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 observed that more and more young people are sick with this degenerative disease, previously it was believed that osteochondrosis occurs only 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 the therapy is started, the less likely it is that complications will develop.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine in which the intervertebral disc is destroyed. The pathology progresses rather slowly, but it should be borne in mind that most degenerative changes are irreversible.
Stages of the disease
The following stages of cervical osteochondrosis differ from the initial changes, which practically do not cause pain and other symptoms, to the complete destruction of the intervertebral disc:
- Preclinical phase. At this stage, there are no visible signs of degenerative changes, they take place at the biochemical level. The patient does not feel pain or any other changes in his condition.
- Phase in which degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus increase. Changes in the nucleus pulposus lead to destabilization of the cervical spine, there are disorders in the structure of the fibrous disc. The patient begins to feel mild pain and other symptoms.
- Phase of complete destruction of annular fibrosus. There is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus begins to spread further from the destroyed annular fibrosus, there are displacements and subluxations of the cervical spine. The pain syndrome and other symptoms of the disease increase significantly.
- Intervertebral disc tissue regeneration phase. The nucleus pulposus begins to replace the fibrous tissue, the scar tissue of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent structures of the spinal column are involved in degenerative processes. With the development of intervertebral disc fibrosis, pain and instability disappear, but this condition does not mean recovery.
Bitan!Occasionally, exacerbations of the disease may increase with increased symptoms, usually after increased physical exertion.
The earlier the treatment of the disease begins, the easier it is to achieve a 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 recognizing cervical osteochondrosis is insufficiently expressed and not obvious symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are many vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, which is why osteochondrosis is often misdiagnosed.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. Perhaps this is due to the fact that men are less likely to visit 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 are commonly referred to as the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine 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 extend to the nape of the neck. Also, headaches and dizziness can occur with osteochondrosis.
- Vegetative symptoms. Due to the constriction of nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine, they occur in the cervical spine. Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, and symptoms similar to those of a panic attack occur.
- Feeling numb, limited mobility in the upper limbs, in the area of the shoulder blades. This symptom also occurs due to constriction of the nerve endings in the cervical spine.
These are the main symptoms that occur in cervical osteochondrosis, often the pain syndrome is so weak that the cause of weakness begins to be sought in the field of neurology.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is possible in the early stages of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive, including taking pain medication, therapeutic exercises, massage and a range of other procedures. Each component of therapy is essential for complete recovery.
Medications
Pain relievers are usually needed, starting with non-steroidal over-the-counter medications. If such drugs do not help, they resort to blockades - injections of anesthetics at the site of the lesion.
Topical corticosteroid ointments may also be used. You have to be careful with their use, because if they are used irrationally, they can be harmful. Such funds are prescribed strictly by prescription; their use is prohibited.
Also, with severe vegetative symptoms, the funds can be used to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are prescribed on rare occasions. Sometimes, in addition to them, daily sedatives are used to help suppress the symptoms of depression that occur by pinching the nerve endings.
Massage
In osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps to restore blood circulation, relieve tension in tense muscles. Several different massage techniques are used, self-massage is allowed at home, to perform it, you need to tilt your head forward in a sitting position, and put both hands on your neck.
Bitan! Under no circumstances should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.
With moving movements you should move from the bottom of the head to the shoulders, trying to press but not cause pain. The procedure should continue for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gymnastics
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important for maintaining muscle tone and mobility of the cervical spine. In this disease, the neck muscles should be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position you have to put your hands under your chin, press them lightly. At the same time, you have to resist the pressure of the head. The exercise should be performed for fifteen seconds, with time the duration should increase.
Diet
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start eating more properly, to include more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. It is also advisable to eat more seafood and fermented dairy products to compensate for the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment with folk remedies
Folk remedies are not so effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, but there are several recipes that will 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 on the sore spot, cover with a transparent foil.
Potatoes can be replaced with unleavened unleavened dough. In the absence of inflammation, the compress can be covered with a warm cloth for greater effect. During the massage, you can also lubricate the area of the cervix with honey and arrange rubbing with it, honey gives the best effect.
You can achieve the best result by combining folk remedies and other treatment methods.