The manifestation of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very common today. This disease is diagnosed in people of absolutely any age and, in most cases, it is seen in healthy citizens aged 30 to 50 years. Some patients do not show symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, even ignoring the malaise, as degenerative changes in the cervical spine can occur imperceptibly. During treatment, a person can return to excellent health. However, for this, one should not ignore the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself in more detail with the signs of this disease.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease at an early stage of its development may not even manifest itself. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are felt only in the advanced form of the disease in the form of frequent headaches, which intensify during neck movement. When cerebral circulation disorders are observed during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient begins to show the following symptoms of the disease:
- persistent headaches;
- increased fatigue;
- violation of the sensitivity of facial muscles;
- noise in the head;
- high blood pressure;
- ringing in the ears;
- wobbly gait;
- frequent dizziness;
- loss of coordination in space.
If the disease is chronic, the symptoms and pain of cervical osteochondrosis will be permanent. In this case, any movement of the head will be difficult due to the tension in the neck muscles. Chronic symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are manifested in the form of migraine, headache, which in some cases is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness. If you do not start treatment in time, the patient begins to monitor the pharyngeal symptoms. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include: dry feeling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tingling and itching. After some time, this disease can cause a hernia in the area of the intervertebral disc. Therefore, when the first signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear, treatment should be immediate. It is worth knowing in more detail the most effective methods of treating this disease.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in the neck region is the aging of the human body and is also associated with age-related changes that occur in the tissues. But there are also some factors that increase the risk of developing this pathology. These factors include:
- Sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle.
- Stay in the same static pose for a long time.
- Excessive body weight.
- Nervous tension and frequent stress.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Autoimmune diseases during which the cartilage tissue suffers.
- Injuries to the occiput or neck.
- Abnormal congenital structure of the vertebrae.
In addition, heredity, hormones and metabolism play an important role in the development of this disease.
Therapy methods for cervical osteochondrosis
To eliminate the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment involves a whole range of methods and means that aim to eliminate pain and fight the inflammatory process that arises in the tissues. Daily physical activity and exercises aimed at flexibility of the spine are considered to be very effective. The program for such loads must be individual, selected by a specialist only after performing diagnostic measures by means of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, the doctor must also prescribe treatment. But what is the basis of therapy for this disease?
Medication
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and headache appear, drug therapy is prescribed. First, pain is relieved with conventional pain medications. However, it is worth noting that this method will only be effective in the early stage of the disease's development. After that, painkillers no longer work.
Medical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of new generation chondroprotectors, which are drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilaginous tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is the combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The course of this therapy is, as a rule, several months, after which there is an improvement in the mobility of the cervical spine.
And how to relieve acute muscle and headache in cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be eliminated with the use of novocaine block or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include capsules, ointments, injections and pills that can quickly improve the patient's general condition. If these chondroprotectors do not have contraindications even with long-term use, then for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs these contraindications are very serious, so their use should be combined with the attending physician.
Polishes and gels
When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment can be done with the help of special ointments or gels, which begin to act 10 minutes after application in the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, which include:
- External anti-inflammatory agents based on non-steroidal substances that can eliminate painful sensations.
- Ointments and regenerating gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- External anesthetic ointments and gels that can quickly affect nerve endings, while relieving pain.
- Various ointments for massage.
Manual therapy
Of course, treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home using manual therapy will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and the oldest. Experts have developed many different techniques that can have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, joints and tissues of the affected areas. When choosing a chiropractor for yourself, it should be noted that he must be an excellent specialist, otherwise a person inexperienced in the subject can take the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy to combat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- Manipulations aimed at restoring the health and functioning of the joints. These manipulations are accompanied by its crisis.
- Segmental massage that can relieve muscle tension.
- Mobilization that repairs joints damaged by traction.
Acupuncture
How else can you eliminate the signs and symptoms of cervical spinal osteochondrosis? Acupuncture treatment can not only remove pain during the illness, but also heal it completely. This needle therapy technique came to our medicine from Eastern countries. Chinese sages, armed with philosophy and also with knowledge of the human body, discovered how to regulate the body's energy using metal needles. Currently, this procedure is officially recognized by doctors as an effective technique to fight osteochondrosis.
Before eliminating the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine with acupuncture, it is essential to consult a specialist, as this procedure is not suitable for all patients. This technique is not performed in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- with existing infectious diseases;
- if any tumor is present;
- for skin or blood disorders;
- in childhood or old age.
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies are very effective in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis. Homeopathic remedies contain biologically active substances and useful trace elements. These substances correspond absolutely to the concentration of minerals and vitamins in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain herbal extracts, plant extracts, which are taken only from ecological specimens. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the effect of these funds on osteochondrosis is as follows:
- restores cartilage tissue;
- activates human immunity;
- improves blood circulation in the collar area.
Home treatment
Currently, it is possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. To relieve pain and achieve general patient improvement, it is necessary to follow a special diet, in addition to leading an active lifestyle. The daily diet of a patient diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis should contain products that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissues. These products include the following:
- fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and legumes;
- products that contain a lot of protein: low-fat fish and poultry, eggs, nuts;
- products that contain unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flax seeds;
- calcium-rich foods, such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.
In addition, a very effective tool for treating osteochondrosis at home is a vibroacoustic device. This device is able to act in the main focus of the painful syndrome with ultrasonic waves, through which the cartilage regeneration process begins to accelerate, the inflammation of the tissue is eliminated and the damaged cells begin to recover. This device will not cause any damage to the organism, as the therapy is carried out under the influence of acoustic waves, absolutely natural for humans.
Massage
Successful home therapy can also be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and also relaxes tense neck muscles. After self-massage in the intervertebral discs, blood circulation improves, providing quick relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a seated position and, during the same, movements are made to caress, rub and knead the nape of the neck. However, to get the maximum effect, it is better to use the services of a professional.
Conducting gymnastics to improve health
These therapeutic exercises have no less effect than drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts claim that gymnastics to improve health is the basis for the patient's recovery. These exercises, as a rule, do not take long, mainly because they are very easy to do alone at home. This gymnastics helps to relieve pain syndromes during cervical osteochondrosis. It also stretches the ligaments and relaxes the neck muscles. However, it is necessary to take any action during gymnastics only after consulting a specialist. They must be performed with great care so that the patient does not hurt his body.
Kuznetsov Applicator
Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not every patient decides to do acupuncture. For home therapy purposes, an alternative device is used, which is a Kuznetsov needle applicator. It has single or double needles located on the neck roll or on the belt buckle. If the patient is lying on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly relieve symptoms, but also to completely overcome this disease.
Popular recipes
There are many effective alternative medicine recipes with which you can get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very economical, effective and, most importantly, safe. To do this, there is no need to buy expensive drugs to relieve pain. In addition, many drugs purchased at the pharmacy can have side effects and contraindications, which cannot be said of traditional medicine recipes. The following natural remedies can help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Horseradish leaves. For this, it is necessary to attach a leaf of this plant to the nape of the neck, fixing it with tape at night. As a rule, painful sensations disappear in the morning.
- Potatoes. This vegetable must be grated together with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture should look like an ointment in its consistency. A ready-made product in compress form is used at least once in 7 days.
- A compress made with a liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 spoon of powdered mustard and 50 g of propolis is very effective. All ingredients are mixed, after which the resulting mixture is impregnated with gauze or fabric, applied to the neck area and fixed with a woolen cloth. It is recommended to do these compresses 1-2 times every 7 days. The compresses are made at night.
Disease prevention
Many people know that preventing a disease is easier than curing it later. The prevention of osteochondrosis involves maintaining correct posture, exercises in simulators, physical exercises, walking, swimming and yoga. When reading or writing, the person should not bend too far on the table and, while sleeping, it is best to use orthopedic pillows.
Patient opinions
Reviews from patients who have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggest that it is not so difficult to cure this disease at home. However, a greater effect can be achieved if you use complex therapy, which includes not only massages and folk remedies, but also the use of medicines.
In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a very common disease today. This disease affects not only adults, but also young people due to the sedentary and sedentary lifestyle. However, this disease can be successfully treated. For this, when the first signs and symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek help from a medical institution, where a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is also worth remembering that the use of traditional medicine recipes is recommended to be coordinated with your doctor.