Distortion of the cervical spine: description, causes and treatment

One of the most common pathologies of the human musculoskeletal system is the 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 osseous parts of the spine is not affected. The functions of the vertebrae are also not violated. Despite this, distortion strongly affects the quality of life of the patient and at times limits his motor activity.

What is the distortion of the cervical spine?

ICD 10 treats this pathology as a trauma to the neck. Its feature is that the vertebrae are not displaced, and the functions of the spine are preserved. Only the musculoskeletal apparatus is affected. There is a strong stretching, tearing or a complete rupture of ligaments.

This happens quite often in people of any age. This is due to the fragility of the structure of the cervical region and its great mobility. But due to the peculiarities of the modern way of life, it is the neck that undergoes the greatest loads. Especially among athletes and office workers, for a long time staying in one position. In addition, people at risk are those who have osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Signs of this disease in the early stages may not manifest itself clearly. But the destruction of the discs leads to a weakening of the ligamentous apparatus and frequent injuries.

In recent years, the distortion of the cervical spine in children is also a common phenomenon. Weakness of muscles and ligaments due to lack of motor activity, frequent sitting with a bowed head and a lack of nutrients contribute to the fact that children of any age are affected by such traumas.

Distortion of the cervical spine: causes

The rupture of ligaments in this place can occur due to the influence of such factors:

• Sleep on an uncomfortable high pillow or a soft mattress;
• Sharp head movement;
• Frequent flexion and extension of the neck;
• Long stay in an uncomfortable position;
• Weakness of the ligamentous apparatus due to lack of motor activity;
• Non-observance of safety precautions when doing sports - gymnastics, wrestling, diving;
• Frequent lifting of weights;
• Fall or blow to the neck;
• Accident or natural disaster.

How does the pathology manifest itself?

Symptoms of malfunction of the ligaments are visible immediately after the injury. They depend on the strength that contributed to their rupture, was applied to the neck. Most often, the distortion of the cervical spine is accompanied by such signs:

• Severe pain that can spread to the shoulders and the back of the head;
• Inability to move head;
• Muscle spasms;
• Edema and deformation of the cervical region;
• A decrease in the sensitivity of the skin, its numbness and blanching;
• Decrease in the strength of the muscles of the hands.

Diagnosis of pathology

Distortion of the cervical spine refers to minor injuries. After reducing edema, the symptoms gradually disappear themselves. The ruptured ligaments are extirpated, and the pain passes in a few days, provided that the treatment is correct. But it is very important to distinguish this trauma from more serious ones, which are manifested by similar signs: dislocations, fractures, displacement of vertebrae. Therefore, it is necessary to deliver the victim as soon as possible to the doctor for the diagnosis. In addition to medical examination, it is advisable to do x-ray and MRI. These studies will help to eliminate more serious pathologies and correctly prescribe treatment.

Features of therapy

Dystocia of the cervical spine and its treatment are not much different from other injuries in this area. Immediately after receiving the damage, it is necessary to provide complete rest to the patient. The cervical section is best fixed with a special tire - the collar of Shantz. It will help to avoid further injury to the ligamentous apparatus and the development of complications. In the absence of immobilization, the displacement of the vertebrae, the infringement of the nerves and the disruption of the blood supply of the brain are possible. Therefore, bed rest is recommended for about a month.

Special medicines are also used to relieve pain, swelling, restore blood circulation and stimulate regeneration processes. About 3 weeks, the patient must be limited to motor activity. Then it will take some time to restore the functions of muscles and ligaments. A full return to normal life after such an injury usually occurs after 3 months.

Medicamentous treatment of pathology

The main method of therapy for this trauma is the use of special medications. They are designed to relieve pain and swelling, relax spasmodic muscles, promote faster recovery of ligaments. Most often, this means:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for oral administration - "Diclofenac", "Indomethacin", "Meloxicam";
• With severe pain, injections of Novocain are used;
• Muscle relaxants for muscle relaxation, for example, "Tolperizion";
• External pain relievers and anti-inflammatory ointments - Ketoprofen, Viprosal and others;
• To remove the edema, use "L-lysine escinate";
• Vascular drugs are needed to restore blood circulation, for example, "Actovegin";
• To accelerate the healing of tissues, chondroprotectors are used;
• Calcium preparations and B vitamins are also needed.

Additional therapies

Distortion of 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 medication. And wearing a Shant collar will help restore the integrity of the ligaments, but not their functions. This requires the use of additional methods.

• To normalize blood circulation and metabolic processes, and also to enhance the effect of drugs, it is effective to use physiotherapy procedures. In case of distortion, electrophoresis, UHF, laser, magnetotherapy, mud therapy are most often used.
• Massage of the back and collar zone also helps to speed up the cure. It relieves muscle spasms and stimulates tissue regeneration processes. Moreover, in addition to classical movements, acupuncture or acupressure is often used.
• Despite the fact that the distortion of the cervical spine concerns non-severe injuries, correct rehabilitation is very important for restoring normal functions of the neck. For this, 2-3 weeks after the injury, it is necessary to undergo a course of therapeutic gymnastics. Do it regularly, 1-2 times a day. First in the doctor's office under the supervision of a doctor, and then you can and at home. When performing exercises, you need to increase the load gradually, avoiding sudden movements and strong head inclinations.

Traditional methods of treatment

Many recipes of traditional medicine are no less effective than drugs. They help relieve pain and swelling, stimulate blood circulation and regeneration processes. Most often for the treatment of distortion, various compresses are used:

• Leaves of horseradish should be doused with boiling water and put to the neck, wrapped in a warm scarf;
• Make ointment from a tablespoon of pork fat and the same amount of ground hop cones;
• Fresh leaves of cabbage or burdock are tied for the night;
• Help compresses with camphor alcohol or pepper plaster;
• Rub the neck tincture of flowers and lilac buds;
• Well restores ligaments of gruel from crushed onions and granulated sugar;
• Effective hot compress from the mouth of St. John's wort, ledum, hop and wormwood.

Prevention of injury

Although distortion is considered uncomplicated damage, it nevertheless affects the spine. If untimely or incorrect treatment is possible complications: headaches, aching pain in the neck, difficulty in movement. Therefore, this pathology is better to prevent. To avoid distortion, you must observe safety rules when playing sports, strengthen the muscle corset, regularly performing special exercises. A person who has already encountered this trauma, it is necessary to avoid sudden movements and lifting weights, and also to monitor the condition of the mattress and pillow. During the performance of sedentary work, you need to periodically take breaks and perform a warm-up.