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.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 complain mainly of pain, dizziness and limited movement in the neck.But not infrequently 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 strongly, reduced visual acuity and weakening of hearing, sometimes weak hearing pain.Osteochondrosis of the spine is associated with degenerative-dystrophic damage to 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 pinched nerve roots.
What is osteochondrosis?
There are different forms of this disease:
- Cervix;
- Cervicothoracic;
- Lumbosacral.
Let's 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 the disease.The cervical spine consists of seven discs and is the most mobile part of the spine, which provides the ability to tilt and turn the head.He has a relatively weak muscular body.At the same time, the instability of the cervical spine in combination with constant physical activity (the need to support the head, control twists and turns) explains the high sensitivity of this part of the spine to both damage and degenerative changes, which are essentially osteochondrosis.
The small cervical region contains many nerve canals and blood vessels that supply the brain.In the cervical region, the vertebrae fit together more tightly.Therefore, even with
A small change in one of the vertebrae causes compression or displacement of nerves and blood vessels.Due to cerebral circulation disorders, migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonias and hypertension, problems with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hearing, vision and coordination appear.In its advanced form, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to vertebral artery syndrome.The vertebral artery supplies blood to the medulla oblongata and cerebellum.When the artery is compressed, ischemia of the brain and spinal cord can develop and a stroke can occur in the spine.
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 in the body, infections, intoxication;
- Overweight;
- Poor nutrition (lack of microelements, vitamins and fluids);
- Spine injuries (bruises, fractures);
- Poor posture, curvature of the spine;
- Instability of spinal segments;
- Work associated with frequent changes in body position (turning, bending and stretching, squatting);
- Prolonged standing in an uncomfortable position while standing, sitting, lying down, while lifting and holding heavy objects, when performing any work that stresses the cervical spine and the spine as a whole;
- Excessive physical activity with an underdeveloped musculoskeletal system;
- Nervous tension, stress;
- Hypothermia;
- Using the wrong pillows while sleeping.
Why are orthopedic pillows needed?
An orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is a must, as it allows you to achieve complete relaxation of muscle fibers and avoid constriction of blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation.How should orthopedic pillows be?Here are its signs:
- The presence of an anatomical shape (a roller or rollers, a special cut for the shoulder);
- Material elasticity;
- 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 the right support for the cervical vertebrae.The orthopedic pillow has 2 supports of different heights, for
different body positions, suitable for sleeping both on the back and on the side.A group of specialists developed a pillow design with a cutout (one or two) under the shoulder to properly support the neck and head during sleep - especially on the side.The shape with a cutout for the shoulder helps you find a comfortable position and keep your back straight. - The elasticity of a material is the ability of a material to regain its shape after pressure.
- It is very important that the pillow does not lose its shape after sleeping, 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 absorb anything harsh, chemical or harmful to health.Otherwise, at best, we'll wake up with a headache, and at worst, we'll suffer
allergies.By the way, house mites, the main household allergen, love to live in ordinary feather pillows and down.
The first three of these properties are possessed by two materials: polyurethane foam and latex.Latex is familiar to you from latex gloves, condoms and nipples.It is obtained from the sap of the Hevea rubber plant, which grows in a few countries.Therefore, orthopedic pillows made of natural latex, which are available in our market, are much more expensive than those with polyurethane foam.In addition, latex can cause allergies.This is why we favor polyurethane foam pillows with a "memory effect".They have all four of these properties and, most importantly, are cheaper than latex.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
Recommendations:
- Sleep on an orthopedic pillow with memory foam (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, dancing, vigorous exercise in the gym;
- When working on the computer, take a 5-minute break every hour.During breaks, walk, tilt your head and torso in different directions;
- When sitting at a desk 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 can also help, which help significantly reduce the load on the spine).
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 performed in the evening at home, but it is better to use short breaks from work for this (this is a recommendation for those who have a sedentary job).Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis does not take much time, but it 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 smoothly, the muscles are not tense.Do five repetitions on each side.
Exercise 2.Sit up straight, face forward, chin slightly raised.Slowly and smoothly 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.Put the palm on the forehead and press the head on it, while the palm should stay in the same place, that is, resist the pressure.When you press with your head, you need to strain your neck muscles.Count slowly to 5 and relax.Repeat 3 times.
Exercise 4.The exercise is similar to exercise 3, only the palms (or two palms) should be placed on the back of the head and with it press on the palm.The tension must be maintained, counting to 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 into the palm.The tension must be maintained, counting to 5. Repeat 3 times.Then do the same, placing your left palm on your left temple - repeat 3 times.
Exercise 6.Sit up straight, tilt your head slightly back and then slowly, tensely, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest.Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 7.Sitting straight, lower your head down 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 support from the hands, especially at those moments when the neck is tense and painful.
In severe cases, it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor.You may need to prescribe medication, massage therapy, and physical therapy.