Cervical osteochondrosis can be called one of the most common pathologies of the spine today. At the same time, according to statistics, it can be noted that more and more young people are sick with this degenerative disease, which was previously thought that osteochondrosis only occurs in older people. It is worth knowing about the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment at home, because the earlier the pathology is detected and therapy is started, the less likely it is to develop complications.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine in which the intervertebral disc is destroyed. Pathology progresses rather slowly, but one must keep in mind that most degenerative changes are irreversible.
Stages of the disease
The following stages of cervical osteochondrosis differ from initial changes, which practically do not cause pain and other symptoms, to complete the destruction of the intervertebral disc:
- Preclinical stage. At this stage, there are no visible signs of degenerative changes, they take place at the biochemical level. The patient does not experience pain or other changes in his condition.
- The stage at which degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus increase. Changes in the nucleus pulposus lead to destabilization of the cervix, disturbances in the structure of the fibrous disc occur. The patient begins to experience mild pain and other symptoms.
- The stage of complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus. There is a protrusion on the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus begins to extend beyond the ruptured annulus fibrosus, displacements and subluxations of the uterine vertebrae occur. Pain syndrome and other symptoms of the disease increase markedly.
- The phase of tissue regeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus begins to be replaced by fibrous tissue, the tissue from the intervertebral disc artery, and the adjacent structures of the spine are involved in degenerative processes. With the development of fibrosis on the intervertebral disc, pain and instability disappear, but this condition does not mean recovery.
Important!Periodically, exacerbations of the disease may occur with increased symptoms, usually after increased physical exertion.
The earlier the treatment of the disease begins, the easier it is to achieve suspension of degenerative changes. At the same time, the clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis differ in their diversity, it is often impossible to diagnose the disease without a complete diagnosis, X-ray, MRI or CT.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is inadequately expressed and not obvious symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are many vegetative symptoms that can speak to diseases of the nervous system or circulatory disease, therefore they often come to the identification of osteochondrosis through erroneous diagnoses.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. Perhaps it is because men are less likely to see a doctor with symptoms of neurological diseases. In women, autonomic symptoms associated with the emotional sphere are considered more pronounced.
In general, the following symptoms usually refer to the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix and should all be present at the same time:
- Pain syndrome. The pain occurs in the neck and shoulders, spreading to the shoulder blades. It can also spread to the back of the head. Also with osteochondrosis, headaches and dizziness can occur.
- Vegetative symptoms. Due to squeezing of nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine, they occur in the cervical spine. Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, symptoms similar to a panic attack.
- Feeling of numbness, limitation of mobility in the upper limbs in the area around the shoulder blades. This symptom also occurs due to pinched nerve endings in the cervix.
These are the main symptoms that occur in cervical osteochondrosis, often the pain syndrome is so weak that the cause of malaise begins to be looked for in neurology.
How To Cure Cervical Osteochondrosis At Home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is possible in the early stages of the disease. Therapy must be comprehensive, it includes taking painkillers, therapeutic exercises, massage and a variety of other procedures. Every component of the therapy is essential for complete recovery.
Medicine
Painkillers are usually required, starting with non-steroidal, non-prescription drugs. If such drugs do not help, they use blockades - injections with anesthetics at the site of injury.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Care must be taken when using them, because if used irrationally, they can be harmful. Such agents are prescribed strictly by prescription; their own use is prohibited.
Even with severe vegetative symptoms, drugs can be used to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are rarely prescribed. Sometimes, in addition to them, sedatives are used during the day, which help to suppress depressive symptoms that occur when squeezing nerve endings.
Massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervix is important, it helps restore blood circulation, relieve tension from tense muscles. Several different massage techniques are used, self-massage is allowed at home. To do this, tilt your head forward in a sitting position, placing your hands on your neck on both sides.
Important!Under no circumstances should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.
With stroking movements you have to move from the base of the head to the shoulders and try to press but not cause pain. The procedure should be continued for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gymnastics
Training for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important for maintaining muscle tone and mobility in the cervical spine. With this disease, the muscles of the neck need to be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position, place your hands under your chin and press them up lightly. At the same time, resist head pressure. The exercise should be performed for fifteen seconds, over time the duration should be increased.
Broom
In osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start eating more properly, including more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. It is also advisable to eat more seafood and fermented dairy products to replenish the amount of substances needed for the musculoskeletal system to function normally.
Treatment with folk medicine
Folk remedies are not as effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, but there are a few recipes that can help with this disease. First of all, various compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is potato-based. Raw potatoes should be grated, add a spoonful of honey, put it in a sore spot, cover with foil.
Potatoes can be replaced with unleavened unleavened dough. In the absence of inflammation, the compression can be covered with a warm cloth for greater effect. You can also lubricate the cervical area with honey during massage and arrange rubbing with it, honey gives the best effect.
With a combination of folk medicine and other treatment methods you can achieve the best result.