Cervical osteochondrosis - degenerative processes in intervertebral discs, bone tissues, joints and ligaments of the cervical spine.They arise due to injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep in an uncomfortable position.They lead to headaches, dizziness, pain in the neck and shoulders, impaired work of the cardiovascular and respiratory system.
The disease is diagnosed using radiography, CT or MRI.More and more often found under the age of 25 years.It is treated with drugs, physiotherapy, massage and exercises.
Development mechanism
Cervical osteochondrosis develops due to a long violation of the powerproof discs.They are exhausted: they become less elastic, decrease in height.As a result, the load on the spine increases, the vertebrae is possible, their trauma during movements is possible.This leads to the formation of osteophytes (bone growths) in damaged areas of vertebral bodies.
If osteochondrosis is not treated at this stage of development, cracks appear in the fibrous ring surrounding the disk core.This, in turn, leads to the formation of protrusion (the nucleus moves to the side).
Over time, the intervertebral hernia appears: the fibrous ring of the disk breaks, as a result of which its core protrudes out.
The cervical region is the most mobile and fragile.The thickness of the intervertebral discs in it is less than in the chest, lumbar region.Therefore, it is more susceptible to destruction: 55% of cases of spinal pathologies falls on the share of cervical osteochondrosis.In industrialized countries, this indicator reaches 60-80%.
Causes
Possible reasons for the development of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Neck injuries (during accidents, sports or childbirth).
- Vascular pathologies.
- Functional deficiency of cartilage.
- Incorrect load on the cervical region.
- Malfunctions in the work of the immune system.
- Age -related changes.
- Anomalies in the development of the spine.
- Hypodynamia.
Factors contributing to the occurrence of the disease:
- The dream is in the wrong position, on a tall, too large or soft pillow.It leads to deformation of the cervical spine, the vertebrae of the vertebrae, impaired blood flow: the power of the intervertebral discs worsens.
- A long stay in one position: sitting with a bent neck at a desk at work, at the institute, school or at home, driving a car or computer, with a mobile phone or tablet, as well as reading lying in bed.All this leads to overstrain of the cervical muscles, pinching of arteries, a violation of the intake of nutrients to the intervertebral discs.
- Improper nutrition.The consumption of sugar, salt, butter pastries, spicy and fatty dishes - worsens the state of blood vessels, intervertebral discs, provokes the destruction of bone and cartilage tissue of the spine.If at the same time an insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals enters the body, the probability of osteochondrosis increases.
- The habit of sitting on the hand lying on the table.The reason for the deformation of the spine, increasing the load on the cervical region, deterioration of metabolism in bone tissue, intervertebral discs.
- Alcohol abuse, tobacco - causes vascular spasm, disorders in the work of all organs and systems.
Cervical osteochondrosis is most often suffered by seamstresses, office and bank workers, and drivers.The risk group also includes schoolchildren and students.
Features of manifestation
The spinal roots and vessels that supply blood and oxygen with the rear parts of the brain are pinched with cervical osteochondrosis.Therefore, it is characterized by symptoms of disorders of the nervous system and circulatory disorders:
- Pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, their spasm.
- Numbness of the cervical region, hands.
- Headaches.
- The fuzzy movements.
- Dizziness.
- Dysfunction of the heart, organs of the respiratory system, vestibular apparatus.
- Deterioration of concentration of attention, vision and hearing.
- Difficulties with memorizing information.
Cervical osteochondrosis can cause a stroke, the development of true pathologies of internal organs.In severe cases, it is possible: disability, death.To improve the prognosis, you need to treat the disease in time.
Treatment methodology
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is treated:
- Medication: means that relieve muscle cramps, pain and inflammation and restore cartilage tissue.
- Massage of the cervical-brotheral zone.
- Physiotherapy physical education - exercises for the study of the muscles of the neck and shoulders, stretching the cervical spine.
- Electrophoresis, laser therapy, acupuncture, other physiotherapeutic procedures.
- Diet.
- Manual therapy.
Additionally, wearing the collar of Shants, the use of the Kuznetsov applicator.
Questions and answers
Can there be cervical osteochondrosis in a child?
It can occur not only in adults, but also in adolescents, children of an earlier age.Possible reasons: incorrect sitting at the desk, computer, stay in a bent position, sitting with a mobile phone or tablet in hands, neglect of physical education.
Is exemption from the army if cervical osteochondrosis is diagnosed?
In the presence of pronounced symptoms, radiological signs of destruction of the spine, motor disorders, large intervertebral hernias and inefficiency of the ongoing therapy of the conscript, they can be released from service in the army.Moreover, he must be registered with a neurologist.
Is it possible to play sports with osteochondrosis?
This must be discussed with a neurologist or a vertebrologist: it all depends on the stage of the disease and the kind of sports.Moderate loads, swimming will be useful.But professional sports, especially with the complicated course of osteochondrosis, can harm.
How to reduce the risk of cervical osteochondrosis?
- Remove the neck and shoulders regularly.
- Sleep on the mattress and pillow of moderate stiffness.
- Keep your back and neck exactly during your stay in a sitting position when walking.
- Eat food rich in vitamins.
- Charging every 2 hours of sitting work.
- Move more.
- Quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol use.
Conclusions
- Both adults and adolescents, children are prone to the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Spinal injuries, deficiency of vitamins and microelements, sleep in the wrong position or on soft bedding, a long sitting in a pose with a bent neck can provoke the development of the pathology of the spine.
- The appearance of head and muscle pain, dysfunctions of the respiratory, cardiovascular system, hearing impaired and vision may indicate cervical osteochondrosis.
- It is necessary to treat the disease comprehensively.
- It is necessary to use drugs, do exercises, go to massage and physiotherapy sessions, adjust the diet.