Low back pain is a disease of the spine, which is characterized by the development of changes in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs and reactive processes in the surrounding tissues.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is different in its manifestations from the thoracic and lumbar osteoarthritis. The symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis are associated with anatomical features of the cervical spine. The size of the vertebrae of the cervical spine less than the size of other departments. Cervical constantly checks the load of work, taking the head, and in this he is distinguished for great mobility.
Causes of degenerative disc disease
The causes of the development of the disease in the first place, because of age, the aging of the body and in developing the destruction of bone and cartilage. It is also possible to call the following reasons of the occurrence of degenerative disc disease:
- disorders of posture,
- the reduction of physical activity following a sedentary life-style,
- the excess of weight, which is the result of disorders of the metabolism, makes the load on the intervertebral discs,
- hereditary factor,
- prolonged physical effort,
- abnormalities of the vertebral column.
Uniform physical exercise, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle you greatly reduce the chances of developing this disease, as well as reduce the impact on the general well-being.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis cervical spine
Manifestations of cervical arthrosis are different from the symptoms in other departments of the vertebral column. This is due to the fact that the cervical vertebrae have a different structure and are very close. Therefore, any displacement is manifested with severe pain. In addition, in the cervical spine often zaselyalsya nervous beam and the arteries.
Cervical osteochondrosis of the spine is manifested by the following symptoms:
- The sensations of pain – the pain can be felt in different parts of the body. This is due to the fact that it happens the pinched nerves and muscles of the corresponding part of the body.
- Weakness to the upper limbs, is manifested due to crushing of the nerve endings, which are responsible for motor activity.
- Difficulty curve of the head, the look of the crackle of vertebrae cervical – occur because of changes in the structure of the intervertebral disc, the appearance of the bone formations.
- The low sensitivity of the hands.
- Weakness and dizziness are due to crushing of the artery that provides blood flow and nutrition of the brain.
- The decline of hearing and sight – appears in the last stage of the disease, when the circulation of blood in the cerebellum.
Signs of cervical arthrosis
- Syndrome radicular – characterized due to squeezing of the nerve opening in the neck area. It manifests with severe pain, which can be felt in the shoulders, scapula.
- Vertebral syndrome manifests itself with severe headaches, pain in the temples and nape of the neck.
- Reflexology is a syndrome characterized by severe pain in the cervical spine that may be aggravated during the entire movement of the head. The pain can move to the shoulder and on the chest.
- Cardinal syndrome – reminiscent of an attack of angina, to determine that it is extremely difficult.
The degree of development of cervical osteoarthritis in the spine
In the course of its development, the disease passes through several phases. Each phase has its own characteristics and is characterized by specific symptoms.
- 1 the stage. Bone-cartilage of the vertebrae gradually begins to crumble. The symptoms of the disease are not visible. And very often the sick themselves do not notice, and bind the fatigue and pain with fatigue and stress.
- 2 the stage. The height of the disc begins to decrease, and on it appear the cracks. Patient experiences persistent pain, weakness, numbness of the face.
- 3 the stage. Begin to form a herniated disk damaged in the cervical blood vessels and muscles. Complaints appear on the dizziness, pain in the neck.
- 4 the stage. The bone tissue that protects the vertebrae from excess workload, it begins to grow, causing zaselyalsya the nerve endings. Occurs stiffness in their movements, and damaged the adjacent joints.
Risk of cervical arthrosis
Cervical you will find a large number of nerves and arteries that provide the brain. In case of violation of their work, the brain will not be possible to obtain a sufficient power for normal operation. This situation may stop the motor activity of the man, causing pain in the limbs, loss of coordination.
In the advanced stage of degenerative disc disease can develop ischemia, stroke and many other diseases, that are dangerous to human life.
Therefore, the appearance of any symptoms associated with this disease, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
The diagnosis of whiplash
For the examination of diseases of the vertebral column are used in the following types of diagnosis:
- the x-rays is ineffective method of diagnosis of the disease,
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)shows the structure of the bone, formed by the hernia of the disk, and their size,
- CT (computerized tomography) is ineffective compared to magnetic RESONANCE imaging, as well as with the help of this method of diagnosis is difficult to determine the size of the hernias,
- Duplex ultrasonography is used when it is interrupted, the flow of blood in common. This survey shows the existing the speed of blood flow, as well as the presence of obstacles on his way.
Treatment of cervical arthrosis of the spine
Treatment of cervical arthrosis of the spinal column should be in the complex depending on the situation. The positive effect can be achieved through an integrated and custom, which includes drug treatments, physio procedures, curative physical education, massage, use of the funds of folk medicine.
In an acute period of treatment of cervical arthrosis the spinal column is designed to increase circulation, get rid of muscle spasms. In this case, funds are disbursed, which improve the blood circulation, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, vitamin complex.
Therapeutic exercise with osteochondrosis of the cervical
Medical gymnastics gives visible results and is less dangerous in the healing phase. The operation principle of physiotherapy is to restore the flow of blood on the damaged parts of the body. Performing the exercises of physiotherapy patients do not have to feel the pain and discomfort.
A series of exercises for the cervical spine is designed to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and also plays the role of preventing the development of cervical osteoarthritis.
Massage with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The massage is performed with the objective of strengthening the muscle tone and relieve pain. Depending on the stage of development of the disease, they are made of different massage techniques. The classic massage techniques are:
- stroking – this technique is the impact on the surface of the superficial layers of the skin. Start the massage with the neck area and continues to the clavicula and the armpit.
- the pressing – in this case, the impact during the massage takes place in the deeper layers of the skin. Around the neck the thumb and the index perform movements to take hold of the skin, which resemble pressing.
- rubbing is performed with the objective of heating and relaxation of the skin, to improve the flow of blood in the neck area of the cervical spine.
- kneading – has particular restrictions, as well as deeply affects the tissues. If not performed correctly this technique allows you to do harm to the patient.
In those cases, when the patient has the sensation of pain occurs only on one side, massage should start back with the healthy part of the neck, gradually moving in that part of the cervical spine, where it appears on the pain.
The massage can be performed at home, and in a healthcare facility. However, in the course of its execution, it is necessary to be very careful not to cause a worsening of the disease or not make it worse.
Prevention of occurrence of cervical arthrosis
To prevent the appearance and development of the disease it is recommended that you follow the simple rules:
- lead a healthy life, do physical exercise regularly in the pool;
- diversify the diet foods rich in magnesium and calcium;
- in the case of a sedentary job, you have a couple of times a day to do training;
- to sleep you should choose an orthopedic mattress and a comfortable pillow.