The main causes, symptoms and prevention of cervical osteochondrosis. Bonus: preventive gymnastics.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine. With age and in the absence of treatment and prevention, the disease tends to progress. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.
If pain occurs in this ward, consult a doctor as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis leads to severe deterioration of health, including vision problems, persistent migraines and can even result in death.
Osteochondrosis is not necessarily an age-related change, it often affects people at a young age.
If you experience one or more symptoms, consult your doctor for treatment or prevention.
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be varied. Not only age-related changes can cause disease. The disease also affects young people who prefer sedentary work.
Inactivity is the most common cause of osteochondrosis. Lack of moderate exercise leads to muscle weakness and poor circulation. Further pinching of the nerves and the appearance of an intervertebral hernia are possible.
If the load on the muscles is not symmetrical, it can lead to deformations. These changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag on one shoulder, and using a pillow that is too soft while sleeping.
Modern science knows three main stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis disease. They differ from each other in the degree of vertebral injury and methods of treatment.
It begins with the rupture of the intervertebral disc capsule and the appearance of microcracks in the fibrous annulus. This type is characterized by degenerative transformations in the cervical joints and changes in tissue structures.
Characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. It involves a pain point with any load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.
It is considered a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. Significant changes are noted in the structure of the spinal column.
Lack of treatment at this stage can lead to a stroke. Death is possible.
In the third stage of osteochondrosis, a surgical operation is required.
Women with suspected osteochondrosis are prescribed x-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound and neuromyography. They may recommend visiting a mammologist and gynecologist to rule out diseases similar in their symptoms to osteochondrosis.
In women, as in men, there are three main types of osteochondrosis, these are:
Women are more likely than men to develop osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions. This phenomenon is due to the fact that in men, by nature, the chest muscles of the neck are more strongly developed. Therefore, these departments have the best support. Therefore, it is necessary, if possible, to strengthen the muscles of the back and neck with adequate exercises.
Most often, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in women who lead a sedentary lifestyle or engaged in sedentary work (office work, salesmen, drivers), and osteochondrosis of the thoracic region occurs more often in womenwho have had scoliosis since childhood.
To make the correct diagnosis, you need to make an appointment with a doctor. Other diseases can also be hidden under the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis does not have the ability to pass on its own and, moving on to the last, third stage, can be fatal.
Timely treatment will help avoid serious and irreversible consequences.
Here is an example of a list of medical specialists who will help you understand the problem.
The goal of drug therapy is to relieve inflammation and pain. Correctly selected drugs restore blood circulation and healthy nutrition of tissues.
In the acute phase, drug therapy stabilizes the patient's condition and prepares him for the next phase of treatment. Ointments, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and vitamin complexes are used.
Physiotherapy includes a combination of natural and hardware effects on the body. Effectively relieves pain and restores physical activity.
Manual therapy is effective when under the supervision of a good specialist.
The massage stimulates blood circulation and improves tissue nutrition. Manual therapy is convenient for home use (massagers and various applicators).
Before using home manual therapy products, you should consult a specialist.
Reflexotherapy brings an effect due to the effect on the biologically active points of the body. It can be performed in the form of acupuncture, acupressure, sometimes moxibustion. If you choose this particular method of treatment, be sure to have a qualified specialist in front of you, as exposure to inappropriate biological points can have negative consequences.
Physiotherapy exercises (LFK) for osteochondrosis are prescribed without fail in the recovery phase. The purpose of physical therapy is to strengthen the ligaments and muscles, exercise helps restore blood flow.
Properly selected exercises can help prevent repetition and deepening of the damage.
In conclusion, we present to your attention some exercises taken from the complex of physiotherapy exercises.
Consult a doctor before exercising.
Exercises in the physical therapy complex can be uncomfortable, so before doing this, try to relax as much as possible and make sure your breathing is calm and measured.
It is not recommended to overload the muscles during exercise. Do all you can, then, after resting, go back to the exercises.
To achieve the effect of the final recovery, it is necessary to perform up to 300 movements on the diseased spine and 100 repetitions for the adjacent sections.
With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to avoid sudden head movements. The exercises are performed in a standing position, back straight, feet shoulder-width apart (repeat 15 times):
Back Exercises:
Exercises for lying on the side: