What do a programmer, accountant and painter have in common?Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine!This disease significantly damages a person's quality of life and performance.Prolonged static or uncomfortable positions lead 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 no 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: digging 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 sharply, decreased sharpness and stupidity.Osteochondrosis of the spine is associated with degenerative-dystrophic damage to the intervertebral discs, which lose their elasticity and can be destroyed.Often, salt is deposited in the intervertebral disc area, and bone growth forms, causing pain due to pinched nerve roots.
What is osteochondrosis?
There are various forms of this disease:
- Cervix;
- Cervicothoracic;
- Lumbosacral.
Let's consider cervical osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine-A progressive disease that represents a degenerative-dystrophic disorder
cervical spine intervertebral disc.
Osteochondrosis of the neck is the most dangerous type of 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 rather weak muscle corset.At the same time, the instability of the cervical spine in combination with constant physical activity (the need to support the head, control turns and bends) explains the high susceptibility of this part of the spine to both injuries and degenerative changes, which is basically osteochondrosis.
The small cervical region contains many nerve and blood vessels that supply the brain.In the cervical region, the vertebrae are more in line with each other.Therefore, even with
Small changes in one of the vertebrae cause compression or displacement of nerves and blood vessels.Due to circulatory disorders, migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonia and hypertension, problems with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, hearing, vision, and coordination occur.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 arteries are compressed, ischemia of the brain and spinal cord can develop, and a spinal stroke can occur.
Osteochondrosis of the neck causes damage to the nerve roots - the formation of growths on the vertebrae, partial or complete loss of mobility.The worst 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;
- Unfavorable environmental conditions;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Work involving heavy lifting;
- Hereditary (genetic) tendencies;
- Metabolic disorders in the body, infection, intoxication;
- Overweight;
- Poor nutrition (lack of micronutrients, vitamins and fluids);
- Spine injuries (bruises, fractures);
- Poor posture, curvature of the spine;
- Segmental instability of the spinal column;
- Work related to frequent changes in body position (turns, flexion and extension, jerking);
- Staying in an uncomfortable position while standing, sitting, lying down, when lifting and carrying heavy objects, when doing any work that puts pressure on the cervical spine and the spine as a whole;
- Excessive physical activity with an undeveloped musculoskeletal system;
- Nervous tension, stress;
- Hypothermia;
- Using the wrong pillow while sleeping.
Why is an orthopedic pillow needed?
Orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis is an indispensable thing, because it allows you to achieve complete relaxation of muscle fibers and avoid pinching blood vessels, which leads to poor circulation.What is an orthopedic pillow like?Here are the signs:
- The presence of anatomical shapes (rollers or rollers, special rests for the shoulders);
- Material elasticity;
- The ability to maintain its shape for a long time;
- Safe and hypoallergenic material.
Let me explain a little.
- The cervical cushion carefully supports the head and creates the right support for the cervical vertebrae.Orthopedic pillows have 2 different backs, for
Different body positions, suitable for sleeping on the back and side.A group of experts developed a pillow design with notches (one or two) under the shoulders to properly support the neck and head when sleeping - especially on the side.The shape with a shoulder rest helps you find a comfortable position and keeps your spine straight. - The elasticity of a material is the ability of the material to regain its shape after stress.
- It is very important that after sleeping on the pillow it does not lose its shape, otherwise how will it "work"?
- Well, there is nothing to explain about the safe and hypoallergenic material.The nose in contact with the pillow should not inhale anything harsh, chemical or harmful to health.Otherwise, at best, we will wake up with a headache, and at worst, we will suffer
allergies.By the way, house mites, the main house allergens, like to live in ordinary feathers and down pillows.
These first three characteristics are shared by two materials: polyurethane foam and latex.Latex is known to you from latex gloves, condoms, and tornadoes.It is obtained from the sap of the Hevea rubber plant, which grows in several places.Therefore, orthopedic pillows made of natural latex, available in our market, are much more expensive than polyurethane foam.In addition, latex can cause allergies.That's why we favor polyurethane foam pillows with "memory effect".They have all four of these properties and, importantly, are cheaper than latex ones.
Prevention of osteochondrosis
Suggestion:
- Sleeping on an orthopedic memory foam pillow (pillow selection is individual);
- Take a hot bath for 10 minutes;
- Swimming, yoga, walking more;
- Avoid sudden head movements;
- Avoid heavy loads on the spine or reduce the amount of such activities: walking, jumping, heavy exercise in the gym;
- When working at the computer, take a 5-minute break every hour.During rest, walk, tilt your head and body in different directions;
- When sitting at a desk or computer, keep your head and back straight;
- Choose chairs and armchairs that support the spine (an orthopedic seat cushion in the form of a square or ring under the back, which helps reduce the load on the spine, can also save).
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis
This exercise will help both existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and as a preventive measure.For preventive purposes, exercises for cervical osteochondrosis can be done at night at home, but it is better to use a short break 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 gives positive results, and quite quickly.
Exercise 1.Sit up straight, tilt your head and try to reach your right ear with your right shoulder, then return to the starting position.This exercise is done slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense.Do five repetitions for each side.
Exercise 2.Sit straight, face facing 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 turn to the left.Repeat 5 times in each direction.
Exercise 3.Put your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, while the palm should remain in the same place, that is, hold the pressure.When pressing with your head, you need to tense your neck muscles.Slowly count yourself to 5 and relax.Repeat 3 times.
Exercise 4.This exercise is the same as Exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed behind the head and it is with that you press on the palm.The tension must be maintained, counting yourself to 5. Repeat 3 times.
Exercise 5.This exercise is the same as 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 yourself to 5. Repeat 3 times.Then do the same, place your left palm on your left temple - repeat 3 times.
Exercise 6.Sit straight, tilt your head slightly and slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest.Repeat 5 times.
Exercise 7.Sit 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 head rotation without support from the hands, especially at times 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.