Cervical back pain: symptoms and treatment

Cervical back pain

Cervical back pain is a disorder in which the pulp between the vertebrae acts as a shock absorber, becomes stiff cloth.

The pain in the neck? Dizziness? Crunch? Cervical back pain? "No low back pain..." – you think, gaining a request online. Don't panic! Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine – is not a sentence, it is possible to prevent, slow down and even cure. How? Let's see if together.

Introduction

Unfortunately, cervical back pain is a disease that is quiet and insidious. You may not be aware of its existence, up to a certain point does not feel the muscle spasm and pain in the neck area. Often are added dizziness and numbness of the limbs.

The reason for these apparently non-related phenomena are complex in nature degenerative disc disease.

What is the back pain: total...

Low back pain is a disease of the spine, in which a damaged intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers. Huddled and decompression, damage to the spine and elasticity, allowing the body to maintain balance during the movement. When the partial or complete destruction of this balance is lost, which inevitably affects the motor activity of man. The reason for these changes is often the physical wear and deformation of the disc or, more simply, its "aging". The other parts of our body, we can serve faithfully for many years.

It is believed that low back pain is a disease linked to age. However, in recent years, the disease is significantly "rejuvenated" at risk are the people 25 years and under. The fault of a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and irregular exercise on the body. Furthermore, statistics show that the majority of osteochondrosis ill of a woman. First of all, is connected with the anatomical features and the scene emotional. However, the heavier the course of the disease is in men.

...to the private – cervical back pain

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine occurs more often. The fact is that in the neck is the focus of the majority of the blood vessels and nerve endings, while the vertebrae here much less (about half than in the lumbar department) and muscle significantly weaker.

Together with high mobility and the proximity of the cervical spinal cord our body is in need of more attention.

How dangerous is cervical back pain?

How dangerous is cervical back pain

Alas, the danger of cervical arthrosis justified anatomically – through cervical pass the vertebral arteries, which saturate the blood important brain centers in the rear brain regions. And all the errors, and circulatory disorders can wear them fatal, since the pathological curvature of the spine (lordosis neck) up to the complete loss of the ability of the propulsion stroke, and even death.

Fortunately, you don't notice the symptoms of impending disaster is almost impossible: the problems of coordination, deterioration of sight and hearing, frequent dizziness and loss of consciousness.

If coupled with regular cervical pain you notice these symptoms, immediately consult a doctor!

Diagnosis and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine

Low back pain – a serious illness, and the diagnostics can be only a qualified person, namely the doctor-vertebrologist, specialized in the solution of problems of the back, orthopedic, or neurologist.

The most accurate methods of diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis: x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) and nuclear magnetic resonance resonance (MRI), that allow you to identify not only the symptoms of the cervico-thoracic degenerative disc disease, but also of changes in the body.

When you receive the result of a series of symptoms, immediately consult a counseling professional to a doctor.

  • dull, aching, intense pain in the neck and nape of the neck
  • cervical back pain, crunch when you turn the head
  • dizziness, the "veil" before the eyes, fainting
  • headaches
  • nausea, vomiting
  • numbness of the limbs
  • the noise in the ears, blurred vision
  • common muscle weakness

Pain osteochondrosis often lead to aching in nature, the damage in the head and are accompanied by numbness of the hands and feet. This is mainly due to crushing of the nerve endings and increased intracranial pressure.

The nature of the degenerative disc disease

As with any disease, osteochondrosis of the spine has different stages of development.

For a better understanding to occur in the body processes we offer to first understand if the structure of the disc itself, and then analyze what changes are characteristic for each stage of degenerative disc disease.

Same spine the disc is composed of several parts: the pulposus of the type of gelatine kernel (the inner part), the ring of fibrous (outer shell) and hyaline cartilage that separates the spinal disc and perform the function of power supply.

Purposee the core full of water, and is responsible for the depreciation, the adjustment of the center of gravity, salivas, and moving as a mercury ball. Surrounds the ring and fibrous, on the contrary, it has a solid structure and is composed of woven fibers. Because the main task of the fibrous ring widths – protect the core from damage, the same shall take the "hit" on himself with high loads.

Stage of degenerative disc disease

Traditionally divided into four stages degenerative disc disease.

Cervical low back pain 1 can – preclinical stage

This is the initial stage of the disease, when occurs the so-called "drying" of the disk: it reduces its height and elasticity.

When the structural changes there are – however, as the symptoms and, consequently, of complaints. You may not feel uncomfortable; the only "omens" may be morning stiffness and salt deposits in the neck area. Even if, in agreement with our way of life these feelings are more the norm.

Cervical low back pain, 2 grade – the beginning of structural changes

Here begins the irreversible changes in polipozom core – necrosis and destruction caused by the violation of metabolic processes, in conjunction with the formation of cracks in the fibrous ring widths.

The body begins to send signals SOS in the form of severe pain in the neck area, reduce the resistance, rapid fatigue.

Cervical low back pain grade 3 – progressive dancing

Broken sealing ring, fibrous, causing purposee core "protrudes" into the spinal canal through the cracks.

If complete breakage of the outer shell does not happen, travertebrale disk you can still recover. This process is called the protrusion of the disk of the spine and can be treated successfully in outpatient settings. When you feel persistent pain in the neck and back pain, progressing during the load and stay in an uncomfortable position.

In the case of complete destruction of the fibrous ring widths to pain are added to problems of coordination, dizziness, nausea; there is the risk of disability. You need to contact the doctor!

Cervical low back pain level 4 – regeneration

As a consequence of irreversible processes between the vertebrae are formed outgrowths (osteophytes) which block the mobility of joints. Purposee nucleus replaced by scar tissue, the nerve endings in injured, healing is possible only surgically.

Paradoxically, but in terms of wellness, you can feel major improvements – the backbone to regain the ability to take the load. However, the pain and limited physical activity then it will only increase.

Causes of degenerative disc disease

Causes of degenerative disc disease

Unfortunately, talking about the causes of this difficult disease, such as low back pain, we have to keep in mind many factors: from external conditions until physiological predisposition.

How to find out if you are at risk? Mentally put a check mark next to each of the items to suit you and your lifestyle.

  • Have you had an injury of the vertebral column?
  • There is an excess of weight (degree of obesity)?
  • Are the bad habits (smoking, alcohol), the regular stress?
  • You are suffering from chronic diseases, infectious diseases, in violation of the metabolic processes?
  • Your work is tied to a heavy physical work?
  • There have been diagnosed with disorders of posture and/or flat?
  • If you regularly check the load on the spine?

If at least one of the questions you have answered "yes", alas, is at risk. This is bad news. But there are good: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can stop, treat and prevent also in case of timely diagnosis and beginning of proper prevention.

How to prevent back pain

There are some preventive measures that you should adhere to for game "on the crest of the wave" with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Step 1. Arise!

Lead a sedentary lifestyle? A sedentary job, find many hours at the computer, irregular and of poor nutrition, lack of sleep, stress... Family?

All of this contributes to stagnant processes in the body and causes the initial stages of the degenerative disc disease.

To avoid the progression of the disease, it is reasonable to approach the routine of the working day, take regular breaks (every hour for five minutes), and most take care of your health. Believe me, very soon you will be up to you to say "thank you"!

The rule is: put the memo (or, in particular, "running" cases – alarm), for the frenzy not to miss the moment... when you only need to get up and walk.

Step 2. Take care of your own convenience!

Under the comfort, we mean the physical signals of the body. Listen to and take care of yourself!

In the first place, to avoid excessive and unreasonable loads. If you are a frequenter of the gym, measure the weight, do not skip the workout and keep track of the regularity of the workouts.

In the second place, avoid shoes that are uncomfortable. We do not ask for pity to get rid of your favorite weekend shoes or boots – let that remain for special occasions. It is important, for these "special cases" are not your rule of life 24/7. "Every day," choose shoes with a comfortable bearing, does not cause discomfort and does not affect the posture and gait.

Thirdly, do not skimp on the furniture and beds accessories. If the office of the presidency is absolutely not suitable, to agree on a replacement, or take care of your own comfort of one's own. Then this one time investment can save you from serious-regular trad.

Only use anatomically correct furniture, which reduces the load on the spine. For the home, choose a bed with a hard mattress and comfortable, suitable for the density and the height of the pillow. Anatomical or conventional – you decide, because so much depends on the characteristics of your body.

Step 3. Do not forget prevention!

Be warned means armed, isn't it?

If you feel regular fatigue and pain in the area of the neck and back, or, on the contrary, wants them to avoid, we recommend a simple exercise program, it is particularly effective when elementary (lo) phase of degenerative disc disease.

Gymnastics with osteochondrosis of the cervical

Gymnastics with osteochondrosis of the cervical

Gymnastics with osteochondrosis of the cervical you can perform at home and in the workplace.

  1. Sit in upright position, straighten the back, arms relaxed and lowered along the body. Alternatively, turn the head to the right and to the left, about 90 degrees (or as they allow the joints). Move smoothly, avoid sudden movements.
    The first time, do 8 reps, and then gradually increase the number of laps up to 15 in every direction.
  2. In the same position, tilt your head forwards, pushing your chin to your chest, and relegating the nape of the neck towards the back of the neck. Also start with 8 repetitions and increase up to 15 times.
  3. Then go on the shoulders. Before lift both shoulders upwards (towards your ears), hold for a few seconds, and then lower again. Then 8 reps.
    Then, move the shoulders, either: in the top right corner, the bottom left, the change – 8 reps.
  4. Put the palm of the hand on the forehead, and the press is stopped, head tilted forward. Pause of 10 seconds, and then 8 times in a row.

After the end of necessarily to massage the neck to relieve the tension.

Attention! If you feel a strong discomfort during the exercises, consult a specialist, and with careful dosing of the load!

Cervical back pain: treatment

The treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical can be narrowly focused or complex, combining different components.

Physiotherapy

the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy with osteochondrosis of the cervical – it is a way for local exposure directly on the outbreak of inflammation. The therapeutic effect is achieved thanks to the improvement of circulation and metabolic processes. The pain in the neck is hooked, the severity of the symptoms decreases.

There are many options of physiotherapy in the cervico-thoracic osteochondrosis: electrotherapy, the impact with the help of a magnet, laser, sport and mud treatments, electrophoresis, acupuncture, but also a moderate heating the inflamed area.

Before booking treatments, carefully read the contraindications and consult your doctor.

Massage

With osteochondrosis of the cervical helps to massage the area of the neck. You can subscribe to the sessions and get a massage or enjoy a massage by yourself with the help of professional masseurs and vibrant.

Medications and diet

Among the most used in osteochondrosis medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, anti-spasmodics, anti-oxidants, as well as drugs that improve the circulation of blood and metabolic processes. Range of drugs include pills, creams, ointments and solutions for intramuscular injection.

Remember, the right to choose a medication, only a doctor can!

Improve the effectiveness of drugs and improve the overall tone of the body will contribute to a balanced diet. Limit the consumption of fatty, spicy, smoked foods, and salt. Give preference to fruits and vegetables, properly cooked meat, fish and dairy products. Enter in the diet of nuts and honey. And drink plenty of fluids.

Also if the back pain you will not threaten, a balanced diet has a positive impact on general health and the condition of the body. You'll see, after a couple of weeks you will notice radical changes! Tested on their own experience!