One of the most common diseases of the spine is cervical osteochondrosis. According to statistics, more than 70% of the world's inhabitants suffer from it. This disease mainly affects older people. However, in recent years there has been a trend towards rejuvenation of patients with this disease. People aged 30-40 years are increasingly suffering from osteochondrosis, which is explained by a decrease in physical activity and sedentary work.
The cervical region is distinguished by a high degree of mobility. Seven vertebrae provide the ability to turn and tilt the head, and also support its weight. Due to the large accumulation of blood vessels, the muscles in the cervical area are usually quite poorly developed. This is why the cervical spine is subject to heavy loads, which lead to degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, called osteochondrosis.
In the early stages, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is almost asymptomatic. The patient periodically feels pain in the neck, shoulders or arms. This condition does not affect the quality of life, so people do not see the need to seek medical help. However, the lack of treatment leads not only to increased pain, but also to more serious consequences: deterioration of spinal mobility, the occurrence of intervertebral hernias and impaired blood supply to the brain.
For patients with cervical osteochondrosis, timely diagnosis and competent treatment are extremely important.
What is cervical osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
– a chronic disease in which intervertebral discs undergo degenerative changes. Their deformation, height reduction and delamination occur.
Due to the weakness of the muscle corset, heavy loads or injuries, cracks appear in the frame of the intervertebral disc, and its supporting, motor and shock-absorbing ability decreases. Next, bone tissue grows and intervertebral hernias protrude, causing severe pain and negatively affecting the condition of blood vessels and ligaments.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are quite extensive. Often, discomfort caused by the destruction of intervertebral discs affects not only the neck, but also other organs and parts of the body. That is why the patient cannot always associate the deterioration in health with the development of cervical osteochondrosis.
- Neck pain can be periodic or constant, sharp and aching. As a rule, pain occurs after being in one position for a long time, for example, after sleeping or when sitting for a long time at work. The pain can intensify with sudden movements, taking on the character of lumbago, spreading to the shoulder girdle, to the interscapular area, arms and fingers.
- Deterioration in mobility manifests itself as a consequence of pain that occurs during certain movements. A person instinctively tries to remain in a position that reduces pain.
- Muscle spasms in the neck area occur due to increased stress on them. When an intervertebral disc is destroyed, the muscles take on the responsibility of supporting the neck in the desired position. However, as a rule, they are not developed enough for such a load, which leads to painful spasms due to overexertion.
- Numbness or, on the contrary, increased sensitivity of the occipital area, neck, shoulders, arms, headaches, blurred vision, and the appearance of tinnitus are a sign of vascular changes. Such symptoms appear due to the fact that tissue growth occurs in the spine, which compresses nearby vessels and nerve roots.
- Mood swings, sleep disturbances, and increased fatigue are also associated with impaired brain nutrition and poor circulation.
When should you buy an anatomical mattress?
If you have back problems, you need to choose mattresses very carefully so as not to aggravate the situation. Anatomical properties must be calculated individually in each specific case, and when purchasing, it is best to consult a doctor.
General indications for the use of anatomical products are:
- 1. For good health, the hardness of sleeping mattresses should be medium.
- 2. During periods of exacerbation of back pain, you need to sleep on a harder surface.
- 3. It is recommended to pay attention to natural fillers with good elasticity, especially coke fiber and coir.
- 4. Products with a dependent spring block can only be used in conjunction with a mattress pad, which provides additional support in the shoulder and hip area.
Stages
There are four stages in the development of the disease.
- The first is characterized by the formation of cracks in the framework of the intervertebral disc. The course of this stage is accompanied by a slight aching pain and periodic stiffness of movements. Patients ignore such mild symptoms, relieving pain with home remedies. The disease may subside for a while and recur when the immune system weakens or the load increases. However, without proper treatment, the first stage of the disease passes into the second, aggravated by more serious symptoms.
- During the second stage of development of osteochondrosis, further destruction of the intervertebral disc and its protrusion occurs. Nerve endings are pinched, and the patient begins to experience constant pain that intensifies with movement. In addition, the second stage of the disease may be manifested by decreased performance, a feeling of numbness in the hands and fingers. In the absence of proper treatment, it goes into the third stage.
- The third stage is characterized by the occurrence of an intervertebral hernia. Not only the spine suffers, but also the surrounding muscles and nerves. This is why the patient begins to feel pain in the back of the head and neck, and experiences weakness in the hands. Damage to blood vessels causes dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and can cause fainting.
- At the fourth stage, bone tissue grows and the spine becomes ossified, which increases pressure on the spinal nerves. Osteochondrosis of the fourth stage leads to limited mobility of the neck. The spine loses its flexibility and the patient cannot perform simple head movements.
Radicular-vascular syndromes
They arise due to mechanical compression of the root and radicular artery. Most often, the disease is clinically manifested by radiculoischemia or radiculomyeloischemia, spinal cord ischemia. Patients with these diagnoses are treated by a neurosurgeon, and then a physiotherapist, together with a neurologist, carries out rehabilitation. The best effect is achieved when the pathological process is no more than 1 year old. The methods of laser puncture and phytolaser puncture on biologically active points (BAP) are especially effective for diseases of the spine.
LMIT is successfully combined with water and mud therapy, physical therapy, massage, and manual therapy.
For each patient with a spinal disease, the treatment regimen should be selected individually, taking into account the predominance of certain symptoms of the disease, as well as concomitant ailments (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), previous diseases, the general well-being of the patient, and age restrictions.
Spinal diseases can lead to a decrease in a person’s performance, and sometimes to disability, so patients should understand that they must be treated. The treatment process is long - it is necessary to prepare the patient psychologically for this.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The reasons for the occurrence and development of cervical osteochondrosis can be very different: from genetic predisposition to difficult working conditions. Most often, people with insufficiently developed muscle mass and leading a sedentary lifestyle are at risk: office workers, car drivers. Staying in one position for a long time, lack of physical activity, and poor posture cause an increase in the load on the cervical spine and catalyze destructive processes.
On the other hand, too much physical activity, errors in the training process, and injuries can also cause this disease in people actively involved in sports. Another cause of cervical osteochondrosis is excess weight and poor nutrition. In this case, the spine, which is under severe pressure, lacks nutrients, which causes the destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Mechanical factors can also contribute to the development of the disease: improperly selected pillow and mattress, uncomfortable workplace. Harsh working conditions can cause microtraumas of the spine, which will subsequently lead to the development of osteochondrosis.
Types of fillers
The correct choice of mattress is based on the correct selection of filler. And if everything is clear with spring options, then springless or combined models require more attention. However, they can also boast of increased efficiency.
- 1. Polyurethane foam is the most common filler option, characterized by an affordable price and good anatomical properties. It can follow the shape of the body, providing soft support to the sleeper. This material is perfect for people with spinal problems during remission. The main thing is to choose an option where polyurethane foam is combined with more rigid layers.
- 2. Memoryform, memoryx - materials with a “memory” effect softly envelop the body. This feeling allows you to completely relax and fully relax. The filler is great for people with back pain, but it needs to be combined with tough layers of coir to have a positive effect.
- 3. Latex can be considered the “champion” among fillers. It is hypoallergenic, has good rigidity, excellent spine support, and boasts a fantastic service life. The artificial version of the material is almost in no way inferior to the natural one. This is one of the best solutions for a person with spinal problems.
- 4. Coconut coir and fiber are a natural, fairly hard and elastic filler that is always used in combination with softer options. Withstands high loads well, perfect for people with large body weight.
- 5. Other materials. Modern models can also use horsehair, sisal, buckwheat husk, etc. Each option has its own advantages, but can only be an addition to the base filler.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis using the DIAMAG device
It should be remembered that treatment with the DIAMAG device should be carried out only after an accurate diagnosis has been made.
The course of treatment for cervical osteochondrosis with the DIAMAG device is 10-20 days. The procedure, consisting of two stages with different positions of the emitter, should be carried out once a day.
First, the inductors are placed along the spine from the occipital region, so that the magnetic field affects 1-2 vertebrae. The emitter should be applied with the north side to the body, and Program No. 2 should be set in the control unit.
Then the emitter, bent in a ring, is put on the head, moving it towards the back of the head with the north side towards the skin. The procedure is also performed on Program No. 2.
In the first three days, the duration of each stage of the procedure is 10 minutes. Then the total treatment time should be increased to 30 minutes.
The best percussion massagers
Percussion massager for neck and shoulders Cervical Massage Shawls
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The magic “fists” of this massager can treat any area of the body. They will effectively stretch the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, calves, relieving pain and aches, and reduce muscle tension.
The massager has 38 massage variations and 9 speed levels, so it will not be difficult to choose the ideal combination for yourself. All this can be adjusted on a convenient panel with an electronic display.
The massager is very compact, so it can be used not only at home, but also at work or leisure.
Main characteristics | |
Type | Shock |
Massage area | Neck, shoulders, back, legs |
Material | Artificial leather, textiles, plastic |
Working hours | 10 minutes |
Peculiarities | Auto power off, overheat protection, display |
Power | 50 W |
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Weight | 900 gr |
Impact massager for neck and shoulders “D&D” UM-01
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This massager was designed using Japanese Taiko technology. Massage with its help resembles tapping with hammers. This technique allows you to restore strength, quickly relax muscles, relieve fatigue, tone muscles, and is also suitable for body shaping.
The device has 40 massage modes and 15 intensity modes. The device also comes with a convenient control panel. Thanks to these qualities, using the massager is very convenient and you can customize your individual mode.
Main characteristics | |
Type | Shock |
Massage area | Neck, shoulders, back, legs, lower back, buttocks |
Material | Textile, plastic |
Working hours | 15 minutes |
Peculiarities | Auto shut-off, built-in weighting |
Power | 70 W |
Power type | From the network |
Height | 7 cm |
Width | 50 cm |
Length | 110 cm |
Weight | 1800 gr |
Therapeutic effect of the DIAMAG device
Under the influence of a low-frequency pulsed magnetic field emitted by the DIAMAG apparatus, metabolic processes are stimulated, capillary blood flow accelerates, and blood vessels dilate. This improves tissue nutrition in the affected area, which allows you to slow down the course of the disease, speed up the healing process, and restore motor function.
In addition, improving blood supply to the brain reduces the manifestations of vascular changes caused by cervical osteochondrosis. Exposure to a low-intensity magnetic field activates the production of the hormone melatonin by the pineal gland, which improves the patient’s psychological state. Healthy sleep and getting rid of feelings of fear and anxiety can improve your mood and create favorable conditions for recovery.
Advantages of the DIAMAG device in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
- Allows you to significantly reduce pain in the neck and shoulder girdle, relieves headaches without the use of drugs that create a load on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Eliminates manifestations of vascular and cardiac changes. By improving blood supply, it helps get rid of dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, and the risk of fainting.
- Restores the motor ability of the neck, relieves the feeling of numbness in the limbs.
- The procedures provide the same effect as treatment in a physiotherapy room. They do not require special preparation from the patient and can be performed at home, which saves time and money.