means that most people have at least one health problem related to neurology. Here are only deep-seated misconceptions and "traditional" medicine prevents patients from seeking medical advice and obtaining qualified help.
Smartphone hostages
The morning does not start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people, first of all, barely open their eyes, pick up a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read the news on the screen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In transport - while you are off the road for correspondence. At the office - chatting at work, at home - communicating with friends and relatives. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much value in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become 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 the diseases that humanity has invented, massage therapists still do not remain idle. And sometimes it is precisely with the skilled hands of a specialist that you can get better results than with ultra-modern drugs and devices.
Difficult time of the year
Come to the clinic in the summer - half empty corridors and silence. But autumn comes, and again, doctors have more work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who did not increase patients in September-October.
Is the sun a friend or an enemy?
The petersburgers have succeeded - they have survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. Increasingly, he looks out the windows and warms the streets. Isn't that a cause for joy? Or isn't it? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. The same is true with the sun.
Self-healing. When it gets dangerous
Perhaps there is no one who does not know what to take for a cold or a headache. Everyone has their own "proven means". And advertising suggests solutions for any disease. You can also ask friends for advice, a pharmacist at a pharmacy or simply on the Internet. But is it all so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists regularly receive requests from patients for advice on a drug, and then doctors take care of the results of self-treatment.
Jokes are bad
No one is immune to back pain.
Suddenly, I lifted a weight, bent awkwardly or stretched - and now something in my back hurt and stabbed. At risk are also office workers who, it seems, do not unload the carriages, plow the soil and still suffer from back pain. What to do and who to contact when an illness interrupts the plans?