Osteochondrosis of the cervix is the pathological change in the tissues of the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves. As a result, soft tissues become thinner, and the cushioning effect of the vertebrae diminishes. Compression of blood vessels and nerve fibers occurs, and mobility of the cervical spine is reduced.
Osteochondrosis of the cervix is one of the most dangerous localizations of osteochondrosis, as as a result of this disease, the blood supply to the brain deteriorates.
Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?
As a result, the normal functioning of the cervical spine is disrupted, its mobility is reduced and neck pain appears. Osteochondrosis of the cervix can cause deterioration of blood circulation to the brain, migraines, heart rhythm disturbances, deterioration of vision, coordination and attention, and the development of intervertebral hernia.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The disease is characterized by acute pain in the neck, radiating to the back of the head, shoulder and forearm. The pain may worsen when you move your head or in certain positions. As a result of the pain syndrome and the inflammatory process, the cervical muscles are overloaded. Patients often have migraines, decreased hearing and visual acuity, dizziness, tinnitus, sudden changes in blood pressure, fainting. A symptom of cervical osteochondrosis may be a violation of the sensitivity of the fingertips.
Types of osteochondrosis
Localization distinguishes cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and common osteochondrosis. Most often, lumbar osteochondrosis is diagnosed (over 50% of cases), cervical (more than 25%) and diffuse (about 12%).
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Parents often say a common phrase addressed to children: "Do not turn your head! " Doctors call for the opposite: "make sure you turn your head. "Any age. This is the only way you can avoid a dangerous disease - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
The neck is designed by nature not only to hold the head and turn it in different directions, which, by the way, over the years for untrained people who do not care about their health, becomes a rather difficult matter. The spinal cord, the arteries that feed the brain, the nerve roots, and the trunks, which carry a neural connection to the hands, heart, and lungs, pass through the neck region.
Complaints with this type of osteochondrosis are very different: heart pain, headache, dizziness with short-term loss of consciousness (due to disorders in the blood supply to the brain), pain in the shoulder joint or all over the arm.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Occasional chest pain is known to all those who are engaged in hard physical work. As a rule, these painful and unpleasant sensations serve as the first sign that a rather unpleasant disease begins to develop in the body - osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. Often this disease affects people of the so-called sedentary professions: designers, computer operators, drivers.
But it is not at all necessary that you, even if you pull heavy objects every day or have to sit at your desk for long hours, will have osteochondrosis.
A credible barrier to disease is correct behavior. When walking, try to keep your back straight, your shoulders straight. To form behavior, as you understand yourself, it is necessary from an early age. But you can do it at the age of 30 or 40. Indeed, better late than never!
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
At first, there is dull pain in the lumbar region and in the legs, then usually numbness of the extremities is observed, a significant increase in pain with sudden body movements, with tremors.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis are usually associated with aging of the body and age-related changes in the tissues. However, lifestyle and related factors increase the risk of developing the disease. This includes:
- low physical activity, sedentary work;
- overweight and unhealthy diet;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system: flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis, behavioral disorders;
- injuries to the neck or back of the head.
In addition, osteochondrosis can be caused by other diseases of the spine. The spine is a single whole, and should also be treated in a complex. This is why the first thing you should do if you suspect osteochondrosis is to undergo a thorough spine examination.
Osteochondrosis is a disease of the cartilaginous surfaces of the bones of the musculoskeletal system, mainly the spine (as well as the hip and knee joints). Osteochondrosis has four stages of development.
To understand the essence of this disease, it is necessary at least in general terms to understand the structure of the spine. The vertebrae are connected to each other by ligaments and intervertebral discs. The holes in the vertebrae form the channel in which the spinal cord is located; its roots, which contain sensory nerve fibers, extend between each pair of vertebrae. When the spine is bent, the intervertebral discs are somewhat compressed on the sloping side, and their nuclei shift in the opposite direction. Simply put, intervertebral discs are shock absorbers that relieve pressure on the spine under stress.
Massive morbidity is mainly associated with the vertical position of a person, in which the load on the spine and intervertebral discs is much higher than in animals. If you do not learn how to sit, stand, lie down, then the disc will lose the ability to perform its function (damping) and after a while the outer shell of the disc will crack, and hernial extensions form. They compress the blood vessels (leading to impaired spinal circulation) or the spinal cord roots, and in rare cases, the spinal cord itself. These changes are accompanied by painful sensations and reflex tension of the back muscles.
According to statistics, almost every second person aged 25 to 55 suffers from osteochondrosis. But mostly people start to feel the manifestations of osteochondrosis after 35 years. The development and worsening of spinal osteochondrosis is facilitated by static and dynamic overload as well as tremors.
This can be caused by:
- work accompanied by frequent changes in the position of the trunk - flexion and extension, bends, jerk movements,
- lifting heavy loads,
- inappropriate behavior when standing, sitting, lying down and carrying weights,
- physical education and sports regardless of the impact of strenuous physical exertion,
- unfavorable meteorological conditions - low temperature with high humidity.
But it can not be said that if you follow all the instructions exactly, then osteochondrosis will not threaten you. After all, the cause of this disease can be traumatic injuries.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment is prescribed after examination. The doctor collects the anamnesis and directs the patient for examination. Most often - for magnetic resonance imaging. Once they have discovered the exact cause of the disease, they begin treatment.
In the acute period, the doctor prescribes pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. In the period of remission - physiotherapy procedures - massage, kinesiotherapy, shock wave therapy, physiotherapy exercises. These methods are aimed at strengthening the muscular corset, relieving tension and preventing disease attacks.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
- Get regular checkups.The disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Annual examinations will identify the disease at an early stage and cure it before it progresses to a more severe stage.
- Look at your behavior.Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. If you work a lot at the computer or desk, choose a comfortable chair, stay in order, and warm up every half hour or hour.
- Make an active lifestyle.Walk more, be outdoors, play sports, swimming is especially useful.
- Use an orthopedic pillow while you sleep.
Osteochondrosis and its prevention
Taking care of your own health is the immediate responsibility of everyone; he has no right to shift it to others. After all, it often happens that a person from the wrong way of life, bad habits, physical inactivity, overload already at the age of 20-30 brings himself to a catastrophic state. No matter how perfect the medicine is, it cannot save everyone from all diseases. Man is the creator of his health, for which he must fight. From an early age, it is necessary to lead an active lifestyle, fitness, exercise and sports, to observe the rules of personal hygiene - in a word, to achieve in a reasonable way a proper harmony of health.
Prolonged exercise is a reliable prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Here are some exercises to prevent this type of osteochondrosis:
- Press the forehead into the palm and tighten the neck muscles. Do the exercise 3 times for 7 seconds. Then press the back of the head to the palm of the hand also 3 times for 7 seconds.
- Stretching the neck muscles, press with the left temple on the left palm (3 times for 7 seconds), and then press on the right palm with the right temple (3 times for 7 seconds).
- Tilt your head slightly back. Overcoming the resistance of the tense neck muscles, press your chin against the jugular fossa. Do the exercise at least 5 times.
- Keep your head and shoulders straight. Slowly turn your head as far to the right as possible (5 times). Perform the left movement the same number of times.
- Lower the chin to the neck. Turn your head first 5 times to the right and then 5 times to the left.
- Throw your head back. Try to touch your right ear to your right shoulder (5 times). Perform the same movement, trying to touch the left shoulder with the left ear (5 times).
It is recommended to include these exercises in hygienic exercises in the morning, as well as performing them during the working day. You can do both while sitting and standing. However, under no circumstances should you make circular rotational movements with your head. This can result in damage.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
If you regularly perform exercises (listed below) that develop and maintain the tone of the back and abdominal muscles, ensuring normal mobility of all segments of the thoracic spine, then osteochondrosis will not defeat you.
- I. f. - on foot; while sucking, stand up straight, hands down, feet together. Stretch your arms up - exhale. Bend down and take a deep breath. Then lower your arms, lean forward, slightly round your back, lower your shoulders and head - exhale. Repeat 8-10 times.
- I. f. - sitting in a chair. Put your hands behind your head - inhale, bend as much as possible 3 - 5 times, supporting the shoulder blades at the back of the chair - exhale.
- I. f. - Take the quarters. Bend your back as much as possible and hold for 2-3 seconds in this position. Keep your head straight. Return to i. p. and repeat the same exercise 5 to 7 times.
- I. f. - Lie on your stomach and place your hands on the floor. Tighten as much as possible, trying to pull the body off the floor.
- I. f. - lying on the abdomen, arms along the body. Bend at the spine, trying to raise your head and legs as much as possible.
These exercises, which relieve stress on the back of the chest, are advised to be performed throughout the day during short breaks from work. In exercises 3 to 5, breathing is arbitrary. Do the 4th and 5th exercises 5 - 8 times. These exercises can be included in the morning exercises. It is really very useful to perform some movements after work. The main thing is that you do the preventive complex every day, then you will surely be safe from osteochondrosis.
How to sit properly
- avoid very soft furniture - it's not for you. So that the weight of the body does not put excessive pressure on the spine, the body must be supported by the ischial tubercles, and this is only possible in firm seats.
- the following requirements are imposed on the furniture on which you have to sit for a long time: the height of the chair, the chair should correspond to the length of the lower leg - it is necessary that the foot rests on the floor; for people of small stature, it is recommended to replace a bench under their feet; the maximum seat depth is approximately 2/3 of the hip length.
- there should be enough space for the legs under the table so that they do not have to bend too much.
- if you have to sit for a long time, try every 15 to 20 minutes. warm up a bit, change the position of the legs.
- make sure your back is tight to the back of the chair.
- sit up straight, not tilting your head too far or bending your torso, so as not to strain your body muscles.
- If by the nature of your activity you have to read for a long time every day, make a device on the table (music stand) that supports the book at a sufficient height and inclined towards the table so that you do not have to tilt the topof the body forward.
- while driving a car, try to stay relaxed. It is important that the back is well supported. To do this, place a thin pillow between the lower back and the back of the chair, which will maintain the waist curve. Keep your head straight. After a few hours of driving, get out of the car and do basic gymnastic exercises: turns, turns, sit-ups - 8-10 times each.
- in front of the TV screen, do not sit or lie in one position for a long time. Change it periodically, get up to lengthen. We sat for 1-1, 5 hours, sit in a chair or stool, relax the muscles, take some deep breaths.
How to stay correct
When a person stays for a long time, the spine experiences considerable stress, especially its lumbar region.
- change position every 10-15 minutes while leaning on one or the other leg, this will reduce the load on the spine.
- if possible, walk in place, move.
- occasionally, bend over, arms outstretched, take deep breaths. This can somewhat relieve fatigue from the muscles of the shoulder girdle, neck, neck, back.
- if you wash the dishes, iron the linen, place one or the other foot on a bench or small box. For those suffering from osteochondrosis, it is best to iron while sitting or place the ironing board so that you are not leaning low.
- when cleaning the apartment, working with a vacuum cleaner, also try not to bend, it is better to extend the hose with extra pipes. When cleaning under the bed, kneel on one knee under the table.
- picking up an object from the floor, sitting down or bending over with your knees bent and resting your hand on a chair or table. This way you do not overload the lumbar spine.
How to lie correctly
It is better to sleep not on a soft bed, but neither on the boards. The bed should be semi-rigid so that the body, when a person lies on his back, maintains physiological curves (cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis). For this:
- place a shield over the entire width of the bed or sofa, and thick foam rubber 5-8 cm above. Cover with a woolen blanket and lay out a sheet.
- when the pain is in the leg, you can place a blanket roller under the knee joint - this reduces the stretch of the sciatic nerve and relieves the pain in the leg.
- when his back hurts, many patients prefer to sleep on their stomachs. Place a small pillow under your lower abdomen to prevent your back from sagging too much, which causes even more pain.
- sleep lovers on the arm can sleep with one foot on the other, and with one hand under the head.
Getting out of bed in the morning for patients with acute manifestations of osteochondrosis can be very difficult. Do this:
- do some simple arm and leg exercises first;
- then if you are sleeping on your back, roll on your stomach;
- lower one foot to the floor;
- leaning on this leg and arm, transfer body weight to the knee and gradually rise without making any sudden movements.
And one more tip. For those who like a bath, dry steam (sauna) is preferred, and during a deterioration, the sauna will have to be abandoned.
How to lift and move weights properly
One of the main reasons for the worsening of osteochondrosis and the formation of intervertebral disc herniations, especially in the lumbosacral region, is the lifting and carrying of heavy loads. Acute, sudden, there is pain in the lower back in cases where the weights are suddenly lifted, with a jerk, and then a heavy object is moved sideways while turning the body.
How to hold weights properly
- Do not carry a heavy load in one hand, especially over long distances, so as not to overload the spine, split the load and hold it in both hands. It is unacceptable to carry a weight, bend sharply and let go (bend back).
- in general, it is undesirable for a patient with osteochondrosis to lift and maintain a weight of more than 15 kg. We advise you to buy a wheelchair or handbag.
- a wide belt backpack is very convenient for carrying large loads over long distances. The weight of a full backpack is distributed over the weight of the spine and the hands remain free.
How to lift weights correctly
- put on, if you have, a weight belt or any wide belt;
- squat down, while the back should be straight, the neck should be straight;
- grabbing a weight with both hands, stand up without bending your back.
And finally, the most important advice. If there is acute pain in any part of the spine, you should not treat yourself with pills and oils. Seek help from a qualified neurologist - you need to make an accurate diagnosis, relieve pain and draw up a plan for further treatment.