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 obtained with simple conservative measures.
Causes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The vertebrae of the cervical spine are exposed to increased stress associated with the mobility of the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of vertebral displacement with sudden or atypical head movements, and a weak muscle corset will not protect the spine from damage. The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are not fully understood, and in most cases the course is asymptomatic. As a result, most patients seek medical help fairly late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- impaired posture, instability of the structures of the spine;
- 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 the ligaments and cartilage lead to compression of the arteries and nerve trunks, which leads to disorders of the cerebral circulation and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to see.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck and shoulders. A characteristic, crisp sound is heard when the head is tilted or turned. Draft pain can radiate to the chest area and there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades.
- Feeling of exhaustion, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. In cervical osteochondrosis, the headache is concentrated in the occipital region and radiates to the sides of the neck.
- When tilting the head, numbness may occur 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 on the basis of an examination, X-ray or computer tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI scan is required, and rheoencephalography and an examination of the fundus are required to assess functional circulatory disorders.
Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodic agents) and the restoration of natural cartilage tissue with the help of 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 state of the spinal structures. Daily gymnastics and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the working day help normalize blood circulation and excessively relieve certain segments of the spine.
It is also necessary to monitor the variety of diet and avoid obesity. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, massage, which must be repeated 2-3 times a year, will help.
11 myths in neurology
Nowadays it is difficult to meet a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Living in a city with stress, bad habits, and physical inactivity results in most people having at least one neurology-related health problem. Here are just ingrained misconceptions and "traditional" medicine preventing patients from reaching a doctor and receiving qualified help.
Hostages from smartphones
The morning doesn't start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people who barely open their eyes reach for a smartphone - suddenly a message comes along. Then read the messages on the screen over breakfast, lunch and dinner. In transport - during correspondence on the way. In the office - work chat, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it is useful when there is so much valuable in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become too much in our lives?
In the hands of the master
Massage is one of the oldest treatments. Regardless of what new ways to eradicate disease mankind has invented, massage therapists still don't go idle. And sometimes, just with the skilled hands of a specialist, you can get better results than with drugs and state-of-the-art equipment.
Hard time of the year
Come to the clinic in summer - half-empty corridors and silence. But autumn is coming and the doctors are busy again. And maybe there is no such doctor who has not increased the number of patients from September to October.
Is the sun friend or enemy?
Petersburgers made it - they survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. It is increasingly looking into the windows and warming up on the streets. Isn't that a reason to be happy? Or is it not? As you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. It is the same 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. Everyone has their own "proven remedies". And advertising suggests solutions for every disease. You can also get advice from friends, a pharmacist in a pharmacy or simply on the Internet. But is everything so easy and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists are regularly asked by patients for advice on a medicine and then the doctors take care of the results of the self-treatment.
Back jokes are bad
Nobody is immune to back pain.
I suddenly lifted a weight, bent awkwardly or stretched - and now something was hurting and stabbing my back. Office workers who apparently do not unload the wagons, do not plow the land and still suffer from back pain are also at risk. What to do and who can you turn to if an illness has disrupted your plans?