Cervical osteochondrosis - How to determine and cure

Cervical osteochondosis 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 slowed course of the disease.

Development and manifestation of the pathology

The osteochondrosis of the cervical column is found in people who guide a sedentary lifestyle and have sedentary work.

Signs

The signs of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae are not only pain in the cervical region and in the area of the upper shoulder, but also in pain in the chest.

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

Rooseer syndrome is due to a pinching of nerve endings in the intervertebral space of cervical spaces.Features characteristics:

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

Cardial syndrome (or cardiac syndrome) is due to violation or irritation of the roots of the diaphragm nerves and (or) large thoracic muscle.In this case, the signs will serve as pain in the heart area, which will be long in time and acutely in case of rotation of the head, sneezing or other neck movements (as in the case of Angina Pectoris).

Vail artery syndrome.The signs of osteochondrosis in this case will be:

• Thoccital headache in the occipital, front (above the eyebrows) and a temporal part, which are constant;
• Disorders of the auditory apparatus, vestibular apparatus, vision (when the osteochondosis of the cervical vertebrae is already in a neglected state) are already possible.

Inegoned reflex syndrome.The signs of this syndrome are:

• Buttons in the occipital part of the head;
• pain in the cervical part, passing even lower to the chest or spreading on the side, in the shoulder joint;
• Strengthen pain after sleep, acute head movements (including sneezing, cough).

Symptoms

The symptoms with development osteochondosis depend on which nervous root is damaged.In the cervical region 7 vertebrae, among which there are nerves.Their damage causes pain to the development of osteochondrosis.

The vertebrae are considered from top to bottom and are indicated by the Roman number (CI, CII).The nerve endings between them are considered similarly and are designated by Arabic numerals (C1, C2).Letter C indicates a cervical department (from the lat. The cervical).

1. In the event of damage to the nervous end between the first and second vertebra (C2), the main symptom will be numb and loss of sensitivity in the occipital part.Later - pain there.
2. The damage at the end of the nerve (C3) between the second and third vertebra leads to a sensitivity compromised in the area and subsequently leads to compromised sensitivity and compromised language (up to the compromise of language).
3. They give the third and fourth vertebra (C4) to the nervous end.In this case, the pain is concentrated in the clavicle, passes in the area of the heart and the teaching of breathing is possible.But the pains are preceded by a feeling of numbness in a collar and shoulders.
4. Damage to the nervous root of C5 between the fourth and fifth vertebra.In the event of damage, it responds with compromise of the sensitivity of the limbs, both the upper (in the hands) and the lower ones, and the pain in the forearm and on the external part of the shoulder.
5. Damage to the nerve that ends in the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebra area (the most common cervical osteochondrosis).The symptoms of the pinching of the nerve endings of C6 and C7 are periodic numbness of the fingers and hands, pain in the neck, forearm and below: the scapula, the back, up to the lumbar.
6. Damage to nerve c8.The pain is concentrated in the neck and spreads through the forearm on the elbow and on the back at the lower ends.The pain is preceded by the loss of sensitivity in significant areas of the hands (fingers, brushes), legs (fingers, feet), skin.Blood circulation in the limbs is disturbed, which affects the color of the skin of hands and feet.

Reasons

Cervical osteochondrosis is increasingly among the young population.The reasons that explain the occurrence of the disease are more often due to the wrong lifestyle than to a hereditary predisposition.

Among the hereditary causes, not only a genetic predisposition to the disease stands out, but also the presence of chronic diseases, hereditary anomalies of the development of the spine.

The list of the causes of osteochondosis of the cervical vertebrae associated with the way of life is very large.These include:

• Improper diet and, consequently, excess body weight, a metabolism disturbed in the body, a lack of vitamins and minerals.
• A sedentary lifestyle, caused by sitting or uniform work.Unstable physical activity.
• Severe physical activity.This includes professional sports, frequent weight lifting.
• The curvature of the spine, the violation of the posture, the consequences of the spinal lesions, have developed flat feet.
• Stress, frequent nervous tension.

Diagnostics

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

Visual diagnostics

When contacting a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor, an examination and survey of the patient will initially be conducted.After palpation, evaluation of neck mobility and the degree of pain, the patient will be aimed at hardware diagnostic.

Radiography

The method will help identify changes in the cervical region and determine their degree.For a more accurate diagnosis, it is possible to use functional radiography, when the images of the cervical column are taken in various poses, which helps to "capture" the changes in the intervertebral space from different sides.

Magnetic resonance imaging

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

When using magnetic resonance imaging the results of the diagnosis, changes will be visible in the vascular system and in the nerve terminations of the vertebral department.

Computerized tomography

This is a detailed analysis of the condition of the vertebrae using a tomographer and an elaboration of the computer's computer.The method allows not only to identify changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral spaces, but also to analyze the condition of soft tissues, blood vessels and ligaments.

Differential diagnosis

After sending to one of the diagnostic procedures, the doctor will lead the differential diagnosis: he will exclude the presence of other diseases in the body that have similar symptoms.This will require a blood test, a postponement to other medical specialists.

What is dangerous to ignore osteochondrosis?

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

Among the former and therefore, the relatively "slight" consequences of the launch of osteochondosis of the cervical region, the protrusion and hernia of the intervertebral discs are distinguished.

In the first case, the intervertebral disc is protruding, its movement from the normal position between the vertebrae.At the same time, the connection fibers inside the intervertebral disc (fibrous ring) remain intact and intact.

The propensity in the cervical column is also serious with dimensions of up to 1 mm, while in other parts of the spine these changes are not so dangerous.

After the formation of protrusion, the destruction will affect the fibrous ring, which connects the fibers that protect the internal jacket of the pulp nucleus.The pathological changes in these structures lead to the formation of hernia of the intervertebral disc.The formation and development ofnia are accompanied by the increase in pain syndromes and unpredictable consequences.

The most serious consequences of osteocondrosis, if there is no treatment, are vascular disorders: vegetable dystonia, hypertension and hypotension.

The formation of hernias of the intervertebral disc leads to a violation of the correct position and the functioning of the blood vessels, tightening the arteries that feed the brain.This leads to a violation of taking oxygen in the brain and its normal work, contributes to the formation of blood clots in the vases with a further gap.The result of the development of the disease is a stroke.

Emergency room

With exacerbation of the osteocondrosis, the first question that the patient has to face: "How will he get rid of pain in the cervical region?"

The medicines containing analgesics, as well as painkillers, will help to remove the sensation of pain and the constraint in the movements will help in the movements.

When acute pains pass, the following hours and days before going to the doctor they can use anti -inflammatory painkillers.During the periods of a decline in exacerbation, you can use heating ointments, they will help relieve tension in the neck and distract from painful pain.Ointments must be applied with light movements without massage.

If an attack of pain in the cervical column has found you far from the first AID kit, such means such as an applicator, a pepper patch, mustard and sandbag can help.

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

Patch or mustard with pepper, you can use a bag with hot sand, you should apply on the sore point on the neck, leave for several minutes.Heat will relax the muscles and distract irritation from pepper or mustard from pain.

The exercises of operating therapy (physiotherapy exercises), recommended for cervical osteochondrosis, are able to reduce pain, but within a period of meek.The exercises should be performed regularly during periods of remission: this will contribute to the rapid treatment and reduction of the severity and frequency of the exacerbations of the disease.

After receiving the emergency room and removing the pain, it is necessary to ask doctors for help as soon as possible.

Treatment

The treatment of osteocondrosis is carried out using different methods.

Traditional medicine

Popular and effective pharmacological treatment is popular.

Pharmacological treatment

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

Treatment is carried out by other drugs: non -pounded anti -anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Modern medicine uses a new type of drug - chondroprotectors - drugs that restore the cartilage tissue.

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

Block of pain syndrome

In advanced cases, during the exacerbation of pain syndrome, it can be resistant to analgesics and even the injections of painkillers.So the doctor can be performed by the "block" so called - the introduction of an anesthetic drug to a source of pain using an injection.Therefore, the painful section of the spine is "disconnected" by the general nervous "composition" and for some time (depending on the individual characteristics) the pain of this area does not disturb the patient.

An expert medical staff must necessarily perform the procedure, since an erroneously completed procedure can lead to complications.The block itself has no contraindications except individual medication intolerance and can be done every time the body requires.

Non -traditional medicine

Osteocondrosis is a disease that is not so easy to treat, so you have to face it completely.In the treatment of osteocondrosis, acupuncture is used.

Acupuncture is not a traditional medicine method, 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 bring acupuncture as such, it reduces symptoms, helps to transfer the periods of exacerbation of the disease more easily, improves the mobility of the neck and joints and the restoration and regeneration processes activated by the exposure contribute to rapid recovery.

Physiotherapy

In addition to the pharmacological treatment, doctors recommend leading physiotherapy.

1. Electrophoresis.In the case of osteochondrosis, the electrophoresis is used with anti -inflammatory drugs and non -pounded analgesics in order to transmit medicine to the affected area in a punctual way and in the requested volume.The electric current improves the effect of drugs and the procedure has the effect in the treatment.
2. ElectrotherapyUsing weak electric currents and magnetotherapy using a magnetic field.They act on painful areas, alleviating pain, improving blood circulation.It helps during periods of remission and triggers cell regeneration processes, accelerating the healing process.

Other physiotherapists aim to increase the blood circulation of a painful area, decreasing edema and inflammation, pain and general strengthening of the immunity of the body during treatment.

Treatment with ointments

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

1. Painkillers and anti -inflammatory.These ointments include analgesic and steroid antimmatory substances.
2. Heating ointments.The main component of these ointments has an irritating effect on the skin, which increases the flow of blood to the site.This relieves stress, swelling, reduces pain.
3. Condroprotectorsin the form of ointments.Active substances restore the cartilage tissue and the auxiliary substances are raised by inflammation and pain.
4. Massage ointments.Used ointments for massage and cars -Massaggi.There are anti -anti -natural inflammatory substances, analgical substances, a complex of regenerating substances of vegetable origin.

Massage and cars -massaggi

The massage with osteochondrosis of the cervical column is necessary during periods of remission of the disease in order not to increase pain during the procedure.The massage is prescribed by a course of ten to fifteen sessions and is carried out no more than once in the fourth.The massage for cervical osteochondosis is used as a procedure that strengthens the effect after treatment and to prevent osteochondosis.

The massage of the collar area and fasting, in the place of distribution of the disease, is performed by a specialist.The light movements of the masseur help to knead the muscles of the neck, to improve blood circulation, relieve tension and, after the massage path, strengthen the neck muscles, which will preserve the preventive effect for several weeks and even months.

If necessary, you can perform a light massage alone.It is necessary to knead and grind the muscles of the neck, the occipital part and the shoulder muscles on the back.Simple movements in an affordable position and at any time can be an addition to the treatment and prevention of the osteochondosis of the cervical column.

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

Adequate nutrition

In addition to the classic treatment, procedures and physiotherapy massage, for the treatment and prevention of the osteochondosis of the cervical column, proper nutrition is required with a complete range of vitamins and minerals.

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

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

Traditional medicine

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

Compressed of anesthetic potatoes

You will need:

• potato;
• Honey-1-2 TBSP.spoons for a potato.

Preparation and application:

1. Clean raw potatoes, grateful.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix with honey until smooth.
3. Put the resulting mass in a sore point, cover with polyethylene and fix it with a diaper.Keep a compress for 1-2 hours.

Ravanello Ravanello infusion for anesthesia

Alcohol dyes in popular medicine are used not only for rubbing of painful plots for anesthesia, but also for oral administration for an effect of general strengthening and relief.

For the infusion of Ravanello on the vodka, you will need:

• Black Ravanello - Half size;
• Vodka-50-70 ml;
• honey –3-4 tablespoons.spoons;
• Salt - 2 tablespoons.spoons.

Preparation and application:

1. Peel the radish, grate a grater.
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 the exacerbation.
4. Take the inside on an empty stomach for 1 teaspoon 2 times a day during an exacerbation.

Analgesic-green ginger ointment

You will need:

• Ginger dust - 1 tablespoon.table spoon;
• Garnay of garlic-2-3;
• butter.

Preparation and application:

1. Fry the ginger powder in a pan in a small amount of butter.
2. Peel the garlic, grate a fine grater or make a grind with a crush.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix in fried ginger powder and garlic until smooth.
4. The resulting ointment can be rubbed in a sore point with exacerbations or used as a compress, tied with a diaper for a few minutes up to a burning sensation on the skin.

Oil with garbage for rubbing

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

You will need:

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

Preparation and application:

1. Fencing (grass) shake finely.
2. Add the oregano to a bottle of oil and let it infuse in a dark place for at least a day.
3. Filter the oil, also tightening the oregano from the oil.
4. Use the infused oil for rubbing and light massage of the site affected by the osteocondrosis 1 time.

Night compressed made of horseradish

You will need:

• Horseradish leaves-1-3pcs.;
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Dip the horseradish leaves for a few seconds in boiling water (softened).
2. Apply softened leaves to the place affected by the osteochondrosis, tied with a diaper and isolation with a scarf.
3. Leave the picture from the horseradish leaves at night.The point of pinching of the light is quite acceptable.
4. The procedure is performed during the remission of the disease with a course of 5-7 procedures with a break for 2-3 weeks.

SHIFT Cocktail with lemon

You will need:

• Limone - 1 PC.;
• Garlic-1 head (5-6 cloves);
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Peel the lemon from the peel, seeds, grind with a blender or pass through a grinder.
2. Peel the garlic, grind with a crush or scratch on a grated.
3. Mix with lemon and garlic in a jar or in a large bottle, pour a 0.5 -liter mixture.boiling water.
4. Insist the resulting mixture of at least 12 hours (left during the night).
5. The resulting lemon-cheese cocktail is consumed daily in half a glass on an empty stomach in the morning.

You can keep a cocktail in the refrigerator, prepared in need.The course of taking a cocktail is 1 month.

Strawberry tea

You will need:

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

Preparation and application:

• Floor berries pour boiling water like tea.
• Insist at least 10-15 minutes.
• Drink with osteochondrosis of 2-3 cups per day.

Medical physical education

One of the causes of osteochondrosis is hypodynamia - the lack of physical activity against the background of a sedentary lifestyle.The execution of only a few simple exercises will help to relieve the exacerbation of the disease or prevent its appearance.

"Exercises for home and office"

Resistence

1. By pressing the palm of the occipital part of the head, making the effort of the neck muscles.With one hand to resist.Maintain a voltage of 10 seconds.
2. Change the position of the hand, putting it on the forehead and now try to put the front front.He also resisted about 10 seconds.
3. Change the position of the hand, putting it with a palm to the temple (right hand to the right temple), also resists the pressure of the hand on the head.Maintain a voltage of 10 seconds.
4. Change the hand and the side of the application of the year, now to resist the left (left hand to the left temple).Maintain a voltage of 10 seconds.
5. The situation changes alternately, repeating the exercise up to 5 times for each position of the hand.

Tips of the head standing

1. You are straight, straightening your shoulders.
2. Make the head of the head as far as possible to the right and left alternately.
3. Lower the head to the chin around the neck.
4. Make the same turns with your head as much as possible on each side, slowly and without tearing the chin from the neck.
5. Perform the exercise slowly, repeat transport up to 5 times on each side in each position.

Testing of the head standing

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

Exercises performed lying

Raise your legs

1. Lie on the back, stretch your arms and legs freely.
2. Put the legs together, pull your knees to the stomach, pulling your head up, trying to raise your eyes with your knees.
3. Refer, lower your head and straighten your legs and arms again along the body that lies.Repeat, slowly 5 times.

Turns of the head that lies

1. Lying on the stomach, straightening your legs, put your arms along the body.
2. Turn his head to the left, trying to take it to the floor with his right ear, then go around the head to the right, also try to reach the floor now with his left ear.
3. Repeat the curves of the head up to 5 times in each direction.

When performing all the exercises, it should be remembered that in the case of the manifestation of pain, it is necessary to refuse to perform the exercise and consult a doctor.

Prevention

The prevention of osteochondosis of the cervical column is a healthy lifestyle:

• Physical education and sport (moderately).With a tendency to osteocondrosis, swimming will be the best assistant.Strengthen the shoulders and neck muscles.
• Balanced diet.Include a large number of products containing calcium, magnesium, vitamins (cottage and dairy products -Caseari, peas and other legumes, walnuts, fish and seafood) in the diet.
• He breaks in the sitting work.At any occasion, we try to knead the muscles of the neck and back.
• Excessive load.Do not wear a lot and often gravity (including bags on one shoulder).
• Orthopedic cushions and mattress.Use them if possible.
• Not fat.Excess weight accelerates the development of osteochondrosis.Stay on the scale more often.

To check the conditions of the cervical region, it is advisable to make the diagnostic at least once every 2-3 years: lead a magnetic resonance imaging or a computerized tomography.

In addition, an exam by doctors should be kept 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.