Osteochondrosis is a complex of anatomical and functional pathological 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 osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The vertebrae in the cervical spine experience increased stress associated with mobility of the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of displacement of the vertebrae with sudden or atypical movements of the head, and a weak muscle corset does not protect the spine from damage. The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are not fully understood and the course is asymptomatic in most cases. This leads to the fact that most of the patients seek medical help quite late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- altered posture, instability of spinal structures;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary or forced work for a long time, lack of sufficient 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 circulatory disturbances and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this disease are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When you tilt or turn your head, a characteristic crisp sound can be heard. Pulling pains can radiate to the chest area, there is a burning sensation between the shoulder blades.
- Feeling of exhaustion, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. With cervical osteochondrosis, the headache is concentrated in the occipital region and radiates to the lateral parts of the neck.
- When tilting your head, there may be a feeling of numbness in your hands and fingers.
- Chest pain, nausea, dizziness.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on an examination, x-ray or CT scan of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI will be needed, and rheoencephalography and fundus study are needed to assess functional circulatory disturbances.
Conservative treatment includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as the restoration of natural cartilage tissue with the help of chondroprotectors. Acupressure, physiotherapy, and therapeutic exercises are also effective.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the back muscle system effectively maintain the normal condition of spinal structures. Daily gymnastics and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the working day help 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 overweight. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, massage, which should be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year, helps.
11 myths in neurology
These days it's hard to meet someone who doesn't need the help of a neurologist.
City life with its stress, bad habits and physical inactivity leads to the fact that most people have at least one health problem related to neurology. Here are just some deep-rooted misconceptions and “traditional” medicine prevents patients from contacting a doctor and getting qualified help.
Smartphone hostages
Morning doesn't start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people above all, barely opening their eyes, grab a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read on-screen news at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In transport - away from the road for the connection. In the office - work chat, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it's handy when there's so much value in one small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become too important in our life?
In the hands of the master
Themassage is one of the oldest treatments. Whatever new ways to get rid of diseases that mankind has invented, massage therapists are not standing still. And sometimes it is precisely with the skillful hands of a specialist that you can achieve better results than with state-of-the-art drugs and devices.
Difficult time of the year
Come to the clinic in the summer - hallways half empty and silence. But fall is coming and doctors still have work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who would not have increased patients in September-October.
Is the sun friend or foe?
Petersburg has done it - they have survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. More and more he is looking in the windows and warming himself in the streets. Isn't that a cause for joy? Or is it not? After all, as you know, what makes you happy often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-healing. When it gets dangerous
There might be no one who doesn't know what to take for a cold or a headache. Each has their own “proven ways”. And advertising offers solutions for any disease. You can also seek advice from friends, a pharmacist in a pharmacy or just on the Internet. But is everything so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists are regularly faced with requests from patients to advise 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, awkwardly bent or stretched - and now something in my back was aching and stabbing me. Office workers are also at risk who reportedly don't unload cars, plow the land, and still suffer from back pain. What to do and who to contact when an illness has disrupted plans?