Problems with the neck are quite poorly tolerated by people. After all, these are difficulties with turning the head, the impossibility of inclinations and other troubles that seriously reduce the quality of human life.
Today, osteochondrosis of the neck has seriously younger and can be increasingly observed in people from 30 to 50 years old, i. e. the most able -bodied population. Moreover, many do not even suspect that they have such a pathology. After all, painful sensations appear infrequently and a little. Here it is worth understanding that in time the treatment will allow you to cope with the problem and quickly return the joy of life and performance to a person.
Description of pathology
It must be remembered that the destructive process in the vertebrae and discs is considered irreversible. The former performance will not return against his background. The maximum that can be done is to recognize the problem in time and slow down the destruction processes.
Cervical osteochondrosis is considered the most dangerous of all options. And this is not without reason. After all, it affects the neck, and nearby is the brain. Yes, and a huge number of vessels and fibers that feed the brain structures pass through it. In addition, the vertebrae here are very closely with each other, which is also quite harmful. As soon as the weak compression of the vessels, arteries and nerve endings begins, other symptoms and manifestations of what other organs suffer will manifest.
The vertebrae are too close to each other, and the slightest changes at least in one immediately draw changes in the other. The number of complications caused by osteochondrosis of the neck is called increased pressure, the development of vegetative-vascular dystonia, a decrease in hearing and vision, as well as breathing difficulties. The most severe consequence may be a fatal outcome against the background of compression of the spinal cord.
How pathology develops
The first stage is the time when the symptoms are almost invisible. At the same time, serious changes are already actively in the body - the structures of disks, vertebrae and joints begin to change. The maximum that can manifest itself in the form of symptoms:
- Pain in the head
- Unpleasant sensations in the neck, arms and shoulders
- The emergence of slight limitations when moving in the neck
- Small and infrequent visual weakening
- Reducing the sensitivity of the collar zone
The second stage is already a more serious violation in the operation of the disks of the neck. Here small hernias can even appear, intervertebral cracks begin to narrow. The pain is felt pointily against the background of compression of certain vertebrae. Symptoms during this period can be as follows:
- Pain in the neck
- Crunch while turning the head
- Vision of vision
- Numbness of the face
- Weakness in the hands
- The appearance of shooting pains that can be given to the shoulder blades
- Sleep problems, inability to fall asleep
In the third stage, difficulties with treatment may already be noted. Here hernias are already being formed, the spine begins to deform, dislocations among the vertebrae may appear. Symptoms at this stage are complicated. This:
- Severe pain in the neck and collar area
- The inability to feel the skin on the head, shoulders, arms
- Paralysis of the hands
- The disappearance of tendon reflexes
- The hernia of the cervical vertebrae begins to manifest itself actively
At the fourth final stage, all the symptoms of pathology begin to aggravate.
Why such a problem appears
There are quite a lot of reasons why this pathology appears. Among them:
- Excess weight and improper nutrition, in which there are a lot of moles, marinades, etc.
- Problems with posture, the presence of scoliosis, rheumatism and even flat feet
- A sedentary lifestyle, in which a person has a sedentary work, does not have a sufficient number of physics, etc.
- Injuries in the neck, spinal injuries
- Too active corners, which for the body are novelty
- Frequent stresses and serious nervous overstrain
- Improper development of the cervical region
Most of this list leads to an increased load on the vertebrae, as a result of which muscle spasm develops. Against this background, blood circulation problems begin, metabolism worsens. Against this background, degenerative changes are developing quite actively. The discs begin to become thinner, deformed, protruding beyond the spine.
How to recognize this disease
A person must listen to himself in order to recognize the beginning processes of destruction in his body in time. This will quickly start therapy.
In total, such symptoms and signs as: :
- By pain: the pain is localized in the neck, in the back of the head, in the shoulders, arms and even legs; If the nerve endings are connected to the pathological process, then a person will feel discomfort in the shoulder zone, pain in the occipital part will appear, and restructuring of the hands is noticeable
- From the side of the hands: their restructuring occurs against the background of a decrease in sensitivity in the hands, damage to the spine with nerves responsible for sensitivity; a spine is squeezed, which includes the motor nerves
- From the head: the appearance of crunching with turns and inclinations, pain, etc.
- From the general state: a feeling of impenetrable fatigue, frequent dizziness, problems with coordination, vision problems, loss of sensitivity of the language
Pathology diagnostics methods
An important point for therapy is the correct diagnosis. Indeed, in some of its manifestations, osteochondrosis is very similar to other pathologies. Diagnosis should be complex and includes:
- Doctor examination and history of an anamnesis
- Conducting an X -ray: This method will determine the change in mobility and arrangement of the vertebrae, will provide a study of a decrease in intervertebral cracks and will make it possible to see salts deposits
- Conducting CT: this research method is considered one of the most accurate; With its help, you can see gaps, various changes that have been subjected to the disk, to evaluate what the instability of the vertebrae, what is the compression of the nerve fibers and the brain of the back
- MRI: This method of diagnosis helps to see all pathological changes, allows you to determine the blood flow and the condition of the nerve roots
It is believed that for making an accurate diagnosis there is enough data of inspection and X -ray. The remaining options are used only in cases where the situation is not clear and there is a place for doubts.
What should be the treatment
Therapy of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be full and complex. This is the only way to achieve the perfect result and stop the destruction process. Here it is worthwhile to understand that both the doctor and the patient will have to work.
First aid for exacerbations
The acute phase of the disease occurs as always by accident and unexpectedly. And it is worth studying first aid methods so that you can at least get to the doctor. As a rule, the main recommendation is to lay the pepper patch on the affected area. This measure will relieve pain. But the effect of it will be short -term.
Having removed the pain that showed sharply, you must immediately go to the doctor. He will study the patient's condition, draw conclusions about the destructiveness of the situation and select adequate therapy.
Medications therapy
When making a diagnosis of neck osteochondrosis, a whole list of drugs of different spectra of action is immediately offered. All of them allow in general to normalize a person’s condition and return the joy of life to him. The list includes:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-such drugs recommend using 1-2 weeks 2-3 times a day. Usually, to reduce their destructive effects on the body, such funds are advised to use after eating
- Musorelaxants: similar drugs provide the best muscle tone and relieve spasms
- Diuretics: with the help of such options, you can get rid of edema in the damaged area
- Corticosteroids: drugs that reduce pain, they are especially effective for severe pain, ideally they must be prescribed with analgesics
- Blockade - are made on the basis of novocaine and lidocaine: usually it is professional therapy, i. e. performed by doctors; During the procedure, they subcutaneously or intramuscularly introduce the drug into several points near the injured vertebrae
- Chondroprotectors: Preparations for the restoration of cartilage tissue
- B vitamins-such means are responsible for improving metabolic processes in nervous tissue, provide higher neuromuscular conductivity
It happens that local therapy is prescribed in combination with medicines. Usually we are talking about warming ointments.
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy
A prerequisite for the patient’s recovery is to conduct physiotherapy sessions with the therapeutic purpose of, as well as exercise therapy. Among non -medical means is highlighted:
- Treatment with special currents called modulated
- Reflexology
- Gymnastics of an orthopedic nature
- The use of special simulators for physicism
- Massages
- Electrophoresis - in this case, active therapeutic substances are introduced into the skin using electrodes
- Magnetotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Laser
All these methods contribute to the removal of muscle spasm, improve the state of a person, and have a beneficial effect on his nervous system.
As for exercise therapy, it should not be neglected. After all, moderate and thoughtful physical activity will allow the muscles to tone and ensure normal well -being to a person. Immediately after the exacerbation period, you can proceed to the exercises, especially since they are quite simple and accessible to everyone.
The list of exercises options will be offered to its patient attending physician. It will compose it on the basis of the complexity of the situation and the need for certain loads. Of the standard options, they offer:
- Lie with a stomach down, rest your hands. Raise the head and body slightly, but keep your back evenly, do not fail. In this position, you need to keep yourself a couple of minutes, then return to the original. Repetitions should be 2-3
- Lie on the floor, stretch your hands along the body, try to touch the floor with your ear, then turn your head for the same purpose. Repeat 6-7 times
- Sitting on the floor, inhale and tilt your head to your chest, reaching it with a chin, exhale and send your head back until it stops. Repetitions of this exercise should be 10-15
It should be remembered that there should be no painful sensations during the exercise. If they appear, gymnastics must be abandoned and consult your attending physician.
Home methods of therapy
Often, folk remedies are practiced with therapeutic purpose. Recommendations of such a plan have been checked for years. So, for example, you can use the ointment with hops. It is not difficult to cook it: you need to grind a tablespoon of powder from cones from 1 tbsp. butter oils. The sore spot must be grated with such a tool and wrapped well. If the ointment is used regularly, inflammation and pain will pass.
Gloring will be a great way. To carry out them, it is enough to prepare a special infusion. Half a glass of elderberry and a couple of glasses of alcohol should be insisted for 7 days, putting everything in a dark place. Then it remains only to rub the infusion into the affected area.
You can make a compress literally from what is at hand. An excellent solution would be a mixture of honey and grated potatoes. The potatoes are fresh and peeled from the peel should be grated and mixed with honey. All this mass should be wrapped in gauze and put on the neck for 20 minutes. The position of the body should be maintained motionless. It is enough to carry out such a procedure once a week.
Traditional medicine should be practiced only with the permission of the attending physician. After all, there is a real risk of making yourself worse, but this cannot be allowed. Therefore, it is important to speak all the methods with the attending specialist so that you can react in time if something goes wrong.
Surgical intervention
It is worth preparing for the fact that the intervention of surgeons is possible.
Surgery is connected if inflammation in the vertebrae has reached 3-4 stages of its development, conservative methods do not work, and the human condition is rapidly deteriorating.
The operation is one of the little traumatic. A small incision is made on the neck, and then with the help of a special microscope and microneurosurgical tools, a destroyed disk is removed, replacing it with an implant. To strengthen the spine in the affected area, titanium plates are sometimes used.
The duration of the operation is usually not too long - a couple of hours. The patient can feel better the next day, and on the 5th he is usually prescribed. After such an intervention, pains leave almost immediately.
Preventive measures from cervical osteochondrosis
Special attention should be paid to preventive measures. After all, the disease is easier to warn than to treat. And the destroyed joints are not even to be restored in the initial stage. Therefore, it is worthwhile to worry in advance about the health of your neck.
To prevent unpleasant consequences and pain, you should adhere to simple rules. Among them:
- Sports - a particularly good effect can show swimming, it gives an uniform load, while the body itself unloads, so even soreness during movement is not felt here
- Review of the diet and the inclusion of more products with magnet and calcium in it (these are fish and other seafood), beans, peas, seeds, milk and other products from it, cheeses, spinach, etc. It will be necessary to exclude acute pepper, pickles, grapes, flour products, sugar, smoked meats and other potentially harmful products
- Performing exercises right in the office during sitting work
- For sleep, you should choose comfortable mattress and pillows
Such recommendations are possible for everyone, but at the same time they can easily protect from the development of osteochondrosis at any age. In addition, they are available to everyone and will not make problems for their performance.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine always finds by surprise. But do not immediately be upset, you need to take all the available measures that will allow you to normalize the situation and regain your health.