The cervical spine is one of the most vulnerable to osteochondrosis and, unfortunately, is very often affected by this disease. Its symptoms, in addition to the pain in the neck itself, can be intense headaches associated with blockage of the vertebral artery by bony growths 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 in the entire degenerative process of the spine as a whole: physical inactivity, malnutrition, heredity, sedentary work, professional overload, etc. Among the special factors, it should be noted the high mobility of this section of the spine, due to which the cervical vertebrae have a large daily load.
Many features of cervical osteochondrosis are also related to the fact that the cervical vertebrae differ in structure from the rest and are closely related to the important blood vessels in the neck that feed the brain. These vessels are called vertebral arteries, or more simply vertebral arteries. They pass inside the arches of the cervical vertebrae, supplying blood directly to the cranial cavity. And if the cervical vertebra is affected by osteochondrosis, the artery inside the vertebra can be pinched, reducing blood flow to the brain. This is one of the mechanisms for the onset of headache 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 hernia. In the cervical region, hernias do not appear as often as in the lower back, but even here they are not a rarity. Many young people come to see a doctor with MRI hernias, while others have hernias during the diagnostic process. The important thing here is that a hernia itself isn't always the cause of the pain, but that doesn't mean it doesn't need to be treated.
It is 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 essence of which is the overload of short sections of the skeletal muscles. For example, if we sit at the computer for a long time, the trapezius muscles become numb in a monotonous position, causing 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, several key points should be observed. All of them are somehow related to prevention and first visits to the doctor. We list the most necessary measures:
- The careful observance of the rules of ergonomics, the organization of one's work space, the correct height of the table, the monitor at eye level.
- Regular warming of the neck and arms (which are closely related to it), at least once every 1. 5-2 hours during sedentary work, daily morning exercises.
- Regular courses of massage and osteopathy, at least once every 6 months.
Taking painkillers can only be started as directed by a doctor, otherwise you can simply take the disease to a corner, relieving the symptoms and leaving the cause of the pathology unattended.
How can osteopathy help with cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteopathy for this disease is a very effective method of treatment. 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 rough trust techniques, after which the patient suddenly feels particularly "positive", "enlightenment" is achieved in the head. This is the "reduction" of the vertebrae with an incredible crunch, and terrible techniques, reminiscent of choking, to unlock the motor segments.
It must be said that all these rough and outwardly beautiful techniques are often dangerous and have nothing to do with osteopathy. The system of the cervical vertebrae is organized in a very fine and balanced way, so that any gross intervention affects not only a single vertebra, but also the entire neck, the entire spine, head, blood vessels, etc.
The osteopath works with the neck very accurately and smoothly, without sudden movements and sudden manipulations. At first glance, it might seem like the doctor didn't do anything special, but that's not the case. The basis of osteopathy is the subtle sensitivity of the doctor's hands. The osteopath always knows how to balance the system of muscles, ligaments and bones without damaging it. Therefore, osteopathic correction for cervical osteochondrosis is the most effective, safe and effective.