What do a programmer, an accountant and a painter have in common?Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine!This disease significantly impairs a person's quality of life and performance.A prolonged static or uncomfortable position of the head leads to changes in the bone tissue of the cervical vertebrae.Many patients with cervical osteochondrosis of the spine mainly complain of pain, dizziness and limited neck movement.But no less often there is pain or numbness in the chest, arms, various parts of the head, tinnitus, nausea and the so-called cervical syndrome.
Other manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis (symptoms) are also possible: cracking and pain in the neck when turning or tilting the head, tingling in the arms or legs, burning between the shoulder blades, dizziness and even fainting when turning the head sharply, decreased visual acuity and hearing impairment, sometimes shooting pain in the heart, a feeling of weakness and fatigue.Osteochondrosis of the spine is associated with degenerative-dystrophic lesions of the intervertebral discs, which lose their elasticity and can be destroyed.Often, salts are deposited in the area of the intervertebral discs and bony growths are formed, causing pain due to pinching of the nerve roots.
What is osteochondrosis?
There are different forms of this disease:
- cervical;
- Cervicothoracic;
- Lumbosacral.
Consider cervical osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine– a progressive disease representing degenerative-dystrophic disorders
intervertebral discs of the cervical spine.
Osteochondrosis of the neck is the most dangerous type of disease.The cervical spine is made up of seven discs and is the most mobile part of the spine, allowing the head to tilt and turn.He has a relatively weak muscular corset.At the same time, the instability of the cervical spine associated with constant physical activity (the need to support the head, control turns and bends) explains the high susceptibility of this part of the spine to both injuries and degenerative changes, which are essentially osteochondrosis.
The small cervical region contains numerous nerve channels and blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.In the cervical region, the vertebrae fit more closely together.Therefore, even with
A small change in one of the vertebrae causes compression or displacement of the nerves and blood vessels.Due to cerebral circulatory disorders, migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonia and hypertension, problems with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hearing, vision and coordination arise.In its advanced form, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to vertebral artery syndrome.The vertebral artery supplies the oblong brain and the cerebellum.When the artery is compressed, ischemia of the brain and spinal cord can develop and a stroke can occur.
Osteochondrosis of the neck leads to damage to the nerve roots - the formation of growths on the vertebrae, partial or complete loss of mobility.The most serious consequence of cervical osteochondrosis is compression of the spinal cord, which can be fatal.Serious consequences can be avoided if the disease is treated in time.
The main reasons for the early development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- Flat feet;
- Adverse environmental conditions;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Work involving heavy lifting;
- Hereditary (genetic) predisposition;
- Metabolic disorders of the body, infections, poisoning;
- Overweight;
- Poor nutrition (lack of microelements, vitamins and fluids);
- Spinal injuries (bruises, fractures);
- Bad posture, curvature of the spine;
- Instability of spinal segments;
- Work associated with frequent changes in body position (turns, flexion and extension, jerks);
- Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position when standing, sitting, lying down, when lifting and carrying heavy objects, when performing any work that puts the cervical spine and the spine as a whole under tension;
- Excessive physical activity with an underdeveloped musculoskeletal system;
- Nervous tension, stress;
- Hypothermia;
- Using the wrong pillows while sleeping.
Why are orthopedic pillows necessary?
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is an indispensable thing, as it allows you to achieve complete relaxation of muscle fibers and avoid pinching of blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation.What should orthopedic pillows look like?Here are its signs:
- The presence of an anatomical shape (one or more rollers, a special recess for the shoulder);
- Elasticity of the material;
- The ability to maintain its shape for a long time;
- Safe and hypoallergenic materials.
Let me explain a little.
- The cervical pillow carefully supports the head and creates adequate support for the cervical vertebrae.The orthopedic pillow has 2 bolsters of different heights, to
different body positions, suitable for sleeping on your back and side.A group of specialists has developed a pillow model with a notch (one or two) under the shoulder to properly support the neck and head during sleep, especially on the side.The shape with a shoulder recess helps you find a comfortable position and keep your spine straight. - The elasticity of a material is the ability of a material to return to its shape after pressure.
- It is very important that after sleeping on a pillow its shape is not lost, otherwise how will it “work”?
- Well, there is nothing to explain about safe and hypoallergenic materials.The nose that comes into contact with the pillow should not inhale anything aggressive, chemical or harmful to health.Otherwise, at best, we will wake up with a headache, and at worst, we will suffer
allergies.By the way, dust mites, the main household allergen, love to live in ordinary feather and down pillows.
The first three of these properties are possessed by two materials: polyurethane foam and latex.Latex is well known thanks to latex gloves, condoms and pacifiers.It is obtained from the sap of the rubber tree, a plant that grows in few places.Therefore, orthopedic pillows made of natural latex found on our market are much more expensive than those made of polyurethane foam.Additionally, latex can cause allergies.This is why we favor polyurethane foam pillows with a “memory effect”.They have these four properties and, above all, are less expensive than those made of latex.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
Recommendations:
- Sleep on an orthopedic memory foam pillow (the choice of pillow is individual);
- Take a hot shower for 10 minutes;
- Swimming, yoga, walking more;
- Avoid sudden head movements;
- Avoid heavy loads on the spine or significantly reduce the number of such activities: running, jumping, intense exercises in the gym;
- When working at the computer, take 5 minute breaks every hour.During breaks, walk, tilt your head and torso in different directions;
- When sitting at a table or computer, keep your head and back straight;
- Choose chairs and armchairs that support the spine (orthopedic seat cushions in the form of a square or ring under the back, which help to significantly reduce the load on the spine, can also come to the rescue).
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis
These exercises will help both with existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and as a preventive measure.For preventive purposes, exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be done in the evening at home, but it is better to take advantage of short work breaks for this (this is a recommendation for those who have a sedentary job).Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis does not take much time, but gives a positive result, and quite quickly.
Exercise 1.Sit up straight, tilt your head back and try to reach your right ear with your right shoulder, then return to the starting position.The exercise is performed slowly and gently, the muscles are not tense.Do five repetitions on each side.
Exercise 2.Sit up straight, face forward, chin slightly raised.Slowly and gently turn your head to the right - as much as possible.Return to the starting position and make the same left turn.Repeat 5 times in each direction.
Exercise 3.Place your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, while the palm should remain in one place, that is, resist the pressure.When you press down with your head, you should contract your neck muscles.Slowly count to 5 and relax.Repeat 3 times.
Exercise 4.The exercise is similar to exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed on the back of the head and it is with it that the palm is pressed.The tension should be maintained for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times.
Exercise 5.The exercise is similar to exercise 3, but in this case the right palm should be placed on the right temple and the head should be pressed against the palm.The tension should be maintained for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times.Then do the same by placing your left palm on your left temple – repeat 3 times.
Exercise 6.Sit up straight, tilt your head back slightly and then slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head, resting your chin against your chest.Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 7.Sitting upright, lower your head and slowly turn your head to the right and left - 5 times in each direction.At the same time, the head remains lowered.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not include turning the head without the support of the hands, especially at times when the neck is tense and painful.
In severe cases, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor.You may need to prescribe medications, massage therapy, and physiotherapy.