Anatomy of the disease
No chronic disease in humans develops simultaneously. It takes a long period of time for irreversible changes in tissues and organs to occur. If we talk about the development of osteochondrosis, then, as a rule, there are several reasons. This employment is excessive physical labor, monotonous movements associated with working conditions, prolonged stay in some uncomfortable position. A sedentary lifestyle due to deterioration of blood circulation and nutrient supply of tissues adjacent to the spine, vertebral bodies and, of course, intervertebral discs, contributes to the weakening of the musculoskeletal system. The mechanical factor (shaking, vibration, injuries and bruises) occurs almost always. Do not forget that after 40 years begins a slow but sure process of aging the spine.
In most cases, with cervical osteochondrosis, frequent headaches occur. As a rule, they are permanent (mostly blunt and oppressive), intensified with various movements, are not eliminated by analgesics. Osteochondrosis often causes a decrease in visual acuity, pulsating pain in the eyes, "flies" and iridescent circles. Vascular compression in the cervical spine can lead to increased pressure. Another symptom of osteochondrosis can be chest pain - similar to pain in angina pectoris. It manifests as a pressing or burning pain in the region of the heart and spreads into the scapula, forearm. However, with osteochondrosis, chest pain can last dozens of minutes, hours and even days, which is not typical for angina pectoris, in which pain lasts no more than 5 minutes. To suspect at yourself an osteochondrosis you can, if from time to time feel a numbness of arms or hand. Often with cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness occurs, which can result in an unexpected fainting.
How to identify cervical osteochondrosis
Of course, the diagnosis should be made by a doctor. But it is possible and to determine the symptoms of osteochondrosis on its own. For this you need to perform a series of exercises. However, do not exercise by force! You should not feel pain.
• Tilt your head forward so that your chin touches your chest;
• Move your head back so that your eyes are pointing slightly backwards or at least exactly upwards;
• Turn your head to the right - the look is directed to the right, and the chin is parallel to the shoulder. Try to look behind your back.
If you have not coped with any task, pain and tense muscles have prevented, then the osteochondrosis of the cervical region has already begun to destroy your spine.
Determine what changes in the cervical region, you can on the basis of digital radiography of the cervical spine, ultrasound of cerebral vessels, MRI of the brain. Causes of the above symptoms may be instability of the cervical spine, birth injuries, muscle clamps. If changes and deformations of the vertebral discs are revealed, then we are talking about osteochondrosis.
How to ease the condition by medical methods
It is completely impossible to cure cervical osteochondrosis. But you can significantly alleviate the symptoms, achieve improvement and prevent the exacerbation of the disease. To do this, doctors use complex treatment. To facilitate with osteochondrosis, pain sensations in intervertebral discs are prescribed by chondroprotectors. They nourish the cartilage of the discs and promote their recovery. These drugs are taken twice a year for several years. Additionally, vasodilators may be prescribed. They activate blood circulation and metabolism in the spine. In addition, penetrate the nourishing "building" substances in the cavity of the affected segments of the spine.
Efficiently alleviates the symptoms of cervical on stoichondrosis massage - it improves blood circulation. You need to do it for 10 sessions twice a year. Extension of the spine is also used to reduce pressure on adjacent vertebrae. And as a cervical collar.
To ease the condition, acupuncture is used. This effect on certain points of the body associated with the neck muscles (acupuncture), and the restoration of the correct position of the bones and muscles of the spine with the help of the hands of a doctor (manual therapy). Physiotherapeutic procedures (electrophoresis with novocaine, ozocerite, paraffin, etc.) and courses of therapeutic gymnastics are also prescribed.
Exercises for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
The main way to prevent cervical osteochondrosis, as well as instability of the cervical region - strengthening the muscles of the neck. In this you will help therapeutic gymnastics. Perform at least 2-3 exercises daily 2-3 times a day.
The starting position - we sit straight with a straight back.
Exercise number 1. Slightly tilt his head forward and put his hands on his forehead. Then press for 30 seconds with your head on your hands. After pressing our fingers on the temples and the back of the head.
Exercise # 2. Take your head back, slowly turn left and right. In this position, we are a minute. Exercise improves the blood flow in the veins.
Exercise number 3. We raise the shoulders at the same time, we try to get them to the ears - we lower them. Then alternately - one shoulder down, the other up.
Exercise number 4. We connect over the head of the palm, elbows at the same time are drawn to the sides. Intensively press the palms for 2-5 seconds one against the other, then relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.
Exercise number 5. We make the head smooth grades forward - on exhalation, back - on inhalation (3 times). Also, we tilt our head to the left on inspiration, we return on exhalation to the initial position (in each side 3 times).
We finish the gymnastics with self-massage - we rub the neck with rotational circular motions. Relief of the condition with cervical osteochondrosis is possible even at home. Be healthy!