Cervical osteochondrosis - how to determine and heal

Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that is difficult to diagnose when the patient's initial treatment to the doctor due to a large number of signs and a delayed course of the disease.

The development and manifestation of pathology

The osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is found in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a sedentary job.

Signs

Signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae are not only pain in the cervical region and the area of the upper arm, but also headache, chest pain.

Several syndromes are distinguished, each characterized by its own signs.

Rooser syndrome is due to the pinching of the nerve endings in the intervertebral space of the cervical spaces.Characteristics:

• Pain in the cervical region;
• pain in the forearm and hands;
• The sensations of numbness, numbness in the forearm.

Cardin syndrome (or cardiac syndrome) is due to a disorder or irritation of the roots of the diaphragm nerves and (or) a large pectoral muscle.In this case, the signs will serve as pain in the heart area, which will be a long time and acute in the case of head rotation, sneezing or other movements of the neck (as in the case of angina).

Vail Arttery Syndrome.Signs of osteochondrosis in this case will be:

• Pulsating headache in the dorsal, frontal (above eyebrows) and temporary part, which are permanent;
• Violations of the hearing aid, vestibular apparatus, vision (when osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is already in a neglected state).

Irritation Syndrome-Reflex.The signs of such a syndrome are:

• Pulsating pain in the back of the head;
• Pain in the cervical part, passing even more to the chest or spreads to the side, into the shoulder joint;
• Strengthening the pain after sleep, acute head movements (including sneezing, cough).

Symptoms

Symptoms with the development of osteochondrosis depend on which nerve root is damaged.In the cervical region 7 vertebrae, between which there are nerves.Damage causes pain in the development of osteochondrosis.

The vertebrae are considered from top to bottom and are indicated by Roman numbers (CI, CII).The nerve endings between them are considered similarly and are indicated by Arabic numerals (C1, C2).The letter C denotes cervical (from Latin cervical) department.

1. In the case of nerve damage between the first and second vertebrae (C2), the main symptom will be numbness and loss of sensitivity in the back.Later - pain there.
2. Damage to the nerve end (C3) between the second and third vertebrae leads to impaired sensitivity in the area and later leads to impaired sensitivity and impaired language (to damage to speech).
3. Nerve damage between the third and fourth vertebra (C4).In this case, the pain is concentrated in the clavicle, passes into the heart area and damage to the breathing is possible.But the pain is preceded by a feeling of tingling in the collar and shoulders.
4. Damage to the nerve root of the C5 between the fourth and fifth vertebrae.In the case of damage, it reacts with damage to the sensitivity of the limbs, both the upper part (to the hands) and the lower, as well as the pain in the forearm and the outer shoulder.
5. Nerve damage ending in the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebra (the most common cervical osteochondrosis).The symptoms of pinching the nerve endings of the C6 and C7 are periodic tingling of the fingers and hands, pain in the neck, forearm and below - the shoulder blade, back, to lumbar.
6. Nerve damage C8.The pain is concentrated in the neck and spreads through the forearm to the elbow and to the back to the lower limbs.The pain is preceded by loss of sensitivity in significant areas of the hands (toes, brushes), legs (toes, legs), skin.The blood circulation in the limbs is impaired, which affects the color of the skin of the hands and feet.

Reasons

Cervical osteochondrosis is increasingly found in the young population.The causes of explanation of the onset of the disease are due more to the wrong lifestyle than hereditary predisposition.

It is one of the hereditary causes not only a genetic predisposition to the disease, but also the presence of chronic diseases, hereditary abnormalities of the development of the spine.

The list of causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae associated with lifestyle is very wide.These include:

• Improper nutrition and therefore, excess body weight, impaired metabolism in the body, lack of vitamins and minerals.
• A sedentary lifestyle caused by a sitting or the same work.Unstable physical activity.
• Severe physical activity.This includes professional sports, frequent weight lifting.
• The curvature of the spine, the disruption of the posture, the consequences of the injuries to the spine, develop flat legs.
• Stress, often nervous tension.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis should only be made by a doctor.

Visual diagnostics

When you contact a neurologist and an orthopedic physician, a patient examination and examination will initially be conducted.After palpation, evaluation of neck mobility and the degree of pain, the patient will be directed to hardware diagnostics.

Radiography

The method will help to identify changes in the cervical region and determine their degree.For a more accurate diagnosis, it is possible to use functional radiography when taking pictures of the cervical spine in different postures, which helps to "capture" changes in the intervertebral space from several sides.

Magnetic resonance imaging

The method using magnetic impulses to obtain a tomogram, on which it is possible to diagnose not only pathologies in the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral cartilage, but also to identify the presence of intervertebral hernias, their size and location.

When you use MRI in the results of the diagnosis, the changes will be visible in the vascular system and the nerve endings of the vertebrae.

Computed tomography

This is a detailed analysis of the vertebral condition using a tomograph and computer processing of the result.The method not only identifies changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral spaces, but also to analyze the condition of the soft tissues, blood vessels and ligaments.

Differential diagnosis

After sending one of the diagnostic procedures, the doctor will make a differential diagnosis - this will exclude the presence of other diseases in the body that have similar symptoms.This will require a blood test, referring to other healthcare professionals.

What is dangerous to ignore osteochondrosis?

Cervical osteochondrosis has periods of remission and exacerbation.Often unhealthy people without going to a doctor on time and using painkillers, they experience relief and forget about the problem until the next exacerbation.But the disease continues to develop and if you continue to neglect obvious symptoms, it can lead to serious complications in the cervical region.

The first and therefore are a relatively "mild" effects of firing osteochondrosis of the cervical region, convexity and hernia of the intervertebral discs.

In the first case, the intervertebral disc is protruding, displacing it from the normal location between the vertebrae.At the same time, connecting fibers inside the intervertebral disc (fibrous ring) remain intact and intact.

The assumption in the cervical spine is serious even up to 1 mm in size, while in other parts of the spine, these changes are not as dangerous.

After the formation of convexity, the destruction will affect the fibrous ring - connecting fibers that protect the inner jacket of the pulp nucleus.Pathological changes in these structures lead to the formation of hernia on the intervertebral disc.The formation and development of hernia is accompanied by an increase in pain syndromes and unpredictable consequences.

The more serious effects of osteochondrosis, if there is no treatment, are vascular disorders: vegetative dystonia, hypertension and hypotension.

The formation of hernia on the intervertebral disc leads to a violation of the correct location and the functioning of the blood vessels, squeezing the arteries that feed the brain.This leads to a violation of oxygen intake in the brain and its normal functioning, contributes to the formation of blood clots in vessels with an additional precipice.The result of the development of the disease is a stroke.

First aid

By exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the first question with which the patient is faced with: "How will it get rid of pain in the cervical region?"

Medicines containing analgesics as well as painkillers will help eliminate the feeling of pain, and the restriction in movements will help with movements.

When acute pain passes, the next hours and days before you go to a doctor may use anti -inflammatory painkillers.During periods of exacerbation you can use warming ointments, they will help relieve tension in the neck and dissipate from painful pain.The iron should be applied with light movements without massage.

If an attack of pain in the cervical spine finds you away from the first AID set, such agents such as applicator, pepper, mustard and sandbag can help.

The applicator should be placed on a flat surface, lying on it so that it is under the cervical department, the back of the head and the shoulder joint.A few minutes will have to suffer skin pain.Lying the applicator should be 2-3 times a day for 30-40 minutes.

Perper patch or mustard, you can use a bag of warm sand, you should apply on the sore spot of the neck, leave for a few minutes.The heat will relax the muscles and dissipate irritation from black pepper or mustard from pain.

Exercise from exercise (physiotherapy exercises), recommended for cervical osteochondrosis, are able to reduce pain, but from a gentle period of time.Exercises should be done regularly during periods of remission - this will contribute to the rapid treatment and reduction of the severity and frequency of exacerbation of the disease.

Once you get first aid and eliminate the pain, you should seek help from doctors as soon as possible.

Treatment

The treatment of osteochondrosis is performed using different methods.

Traditional medicine

Drug treatment is popular and effective.

Medication

Anesthetic tablets are used during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis and are more suitable for an ambulance to the patient.In such cases, analgesics are used.

Treatment is performed by other drugs -non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Modern medicine uses a new type of medicine - chondroprotectors - medicines that restore cartilage tissue.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, when the pain syndrome can be very pronounced, doctors prescribe injections that not only relieve pain but have an anti -inflammatory effect.

Blockade of Pain Syndrome

In advanced cases, during the exacerbation of pain syndrome, it can be resistant to analgesics and even injections of painkillers.The doctor can then be performed by So -Called "blockade" - the introduction of an anesthetic medicine to a source of pain using an injection.In this way, the painful area of the spine is "excluded" from the general nervous "composition" and for some time (depending on the individual characteristics) the pain in this area does not disturb the patient.

Experienced medical staff must necessarily perform the procedure, as the improperly completed procedure can lead to complications.The blockade itself has no contraindications, except for individual drug intolerance and can be done as often as the body is needed.

Non -traditional medicine

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is not so easy to treat, so you have to approach this overall.Acupuncture is used in the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Acupuncture is not a method of traditional medicine, but has established itself in the fight against osteochondrosis as it allows you to relieve pain and can be used during periods of exacerbation.It should be remembered that it does not carry acupuncture as such, reduces the symptoms, helps more easily to transfer periods of exacerbation of the disease, improves neck and joint mobility, and the processes of recovery and regeneration activated by exposure contribute to rapid recovery.

Physiotherapy

In addition to drug treatment, doctors recommend that physiotherapy be performed.

1. ElectrophoresisSIn the case of osteochondrosis, electrophoresis is used with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory and analgesic drugs to transmit the medicine in the affected area and in the required volume.The electric current enhances the effect of the drugs and the procedure has an effect on treatment.
2. ElectrotherapyUse of weak electrical currents and magnetotherapy using a magnetic field.They act on inflamed areas, relieve pain, improve blood circulation.Helps during periods of remission and triggers cell regeneration processes, accelerating the healing process.

Other physiotherapists are aimed at increasing the blood circulation of a painful area, reducing swelling and inflammation, pain and general strengthening of the body's immunity during treatment.

Ointment

The use of osteochondrosis ointments is not the main method of treatment and is prescribed as an additional measure that contributes to rapid recovery.The ointments used can be divided into several groups.

1. Painkillers and anti -inflammatorySSuch ointments include analgesic and steroid anti -inflammatory substances.
2. Warming ointments.The main component of such ointments has an irritating effect on the skin, which increases the blood supply to the object.This relieves stress, swelling, reduces pain.
3. ChondroprotectorsIn the form of ointments.The active substances restore cartilage tissue and the auxiliaries are relieved by inflammation and pain.
4. Massage ointmentsSTypes used for massage and self -massage.There are natural anti -inflammatory substances, analgesic substances, a complex of regenerating substances of plant origin.

Massage and self -massage

Massage with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is necessary during periods of remission of the disease to prevent the pain from increasing during the procedure.The massage is prescribed by a course of ten to fifteen sessions and is performed no more than once per quarter.Massage for cervical osteochondrosis is used as a procedure that strengthens the effect after treatment and to prevent osteochondrosis.

The massage of the collar and acupressure area, at the site of spread of the disease, is performed by a specialist.Clear movements of the massage therapist help to mix the muscles of the neck, improve blood circulation, relieve tension and after the massage course, strengthen the neck muscles, which will maintain the preventive effect for several weeks and even months.

If necessary, you can do a light massage yourself.It is necessary to mix and grind the muscles of the neck, the back and the shoulder muscles at the back.Simple movements in a comfortable position and at any time can be a complement to the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Self -massage is recommended for a few minutes every day, it has no contraindications and pain, if accompanied by movements, is easily controlled by the patient alone.

Proper nutrition

In addition to classical treatment, physiotherapy procedures and massage are required to treat and prevent osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, proper nutrition with a full range of vitamins and minerals.

The main ones on this are vitamins A and C, strengthening the vessels.Vitamins B6 and B12 improve metabolism and amino acids in the body, help the nervous system work properly and without failure.

Complex vitamins are required during the remission period for general restoration and strengthening of the body.

Traditional medicine

Folk remedies for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are divided into those that relieve pain and can be used for exacerbation, and those used by courses for several days or even weeks and have a therapeutic effect of long -term action.

Anesthetic potato compress

You will need:

• potatoes;
• Honey----2 tbsp.tablespoons for one potato.

Preparation and application:

1. Clean raw potatoes, grate.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix with honey until smooth.
3. Place the resulting mass in a sore spot, cover with polyethylene and secure it with diapers.Keep a compress for 1-2 hours.

Anesthesia radish infusion

Alcoholic tinctures in folk medicine are used not only to rub the sore plots for anesthesia, but also for oral administration for a common strengthening effect and relief.

You will need you to infuse radish in vodka:

• Black radish - half medium size;
• vodka-50-70 ml;
• Honey-3-4 tbsp.tablespoons;
• Salt - 2 tbsp.tablespoons.

Preparation and application:

1. Peel the radish, grate finely.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix until smooth: grated radish, honey, salt, vodka.
3. Rub the cervical department with the mixture with the mixture 2 times a day during exacerbation.
4. Take inward on an empty stomach for 1 teaspoon 2 times a day during exacerbation.

Analgesic ointment to squeeze ginger

You will need:

• Ginger powder - 1 tbsp.spoon;
• garlic-2-3 cloves;
• Oil.

Preparation and application:

1. Fry the ginger powder in a pan in a small amount of butter.
2. Peel the garlic, grate finely or grind with crush.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix fried ginger powder and garlic until smooth.
4. The resulting ointment can be rubbed in a sore spot with exacerbation or used as a compress tied with diapers for a few minutes until the feeling of burning on the skin.

Rubbish

The rubbing of oil with a slight massage for osteochondrosis is used during periods of remission of the disease and is performed with courses 10-15 days with rest.

You will need:

• oregano (grass) - a handful;
• Olive oil (can be sunflower) 300-500 ml.

Preparation and application:

1. Inflammation (grass) is shaken finely.
2. Add the oregano to a bottle of butter and let you in a dark place for at least one day.
3. Strain the oil, also squeezing oregano from oil.
4. Use the infused rubbing oil and a light massage at the site affected by osteochondrosis 1 time.

Night compress made of horseradish

You will need:

• Horsradish Leaves-3PCS.;
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Dip the horseradish leaves for a few seconds in boiling water (softening).
2. Apply softened leaves on the site affected by osteochondrosis, tied with diapers and insulation with a scarf.
3. Leave the horseradish leave at night.The feeling of slight pinching is quite acceptable.
4. The procedure is performed during the remission of the disease with a course of 5-7 rest procedures for 2-3 weeks.

Shift cocktail

You will need:

• Lemon - 1 computer;
• garlic-1 head (5-6 cloves);
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Peel the lemon from the bark, seeds, grind with a blender, or pass through a meat mill.
2. Peel the garlic, grind with crush or grate on a fine grater.
3. Mix lemon and garlic in a jar or large bottle, pour a mixture of 0.5 liters.boiling water.
4. Insist the resulting mixture for at least 12 hours (leave overnight).
5. The resulting lemon-chest cocktail is consumed daily in half a glass on an empty stomach in the morning.

You can store a cocktail in the refrigerator prepared as needed.The course of taking a cocktail is 1 month.

Strawberry tea

You will need:

• Forest strawberries (fresh or dried) - 1 tbsp.spoon;
• 1 cup boiling water.

Preparation and application:

• Pour boiling water as tea under -sifted fruits.
• Insist at least 10-15 minutes.
• Drink with osteochondrosis of 2-3 glasses a day.

Medical physical education

One of the causes of osteochondrosis is hypodynamia - the lack of physical activity against the background of a sedentary lifestyle.Doing just a few simple exercises will help relieve the disease or prevent it from occurring.

"Home and Office" exercises

Resistance

1. Press the palm to the back of the head press on it, applying the efforts of the neck muscles.With a hand for stability.Keep a voltage for 10 seconds.
2. Change the position of the hand by placing it on the forehead and now try to place in the front in the front.It also resisted about 10 seconds.
3. Replace the position of the arm by placing it with the palm of the temple (right hand in the right temple), also resist the pressure of the hand on the head.Keep a voltage for 10 seconds.
4. Replace the hand and side of applying the exercise now, to resist the left hand to the left temple).Keep a voltage for 10 seconds.
5. Change the alternation of the situation, repeating the exercise up to 5 times for each position of the hand.

Wrapped on the head standing

1. Stand straight, straightening your shoulders.
2. Making the heads of the head as much as possible to the right and to the left sequentially.
3. Lower your head to your chin to the neck.
4. Make the same head turns as much as possible on each side, slowly and without tearing your chin from your neck.
5. Do the exercise slowly, repeat the repetition 5 times in each side in each position.

Sloping on the head standing

1. Rest your shoulders and throw your head a little back.
2. Perform a sloping head left and right, trying to get to your ear with your ear.
3. Do the exercise slowly and repeat up to 5 times on each side.

Exercises performed lying down

Legs

1. Lies on your back, stretch your arms and legs freely.
2. Put your feet together, pull your knees to your stomach as you pull your head up, trying to get your eyes with your knees.
3. Honey, lowering his head and straightening his legs and hands on his body lying down.Repeat, slowly 5 times.

Turns on the head lies

1. Lying on the stomach, straightening your legs, place your hands on your body.
2. Turn your head to the left, trying to get it to the floor with your right ear, then make a turn on your head to the right, you also try to get to the floor now with your left ear.
3. Repeat the turns of the head up to 5 times in each direction.

When performing all the exercises, it should be remembered that in the event of a pain, you should refuse to perform the exercise and consult a doctor.

Prevention

The prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a healthy lifestyle:

• Physical education and sports (moderate).With a tendency for osteochondrosis, swimming will be the best assistant.Strengthens the muscles of the shoulders and neck.
• Balanced diet.The diet includes a large number of products containing calcium, magnesium, vitamins (cottage cheese and dairy products, peas and other legumes, nuts, fish and seafood).
• It is interrupted in the sitting work.At every opportunity, we try to mix the muscles of the neck and back.
• Excessive loading.Do not carry much and often weight (including bags on one shoulder).
• Orthopedic pillows and mattress.Use them if possible.
• Not fat.Excess weight accelerates the development of osteochondrosis.Stand on the scales more often.

In order to control the condition of the cervical region, it is recommended to diagnose at least once every 2-3 years: to perform MRI or computed tomography.

In addition, examination of the doctors should be performed at least 1 time a year: a surgeon and a neuropathologist.The treatment of any disease is easier and faster if you start when the first signs appear.