And how much time we spend in transport or at the table!So we pay for this with various diseases, among which cervical osteochondrosis is the leader.Well, what should we do with it?
It's different for everyone
Cervical osteochondrosis is not a flu that suddenly “attacks”: pathological changes in the vertebrae develop slowly, “mature” and gain strength.And as a rule, we do not pay attention to the very first signals because we know nothing about them.Experts say: If you suddenly feel that sleeping on a high pillow becomes uncomfortable or your hands become numb and cold for no apparent reason, then it's time to see a doctor.
Since we are all different, everyone has their own “specific” manifestations of the disease.But when "the process has begun", most often the following symptoms "signal" that problems have begun:
- paroxysmal, painful headache that usually begins in the back of the head and then spreads to the vertex and temples;
- pain in shoulder, forearm, hands;
- numbness, burning, tingling in arms or legs;
- Dizziness and even fainting when suddenly turning your head;
- tinnitus;
- sometimes pressing pain in the region of the heart, radiating to the shoulder blade and forearm.In contrast to angina pectoris, osteochondrosis can last for several days and even worsen.
Don't step on the same rake!
We have to learn to live with any chronic disease, and cervical osteochondrosis is no exception: periods of relative calm are replaced by exacerbations that we ourselves often provoke.So let's learn to "hold the line" - to avoid situations that could provoke another attack.
Which ones exactly?Do not read or watch TV in bed to avoid straining your cervical vertebrae.Be careful with household chores that require you to tilt your head up or, conversely, down for a long time: for example, gluing wallpaper or weeding a flower bed with your favorite flowers is not for you.
When sitting at the computer, take a break every half hour to give your neck a chance to rest.Do not turn your head all the way while driving.And in general: Avoid sudden, impulsive movements of your head and neck at all times and everywhere.
The Fab Five
It is impossible to get rid of cervical osteochondrosis forever, no matter what effective treatment methods you are promised.But it is quite possible to minimize the “visits” of an unpleasant guest.
To prevent attacks and exacerbations, perform special exercises twice a day.It will take very little time.Here are five simple exercises, do them while sitting in a chair with your back straight.
- Tilt your head slightly forward and place your palms on your forehead.Press your head into your hands.Stay in this position for 10 seconds.Repeat the same while pressing your fingers on your temples.And now – to the back of the head.
- Sit on a chair, lower your arms along your body, pull your head back and slowly turn it to the left.Freeze in this pose for 30 seconds.Repeat the exercise by turning your head to the right.
- Raise your shoulders and try to reach your ears.Stay in this pose for 10 seconds.Lower your shoulders, take a deep breath and relax for 10-15 seconds.Repeat the same thing by raising one shoulder and lowering the other.
- Lower your head and try to tuck your chin into your chest.Repeat 5 times.
- Gently tilt your head back, forward, left, right.Repeat the movement three times in each direction.
Let's pet it, let's warm it up?
Self-massage also helps to activate the neck muscles, improve their blood circulation and metabolic processes.It's not difficult at all and won't take more than five minutes.The main thing is that you do the massage every day.So shall we begin?
Get into a comfortable position on a chair and relax.Press four fingers of your palm against your neck and stroke it from top to bottom.Repeat 3-4 times.
Do the same thing, but more forcefully, massaging your neck with just your thumbs.
Using a circular twisting motion (again, using only four fingers of each palm), rub the neck along the sides of the occipital bone, moving downward along the lines that run parallel to the spine.
Stretch your neck muscles: First, on the right side with your left hand, grab the muscle with your thumb and four others, squeeze it slightly and move it towards your palm with your thumb.Repeat the same on the left side of the neck, working with your right hand.
Finally, complete the massage by gently stroking your neck from top to bottom.
Don't just rely on yourself
Prevention is very good, but with osteochondrosis you need to surround your own neck with the attention of doctors.Especially if you're over forty.Time changes us not only externally, but also internally - pathological changes in the cervical spine are accelerating, and here the main task is to “monitor” their condition.
The arteries that supply blood to the brain run through the cervical spine.Circulatory disorders caused by vascular compression lead to unpleasant complications.One of the most common causes is associated with changes in the hypothalamus, a special department “responsible” for the emotional state, metabolism, blood pressure, the activity of the cardiovascular system and much more.
This leads to insomnia, irritability, memory loss, severe migraines and pressure surges.
If you want to help yourself, get tested.An X-ray of the cervical spine allows you to monitor serious changes;To clarify the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging, Dopplerography of cerebral vessels and some other studies are carried out.