Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a condition that more often than others becomes the cause of neck pain. It is important to diagnose the disease in time and begin treatment, which includes, among other things, cervical gymnastics for osteochondrosis. This will help strengthen the muscle corset, adopt correct posture and prevent the development of possible complications.
Diagnosis and treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The development of the disease in itself can be suspected by the appearance of pain, discomfort in the neck area, which intensifies when rotating, tilting the head, prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position, hypothermia. It is important to differentiate osteochondrosis of the cervical spine from compression neuropathy of the median nerve. Experts from the Faculty of Medicine estimate that in 48. 5% of cases the diagnosis is incorrectly made.
As for the treatment, the greatest effectiveness is demonstrated by biological products in combination with special therapeutic and recreational gymnastic exercises. Such conclusions were drawn by scientists who published the results of their research in the Georgian Medical News Journal.
Physiotherapy exercises for the neck
Physiotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis includes the following exercises:
- The head tilts. Stand up straight or sit in a chair with your back straight. Slowly tilt your head towards your right shoulder, feeling the tension in the neck muscles. Freeze still in this position for a few seconds and perform the exercise in the other direction i. e. tilt towards the opposite shoulder.
- The head is spinning. Lower your head, trying to touch the recess with your chin - the jugular fossa. To enhance the effect, you can exert influence on the back of the head with cross brushes. Linger at the point of highest tension for a few seconds, then begin to turn your head - first in one direction, sliding the chin along the top of the breastbone, then in the other.
- Raise and lower the shoulders. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides and start raising and lowering your shoulders. To enhance the effect, you can increase the load, and small dumbbells will help. Alternatively, you can fill plastic bottles with water or sand.
- Circular movements with the shoulders. This exercise is very similar to the previous one. The only difference is that the shoulders don't need to be lifted up and down, but done in a circular motion. Keep your back straight.
- Elongation. Stand up straight or sit in a chair with your back straight. Place your arms crossed at the back of your head. Take your head back while offering resistance with your hands. Measure at the highest voltage point for a few seconds.
- Flexion. This is similar to the previous exercise, except that it is performed in the opposite direction. It is necessary to place the arms crossed on the forehead and begin to lower the head, opposing with the hands. Measure at the point of highest voltage for a few seconds.
The exercises should be performed smoothly, without haste, in rhythm with the breath. If severe pain or other uncomfortable sensations appear, stop classes and see a doctor about it.