Do you know the feeling of tension in your neck?What happens is that you work and automatically pull your head left and right because your muscles "go numb".Or while reading a book you catch yourself massaging your neck.Cervical spondylosis may be hidden behind these symptoms.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue of the cervical spine.It is characterized by changes in the cartilage structure of the intervertebral disc and the development of a pathological process in the surrounding tissues.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis
There is a set of symptoms characteristic of the disease:
- Complaints of pain (both acute and dull, aching), which can be localized in the neck, back of the head, in the arms and shoulder blades.This is because the nerve roots of the corresponding cervical segment are compressed.
- Muscle weakness and numbness in the neck and arms.
- Stiffness when moving the neck and dizziness.
- Increased fatigue and decreased performance may occur.
- Hearing and vision impairment are less common (with progressive disease).
The above symptoms and complaints may be combined.This depends on the specific location and extent of the pathological process.
Why does cervical spondylosis appear?
The cause of cervical spondylosis has many factors.Usually it develops due to:
- Age-related changes in cartilage tissue are a normal aging process.
- Genetic syndrome of connective tissue development disorder: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome.
- Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Poor posture creates overload in the corresponding part of the spine.
- Previous injury to the corresponding part of the spine.
Improper postures and stereotypical habits contribute greatly to the development of the disease.Today they are increasingly popular due to the frequent use of devices and long hours of work at the computer - the neck is tilted forward and bent down.If you read for a long time and have an incorrect sleeping position - pillow, mattress, sleeping on your stomach are not suitable.Due to the influence of these factors, neck muscles are always stressed.
How to treat cervical spondylosis?
For effective treatment of cervical spondylosis, complex treatment methods are used, including:
- Drug treatment (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin complexes based on B vitamins, magnesium, etc.).The drug reduces pain and inflammation, reduces muscle tone.
- Therapeutic exercises.Therapeutic exercise and massage help improve blood circulation and oxygen and nutrient saturation of affected cells.Thanks to this, the pathological process stops and the pain subsides.
- Physical therapy and massage procedures.Physical therapy can be performed both in a medical facility and at home.For these purposes, almost the entire spectrum of physiotherapy methods is used: exposure to electric current, laser, ultrasound, magnetic radiation, shock wave therapy.The choice of method depends on the stage of the disease and the presence of contraindications.
You should create correct head and neck postures while working as well as arrange a reasonable sleeping area.It may be worth replacing the pillow with an orthopedic pillow.
Preventing cervical spondylosis
If you follow the following rules of prevention, you can not only prevent the development of cervical spondylosis, but also stop the progression of the disease:
- Regular moderate physical activity and/or physical therapy.
- Maintain a healthy diet with enough water, calcium, magnesium and protein.
- Perform exercises for the cervical spine during long periods of sedentary work, at least every two hours.
Exercise for the cervical spine
Perform exercises slowly, without sudden movements while the disease is in remission.In the starting position, inhale, and exhale when bending and turning your head.Hold in each position, as if stretching your neck muscles.
- Starting position: sit up straight, looking forward.
- Tilt your head forward, then return to the starting position.Tilt your head back, then return to the starting position.
- Tilt your head to the right, returning to the starting position.Tilt your head to the left, returning to the starting position.
- Turn your head to the right, then face in front of you.Turn your head to the left, then back in front of you.
If health allows, you can use a more complex version of gymnastics - the same movements, but with reverse resistance of the arms.Press the head forward and down, and press with your hands to keep the head from tilting forward and down.Perform the exercise for 5-15 seconds, depending on your strength.Repeat the exercise in all indicated directions.
Important: gymnastics should not cause pain!
If there are clear signs of the disease, it is necessary to contact a specialist for timely diagnosis, determine the stage of the disease and choose an individual treatment strategy.