Osteochondrosis is a complex of pathological anatomical and functional disorders associated with degenerative changes of 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 of the cervical spine experience increased stress associated with the mobility of the neck and head. The anatomy of this segment contributes to the risk of displacement of the vertebrae with sudden or atypical head movements, and a weak muscular 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 patients seek medical attention rather late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- altered posture, instability of the structures of the spinal column;
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia;
- genetic predisposition;
- sedentary work or being in a forced position for a long time, lack of sufficient physical activity;
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in the ligaments and cartilage cause compression of the arteries and nerve trunks, causing cerebral circulation disorders and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easy to recognize.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When tilting or turning the head, a distinctive crisp sound can be heard. Pulling pains can radiate to the thoracic region, 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 you tilt your head, you may feel a feeling of numbness in your hands and fingers.
- Chest pains, nausea, dizziness.
Methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Diagnosis is made by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist based on an examination, x-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI will be required, and reencephalography and a fundus study will be needed to evaluate functional circulatory disorders.
Conservative therapy includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as the restoration of natural cartilage tissue using chondroprotectors. Also effective are acupressure, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the back muscular system effectively maintain the normal condition of the 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 excess weight. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, a massage cycle helps, which must be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.
11 myths in neurology
Nowadays it is difficult to meet a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Life in a city with its stresses, bad habits and physical inactivity leads to the fact that most people have at least one neurology-related health problem. Here there are only deeply ingrained misconceptions and "traditional" medicine prevents patients from seeking medical attention and obtaining qualified help.
Smartphone hostage
The morning does not start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people first of all, barely opening their eyes, pick up a smartphone - suddenly a message comes. Then read the news from the screen at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In transport - while off the road to correspondence. In the office - business chat, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it's convenient when there's so much value in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become too much in our life?
In the hands of the master
Massage is one of the oldest treatments. Regardless of the new ways to get rid of diseases invented by mankind, massagers do not remain inactive. And sometimes it is precisely with the skilled hands of a specialist that greater results can be achieved than with ultramodern medicines and devices.
Difficult time of year
Come to the clinic in the summer: half-empty corridors and silence. But autumn arrives and again the doctors have even more 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?
The Petersburgers have done it: they have survived a long and dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. More and more often he looks in the windows and gets warm in the streets. Isn't this a cause for joy? Or not? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-healing. When it becomes dangerous
Perhaps there is no person who does not know what to take for a cold or a headache. Everyone has their own "proven means". And advertising suggests solutions for any ailment. You can also ask for advice from friends, pharmacist at the pharmacy or simply on the Internet. But is it all that simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy and our pharmacists regularly deal with patients' requests to recommend a medicine, so doctors deal with the results of self-treatment.
Backslashes hurt
Nobody is immune to back pain.
Suddenly I lifted a weight, bent awkwardly or stretched - and now something in my back hurt and stabbed me. Employees who apparently do not unload the carriages, do not plow the land and still suffer from back pain are also at risk. What to do and who to contact when an illness has upset the plans?