What do a programmer, an accountant and a painter have in common?Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae!This disease significantly worsens a person's quality of life and ability to work.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 primarily of pain, vertigo, and limited neck movements.But not 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: crunch and pain in the neck when turning or tilting the head, numbness in the hands or feet, burning between the shoulder blades, dizziness and even fainting when turning the head sharply, reduced visual acuity and hearing impairment, sometimes intrusive pain in the heart, feeling weak and tired.Osteochondrosis of the spine is associated with degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, which lose their elasticity and can be destroyed.Often, in the area of the intervertebral discs, salts are deposited and bone growths are formed, causing pain due to pinched nerve roots.
What is osteochondrosis?
There are different forms of this disease:
- cervical;
- cervicothoracic;
- Lumbosacral.
Let's look at cervical osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae– a progressive disease representing degenerative-dystrophic disorders
the intervertebral discs of the cervical vertebrae.
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 that allows the head to tilt and turn.It has a relatively weak muscular corset.At the same time, the instability of the cervical spine in combination with constant physical activity (the need to support the head, control bends and turns) explains the high sensitivity of this part of the spine to both injuries 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 more closely together.Therefore, even with
A small change in one of the vertebrae causes compression or displacement of the nerves and blood vessels.Migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonia and hypertension, problems with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hearing, vision and coordination occur due to cerebral blood circulation disorders.In an advanced form, cervical osteochondrosis can lead to vertebral artery syndrome.The vertebral artery supplies blood to the medulla oblongata and the cerebellum.When the artery is compressed, ischemia of the brain and spinal cord can develop and a spinal stroke can occur.
Osteochondrosis of the neck leads to damage to the nerve roots - formation of vertebral outgrowths, 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, intoxications;
- overweight;
- Poor nutrition (lack of trace elements, vitamins and fluids);
- Injuries of the spine (bruises, fractures);
- Bad posture, curvature of the spine;
- Instability of spinal segments;
- Work associated with frequent changes in body position (turns, flexions and extensions, jerks);
- Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position in a standing, sitting, lying position, when lifting and carrying heavy objects, when performing any work that loads the cervical vertebrae and the spine in general;
- Excessive physical activity with an underdeveloped musculoskeletal system;
- Nervous tension, stress;
- hypothermia;
- Using inappropriate pillows while sleeping.
Why are orthopedic pillows needed?
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 be?Here are its signs:
- The presence of an anatomical shape (roller or 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 gently supports the head and creates proper support for the cervical vertebrae.The orthopedic pillow has 2 pads of different heights, for
different body positions suitable for both back and side sleeping.A group of specialists developed a pillow design 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. - Material elasticity is the ability of a material to regain its shape after compression.
- It is very important that after sleeping on the 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 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, like 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 to you from latex gloves, condoms and nipples.It is obtained from the sap of the Hevea rubber plant, which grows in a few places.That is why orthopedic pillows made of natural latex, which are found in our market, are much more expensive than those made of polyurethane foam.In addition, latex can cause allergies.That's why we're all about "memory effect" polyurethane foam pillows.They have all four properties and, 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, jumping, strenuous exercises in the gym;
- When working on 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 a ring under the back, which help 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 vertebrae 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 reps for each side.
Exercise 2.Sit upright, face forward, chin slightly lifted.Slowly and smoothly turn your head to the right - as much as possible.Return to starting position and make the same turn to the left.Repeat 5 times in each direction.
Exercise 3.Put your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, until the palm should stay in the same place, that is, resist the pressure.When you push with your head, you need to tense your neck muscles.Count slowly 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 with it press on the palm.The tension should be maintained by counting to yourself 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 against the palm.The tension should be maintained by counting to yourself to 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, slightly tilt your head back, and then slowly, with tension, 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 down.
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, a consultation with an orthopedist is necessary.You may need to prescribe medication, massage therapy, and physical therapy.