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 achieved with simple conservative measures.
Causes and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The vertebrae of the cervical spine have increased stress associated with the mobility of the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of moving the vertebrae with sudden or atypical movements of the head, and a weak corset of muscles does not protect the spine from damage. The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are not fully known, and the course is asymptomatic in most cases. This leads to the fact that most patients seek medical help quite late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- impaired posture, instability of spinal structures;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary work or prolonged forced position, lack of sufficient physical activity;
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in the ligaments and cartilage cause compression of the arteries and nerve trunks, causing cerebral circulation disorders and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. A characteristic sharp sound is heard when tilting or turning the head. Pulling pains can radiate to the thoracic region, 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 lateral parts of the neck.
- Numbness of the hands and fingers may be felt when the head is tilted.
- 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 based on an examination, X-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, MRI imaging will be required, and rheoencephalography and fundus study are needed to assess functional circulatory disorders.
Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as the restoration of natural cartilage tissue using chondroprotectors. Acupressure, physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises are also effective.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Regular physical activity and performing exercises to strengthen the muscular system of the back effectively maintain the normal condition of the spinal structures. Daily gymnastics and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the working day help to normalize blood circulation, alleviate excessive stress on certain segments of the spine.
It is also necessary to monitor the diversity of the diet and avoid excess weight. In order to activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle cramps, a course of massage helps, which must be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.
11 myths in neurology
Today, 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 leads to the fact that most people have at least one health problem related to neurology. Here are just deep-rooted misconceptions and “traditional” medicine prevents patients from coming to the doctor and getting qualified help.
Smart Hostages
The morning doesn't start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people first of all, barely opening their eyes, reach for a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read the news from the screen during breakfast, lunch and dinner. In transport - until I'm on my way to correspondence. In the office - working conversation, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much valuable in one 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. Despite new ways of dealing with diseases invented by mankind, massage therapists are still not resting. And sometimes with the skillful hands of experts you can achieve greater results than with drugs and ultramodern devices.
Hard time of year
Come to the clinic in the summer - half-empty hallways and silence. But autumn is coming and again doctors have more work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who would not increase the number of patients in September and October.
Is the sun a friend or an enemy?
St. Petersburgers have done it - they have survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. He looks out the windows more and more often and warms himself in the streets. Isn't that a reason to rejoice? Or isn't it? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-healing. When it becomes dangerous
There may not be a person who doesn't know what to take for a cold or headache. Everyone has their “proven means”. And advertising suggests solutions to any disease. You can also seek advice from a friend, a pharmacist at the pharmacy or simply online. But is everything so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists regularly face patient requests for drug counseling, and then doctors deal with the results of self-medication.
Back jokes are bad
No one is immune to back pain.
Suddenly I lifted a weight, awkwardly bent or stretched - and now something hurt and hurt me. Office workers who do not seem to unload carriages, plow the land and still suffer from back pain are also in danger. What to do and who to contact when the disease disrupted the plans?