Osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine in which changes occur in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, and reactive processes develop in the tissues around them.
Here we will look at cervical osteochondrosis of the spine, which is distinguished from thoracic and lumbar osteochondrosis.
Its symptoms are related to the anatomical features of the cervical spine.
The sizes of the vertebrae in the cervical region are smaller than those of the vertebrae in other regions.
The cervical spine is constantly under stress as it supports the head. It is characterized by great mobility.
What are the causes of osteochondrosis?
First of all, we can point to age-related changes in the body and the destruction of bone and cartilage tissue.
Apart from this main reason, there are a number of others, as follows:
posture disorder
decrease in physical activity due to a sedentary lifestyle
excess weight, which is due to metabolic disorders – it puts a strain on the discs
hereditary factor
prolonged physical exertion
abnormalities in the spine.
Regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle noticeably reduce the likelihood of developing osteochondrosis, as well as the impact on overall well-being.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine?
The manifestations of this type of osteochondrosis are different from the symptoms in other parts of the spine.
This is due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae have a different structure and are located very close to each other.
Therefore, any displacement leads to severe pain and can cause a pinched nerve.
Here are the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
Pain – it can be felt in different parts of the body. Pain is due to pinching of nerve endings and muscles in the corresponding part of the body.
Weakness in the upper limbs – it is due to the pinching of nerve endings that determine motor activity.
Difficulty turning the head, cracking of the vertebrae in the cervical region due to changes in the structure of the intervertebral discs and the appearance of bone formations.
Reduced sensitivity of the hands.
Weakness and dizziness due to pinching of the artery that provides blood supply and nourishment to the brain.
Deterioration of hearing and vision – this symptom appears in the final stage of the disease, when blood circulation in the cerebellum decreases.
Signs of cervical osteochondrosis
Radicular syndrome – characterized by pinching of a spinal nerve in the cervical region. It manifests itself through severe pain that can be felt in the shoulders and shoulder blades.
Spinal syndrome – is expressed in very severe attacks of headache, pain in the temples and back of the head.
Reflex syndrome – manifests as severe pain in the neck, which can intensify with any movement of the head. The pain shifts to the shoulder and chest area.
Cardinal syndrome – it is similar to an attack of angina pectoris, it is very difficult to determine.
Stages of development of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease goes through several stages. Each of them has its own characteristics and characteristic signs.
Stage 1: Degenerative disc change. The bone and cartilage tissue of the spinal vertebrae gradually begins to break down.
The symptoms of this stage are difficult to notice. Very often, sufferers do not notice them, rather associating fatigue and pain with overwork and stress.
Stage 2: Disc protrusion. The discs begin to decrease in height, cracks appear in them. The patient experiences constant pain, weakness, and numbness in the face.
Stage 3: Herniated disc. Herniations begin to form in the discs, damaging the blood vessels and muscles of the neck. The patient complains of dizziness, pain in the back of the head.
Stage 4: Osteophyte. The bone tissue that protects the vertebrae from excessive stress begins to grow, which leads to pinching of nerve endings. Stiffness of movements begins to appear, and adjacent joints are damaged.
Dangers associated with cervical osteochondrosis
The cervical spine contains a large number of nerves and arteries that supply the brain.
When their functioning is disrupted, the brain does not receive enough food to function normally.
Such a situation can disrupt motor activity, cause pain in the limbs, and loss of coordination.
If measures are not taken, ischemia, stroke, and many other diseases that are life-threatening can develop.
Therefore, if any symptoms associated with this disease appear, it is recommended that the patient consult a doctor.
Diagnosis of the cervical spine
The following types of diagnostics are used to examine diseases of the spine:
X-ray – this is not an effective way to diagnose the disease
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – shows bone structures, disc herniations and their size
CT (computed tomography) – this method is less effective than MRI, as it is difficult to determine the size of hernias.
Ultrasound duplex scanning – used when the general blood supply is impaired.
The study shows the existing speed of blood flow and whether there are barriers to this flow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis should be carried out comprehensively, depending on the situation.
A positive effect can be achieved with a comprehensive and individual approach, which includes treatment with medications, physiotherapy procedures, therapeutic exercise, massage, and also folk medicine remedies.
During an exacerbation, treatment aims to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle spasms.
In such cases, agents that improve blood flow, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, and a vitamin complex are prescribed.
Therapeutic exercise for cervical osteochondrosis
Therapeutic gymnastics gives visible results and is less dangerous during the recovery stage.
Its principle of action is based on restoring blood flow to damaged parts of the body.
While performing the exercises, the patient should not feel discomfort or pain.
The set of exercises for the cervical spine is designed to strengthen the neck muscles and also as a preventive measure.
Check out some of the best exercises you can do at home:
1. Point your chin down, bring it closer to your neck and slowly move your head first five times to the left, then five times to the right.
2. Now lift your chin and repeat the above exercise five times.
3. Tilt your head to the left, trying to touch your ear to your shoulder. Repeat five times on each side.
4. Straighten your chin and press your hands against the back of your head. Press the back of your head against your hands three times for 7 seconds.
5. Bend your head and tighten your neck muscles.
6. Repeat three times for 7 seconds.
7. Tighten your neck muscles and press your right temple with your right hand, then your left temple with your left hand. Repeat three times for 7 seconds each.
8. Straighten your head and, fighting the resistance of the tense neck muscles, press your chin towards the jugular fossa. Then raise your head, trying to keep your chin as high as possible.
Press it to your hands and hold it three times for 7 seconds.
While doing the exercises, do not try to hold your breath, breathe normally, calmly and smoothly.
If you feel pain, be sure to stop the exercises and wait for it to pass. You will see that after the first few exercises you will feel much better.
Take care of your health, because in a time when almost all of us are in front of computers all day, it is important not to forget to take care of our neck muscles, which are under daily strain.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
The goal of massage is to strengthen muscle tone and eliminate pain.
Depending on the stage of the disease, different massage techniques are applied. Classical massage methods include:
Stroking – involves affecting the surface layer of the skin. It starts from the occipital area and continues towards the collarbones and armpits.
Squeezing – the massage affects the deeper layers of the skin. Transverse movements (widthwise) are performed on the neck with the thumb and index finger, gripping areas of the skin, similar to a squeezing movement.
Rubbing – has special limitations as it affects deep tissues. If performed incorrectly, it can harm the patient.
In such cases, when the patient experiences pain on only one side, the massage should begin on the healthy side, gradually moving towards the part of the neck where the pain is felt.
Safe neck traction at home to release a pinched nerve
And here’s a great technique you can use at home or in the office to help reduce pain in your neck and down your arm from a pinched nerve.
With just the help of a towel, you can expand the intervertebral spaces through traction (pulling) and thus release a possibly pinched nerve.
Postisometric relaxation
Thanks to postisometric neck relaxation, a relaxing effect is achieved on those muscles that are difficult to influence during massage.
This is a unique technique that can relieve muscle spasm, improve blood circulation, and thereby reduce pressure on the spinal nerves.
Because of the results achieved, some even say that this is a particularly gentle technique of manual therapy, but without any health risk.
Prevention of the occurrence of cervical osteochondrosis
To prevent the occurrence and development of the disease, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules:
one should lead a healthy life, with physical exercise, and regularly visit a swimming pool
diversify your diet with products rich in magnesium and calcium
If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you should move around several times a day.
The bed should have an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.Facebook group for mutual aid – WE HELP everyone with proven folk recipes here –
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