The manifestation of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very common nowadays. This disease is diagnosed in people of absolutely any age, and in most cases it is observed in able-bodied citizens aged 30 to 50 years. Some patients do not suffer from the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, not even suspecting weakness, because degenerative changes in the cervical spine can occur imperceptibly. During the treatment, the person can return to excellent health. However, the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should not be neglected. Therefore, it is worth getting to know the signs of this disease in more detail.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease may not manifest at all in the initial stage of its development. The 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 the movement of the neck. 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 facial muscle sensitivity;
- noise in the head;
- high blood pressure;
- ringing in 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 hampered due to the tension of the neck muscles. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the chronic form 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 on time, then the patient begins to monitor the symptoms of the throat. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include: a feeling of dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tickling, 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 getting acquainted 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 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.
- Long stay in the same static position.
- Overweight.
- Nervous tension and frequent stress.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Autoimmune diseases during which cartilage tissue suffers.
- Neck or neck injuries.
- Abnormal congenital structure of the vertebrae.
In addition, heredity, hormones and metabolism play an important role in the development of this disease.
Methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
To get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment involves a range of methods and means aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process that occurs in the tissues. Daily physical activity and exercises aimed at flexibility of the spine are considered very effective. The program of such loads should be individual, and it is selected by a specialist only after the implementation of diagnostic measures using computed tomography or MRI. When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, the doctor should also prescribe treatment. But what is the basis for the treatment of this disease?
Medications
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and headache appear, drug therapy is prescribed. First of all, the pain is relieved by conventional painkillers. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this method will be effective only in the initial stage of disease development. Painkillers are no longer useful after that.
Medical therapy for cervical osteochondrosis includes the use of a new generation of chondroprotectors, which are drugs that stimulate the regeneration of cartilage tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is a combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The course of such therapy is usually several months, after which there is an improvement in the mobility of the cervical spine.
And how to relieve acute muscles and headaches in cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be removed using novocaine blockade or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include 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, then for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs these contraindications are very serious, so their use must be agreed with the doctor.
Ointments and gels
When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment at home can be carried out with the help of special ointments or gels that begin to act 10 minutes after application to the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, which include:
- Anti-inflammatory external agents based on non-steroidal substances that can eliminate painful sensations.
- Regenerating ointments and gels that repair damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anesthetic external ointments and gels that can quickly affect nerve endings while dampening pain.
- Various massage ointments.
Manual therapy
Of course, treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home with manual therapy will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and the oldest. Specialists 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 borne in mind that he must be an excellent expert, 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 joint health and function. These manipulations were accompanied by their violation.
- Segmental massage that can relieve muscle tension.
- Traction mobilization that repairs damaged joints.
Acupuncture
How else can you eliminate the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis? Acupuncture treatment can not only remove the pain during this disease, but also completely cure it. This needle therapy technique came to our medicine from Eastern countries. The wise Chinese, armed with philosophy as well as knowledge of the human body, figured out how to regulate the energy in the body using metal needles. Doctors have now officially recognized this procedure as an effective technique to fight osteochondrosis.
Before you get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine with acupuncture, it is necessary to consult a specialist, because this procedure is not suitable for every patient. This technique is not performed in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- for existing infectious diseases;
- if any tumor is present;
- for skin or blood diseases;
- in childhood or old age.
Homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies are very effective in fighting 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, herbal extracts that are taken only from environmentally friendly samples. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the effect of these agents on osteochondrosis is as follows:
- restore cartilage tissue;
- activate human immunity;
- improve blood circulation in the collar area.
Home treatment
It is currently possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. In order to alleviate the pain and achieve general improvement in the patient, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet and lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet of a patient diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis should include products that promote cartilage tissue regeneration. These products include the following:
- fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and legumes;
- products that contain a large amount of protein: fish and poultry with a low fat content, eggs, nuts;
- products containing unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flax seeds;
- foods rich in calcium, such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.
In addition, a highly effective tool for treating osteochondrosis at home is a vibroacoustic device. This device is able to act on the main focus of the pain syndrome with ultrasound waves, due to which the process of cartilage regeneration begins to accelerate, tissue inflammation is removed and damaged cells begin to recover. This device will not harm the body, because the therapy is carried out under the influence of acoustic waves, which are absolutely natural for humans.
Massage
Successful home therapy can be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and relaxes tense neck muscles. After self-massage on the intervertebral discs, blood circulation improves, which leads to rapid relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a sitting position, during which caressing, rubbing and kneading movements are performed on the back of the head. However, to achieve maximum effect, it is best to use the services of a professional.
Performing health-corrective gymnastics
Such therapeutic exercises have no less effect than drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts claim that health gymnastics is the basis for the patient's recovery. As a rule, such exercises do not take much time, especially since they are quite easy to perform at home. This exercise helps alleviate the pain syndrome during cervical osteochondrosis. It also stretches your ligaments and relaxes the neck muscles. However, during such gymnastics it is necessary to perform any actions only after consulting a specialist. They must be performed very carefully so that the patient does not harm his body.
Kuznets applicator
Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not every patient decides on acupuncture. An alternative device is used for home therapy, and that is Kuznets' needle applicator. It has single or double pins located on the door ring or on the belt buckle. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly alleviate the symptoms, but also to completely overcome this disease.
Folk recipes
There are many effective recipes for alternative medicine that can help you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very economical, effective and most importantly, safe. To do this, you do not need to buy expensive pain medications. In addition, many medicines bought in pharmacies can have side effects and contraindications, which cannot be said about the prescriptions of traditional medicine. The following natural remedies can help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Horseradish leaves. To do this, you need to attach the leaf of this plant to the back of the neck, attaching it with adhesive plaster at night. Painful feelings usually disappear by morning.
- Potatoes. These vegetables must be grated together with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture should resemble fat in its consistency. The finished product in the form of a compress is used at least once in 7 days.
- A compress of one liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder and 50 g of propolis is quite effective. All ingredients are mixed, after which the resulting mixture is impregnated with gauze or cloth, applied to the neck area and fixed with a woolen cloth. It is recommended to do such dressings 1-2 times every 7 days. Wraps are made at night.
Disease Prevention
Many people know that the disease is easier to prevent than to cure later. Prevention of osteochondrosis includes maintaining proper posture, exercising on simulators, fitness exercises, walking, swimming and yoga. While reading or writing, a person should not bend over the table too low, and it is best to use orthopedic pillows while sleeping.
Patient opinions
Opinions of patients 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 a complex therapy, which includes not only massage and folk remedies, but also the use of drugs.
In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a very common disease nowadays. This disease affects not only adults, but also young people due to inactive and inactive life. However, this disease can be successfully treated. To do this, when the first symptoms and signs appear, you need to seek help in a medical institution, where a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is also worth remembering that the use of traditional medicine prescriptions is recommended to be coordinated with your doctor.