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 without treatment and prevention, the disease tends to progress. Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the spine.
If any pain appears in this section, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, as progressive osteochondrosis causes serious health problems, up to vision problems, persistent migraines and can even cause death.
Osteochondrosis is not necessarily an age-related change, it often affects people at a young age.
If one or more symptoms appear, you should see your doctor for treatment or prevention.
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be varied. Not only age-related changes can cause illness. 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 strain. Such changes are caused by the habit of lifting weights with one hand, carrying a bag over one shoulder, and using a pillow that is too soft while sleeping.
Modern science knows three main stages in the development of cervical osteochondrosis. They differ from each other in the degree of damage to the vertebrae and the methods of treatment.
Begins with the rupture of the capsule of the intervertebral disc and the appearance of microcracks in the fibrosus ring. This type is characterized by degenerative transformations of the cervical joints and changes in tissue structures.
Characterized by a decrease in the distance between the vertebral discs. This leads to point pain with any load, it becomes difficult to turn or tilt the head.
It is noted as a chronic disorder of the musculoskeletal function of the spine. Significant changes in the structure of the spine are visible.
Lack of treatment at this point can lead to a stroke. Death is possible.
In the third stage of osteochondrosis, surgery is required.
Women with suspected osteochondrosis are ordered for x-rays, CT and MRI, ultrasound and neuromyography. They may recommend consulting a mammologist and a gynecologist in order to rule out diseases similar in their symptoms to osteochondrosis.
In women, as in men, there are three main types of osteochondrosis, namely:
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 developed. Thus, these services receive the best support. Hence, it is necessary to strengthen the back and neck muscles with proper exercises whenever possible.
Most often, cervical osteochondrosis occurs in women leading a sedentary lifestyle or occupying a sedentary job (office work, salesmen, drivers), and osteochondrosis of the thoracic region most often occurs in womenwomen with scoliosis since childhood.
In order to make the correct diagnosis, you must 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, passing into the last, third stage, can be fatal.
Timely started treatment will help to 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 nutrition to healthy tissues.
In the acute stage, pharmacotherapy stabilizes the patient's condition and prepares him for the next stage of treatment. Ointments, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and vitamin complexes are used.
Physiotherapy involves a combination of natural and material effects on the body. Effectively relieves pain and restores physical activity.
Manual therapy is effective when supervised by a good specialist.
Massage stimulates blood circulation and improves tissue nutrition. Manual therapy is convenient for home use (massagers and various applicators).
Before using manual therapy products at home, you should consult a specialist.
Reflexotherapy brings about 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 at the stage of recovery. The purpose of exercise therapy is to strengthen ligaments and muscles, exercise helps restore blood circulation.
Properly selected exercises can help prevent recurrence and further damage.
In conclusion, we present to your attention some exercises of the physiotherapy exercise complex.
Consult a physician before exercising.
The exercises in the Exercise Therapy Complex can be uncomfortable, so before doing this, try to relax as much as possible and make sure the breathing is calm and measured.
Overloading the muscles during exercise is not recommended. Do whatever you can, and then, after you have rested, return 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 movements of the head. Exercises are performed in a standing position, back straight, feet shoulder-width apart (repeat 15 times):
Feedback exercises:
Lying on the side exercises: