The cervical spine is one of the most susceptible to osteochondrosis and, unfortunately, very often affected by this disease. Its symptoms, in addition to the pain in the neck itself, can include severe headaches associated with pinching of the vertebral artery by bony overgrowths on the vertebrae. Cervical osteochondrosis can be dangerous not only for the elderly, but also for young people who lead a sedentary and sedentary lifestyle.
What are the causes of cervical osteochondrosis?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are the same as those of the entire degenerative process of the spine as a whole: sedentary lifestyle, malnutrition, heredity, sedentary work, professional overload, etc. Of the special factors, it is worth noting the high mobility of this section of the spine, due to which theCervical vertebrae are exposed to a large daily load.
Also, many features of cervical osteochondrosis are related to the fact that the cervical vertebrae differ in structure from the others and are closely connected to the important blood vessels of the neck that supply the brain. These vessels are called vertebral arteries or more simply vertebral arteries. They run in the arches of the cervical vertebrae and deliver blood directly to the cranial cavity. And when the cervical vertebra is affected by osteochondrosis, the artery inside the vertebra can become pinched, reducing blood flow to the brain. This is one of the mechanisms for the occurrence of headaches in cervical osteochondrosis.
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 fracture. Hernias are not as common in the cervical spine as they are in the lumbar spine, but again, they are not uncommon. Many young people seek medical attention when MRI detects hernias, while others have hernias during the diagnostic process. It is important to note that a hernia itself is not always the cause of the pain, but this does not mean that it should not be treated.
It's important to note that not all neck pain is caused by osteochondrosis. That is, this process can take place, but not be the cause of this pain syndrome in this patient. Much more often the cause of pain is musculoskeletal syndrome, the core of which is overstrain of short sections of skeletal muscles. For example, if we sit at the computer for a long time, the trapezius muscles become numb in a monotonous position, which leads to 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, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of important points. All are somehow related to prevention and early doctor visits. We list the most necessary measures:
- Careful observance of the rules of ergonomics, organization of the workplace, correct table height, monitor at eye level.
- Regular warming up of the neck and arms (which are closely related to it), at least once every 1. 5-2 hours with sedentary work, daily morning exercises.
- Regular massage and osteopathy courses, at least every 6 months.
Taking painkillers can only be started as directed by a doctor, otherwise you can simply corner the disease, relieve the symptoms and leave the cause of the pathology unattended.
How can osteopathy help with cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteopathy is a very effective treatment method for this disease. 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 gross trust techniques, after which the patient suddenly feels particularly "positive, " "enlightenment" is achieved in the mind. This is the "reduction" of the vertebrae with an incredible crunch and terrible asphyxiation-like motor segment unlocking techniques.
It must be said that all these crude and outwardly beautiful techniques are often unsafe and have nothing to do with osteopathy. The system of cervical vertebrae is arranged very finely and in a balanced manner, so that any major intervention affects not just a single vertebra, but the entire neck, spine, head, blood vessels, etc.
The osteopath works very carefully and gently with the neck, without rough movements and sudden manipulations. At first glance, it may seem to you that the doctor did nothing special, but this is not so. The basis of osteopathy is the fine sensitivity of the doctor's hands. The osteopath always knows how to balance the muscle, ligament and bone system without damaging it. Therefore, osteopathic correction of cervical osteochondrosis is the most successful, safe and effective.