One of the most common pathologies of the human musculoskeletal system is distortion of the cervical spine. This condition is characterized by damage to the muscles and ligaments that hold the vertebrae. But the location and structure of the bone parts of the spine is not affected. The vertebral function is not disturbed either. Despite this, distortion greatly affects the quality of life of the patient and temporarily limits his motor activity.
What is cervical spinal distortion?
ICD 10 refers this pathology to neck injuries. Its peculiarity is that the vertebrae do not move, and the functions of the spine are preserved. Only the musculo-ligamentous apparatus is damaged. Strong stretching, tearing, or complete rupture of the ligaments occurs.
This happens quite often in people of any age. This is due to the fragility of the structure of the cervical spine and its great mobility. But because of the characteristics of the modern lifestyle, it is the neck that is subjected to the greatest stresses. Especially among athletes and office workers who have been in the same position for a long time. In addition, at risk are people who are diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Signs of this disease in the early stages may not be apparent. But the destruction of the discs leads to a weakening of the ligamentous apparatus and frequent injuries.
In recent years, distortion of the cervical spine in children is also a common phenomenon. Weak muscles and ligaments due to lack of motor activity, frequent sitting with a bowed head and lack of nutrients contribute to the fact that children of any age are subject to such injuries.
Distortion of the cervical spine: causes
Ligament rupture in this place may occur due to the influence of such factors:
- sleeping on an uncomfortable high pillow or too soft mattress;
- sharp movement of the head;
- frequent flexion and extension of the neck;
- prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position;
- weak ligamentous apparatus due to lack of motor activity;
- non-observance of safety precautions when playing sports - gymnastics, wrestling, diving;
- frequent weight lifting;
- fall or blow to the neck;
- accident or natural disaster.
How is the pathology manifested?
Symptoms of malfunctioning ligaments are visible immediately after injury. They depend on the force that contributed to their rupture was applied to the neck. Most often, distortion of the cervical spine is accompanied by such signs:
- severe pain that can spread to the shoulders and neck;
- inability to move the head;
- muscle cramps;
- swelling and deformation of the cervical spine;
- decreased skin sensitivity, numbness and blanching;
- decreased muscle strength in the hands.
Pathology diagnostics
Distortion of the cervical spine refers to minor injuries. After the swelling decreases, the symptoms gradually disappear on their own. Broken ligaments suffer, and the pain disappears in a few days if properly treated. But it is very important to distinguish this injury from more serious ones, which are manifested by similar signs: dislocations, fractures, vertebral displacement. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver the victim to a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis. In addition to a medical examination, it is advisable to do an x-ray and an MRI. These studies will help rule out more serious pathologies and properly prescribe treatment.
Therapy Features
Distortion of the cervical spine and its treatment is not much different from other injuries in this area. Immediately after receiving damage, it is necessary to ensure complete rest for the patient. It is best to fix the cervical region with a special tire - the Shants collar. It will help to avoid further injury to the ligamentous apparatus and the development of complications. In the absence of immobilization, displacement of the vertebrae, pinching of the nerves and a violation of the blood supply to the brain are possible. Therefore, bed rest is recommended for about a month.
Special medications are also used to relieve pain, swelling, restore blood circulation and stimulate regeneration processes. About 3 weeks, the patient needs to limit motor activity. Then some more time will be required to restore the functions of muscles and ligaments. A full return to normal life after such an injury usually occurs after 3 months.
Drug treatment of pathology
The main method of treatment for this injury is to take special medications. They are designed to relieve pain and swelling, relax spasmodic muscles, and promote faster recovery of ligaments. Most often, such means are used for this:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for oral administration - "Diclofenac", "Indomethacin", "Meloxicam";
- with severe pain, Novocain injections are used;
- muscle relaxants for muscle relaxation, for example Tolperision;
- external painkillers and anti-inflammatory ointments - "Ketoprofen", "Viprosal" and others;
- "L-lysine escinate" is used to relieve edema;
- vascular preparations are needed to restore blood circulation, for example, Actovegin;
- to accelerate the healing of tissues, chondroprotectors are used;
- calcium supplements and B vitamins are also needed.
Additional treatments
Distortion of the ligaments of the cervical spine is treated only with the help of an integrated approach. It is not enough to relieve pain and swelling with the help of drugs. And wearing a Shants collar will help restore the integrity of the ligaments, but not their function. This requires the use of additional methods.
- To normalize blood circulation and metabolic processes, as well as to enhance the action of drugs, it is effective to use physiotherapy. With distortion, electrophoresis, UHF, laser, magnetotherapy, and mud therapy are most often used.
- Massage of the back and collar zone also helps to accelerate the healing. It relieves muscle spasms and stimulates tissue regeneration. Moreover, in addition to classical movements, acupuncture or acupressure is often used.
- Despite the fact that the distortion of the cervical spine refers to minor injuries, proper rehabilitation is very important to restore normal neck functions. To do this, 2-3 weeks after the injury, it is necessary to undergo a course of therapeutic exercises. You need to do it regularly, 1-2 times a day. First, in the exercise therapy room under the supervision of a doctor, and then you can at home. When performing exercises, you need to increase the load gradually, avoiding sudden movements and strong tilts of the head.
Alternative methods of treatment
Many recipes of traditional medicine are no less effective than medicines. They help relieve pain and swelling, stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes. Most often, various compresses are used to treat distortion:
- horseradish leaves need to be doused with boiling water and applied to the neck, wrapped in a warm scarf;
- make an ointment from a tablespoon of pork fat and the same amount of chopped hop cones;
- fresh leaves of cabbage or burdock are tied for the night;
- compresses with camphor alcohol or pepper patch help;
- rub tincture of flowers and buds of lilac in the neck;
- well restores ligaments gruel from chopped onions and granulated sugar;
- effective hot compress from infusion of St. John's wort, ledum, hop and wormwood.
Injury prevention
Although distortion is considered simple damage, it affects the spine. With untimely or incorrect treatment, complications are possible: headaches, aching pains in the neck, difficulty in movement. Therefore, this pathology is better to prevent. To avoid distortion, it is necessary to observe safety rules when playing sports, strengthen the muscle corset, regularly performing special exercises. A person who has already experienced this trauma needs to avoid sudden movements and lifting weights, as well as monitor the condition of the mattress and pillow. During the sedentary work, you need to periodically take breaks and warm up.