The manifestation of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is currently considered to be very common. This disease is diagnosed in people of all ages and, in most cases, in able-bodied citizens between the ages of 30 and 50. Some patients do not suffer from the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and do not even suspect discomfort, since degenerative changes in the cervical spine can imperceptibly occur. During treatment, a person can return to excellent health. To do this, however, one should not ignore the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Therefore, it is worthwhile to get acquainted with the signs of this disease in more detail.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease may not manifest itself at all in the early stages of its development. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are felt only in the advanced form of the disease in the form of frequent headaches that intensify during movement of the neck. If brain circulatory disorders are observed during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient will show the following symptoms of the disease:
- persistent headache;
- increased tiredness;
- violation of the sensitivity of the muscles on the face;
- noise in the head;
- high blood pressure;
- rings in the ears;
- shaky gait;
- frequent dizziness;
- Loss of coordination in space.
If the disease is chronic, the symptoms and pain of cervical osteochondrosis are permanent. In this case, any movement of the head is difficult due to the tension in the neck muscles. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in a chronic form are manifested in the form of migraines, headaches, which in some cases are accompanied by nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness. If you do not start treatment on time, the patient will begin to accompany the discomfort in the throat. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include: a feeling of dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tickling, and itching. Over time, this disease can cause a herniated disc. Therefore, when the first signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear, treatment should be started immediately. It is worthwhile to familiarize yourself in more detail with the most effective methods of treating this disease.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in the neck is the aging of the human body, and it is also associated with age-related changes 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.
- Long stay in the same static pose.
- overweight.
- Nerve strain and frequent stress.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Autoimmune diseases that affect cartilage tissue.
- Injuries to the back of the head or neck.
- Abnormal congenital structure of the vertebrae.
In addition, heredity, hormones and metabolism all play important roles in the development of this disease.
Methods of cervical osteochondrosis therapy
In order to get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment includes a whole range of methods and means aimed at eliminating pain and fighting the inflammatory process that occurs in tissues. Daily physical activity and exercises aimed at maintaining the flexibility of the spine are considered to be very effective. The program of such loads should be individual, it is selected by a specialist only after performing diagnostic measures using computed tomography or MRI. When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, a doctor should also prescribe treatment. But what is the therapy for this disease based on?
Medicines
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and headache appear, drug therapy is prescribed. First, pain is relieved with conventional pain relievers. But it should be noted that this method is effective only at the initial stage of the development of the disease. After that, painkillers no longer work.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of new generation chondroprotectors, which are drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is the combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The course of such therapy is usually several months, after which the mobility of the cervical spine improves.
And how can acute muscle pain and headaches in cervical osteochondrosis be relieved? Symptom data can be cleared with the use of novocaine blockade or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This includes capsules, ointments, injections and tablets that can quickly improve the general condition of the patient. If these chondroprotectors have no contraindications even with long-term use, these contraindications for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very serious, so that their use must be agreed with the attending physician.
Ointments and gels
When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment can be carried out with the help of special ointments or gels that begin to act 10 minutes after application on the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, including:
- Anti-inflammatory external agents that are based on nonsteroidal substances and can eliminate painful sensations.
- Regenerating ointments and gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anesthetic external ointments and gels that can quickly affect the nerve endings and at the same time relieve pain.
- Various ointments for massage.
Manual therapy
Of course, treating symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home through manual therapy will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and the oldest. Specialists have developed many different techniques that can have beneficial effects on the vertebrae, joints, and tissues of the affected areas. When choosing a chiropractor for yourself, it should be remembered that he must be an excellent specialist, otherwise an inexperienced person in this matter can lead 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 function of the joints. These manipulations are accompanied by their crisis.
- Segment massage that can relieve muscle tension.
- Mobilization, which repairs damaged joints due to traction.
Acupuncture
How else can you get rid of the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine? Acupuncture treatment can not only eliminate pain during this disease, but also cure it completely. This needle therapy technique came into our medicine from Eastern countries. The wise Chinese, endowed with both philosophy and knowledge of the human body, have figured out how to regulate energy in the body using metal needles. This procedure is currently officially recognized by doctors as an effective technique for combating osteochondrosis.
Before the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine are eliminated by acupuncture, it is imperative to consult a specialist, as this procedure is not suitable for every patient. This technique does not work in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- with existing infectious diseases;
- if there is a tumor;
- for diseases of the skin or blood;
- in infancy 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 absolutely correspond to the concentration of minerals and vitamins in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain herbal extracts, plant extracts that are only taken from environmentally friendly samples. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the action of these funds in osteochondrosis is as follows:
- restore cartilage tissue;
- activates human immunity;
- improves blood circulation in the collar area.
Treatment at home
It is currently possible to treat symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. In order to relieve pain and achieve general improvement in the patient, it is necessary to follow a special diet, and also to lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet of a patient diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis should include foods that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. These products include the following:
- fresh vegetables and fruits as well as cereals and legumes;
- products that contain a large amount of proteins: low-fat fish and poultry, eggs, nuts;
- products that contain unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flaxseed;
- Foods that are high in calcium, such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.
In addition, a vibroacoustic device is a very effective tool for treating osteochondrosis at home. This device is able to use ultrasonic waves to act on the focal point of the pain syndrome, as a result of which the process of cartilage regeneration begins to accelerate, inflammation of the tissues is eliminated and damaged cells begin to recover. This device does not harm the body, since therapy is carried out under the influence of sound waves, which are absolutely natural for humans.
Massage
Successful home therapy can also be carried out with massage or self-massage. This procedure releases tension and relaxes tense muscles in the neck. After self-massage of the intervertebral discs, the blood circulation is improved, resulting in rapid relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a sitting position, and during this time stroking, rubbing and kneading movements are performed on the back of the head. However, for maximum effect, it is best to seek the services of a professional.
Perform health-promoting gymnastics
Such therapeutic gymnastics has no less effect than drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts claim that health-promoting gymnastics is the foundation for a patient's recovery. Such exercises usually do not take much time, especially since they are easy to do alone at home. This gymnastics helps relieve pain syndromes during cervical osteochondrosis. It also stretches your ligaments and relaxes your neck muscles. However, it is necessary to carry out actions during such gymnastics only after consulting a specialist. They need to be done very carefully so that the patient does not harm his body.
Kuznetsov applicator
Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not every patient chooses acupuncture. For home therapy, an alternative device is used, namely a Kuznetsov needle applicator. It has single or twin needles on the neck roll or on the buckle belt. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly alleviate symptoms, but also to completely overcome this disease.
Folk recipes
There are many effective alternative medicine recipes that can help you 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 bought from the pharmacy can have side effects and contraindications that cannot be said about traditional medicine prescriptions. The following natural remedies can help with cervical osteochondrosis:
- Horseradish leaves. To do this, you need to attach a leaf of this plant to the neck and fix it with adhesive plaster at night. As a rule, painful sensations go away in the morning.
- potatoes. These vegetables must be grated in equal proportions along with honey. The resulting mixture should resemble an ointment in consistency. A finished product in the form of a compress is used at least once in 7 days.
- A compress made from one liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 spoon of mustard powder 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 such compresses 1-2 times every 7 days. Compresses are made at night.
Disease prevention
Many people know that a disease is easier to prevent than it is to treat later. Preventing osteochondrosis means maintaining correct posture, exercising with exercise machines, doing fitness exercises, walking, swimming, and doing yoga. While reading or writing, a person should not lean too low over the table, and while sleeping, it is best to use orthopedic pillows.
Patient opinions
Reviews of patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggest that curing this disease at home is not that difficult. But a greater effect can be achieved if you apply complex therapy, which includes not only massages and folk remedies, but also the use of medicines.
In summary, it can be stated that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is currently a very common disease. This disease affects not only adults but also young people due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. However, this disease can be treated successfully. When the first symptoms and signs appear, it is necessary to contact a medical institution, where a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It should also be noted that the use of traditional medicine prescriptions is recommended to be agreed with your doctor.