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 Cervical Spine Osteochondrosis
The vertebrae in the cervical spine experience increased stress associated with mobility in the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of displacement of the vertebrae with sudden or atypical head movements, and a weak muscle cross does not protect the spine from injury. The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervix are not fully understood and the course is in most cases asymptomatic. This leads to most patients seeking medical attention rather late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- impaired posture, instability in spinal structures;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary work or being in a forced position for a long time, lack of adequate physical activity
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in ligaments and cartilage cause compression of arteries and nerve trunks, causing cerebral circulatory disorders and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When you tilt or turn your head, a characteristic sharp sound can be heard. Pulling pain can radiate to the thoracic area, 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.
- When the head is tilted, there may be numbness in the hands and fingers.
- Chest pain, nausea, dizziness.
Methods for diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine osteochondrosis
The diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on examination, X-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI scan is required, and reoencephalography and examination of the fundus are necessary to assess functional circulatory disease.
Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment, antispasmodics) as well as restoration of natural cartilage tissue using chondroprotectants. Also effective are acupressure, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of cervical spine osteochondrosis
Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the muscular system of the back effectively maintain the normal state of the spine structure. Daily gymnastics and monitoring of the neck and back during the working day helps to normalize blood circulation, relieve excessive stress on certain segments of the spine.
It is also necessary to monitor the diversity of the diet and avoid obesity. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms helps a massage course, which must be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.
11 Myths in Neurology
These days, it is difficult to meet someone who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Life in a city with its stress, bad habits and physical inactivity leads to most people having at least one health problem related to neurology. Here are just deep-rooted misconceptions, and "traditional" medicine prevents patients from reaching out to a doctor and getting qualified help.
Smartphone Hostages
Morning does not start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people first of all barely open their eyes and reach out to a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read the news from the screen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During transport - while you are away the road to correspondence. In the office - work chat, at home - communication with friends and family. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much valuable in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become too much in our lives?
In the Master's Hands
Massage is one of the oldest treatments. No matter what new ways of getting rid of diseases mankind has invented, massage therapists still do not remain inactive. And sometimes it is precisely with a skilled hands of a specialist that you can achieve greater results than with medicine and state-of-the-art devices.
Tough time of year
Come to the clinic in the summer - half-empty corridors and silence. But autumn is coming, and again the doctors have more work to do. And perhaps there is no such doctor who would not have increased the number of patients in September-October.
Is the sun friend or foe?
Citizens did it - they survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. Increasingly, it looks into the windows and heats up the street. Is not this a cause for rejoicing? Or is it not? After all, as you know, what brings joy often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-healing. When it gets dangerous
Maybe no one knows what to take for colds or headaches. Everyone has their own "documented means". And advertising suggests solutions to any disorder. You can also ask for advice from friends, a pharmacist at a pharmacy or just on the Internet. But is everything so simple and practical? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists regularly face requests from patients for advice on a drug, and then the doctors process the results of self-treatment.
Back jokes are bad
No one is immune to back pain.
I suddenly lifted a weight, bent awkwardly or stretched - and now something in my back was sore and stung. Also at risk are office workers who apparently do not unload the wagons, do not plow the ground and still suffer from back pain. What should I do and who to contact when an illness has disrupted my plans?