Many people know about osteochondrosis of the neck. Standing in a prolonged static position, with your head down while working on a computer, and "planting" for many hours in front of the TV are factors that contribute to the onset and development of the disease. osteochondrosis? The article is dedicated to the answer to this question.
Stages of disease development
The disease develops intermittently:
- grade osteochondrosis is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue, the patient feels muscle comfort, mild malaise. Symptoms disappear, few seek medical attention at this stage;
- degree of cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by the destruction of the fibrous ring, a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae, which are constricted, painful symptoms occur;
- degree cervical osteochondrosis is manifested in the further sequential destruction of the vertebrae, the deformation of their bodies, the proliferation of bone processes, and the intervertebral hernia variable. The patient feels difficulty and pain when he tries to turn his neck to the side
Symptoms
In the early stages of development, osteochondrosis is asymptomatic. After a long stay with a lowered head or intense physical exertion, there is a slight discomfort in the back of the neck. The patient is in no hurry to see a doctor, confused with the consequences of muscle overload. The pathology develops slowly but steadily.
The main signs of the disease are:
- painful feelings in the problem area - giving a "lumbago" to the hand, the shoulder blade;
- overexertion of the neck muscles;
- numbness of the tongue - can be felt when eating or speaking;
- paresis of the muscles of the arms and legs accompanies all activities
Deformation of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae worsens the patient's condition.
The course of osteochondrosis is complicated by neurogenic symptoms caused by compression of osteophytes or hernial protrusion of the spinal roots, the vertebral artery. Headache, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, decreased visual acuity and hearing loss.
What to do
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires an integrated approach. Medication is not used in the early stages of the disease. Pretty preventive procedures:
- Organizing a healthy lifestyle;
- Adequate nutrition (abstinence from spicy, fatty, high-calorie foods);
- Gymnastics (performing 10-15 minute morning exercises improves physical condition);
- Give up weight lifting - load on the spine;
- Fighting bad habits;
- Pick up the right posture while sleeping (orthopedic mattresses will help) while working on your computer;
- Watch your gait.
Use of drugs
With age, osteochondrosis progresses. The aim of the treatment is to overcome the pathological property. In the neck zone it is worth reducing (anesthetizing) the pain, reducing the intensity of the inflammatory process, increasing the metabolism.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- vitamin complexes;
- chondroprotective agents;
- analgesics;
- muscle relaxants (medicines used to relieve muscle cramps).
Doctors often prescribe medications that contain aspirin. Such treatments relieve pain, fever and fight minor malaise.
The course includes soothing pills.
A doctor who develops a complex to fight the disease uses medications to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Injections
Blockade is a procedure that involves the delivery of a drug to an area affected by a progressive pathological process.
The operation is performed only by a doctor with a higher medical degree. The injection reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process, reduces pain.
Two types of injections can be used to treat osteochondrosis.
In the first case, the active substance is injected into the spinal cord in the direction of the nerve branches, and in the second case - injections into the return branch of the spinal cord nerve.
The last blockade has a more complex action, the technique of execution.
Ointments
One of the options for the pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis is creams, ointments, gels - tools for the external treatment of painful areas.
Therapy is used in the early stages of osteochondrosis. Advantages:
- the use of ointments is lower in price than magnetic therapy, acupuncture;
- devices for external use are convenient and affordable;
- there are no contraindications to use;
- you can use the funds for a long time as an allergic reaction to the ingredients is ruled out.
Types of ointments used to treat osteochondrosis:
- contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic components;
- complex creams;
- irritating ointments - increase local blood circulation;
- chondroprotectors, restores cartilage tissue;
- homeopathic preparations containing natural plant extracts;
- massage mixtures (in the preparation - mummy, herbal ingredients, bee venom).
Non-pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis
Therapeutic methods are selected by the physician based on an analysis of the stage of development of the disease. In the first stage, the patient is advised to sleep on a hard surface. When the nerves get stuck, the cervical vertebrae are pulled out using the Glisson loop. As a result, the muscles and ligaments of the paravertebral zone are stretched. The distance between the vertebrae increases, the nerves and blood vessels are released. With manual therapy, you can stretch your spine by hand. The results are given by magnetic therapy and ultrasound.
Physical exercises - gymnastics, swimming - play an important role in the system of therapeutic measures to combat osteochondrosis.
Exercise is recommended as a prevention for healthy people in remission. The intensity of the load gradually increases. To get started, do the exercises with half force so as not to overload your spine.
Therapy for cervical osteochondrosis is initially dangerous - it can damage the body in the fight for health. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor who has performed a comprehensive examination of the patient.
Correct posture
Most of the symptoms of osteochondrosis are due to the fact that when the neck is in a bad position, the nerve endings and blood vessels are compressed, the local blood circulation is disturbed, and "stagnation zones" are formed. In this regard, doctors recommend that you constantly monitor the anatomical correctness of posture, gait, posture.
Keep your back and neck straight all day. If the work is static, it is important to pay attention to the height of the chair or table. It should be the same so that the person is sitting up straight, not bending, not overstretching the muscles.
You will need a special bed orthopedic latex mattress to sleep. It is advisable to check that the cushion is at the correct height (measured as the distance between the neck and the shoulder joint). This position relaxes the neck muscles during sleep, providing a healing effect.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a disease that requires an integrated approach in organizing therapeutic and prophylactic measures to combat it. It is worth warning about self-medication, which has irreversible negative health consequences. Competent medical help will cure the disease.