Symptoms and treatment of subluxation of the cervical vertebra

Subluxation of the cervical vertebra is the displacement of the vertebrae, without rupturing the ligamentous apparatus. The cervical department includes the first 7 vertebrae, and this trauma is inherent in nearby couples. In each vertebra there are small apertures, which together form an intervertebral canal.

This channel protects the blood vessels that participate in the cerebral circulation and the spinal nerve sprouts from external mechanical damage.

How the neck trauma of

arises The most unstable position for the vertebrae is the inclination of the headEd, the vertebrae are held here, mainly due to the coupling joints and neck muscles, so the mechanical action in such a situation may lead to subluxation or dislocation of the cervical vertebrae.

This can happen when the ball is beaten by the head, or when the head hits the windshield or the car's steering wheel in an accident, as well as when falling headfirst, even from a small height.

Alarming symptoms that may indicate a subluxation of

Far from always subluxation of the cervical vertebra is accompanied by pain, and the symptoms are manifested gradually, and often they are difficult to relate to each other because of their qualitative differences. This can be :

• dizziness;
• severe headaches;
• sleep deterioration;
• fast fatigue;
• severe irritability;
• develops muscle weakness;
• tinnitus;
• numbness and pain in the limbs;
• loss of sensitivity in individual parts of the limbs;
• tingling in the humerus, cramps possible;
• vision impairment;
• back pain;
• can develop unilateral paralysis.

Diagnostic actions for trauma detection

Diagnosis begins with a primary examination of , the doctor will ask the patient to do several movements, depending on what symptoms led to the examination, followed by probing the neck and specialized diagnostic analysis. To diagnose the subluxation of the cervical vertebra, uses various types of X-ray studies of .

1. Spondylography - allows you to see the condition of the vertebrae and intervertebral joints and discs. If this is not enough, then other types of radiographs are used.
2. Skew x-rays of the - necessary for better visibility of articular processes, intervertebral foramen. Performed when the head is tilted to the side by about 45 ⁰.
3. X-ray through the mouth - only this type of study gives an overview of the first 2 vertebra, it is important for diagnosing a rotational subluxation of the atlas, the first vertebra.

Features of subluxation in children

In the picture, an x-ray of a torticollis in a child with a subluxation of the neck

Many injuries in children and adults differ in the course and causes. Subluxation of the cervical vertebra in a child is not uncommon because of the immaturity of the joints and tendons, and the elasticity of the muscles and can occur even with minor mechanical effects. May occur due to improper birth.

In children, there are three types of subluxations:

1. The subluxation of Kinbek is a subluxation of the first vertebra, caused by a violation of the integrity of the second vertebra, does not occur often, but has serious consequences for the child's health. The mobility of the neck is lost, accompanied by painful sensations.
2. Rotary subluxation is a fairly frequent type of injury that occurs when sharp turns of the head, nods, head rotations occur. The main manifestation of the rotational subluxation of the cervical vertebra- is the formation of the torticollis , i.e.the baby tilts his head to relieve pain.
3. Active subluxation( pseudo-subluxation) - occurs with excessive muscle tone, and often passes on its own without leading to special consequences.

Parents are not always aware of the injuries that the child receives, and the development of such pathologies as scoliosis, or inattention, bad memory is not associated with injuries to the cervical vertebrae. Particular difficulty with the birth trauma, the symptomatology can begin to manifest only after a few years.

Correct treatment for neck injury is the key to the fastest recovery

First aid

Timely and properly rendered first aid greatly will facilitate the process of correction and subsequent rehabilitation of .At the slightest suspicion of the occurrence of a trauma of this kind, it is necessary to immobilize all cervical vertebrae. Without a special corset, this is easier to do, putting the victim on a flat surface.

After this, the should apply the to avoid the slightest movement of the head and neck. After all the immobilization procedures are carried out, to avoid edema, cool the affected area with any cold compress .

It is extremely undesirable to transport the injured person yourself, it is better to wait for an ambulance.

the entire first aid boils down to the 2 points :

1. immobilization;
2. cold.

Direction

Several methods have been developed for vertebrae , the use of one or the other depends on the presence of complications, the patient's age, the type of injury.

1. Vityuga method - is applicable for subluxations, not accompanied by complications. It comes in local anesthesia, which removes pain and muscle tone returns to normal. And there is either spontaneous vertebrae or by small efforts, the doctor manually returns the correct position.
2. With the Gleisson's loop, the patient lies on a hard surface with a slight inclination, so that the head is above the body. On the chin put on a fabric "loop" to which the load is attached( its weight is calculated individually).The weight hangs down and there is a gradual extension of the cervical vertebra. Such a correction can be very lengthy and not always effective.
3. The is a one-way control of structures. Perhaps with the use of pain medication, or without them.

After correcting any subluxation, it is necessary to immobilize the damaged area for a while( at least 1 month).

It is convenient to do this with Shantse collars, they are made in different sizes, so everyone can find the most convenient for themselves.

Such a conservative treatment of subluxation of the cervical vertebra provides growth of cartilaginous and muscle tissue, which will not allow to repeat what happened.

For a speedy recovery resort to a number of additional procedures.

• Medication. To restore or maintain the optimal level of cerebral circulation, a number of drugs are prescribed, including vitamins of group B. And also prescribe drugs to stimulate the formation of chondrocytes( cartilage cells).
• Various physiotherapy :
• massage - will help relieve tension from the muscles of the neck, improve blood circulation in them.
• thermal procedures - all kinds of warm compresses, to relieve muscle tension;
• ultrasound therapy - its principle lies in the deep penetration of waves into tissues, the micro-massage of tissues takes place, which has a positive effect on the recovery process;
• electrophoresis - its function in local heating, i.e.effect as in thermal procedures;
• magnetotherapy - leads to local vasodilation, stimulates the enrichment of the brain with oxygen, accelerates the metabolism, which has a favorable effect on the recovery times.

Danger of self-treatment

• attempt of self-correction may result in rupture of ligaments, or complete dislocation;
• self-medication - lead to disruption of the functions of many organs, because each drug is selected individually! And it is not enough to read the instruction - the insert, it is necessary to know about compatibility with other drugs, etc.;
• incorrectly matched time and type of physiotherapy can cause a reverse effect.

But the best treatment is the prevention of , so it is better to observe safety techniques when playing sports, at work, to monitor the safety of playgrounds. Eat protein foods and exercise regularly, so that your body is less prone to such traumas.

Video: What you need to know about the subluxation of the first and second neck vertebrae