Cervical osteochondrosis affects people who have been in one position for a long time. These are office workers, doctors, engineers, programmers, etc. The onset of the disease is facilitated by injuries, bruises, spinal overload.
Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms
- headache;
- Visual impairment;
- Heart problems;
- pressure spikes;
- vestibular disorders;
- severe fatigue;
- pain in forearms and hands;
- problems with neck mobility.
Headache is one of the most common symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. When the disease gets worse, the pain can be so intense that it becomes difficult to tilt or turn your head. When the vertebral artery is pinched, the pain radiates to the shoulders and arms, dizziness appears, flies fly in front of the eyes, and if you turn your head sharply, you may lose consciousness. If a nerve is pinched in the cervical vertebrae, pain will be felt in the neck and arms and then in the shoulder blades and fingers. The patient may feel numbness in the fingers, hands, forearms.
Cervical osteochondrosis affects both people engaged in heavy physical work and office workers.
Cervical osteochondrosis: prevention
- when sitting for a long time, get up every half hour and move actively;
- train the muscles doing physical activity;
- control your diet by eating foods that contain vitamins, proteins, calcium;
- maintain correct posture;
- do not carry weights.
I must say that not only the elderly now suffer from cervical osteochondrosis. Many young people have this disease in their 30s. The reason for this is physical inactivity, which in the age of universal computerization has become a mass problem.
According to statistics, about half of people over twenty years of age suffer from early-grade osteochondrosis, while the disease does not manifest itself at all. In order not to encounter such a problem, you need to monitor the position of the head. It shouldn't be bent too long.
To relieve tension and reduce the load on the vertebrae, you can massage the neck in a circular motion, starting at the bottom and moving up slowly. Another way is passive gymnastics. You need to tilt your head forward, backward, right, left. There is no need to make circular movements.
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, you need to move around a lot and reduce static loads. There's no need to sit at the computer for a long time, straining your intervertebral discs. It is helpful to practice swimming as the long back muscles are involved.
If you notice signs of cervical osteochondrosis, see a doctor. Even if it is not possible to cure the disease, it is possible to slow its progression and prevent complications. During exacerbations, you need to remain calm. A good effect can be achieved by water and mud therapy, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy exercises, etc.
If you notice signs of illness, see a doctor without trying to self-medicate. There is no universal way to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Various methods are used to treat it.
Physical therapy procedures relieve inflammation, pain, and speed recovery. Corrective gymnastics gives a wonderful effect, which minimizes the load on the spine, improves blood circulation, etc. Massage of the affected segment relieves tension and pain, improves blood circulation.