It is currently believed that the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are common. The disease can be diagnosed in people of any age, and in most cases, it can be observed in able-bodied citizens between 30 and 50 years of age. Some patients have no symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, or even discomfort, because the degenerative changes of the cervical spine may be ignored. During treatment, a person can regain health. However, for this reason, the initial symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis should not be ignored. Therefore, it is worth understanding the signs of this disease in more detail.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease may not show up at all in the early stages of its development. The symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis only appear in the form of frequent headaches in the late stages of the disease, which are exacerbated by neck movements. When abnormal cerebral circulation was observed during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient began to show the following symptoms:
- Constant headache;
- Increased fatigue;
- Violates the sensitivity of facial muscles;
- Head noise;
- Hypertension;
- ringing in your ears;
- Swinging gait;
- Often dizzy;
- loses 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 become difficult due to the tension of the neck muscles. The symptoms of the chronic form of cervical osteochondrosis are migraine, headache, and in some cases nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness. If you do not start treatment on time, the patient will start to have pharyngeal symptoms. These symptoms of spine cervical thoracic chondrosis include: dry throat, difficulty swallowing, itching and itching. After some time, this disease can cause hernias in the intervertebral disc area. Therefore, when the initial symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear, they should be treated immediately. It is worthwhile to learn more about the most effective treatments.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main reason for the development of cervical osteochondrosis is the aging of the human body, and it is also related to the age-related changes in the tissues. However, there are also some factors that increase the risk of this disease. These factors include:
- Sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle.
- Maintain the same static posture for a long time.
- Excessive weight.
- Nervousness and frequent stress.
- Hypothermia.
- An autoimmune disease in which cartilage tissue is damaged.
- Occipital bone or neck injury.
- Congenital vertebral structure abnormalities.
In addition, genetics, hormones and metabolism also play an important role in the development of this disease.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
In order to get rid of the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, treatment means a series of methods and means aimed at eliminating pain and resisting the inflammatory process that occurs in the tissue. Daily physical exercises and exercises for spinal flexibility are considered very effective. The procedures for such loads should be separate and should be selected by experts only after the use of computed tomography or MRI for diagnostic measures. When the initial symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear, the doctor should also prescribe. But what is the basis for treating this disease?
Drugs
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and headache appear, medication should be given. First, the use of conventional analgesics can relieve pain. However, it is worth noting that this method is only effective in the initial stages of disease development. After that the painkillers no longer work.
The drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of a new generation of cartilage protective agents, which are drugs that stimulate the recovery of spinal cartilage tissue. The best therapeutic effect is the combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Usually, the course of this treatment is several months, after which the mobility of the cervical spine is improved.
And how to relieve the acute muscle and headache of cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be eliminated by using novicaine blockers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include capsules, ointments, injections, and tablets that can quickly improve the overall condition of the patient. If these chondroprotective agents have no contraindications even for long-term use, then for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these contraindications are very serious and must be agreed with the attending doctor.
Ointments and gels
When the first symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis appear, they can be treated at home with the help of special ointments or gels. These ointments or gels begin to work 10 minutes after being applied to the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, including:
- Anti-inflammatory topical drugs based on non-steroidal substances can eliminate pain.
- Regenerating ointment and gel can restore damaged cartilage tissue between vertebrae.
- Anesthetic topical ointments and gels can quickly affect nerve endings while reducing pain.
- Various massage ointments.
Manual therapy
Of course, it will be very difficult to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. 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 area. You should choose a chiropractor for yourself, he must be an excellent specialist, otherwise, inexperienced people may lead the patient to wheelchair. The main methods of manual treatment of cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Operations designed to restore joint health and function. These operations are accompanied by their tightening.
- Segmented massage can relieve muscle tension.
- Mobilize traction to repair damaged joints.
Acupuncture
How else can you eliminate the signs and symptoms of spine cervical osteochondrosis? Acupuncture can not only eliminate the soreness of this disease, but also completely cure it. This needle therapy technique comes from Eastern countries. Smart Chinese, armed with philosophy and human knowledge, have figured out how to use metal needles to regulate energy in the body. At present, this method has been officially recognized by doctors as an effective technology against osteochondrosis.
Before acupuncture can eliminate the symptoms of cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis, it is necessary to consult a specialist, because this procedure is not suitable for all patients. This technique will not be implemented in the following situations:
- During pregnancy;
- For existing infectious diseases;
- If there are any tumors;
- For skin or blood diseases;
- In infancy or old age.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is very effective in fighting cervical osteochondrosis. Homeopathic medicine contains biologically active substances and useful trace elements. These substances absolutely correspond to the concentration of minerals and vitamins in the human body. Homeopathic medicines include herbal extracts, plant extracts, and these extracts are only taken from environmentally friendly specimens. And the main advantage is that this preparation is completely natural. The main principles of the impact of these funds on osteochondrosis are as follows:
- Restore cartilage tissue;
- Activate human immunity;
- Improve blood circulation in the collar area.
Home Care
Currently, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home. In order to relieve soreness and achieve overall improvement of patients, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet and maintain an active lifestyle. The daily diet of patients diagnosed with cervical chondropathy should contain foods that can promote cartilage tissue regeneration. These products include:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as grains and beans;
- products that contain a lot of protein: lean fish and poultry, eggs, nuts; Foods containing unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flaxseed;
- Foods rich in calcium, such as leafy vegetables, cheese, and milk.
Massage
Successful home remedies can also be done through massage or self-massage. This process relieves tension and relaxes tight muscles in the neck. After self-massage of the intervertebral disc, blood circulation is improved, so it can be relieved quickly. The self-massage procedure itself should be carried out in a sitting position. During this process, strokes, kneading and kneading movements should be performed on the back of the head. However, for maximum effect, it is best to use professional services.
Exercise to improve health
Such therapeutic exercises are as effective as drug treatments for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts claim that gymnastics to improve health is the basis for patient recovery. Usually, such exercises do not require a lot of time, especially because they are easy to perform in your own home. This kind of exercise helps to relieve pain syndrome during neck osteochondrosis. It can also stretch ligaments and relax neck muscles. However, you can perform any movement in this type of gymnastics only after consulting an expert. The examination must be carried out very carefully to avoid injury to the patient.
Kuznetsov applicator
Acupuncture is very effective for this disease. However, not every patient decides on acupuncture. For home treatment purposes, another device is used, which is the Kuznetsov needle applicator. Its single or double needle is located on the neck roll or buckle. If the patient lies on the applicator for 30 minutes a day, not only can the symptoms be significantly relieved, but the disease can be completely overcome.
Folk recipes
There are many effective alternative medicine formulations that can help you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very economical, effective, and most importantly safe. For this reason, there is no need to buy any expensive drugs to relieve pain. In addition, many drugs purchased in pharmacies may have side effects and contraindications, which cannot be said for the formulation of traditional drugs. The following natural remedies can help treat cervical osteochondrosis:
- Horseradish leaves. For this, you need to attach the leaves of the plant to the back of your neck and fix it with adhesive tape at night. Usually, the pain will disappear in the morning.
- Potatoes. This vegetable must be grated in equal proportions with honey. The consistency of the resulting mixture should be similar to ointment. Ready-made products in compressed form should be used at least once within 7 days.
- A dressing made of one liter of vodka, one tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe vera juice, one tablespoon of mustard powder and 50 grams of propolis is very effective. Mix all the ingredients, then impregnate the resulting mixture with gauze or fabric, apply it to the neck, and fix it with a wool cloth. It is recommended to compress 1-2 times every 7 days. Compressed at night.
Disease prevention
Many people know that preventing diseases is easier than curing them later. Preventing osteochondrosis includes maintaining correct posture, exercising on simulators, fitness exercises, walking, swimming and yoga. When reading or writing, one should not bend too low on the table. When sleeping, it is best to use an orthopedic pillow.
Patient opinions
The opinion of patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggests that curing the disease at home is not that difficult. However, if you use complex therapies, not only massage and folk remedies, but also drugs, you can achieve greater results.
In short, it should be pointed out that cervical osteochondrosis is a very common disease at present. Due to inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle, this disease affects not only adults but also young people. However, this disease can be successfully treated. For this reason, when the first symptoms and signs appear, you need to seek the help of medical institutions, where experts will prescribe appropriate treatments for you. Also remember that it is recommended to use traditional medicine recipes in coordination with your doctor.