Cervical vertebrae increase the stress associated with neck and head mobility. The anatomy of this part contributes to the risk of vertebral displacement with sudden or atypical head movements and a weak corset muscle 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 help rather late. Lead to the development of osteochondrosis:
- weakened posture, instability of the structures of the spine.
- trauma, connective tissue dysplasia?
- genetic predisposition?
- sedentary work or being in a forced position for a long time, lack of adequate physical activity.
- unbalanced diet, lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
Degenerative changes in the ligaments and cartilage cause compression of arteries and nerve trunks, causing circulatory disturbances and pain syndrome. The characteristic symptoms of this condition are easily recognizable.
- Painful sensations in the back of the head, neck, shoulders. When you tilt or turn your head, you hear a characteristic crunchy sound. Pulling pains can radiate to the chest area, there is a burning sensation between the shoulders.
- Feeling exhausted, insomnia, chronic fatigue and frequent headaches. With cervical osteochondrosis, the headache accumulates in the occipital region and is transmitted to the lateral parts of the neck.
- When you tilt 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 examination, x-ray or computed tomography of the spine. If an intervertebral hernia is suspected, an MRI scan will be required and a rheoencephalography and seabed study will be required to assess functional circulatory disorders.
Conservative treatment includes symptomatic measures (pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, antispasmodics), as well as restoration of natural cartilage tissue using chondroprotectors. Also effective are acoustic pressure, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Regular physical activity and exercises to strengthen the muscular system of the back effectively maintain the normal state of the vertebral structures. Daily exercise and monitoring the position of the neck and back during the working day help to normalize blood circulation, relieve excessive stress in certain parts of the spine.
It is also important to monitor your diet and avoid being overweight. To activate metabolic processes and eliminate muscle spasms, a series of massages helps, which should be repeated at intervals of 2-3 times a year.
11 Myths in Neurology
Today it is difficult to meet a person who does not need the help of a neurologist.
Living in a city with stress, bad habits and inactivity leads to the fact that most people have at least one neurological health problem. Here are just deep-rooted misconceptions and the "traditional" medicine prevents patients from reaching a doctor and receiving specialized help.
Hostage Smartphone
Morning does not start with coffee. Studies show that hundreds of thousands of people, first of all, as soon as they open their eyes, reach for a smartphone - suddenly a message arrives. Then read the on-screen news for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During transport - while you are away from the mail. At the office - work conversation, at home - communication with friends and relatives. Of course, it is convenient when there is so much value in a small device - information, communication, entertainment. But hasn't the smartphone become too much in our lives?
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, massage therapists still do not remain inactive. And sometimes it is with the skillful hands of a specialist that you can achieve greater results than with medicines and state-of-the-art devices.
Hard season of the year
Come to the clinic in the summer - half empty corridors and silence. But autumn is coming, and again doctors have more work to do. And, perhaps, there is no such doctor who would not have increased patients in September-October.
Is the sun a friend or an enemy?
Petersburg did it - they survived a long dark winter and are ready to see the sun again. Increasingly, he looks out the window and warms the streets. Is not it a cause for joy? Or is not it? After all, as you know, what brings pleasure often hides hidden threats. So it is with the sun.
Self-medication. When it becomes dangerous
Maybe there is no person who does not know what to take for a cold or headache. Everyone has their own "proven means". And advertising offers solutions for any disease. You can also seek advice from friends, a pharmacist at a drugstore or just online. But is everything so simple and convenient? For which diseases can self-medication be dangerous? EMS also has a pharmacy and our pharmacists regularly respond to patient requests for advice on a drug and then doctors treat the results of self-medication.
Funny backs are bad
No one is immune to back pain.
I suddenly started a weight, bent awkwardly or stretched - and now something in my back hurts and stabbed me. At risk are also office workers who do not seem to get rid of the wagons, do not plow the land and continue to suffer from back pain. What to do and who to contact when an illness has disrupted plans?