Osteochondrosis of the cervix

The life of a modern person is associated with constant overload to which the spine is exposed. And if earlier diseases of this important organ were found mainly in mature and elderly people, today, according to medical statistics, representatives of the younger generation are facing more and more such problems. The leader in this group of diseases isosteochondrosis of the cervix(SHOOH). This pathology gives a person a lot of discomfort.

Therefore, it is worth knowing about the reasons for its appearance and the methods of treatment.

What is cervical osteochondrosis?

For a long time, most people try not to notice unpleasant discomfort in the neck area, referring to the usual overexertion and fatigue. But over time, the pain adds to the discomfort when moving the head and other unpleasant symptoms appear. And only when the condition becomes critical, a person seeks medical help and learns that he has cervical osteochondrosis.

This disease affects both sexes just as often. As already mentioned, today it is often found in very young people under the age of 30. This phenomenon is largely due to the introduction of computer technologies in all areas of life. People just stop moving and spend most of their time in a chained state on the screen. As a result, pathological changes in the cervical spine begin to occur: the vertebrae shift and the cartilaginous tissues, which represent a kind of mattress, become thinner. In other words, an overgrowth of connective tissue occurs when formations appear in the form of growths in the vertebral body.

The consequence of such pathological changes is the reduction of the effect of the absorption of vibrations between the vertebrae, the bone surfaces, in contact with each other, they cause friction and press on the nearby nerves and blood vessels. All of these pathological changes lead to a deterioration in the blood supply to the back of the brain, which causes a deterioration in general well-being and pain. If the problem is not treated in time, the disease will progress and in severe cases can even lead to disability.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Not so long ago, the main causes of SHOC were always related to age-related changes in the body. But in the reality of modern life, factors have emerged that increase the risk of developing pathology at a younger age.

Some of these reasons include:

• sedentary life?
• forced stay in one place (usually sitting).
• overweight;
• autoimmune disease;
• drafts;
• stressful situations;
• injuries to the cervical or occipital region;
• congenital anomalies of the spine.
• violation of metabolic processes.

In some cases, the disease develops as a result of hormonal disorders or unfavorable heredity.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix

In contrast to pathological processes in other parts of the spine, SHOX is more pronounced. This feature is explained by the fact that in the cervical spine the vertebrae are very close to each other, so the height of the intervertebral discs is small. This anatomical feature contributes to a greater extent than in other parts of the spine, compression of nerve tissue and blood vessels. Therefore, the main symptoms of the disease are located in the upper back, in the area of the cervix and in the head.

In this case, patients have the following complaints:

• restriction of neck mobility, especially if you want to turn your head.
• severe pain, which often does not allow a person to do an elementary action (bending, turning the head).
• characteristic movement crisis.
• reduced sensitivity in the hands.
• reduced coordination of movements.
• dizziness;
• general weakness
• impaired vision and hearing, tactile sensitivity or taste perception.

Since the cervical spine consists of eight vertebrae, depending on the location of the dystrophic lesion, the disease has its own characteristic features. Usually in these parts there is a disturbance of sensitivity or restriction of mobility as a result of compression of the roots of the spine. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervix is differentiated by radical symptoms, ie it is taken into account which vertebra is involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include:

1. the first vertebra - the sensitivity decreases and there is numbness of the occipital region and the neck.
2. the second - pain in the back of the head and parietal area.
3. third - pain in the part of the throat where the root is tight, speech and taste are also reduced.
4. fourth - pain radiating to the shoulder, below the scapula, respiratory disturbances may be observed.
5. fifth - pain in the neck, radiating to the shoulder.
6. sixth - the pain in the neck extends to the forearm and thumbs in the hand.
7. seventh - pain radiating to the scapula, back shoulder, forearm and fingers.
8. eighth - the pain spreads from the neck to the shoulder and further down the hand to the little fingers.

It should be noted here that the diagnosis pays special attention to the extent of the lesion. Because this criterion determines the degree of cervical osteochondrosis. There are only four of them and they determine the severity of the pathological process.

Diagnosis of the disease

It should be noted that an experienced physician can easily diagnose osteochondrosis of the cervical spine during the initial examination, focusing only on the characteristic clinical symptoms. But to determine the degree of damage and the prevalence of pathology, it is recommended that the patient undergo various tests.Basically, these are all methods of material research. The diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

• X-ray examination of the cervical spine. During the diagnosis process, the degree of damage, the location, the salt deposits and the characteristics of the position of the vertebrae are determined.
• Computed tomography - allows you to detect possible fractures, determine the true height of the intervertebral discs, the points of compression of nerve tissue and spinal cord, if any.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - gives an accurate picture of pathological changes. Thanks to this type of examination, it is possible to accurately determine the condition of the nerve fibers, as well as the intensity of blood flow.

Most of the time, at diagnosis, one of the types of examination mentioned is sufficient. In most cases, doctors use a technique that has been proven for decades, namely radiography.

Why is cervical osteochondrosis dangerous?

Any pathology of the spine is fraught with serious problems. After all, the spine is a kind of foundation on which the whole structure of the human body rests. Important blood lines pass through the cervical region, providing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are many nerve endings here. Therefore, a violation of the nerve or blood supply to important organs threatens with serious consequences. And this is not an exaggeration of the risk, since osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has serious consequences.

In addition to the perceived discomfort, the resulting spinal defect leads to hearing loss, visual dysfunction. The brain with SCH suffers from a lack of oxygen. Therefore, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is considered the most dangerous form of this disease.

To be convinced of this, it is enough to list only the most common complications of SHOX:

• persistent hypertension
• chronic migraines;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD).
• Respiratory problems;
• various disorders of perception (taste, touch), which eventually take an irreversible form.
• cardiovascular pathologies, of which strokes are the most dangerous.

In advanced cases of the disease, patients develop spinal artery syndrome and prolonged compression of the nerve roots leads to rhizopathy. Changes in the structure of the vertebrae can then lead to a complete loss of mobility in the neck. But the most serious complication of cervical osteochondrosis is death, which leads to compression of the spinal cord.

Given the severity of the condition and the high probability of complications, if any worrying symptoms occur, you should contact a hospital immediately. Among these unpleasant signs may be: systemic headaches, dizziness, discomfort in the neck or back of the head. After diagnostic measures, the doctor will choose an appropriate treatment.

Treatment of patients with SHS is usually complex. The treatment includes necessary massage, therapeutic gymnastics, physiotherapy procedures. Of course, without the use of medication, it is impossible to improve the patient's condition.Therefore, the osteochondrosis medication complex includes:

• analgesics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• chondroprotectants;
• Muscle relaxants are a means of relieving muscle tension.
• a complex of vitamins is necessarily prescribed.

All treatment is selected by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Any kind of self-medication for cervical osteochondrosis is unacceptable. All of these drugs aim to detect symptoms in the acute phase of the disease. During the recession, other techniques are relevant. Usually, the treatment is performed at home, ie on an external basis. But in very severe cases, the patient is hospitalized.

Traditional methods of treatment

Doctors are always willing to supplement the pharmaceutical complex of treatment with natural preparations prepared on the basis of folk recipes. Various decoctions, infusions help to stop inflammation and relieve pain.

Here are some recipes for alternative treatment for osteochondrosis:

• Dill seeds (200 g) should be poured with vodka (250 ml) or alcohol diluted in half with water. After two weeks of infusion, it is recommended to take an infusion spoon three times a day on an empty stomach.
• The means for external use are easy to prepare in the following order: lilac leaves (fresh) should be crushed into a fine mass, add 300 ml of radish juice (black) to them and then add 200 grams of good honey to the mass. It is necessary to insist on composing the whole day in a dark place. It can then be used to rub the problem area. This product is recommended for use after consulting a doctor. The composition is contraindicated for those who are allergic to its ingredients.
• From lilac flowers, you can prepare an infusion for internal use. To do this, take a tablespoon (tablespoon) of aromatic inflorescences, pour a glass of boiling water, drain in an hour and take 1 liter three times. Art.

Great! When taking all herbal preparations, the prescribed dosage should be strictly adhered to.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home

It makes sense to talk about the therapeutic exercise complex with SHH only after the cessation of the acute period. As the disease worsens, such activities can only worsen the condition.

All physiotherapy exercises aim to maintain normal mobility in the cervical spine. The lessons are conducted in a calm rhythm, there should be no sudden movements. If there are signs of fatigue or painful sensations, the lessons are stopped immediately. The set includes the following exercises that you can do regularly at home:

• When standing, you should tilt your head while inhaling so that your chin touches your chest. When you exhale, the head is gently pulled back. The same exercise can be done freely while sitting in a chair.
• In any starting position, it is convenient to make rotating movements of the head. It is best to periodically change the direction of movement so that your head does not rotate. It is recommended that you perform the exercise slowly.
• Performing this exercise regularly will help to perfectly strengthen the neck muscles: you need to put your hands in a "lock" and press your forehead against them as much as possible. To achieve a lasting result, repeat this exercise three times for 30 seconds. You can alternately press with your palms on your forehead and then apply pressure with your forehead to your palms.

There are many other effective methods, but any option can only be used with a doctor's approval.

To avoid a history of diagnosis "osteochondrosis of the cervixYou need to lead an active life, exercise regularly in the morning, pay attention to your neck and equip your workplace properly.