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 slowdown in the disease.

Development and event of pathology

Osteochondrosis of the cervical column is found in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a sedentary work.

Signs

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

Several syndromes are distinguished, each being characterized by their own signs.

Rookeur syndrome is due to a pinch of nerve endings in the intervertebral space of cervical spaces.Characteristics characteristic:

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

Cardial syndrome (or cardiac syndrome) is due to the offense or irritation of the roots of the nerves of the diaphragm and or) of the large chest muscle.In this case, signs will serve as pain in the heart zone, which will be long and sharp in the event of rotation of the head, sneezing or other neck movements (as in the case of angina).

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

• Pulsating headache in the occipital, front (above the eyebrows) and the time part, which are constant;
• Disorders of the hearing apparatus, the vestibular apparatus, the vision (when osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is already in a neglected state).

Irrititive reflection syndrome.The signs of such a syndrome are:

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

Symptoms

The symptoms of development of osteochondrosis depend on the damaged nerve root.In the cervical region 7 vertebrae, between which there are nerves.Their 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 as the same way and are designated by Arabic figures (C1, C2).The letter C designates a cervical service (from the lat. The cervical).

1. In the event of damage to the nerve end between the first and second vertebrae (C2), the main symptom will be numbness and the loss of sensitivity in the occipital part.Later - pain there.
2. Damage at the end of the nerve (C3) between the second and third vertebrae leads to an alteration of sensitivity in the region, and later led to altered sensitivity and altered language (until the word deficiency).
3. Too bad at the nerve end between the third and fourth vertebrae (C4).In this case, the pain is concentrated in the collarbone, goes into the area of the heart and the respiratory disorders are possible.But the pains are preceded by a feeling of numbness in a collar and shoulders.
4. Too bad at the nerve root of C5 between the fourth and fifth vertebrae.In case of damage, it responds with an alteration of the sensitivity of the limbs, both the superior (in the hands) and the lower, as well as the pain in the forearm and the outer part of the shoulder.
5. Damage to the nerve ending in the fifth, sixth and seventh vertebrae area (the most common cervical osteochondosis).The twinge symptoms of the nerve endings of C6 and C7 are a periodic numbness of the fingers and hands, pain in the neck, forearm and below - the shoulder blade, back, to lumbar.
6. Damage to the C8 nerve.The pain is concentrated in the neck and spreads through the forearm to the elbow and at the rear towards the lower limbs.The pain is preceded by a loss of sensitivity in important areas of the hands (fingers, brushes), legs (fingers, feet), skin.The blood circulation in the limbs is disturbed, which affects the color of the skin of the hands and feet.

Reasons

Cervical osteochondosis is more and more among the young population.The reasons explaining the occurrence of the disease are more often due to the bad way of life than a hereditary predisposition.

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

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

• Incorrect nutrition and, therefore, 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, a frequent lifting of weights.
• The curvature of the spine, the violation of the posture, the consequences of the vertebral lesions, have developed flat feet.
• Stress, frequent nervous tension.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of osteochondrosis should not be made by a doctor.

Visual diagnosis

During the contact of a neurologist and an orthopedic doctor, an examination and an investigation of the patient will initially be carried out.After palpation, the evaluation of neck mobility and the degree of pain, the patient will aim for material diagnostics.

Radiography

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

Magnetic resonance tomography

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 their location.

When you use MRI in diagnostic results, changes will be visible in the vascular system and nerve endings of the vertebral department.

Computed tomography

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

Differential diagnosis

After sending one of the diagnostic procedures, the doctor will make a differential diagnosis - he will exclude the presence of other diseases in the body that have similar symptoms.This will require a blood test, a reference to other specialist doctors.

What is dangerous to ignore osteochondrosis?

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

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

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

Proposese in the cervical column is serious even with a size up to 1 mm, while in other parts of the spine, these changes are not so dangerous.

After the formation of projections, the destruction will affect the fibrous ring - the connection fibers which protect the internal jacket of the pulpo nucleus.The pathological changes in these structures lead to the formation of hernia of the intervertebral disc.The training and development of hernia are accompanied by an increase in pain syndromes and unpredictable consequences.

The most serious consequences of osteochondrosis, in the event of treatment, are vascular disorders: vegetable dystonia, hypertension and hypotension.

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

FIRST AID

With the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, the first question that the patient is confronted: "How will he get rid of pain in the cervical region?"

Drugs containing pain relievers, as well as pain relievers, will help eliminate the feeling of pain, and the constraint of movements will help movements.

When acute pain pass, the following hours and days before going to the doctor can use anti-inflammatory pain relievers.During periods of drop in exacerbation, you can use warming ointments, they will help relieve tensions in the neck and distract painful pain.The ointments must be applied with light movements without massage.

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

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

Patch with pepper or mustard, you can use a bag with hot sand, you should apply to the painful stain on the neck, leave for several minutes.The heat will relax the muscles and distract the irritation of pepper or mustard from pain.

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

After receiving first aid and eliminating pain, you need to request the help of doctors as soon as possible.

Treatment

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using different methods.

Traditional medicine

Popular and efficient is a drug treatment.

Drugs

Anesthetics are used during the exacerbation period of osteochondosis and are more suitable for an ambulance for the patient.In such cases, pain relievers are used.

The treatment is carried out by other drugs - non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Modern medicine uses a new type of medication - chondroprotectors - drugs that restore cartilage fabric.

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

Pain syndrome blocking

In advanced cases, during the exacerbation of pain syndrome, it can be resistant to pain relievers and even injections of pain relievers.Then, the doctor can be carried out by the "blockage" if called SO - the introduction of an anesthetic drug to a source of pain using an injection.Thus, the painful section of the spine is "disconnected" from the general nervous "composition" and for a certain time (according to individual characteristics), the pain of this area does not disturb the patient.

Experienced medical staff must necessarily carry out the procedure, as a poorly completed procedure may cause complications.The blockade itself has no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance to drugs and can be done as often as the body needs it.

Non -traditional medicine

Osteochondrosis is a disease that is not so easy to treat, so you should approach it in depth.In the treatment of osteochondrosis, acupuncture is used.

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

Physiotherapy

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

1. Electrophoresis.In the case of osteochondrosis, electrophoresis is used with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs in order to transmit the drug to the punctual affected area and in the required volume.The electric current improves the effect of drugs and the procedure has the effect in the treatment.
2. ElectrotherapyUse of low electric currents and magnetotherapy using a magnetic field.They act on painful areas, relieving pain, improving blood circulation.Help 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, reducing edema and inflammation, pain and general reinforcement of the body's immunity during treatment.

Treatment with ointments

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

1. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.Such ointments include analgesic and steroid anti-inflammatory substances.
2. Warming ointments.The main component of these ointments has an irritating effect on the skin, which increases blood supply to the site.This relieves stress, swelling, reduces pain.
3. Chondroprotectorin the form of ointments.Active substances restore the tissue of cartilage and auxiliary substances are relieved of inflammation and pain.
4. Massage ointment.ONGUENTS used for massage and self-massage.There are natural anti-inflammatory substances, analgesic substances, a complex of regenerative substances of plant origin.

Massage and self-massage

A massage with osteochondrosis of the cervical column is necessary during periods of remission of the disease so as not to increase the pain during the procedure.The massage is prescribed by a course of ten to fifteen sessions and does not take place more than once per quarter.Massage of cervical osteochondosis is used as a procedure which strengthens the effect after treatment and to prevent osteochondrosis.

The massage of the collar area and acupressure, instead of distribution of the disease, is done by a specialist.The clear movements of the massage therapist help to knead the muscles of the neck, to improve blood circulation, to relieve tension and, after the evolution of massage, strengthen the muscles of the neck, which will preserve the preventive effect for several weeks and even months.

If necessary, you can do a light massage yourself.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 a practical position and at any time can be added to the treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical column.

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

Good nutrition

In addition to conventional treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures and massage, for the treatment and prevention of cervical column osteochondrosis, good nutrition with a full range of vitamins and minerals is necessary.

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

Complex vitamins are necessary during the period of remission for general catering and the strengthening of the body.

Traditional medicine

Popular remedies for the treatment of cervical osteochondosis are divided into those who relieve pain and can be used for exacerbations, 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:

• potato;
• Honey-1-2 c.tablespoons for a potato.

Preparation and application:

1. Clean raw potatoes, grid.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix with honey until smooth.
3. Put the resulting mass in a painful stain, cover with polyethylene and fix it with a layer.Keep a compress for 1 to 2 hours.

Radish radish infusion for anesthesia

Alcohol dyes in popular medicine are used not only to rub the painful plots for anesthesia, but also for oral administration for a general reinforcement effect and relief.

For the radish infusion on vodka, you will need:

• Black radish - Medium half -tape;
• Vodka-50-70 ml;
• Honey –3-4 tablespoon.tablespoons;
• SEL - 2 tablespoons.tablespoons.

Preparation and application:

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

Analgesic ointment with ginger flavor

You will need:

• Ginger powder - 1 tablespoon.spoon;
• Garly-2-3 cloves;
• butter.

Preparation and application:

1. Fry the ginger powder in a saucepan in a small amount of butter.
2. Peel the garlic, grate on a thin grater or grind with a crush.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the fried ginger powder and garlic until smooth consistency.
4. The resulting ointment can be rubbed in a painful stain with exacerbations or used as a compress, attached with a layer for a few minutes until a burning sensation on the skin.

Oil with garbage to rub

Oil friction with a slight massage for osteochondrosis is used during periods of remission of the disease, and is done with courses of 10 to 15 days with a break.

You will need:

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

Preparation and application:

1. Painful (grass) shakes finely.
2. Add the oregano to a bottle of oil and infuse in a dark place for at least a day.
3. Filter the oil, also tightening the oregano with the oil.
4. Use the infused oil for friction and light massage of the site affected by osteochondrosis 1 time.

Raime night compress

You will need:

• Raifort-11-3pcs leaves.;
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Dip the leaflet leaves for a few seconds in boiling water (soften).
2. Apply softened leaves to the place affected by osteochondrosis, tied with a layer and insulation with a scarf.
3. Leave the compress of the leaflet leaves at night.The feeling of light pinching is completely acceptable.
4. The procedure is carried out during the remission of the disease with a course of 5 to 7 procedures with a termination of 2-3 weeks.

Lemon shift cocktail

You will need:

• lemon - 1 pc.;
• Head of garlic-1 (5-6 pods);
• boiling water.

Preparation and application:

1. Peel the lemon of the skin, the seeds, grind with a mixer or pass through a meat mill.
2. Peel the garlic, grind with a crushing or a grid on a fine rail.
3. Mix the lemon and garlic in a jar or large bottle, pour a mixture of 0.5 liter.boiling water.
4. Insist the resulting mixture from at least 12 hours (leave it overnight).
5. The resulting lemon cocktail is consumed daily in half a glass on an empty stomach in the morning.

You can store a cocktail in the refrigerator, prepared if necessary.The course of taking a cocktail is 1 month.

Strawberry tea

You will need:

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

Preparation and application:

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

Medical physical education

One of the causes of osteochondrosis is hypodynamia - the lack of physical activity in the context of a sedentary lifestyle.Performing only a few simple exercises will help to alleviate exacerbation of the disease or prevent your appearance.

Exercises "for the house and the office"

Resistance

1. Press the palm towards the occipital part of the head, press it, which makes the effort of the neck muscles.With one hand to resist.Keep a tension of 10 seconds.
2. Change the position of the hand, placing it on the forehead and now try to put forward.Also resisted about 10 seconds.
3. Change the position of the hand, placing it with a palm in the temple (right hand towards the right temple), also resist the pressure of the hand on your head.Keep a tension of 10 seconds.
4. Change the hand and the side of the application of the exercise, now to resist the left (left hand to the left temple).Keep a tension of 10 seconds.
5. Change the situation alternately, repeating the exercise up to 5 times for each hand position.

Standing head

1. Stand straight, straightening your shoulders.
2. Make the head of the head as much as possible on the right and on the left alternately.
3. Lower your head to the chin to 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, the rehearsal turns up to 5 times on each side in each of the position.

Head tilted

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

Exercises performed lying

Legs

1. Lie on your back, freely stretch your arms and legs.
2. Gather your legs, pull your knees to your stomach, while pulling your head, trying to make your eyes with your knees.
3. Refer, lower your head and straighten your legs and arms along the body again.Repeat, slowly 5 times.

Turning the head lying down

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

When you do all the exercises, remember that in the case of pain manifestation, you should refuse to perform and consult a doctor.

Prevention

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

• Physical education and sport (moderately).With a tendency to osteochondrosis, swimming will be the best assistant.It strengthens shoulders and neck muscles.
• Balanced diet.Include a large number of products containing calcium, magnesium, vitamins (cottage cheese and dairy products, peas and other legumes, nuts, fish and seafood) in the diet.
• Breaks in sitting work.On each occasion, we try to knead the muscles of the neck and back.
• Excessive load.Do not wear much and often gravity (including bags on one shoulder).
• Orthopedic pillows and mattresses.Use them if possible.
• Don't fat.Excess weight accelerates the development of osteochondrosis.Put yourself on the scale more often.

To control the state of the cervical region, it is recommended to make diagnoses at least once every 2 to 3 years: conduct an MRI or a computed tomography.

In addition, an examination by doctors should take place at least once a year: a surgeon and a neuropathologist.The treatment of any disease is easier and faster if you start when the first signs appear.