The cervical spine is one of the most vulnerable to osteochondrosis and, unfortunately, it is very often affected by this disease. Its symptoms, in addition to pain in the neck itself, can be intense headaches associated with clamping 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, leading a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle.
What are the causes of cervical osteochondrosis?
The causes of cervical osteochondrosis are the same as those of the entire degenerative process of the spine as a whole: physical inactivity, malnutrition, heredity, sedentary work, work overload, etc. Of the special factors, it is worth noting 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 others and are closely related to the important blood vessels in the neck that supply the brain. These vessels are called vertebral arteries, or more simply vertebral arteries. They pass inside the arches of the cervical vertebrae, delivering blood directly into the cranial cavity. And if the cervical vertebra is affected by osteochondrosis, the artery inside the vertebra can be pinched, which reduces blood flow to the brain. This is one of the mechanisms of the onset of headaches in cervical osteochondrosis.
What are the stages of cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be mild or severe. The most serious stage of degeneration is an intervertebral hernia. In the cervical region, hernias do not appear as often as in the lumbar ones, but even here they are not uncommon. Many young people come to see a doctor with hernias detected on MRI, 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 shouldn't be treated.
It is important to note that not all neck pain is caused by osteochondrosis. That is, this process may 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 skeletal muscles. For example, if we sit in front of a computer for a long time, the trapezius muscles go numb in a monotonous position, resulting in 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:
- Scrupulous compliance with ergonomic rules, organization of your workspace, good table height, screen at eye level.
- Regular warming up 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 massage and osteopathy courses, at least once every 6 months.
Taking painkillers can only be started as directed by a doctor, otherwise you can just push the disease into a corner, relieve the symptoms and leave 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 such manipulations can be.
Some chiropractors practice rough confidence techniques, after which the patient suddenly feels particularly "positive", "enlightenment" is achieved in the head. It is the "reduction" of the vertebrae with an incredible, and terrible cracking, reminiscent of the suffocation, of the techniques of unlocking the motor segments.
It must be said that all these techniques, raw and beautiful in appearance, are often dangerous and have nothing to do with osteopathy. The system of the cervical vertebrae is arranged very finely and balanced, so any gross intervention affects not only a single vertebra, but also the entire neck, entire spine, head, blood vessels, etc.
The osteopath works with the neck very carefully and smoothly, without sudden movements and sudden manipulations. At first glance, it may seem to you that the doctor did nothing special, but this is not so. The basis of osteopathy is the subtle sensitivity of the doctor's hands. The osteopath always knows how to balance the muscle, ligament and bone system without attacking it. Therefore, osteopathic correction of cervical osteochondrosis is the most successful, safe and effective.