The cervical spine is one of the most vulnerable to osteochondrosis and, unfortunately, is very often affected by this disease. Its symptoms, in addition to neck pain, can be intense headaches accompanied by constriction of the vertebral artery by bone growths in the vertebrae. Osteochondrosis of the cervix can be dangerous not only for the elderly but also for the young, leading a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle.
What are the causes of cervical osteochondrosis?
The causes of osteochondrosis of the cervix are the same as those of the whole degenerative process of the spine as a whole: physical inactivity, malnutrition, heredity, sedentary work, occupational overload, etc. Of the particular factors, it should be noted the high mobility of this section of the spine, due to which the cervical vertebrae have a large daily load.
Many features of cervical osteochondrosis are also related to the fact that the cervical vertebrae differ in structure from the rest and are closely related to the important cervical blood vessels that nourish the brain. These vessels are called vertebral arteries, or more simply, vertebral arteries. They pass inside the arches of the cervical vertebrae, distributing blood directly into the cranial cavity. And if the cervical vertebra is affected by osteochondrosis, then the artery inside the vertebrae can be compressed, which reduces blood flow to the brain. This is one of the mechanisms for the occurrence of headaches in osteochondrosis of the cervix.
What are the stages of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be mild or severe. The most severe stage of degeneration is an intervertebral hernia. In the cervical region hernias do not appear as often as in the middle part, but even here they are not uncommon. Many young people come to visit a doctor with hernias detected on MRI, while others have hernias during the diagnostic process. The important thing here is that the hernia itself is not always the cause of the pain, but that does not mean it should not be treated.
It is important to note that not all neck pain is caused by osteochondrosis. That is, this process can occur but not be the cause of this pain syndrome in this patient. Much more often, the cause of pain is musculoskeletal syndrome, the essence of which is the overload of short sections of skeletal muscle. For example, if we sit at a computer for a long time, the trapezius muscles become numb in a monotonous position, resulting in their spasms and pain, which can radiate to the neck, head and arms.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis?
For the correct and competent treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, several key points must be observed. They all relate somewhat to prevention and early doctor visits. We list the most necessary measures:
- Careful observance of ergonomics rules, organization of your workspace, proper height of the desk, monitor at eye level.
- Regular warm-up of the neck and arms (which are closely related to it), at least once every 1. 5-2 hours during sedentary work, daily morning exercises.
- Regular massage and osteopathy courses, at least once every 6 months.
Taking painkillers can only be started as directed by a doctor, otherwise you can simply take the disease to a corner, alleviating the symptoms and leaving the cause of the pathology unattended.
How can osteopathy help with cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteopathy for this disease is a very effective method of treatment. The fact is that the need for manual procedures for osteochondrosis is obvious to everyone, but not everyone understands how dangerous these manipulations can be.
Some chiropractors practice approximate confidence techniques, after which the patient suddenly feels particularly "positive", "enlightenment" is achieved in the head. This is the "shrinkage" of the vertebrae with an incredible crack and horrible technique, reminiscent of drowning, for unlocking motor segments.
It must be said that all of these rough and externally beautiful techniques are often unsafe and have nothing to do with osteopathy. The system of cervical vertebrae is very finely regulated and balanced, so that any serious intervention affects not only a single vertebra, but also the entire neck, the entire spine, head, blood vessels, etc.
The osteopath works with the neck very carefully and without problems, without rude movements and sudden manipulations. At first glance, it may seem to you that the doctor did nothing special, but it is not so. The basis of osteopathy is the delicate sensitivity of the doctor's hands. Osteopathy always knows how to balance the system of muscles, ligaments and bones without damaging it. Therefore, osteopathic correction for cervical osteochondrosis is more successful, safe and effective.