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 observed in healthy citizens aged 30 to 50 years. Some patients do not suffer symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, ignoring even discomfort, since degenerative changes in the cervical spine can occur in an imperceptible way. During treatment, a person can regain excellent health. However, for this, the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should not be ignored. Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted in more detail with the signs of this disease.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This disease in the early stage of its development may not manifest itself at all. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are felt only in the advanced form of the disease in the form of frequent headaches, intensifying during 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 the sensitivity of the muscles of the face;
- head noise;
- high blood pressure;
- ringing in the ears;
- shaky run;
- 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 of the neck muscles. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in 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 in time, the patient begins to accompany pharyngeal symptoms. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include: a feeling of dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tingling and itching. After a while, this disease can lead to a herniation 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 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.
- Stays in the same static pose for a long time.
- Excess body weight.
- Nervous tension and frequent stress.
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Autoimmune diseases during which cartilage tissue suffers.
- Injury 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.
Cervical osteochondrosis therapy methods
To get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment involves a whole range of methods and means aimed at eliminating pain and fighting the inflammatory process that appears in the tissues. Daily physical activity and exercises that target flexibility of the spine are considered very effective. The program of such loads should be individual, a specialist selects it only after performing diagnostic measurements using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, a doctor should also prescribe treatment. But what is the basis for the therapy of this disease?
Medications
When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and headache appear, drug therapy is prescribed. First, the pain is relieved with conventional painkillers. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this method will be effective only at the initial stage of the development of the disease. Pain pills are no longer useful afterwards.
Medical 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 there is an improvement in the mobility of the cervical spine.
And how to relieve acute muscles and headache in cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be eliminated with the use of novocaine blockers or non-steroidal 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, therefore their use should 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, which begin to act 10 minutes after application to the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, including:
- External anti-inflammatory agents that are based on non-steroidal substances that can eliminate painful sensations.
- Regenerating ointments and gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- External anesthetic gels and ointments that can rapidly affect nerve endings and reduce pain.
- Various massage ointments.
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. Specialists have developed many different techniques that can have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, joints, and tissues in the affected areas. When choosing a chiropractor for yourself, it should be borne in mind that she must be an excellent specialist, otherwise a person without experience in this matter can put the patient in a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy to combat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:
- Manipulations that are intended to restore joint health and function. These manipulations are accompanied by its creaking.
- Segmental massage that can release muscle tension.
- Mobilization that repairs joints damaged as a result of traction.
Acupuncture
How else can the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine be eliminated? Acupuncture treatment can eliminate not only pain during this disease, but also cure it completely. This needle therapy technique came to our medicine from eastern countries. Chinese sages, armed with both philosophy and knowledge of the human body, have discovered how to regulate energy in the body using metal needles. Currently, doctors officially recognize this procedure as an effective technique to combat osteochondrosis.
Before getting rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine using acupuncture, it is imperative to consult a specialist, as this procedure is not suitable for all patients. This technique is not performed in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- for existing infectious diseases;
- if there is any tumor;
- for diseases of the skin or blood;
- 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 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 organic samples. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The fundamental principle of the effect of these funds on osteochondrosis is as follows:
- restore cartilage tissue;
- activate human immunity;
- improves blood circulation in the neck area.
Home Treatment
Currently, it is possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. To relieve pain and achieve general improvement in the patient, it is necessary to follow a special diet and also lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet of a patient who has been diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis must contain foods that promote the regeneration of cartilaginous tissues. These products include the following:
- fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and legumes;
- products that contain a large amount of protein: lean fish and poultry, eggs, nuts;
- foods that contain unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flax seeds;
- foods rich in calcium, such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.
In addition, a very effective means of treating osteochondrosis at home is a vibroacoustic device. This device is able to act on the main focus of pain syndrome with ultrasonic waves, so the cartilage regeneration process begins to accelerate, tissue inflammation is eliminated, and damaged cells begin to recover. This device will not cause any harm to the body, since the therapy is carried out under the influence of acoustic waves, which are absolutely natural for humans.
Massage
Successful home therapy can also be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and relaxes tight neck muscles. After self-massage on the intervertebral discs, blood circulation improves, so there is quick relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a sitting position, and during it stroking, rubbing, and kneading movements are performed on the back of the head. However, for maximum effect, it is best to use the services of a professional.
Performing 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 a patient's recovery. Such exercises, as a rule, do not require a lot of time, especially since they are quite easy to do on your own 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 perform any action during such gymnastics only after consulting a specialist. They must be done very carefully so that the patient does not harm her body.
Kuznetsov Applicator
Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not all patients decide for acupuncture. For home therapy, an alternative device is used, which is a Kuznetsov needle applicator. It has single or twin needles located on the rolled neck or buckle belt. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly relieve the symptoms, but also to completely overcome this ailment.
Popular recipes
There are many effective alternative medicine recipes with which you can get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very inexpensive, effective, and most importantly, safe. To do this, it is not necessary to buy expensive pain relievers. In addition, many drugs bought in the pharmacy can have side effects and contraindications, which cannot be said for the recipes of traditional medicine. The following natural remedies can help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Horseradish leaves. To do this, you need to put a leaf of this plant on the back of the neck, fixing it with an adhesive plaster at night. As a general rule, painful sensations disappear in the morning.
- Potatoes. This vegetable should be grated together with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture should resemble an ointment in consistency. A product made in the form of a compress is used at least 1 time in 7 days.
- A compress made with 1 liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder, and 50 g of propolis is quite effective. All the 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 make such compresses 1-2 times every 7 days. The compresses are made at night.
Disease prevention
Many people know that a disease is easier to prevent than to treat later. Prevention of osteochondrosis means maintaining correct posture, exercising on gym equipment, fitness exercises, walking, swimming, and yoga. While reading or writing, a person should not bend over the table too much, and while sleeping, it is better to use orthopedic pillows.
Patient opinions
The opinions of patients who have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggest that it is not that difficult to cure this disease at home. However, a greater effect can be achieved if you use complex therapy, which includes not only massage and folk remedies, but also the use of medications.
In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a very common disease today. This ailment affects not only adults, but also young people due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. However, this disease can be treated successfully. For this, it is necessary, when the first symptoms and signs appear, to seek help in a medical institution, where a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is also worth remembering that it is recommended to coordinate the use of traditional medicine recipes with your doctor.