Cervical osteochondrosis today can be called one of the most common pathologies of the spine. At the same time, according to statistics, it can be noted that more and more young people are sick with this degenerative disease, earlier it was believed that osteochondrosis is only in the elderlyOccurs in people. It is worth knowing about the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment at home, because the earlier the pathology is detected and therapy is started, the less likely to develop complications.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine, in which the intervertebral discs are destroyed. Pathology progresses slowly, but it should be borne in mind that most degenerative changes are irreversible.
disease stage
The following stages of cervical osteochondrosis are distinguished from the initial changes, which practically do not cause pain and other symptoms, to the complete destruction of the intervertebral discs:
- Preclinical stage. At this stage, there are no obvious signs of degenerative changes, they occur at the biochemical level. The patient does not experience pain or any other changes in his condition.
- The stage at which degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus increase. Changes in the nucleus pulposus cause instability of the cervical spine, disturbances in the structure of the fibrous discs. The patient begins to experience mild pain and other symptoms.
- Stage of complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus. There is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus begins to protrude from the destroyed annulus fibrosus, displacement and subluxation of the cervical vertebrae occur. Pain syndrome and other symptoms of the disease are clearlyincrease.
- The stage of tissue regeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus begins to be replaced by fibrous tissue, intervertebral disc scar tissue, and adjacent structures of the spinal column are involved in degenerative processes. Development of fibrosis of the intervertebral discWith, pain and instability disappear, but this condition does not mean recovery.
Important!From time to time, the severity of the disease may increase with increased symptoms, usually following increased physical exertion.
The sooner the treatment of the disease begins, the easier it is to achieve a suspension of degenerative changes. At the same time, the clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis differ in their diversity, complete diagnosis, the disease without X-ray, MRI or CTIt is often impossible to diagnose.
symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is insufficiently expressed and not pronounced symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are a lot of vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, therefore, they are often misdiagnosedThrough come to the identification of osteochondrosis.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. Perhaps this is due to the fact that men are less likely to see a doctor with symptoms of neurological diseases. In women, autonomic symptoms involving the emotional sphere are more pronouncedis believed.
In general, the following symptoms usually refer to the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and they must all be present at the same time:
- Pain syndrome. Pain occurs in the neck and shoulders, spreads to the shoulder blades. It can also spread to the back of the head. In addition, with osteochondrosis, headache and dizziness may occur.
- Vegetative symptoms. These arise in the cervical spine due to the pinching of nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine. Symptoms similar to headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, panic attacks occur.
- A feeling of numbness, limitation of mobility in the upper limbs, in the region of the shoulder blades. This symptom is also caused due to the pinching of the nerve in the cervical spine.
These are the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, often the pain syndrome is so weak that the cause of the malaise is sought in the field of neurology.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible at home in the initial stage of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, include pain medications, therapeutic exercises, massage and many other procedures. Each component of therapy is necessary for complete recovery.
Medicine
The need for painkillers usually begins with non-steroidal non-prescription drugs. If such drugs do not help, they resort to using blockades - injections with anesthetics at the site of the lesion.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Caution should be exercised in their use, as they can cause harm if used irrationally. is.
Also, with severe vegetative symptoms, means can be used to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are prescribed on rare occasions. Sometimes, in addition to them, daytime tranquilizers are used, Which help in suppressing depressive symptoms arising from pinching of nerve endings.
massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps restore blood circulation, relieve tension from tense muscles. Many different massage techniques are used, allowing self-massage at homeTo do this, you need to tilt your head forward in a sitting position, put your hands on your neck on both sides.
Important!In no case should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.
With stroking movements, you need to move from the base of the head to the shoulders, trying to press, but not cause pain. The procedure should be continued for 10 to 15 minutes.
Exercise
Exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are extremely important to maintain muscle tone and mobility of the cervical spine. In this disease the neck muscles must be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position, you need to put your hands under your chin, press them lightly. At the same time, you need to resist the pressure of the head. The exercise should be performed for fifteen seconds, Over time, the duration should be increased.
Diet
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start eating more properly, include more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. More seafood and fermented milk products to replenish the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal systemIt is also recommended to eat
treatment with folk remedies
Folk remedies are not so effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, but there are some recipes that will help with this disease. First of all, various compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is potato-based. Grate raw potatoes. If needed, pour a spoonful of honey, apply it to the sore, cover with cling film.
Potatoes can be replaced with unleavened unleavened flour. In the absence of swelling, the compress can be covered with a warm cloth for greater effect. You can also lubricate the cervical area with honey and rub it with it during the massage. Can arrange, honey provides the best effect.
By combining folk remedies and other methods of treatment, you can achieve the best results.