Cervical osteochondrosis can now be described as one of the most common diseases of the spine. At the same time, according to statistics, it can be stated that more and more young people are suffering from this degenerative disease; it was previously believed that osteochondrosis only occurs in older people. It is important to know the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and home treatment, because the sooner the pathology is recognized and therapy is started, the less likely it is that complications will arise.
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 noted that most of the degenerative changes are irreversible.
Disease stages
The following stages of cervical osteochondrosis are distinguished from initial changes that cause practically no pain and other symptoms to complete destruction of the intervertebral disc:
- Preclinical stage. At this stage there are no visible signs of degenerative changes, they take place on a biochemical level. The patient does not feel any 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 a destabilization of the cervical spine and disturbances in the structure of the intervertebral disc occur. The patient begins to experience mild pain and other symptoms.
- The stage of complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus. The intervertebral disc bulges - the nucleus pulposus begins to expand beyond the destroyed annulus fibrosus, displacements and subluxations of the cervical vertebrae occur. The pain syndrome and other symptoms of the disease increase significantly.
- The stage of tissue regeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus begins to be replaced by fibrous tissue, the tissues of the disc scar and the adjacent structures of the spine are involved in degenerative processes. With the development of fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, pain and instability go away, but this condition does not mean recovery.
Important!At regular intervals, exacerbations of the disease with exacerbated symptoms can occur, usually after increased physical exertion.
The earlier treatment for the disease begins, the easier it is to stop degenerative changes. At the same time, the clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis differ in their variety, diagnosis of the disease is often impossible without a full diagnosis, X-ray, MRI or CT.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is insufficient and no obvious symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are many vegetative symptoms that can indicate diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, so they often come to the detection of osteochondrosis through misdiagnosis.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often viewed as less severe than pain. Perhaps this is because men with symptoms of neurological disorders are less likely to see a doctor. In women, autonomic symptoms related to the emotional sphere are considered to be more pronounced.
In general, the following symptoms are usually related to 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, spreads to the shoulder blades. It can also spread to the back of the head. Headaches and dizziness can also occur with osteochondrosis.
- Vegetative symptoms. They arise in the cervical spine by pinching nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine. Symptoms similar to headaches, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, panic attacks occur.
- Numbness, restriction of movement in the upper limbs, in the area of the shoulder blades. This symptom also occurs due to pinched 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 the malaise is 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 and include pain medication, therapeutic exercise, massage, and a number of other procedures. Every component of therapy is essential to a full recovery.
medication
Pain relievers are usually needed starting with nonsteroidal, nonprescription drugs. When such drugs do not help, they resort to blockages - injections of anesthetics at the site of the lesion.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Care should be taken when using them, because irrationally they can cause harm. Such funds require a strict prescription, their own use is prohibited.
Even with severe vegetative symptoms, funds can be used to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are rarely prescribed. Sometimes daytime tranquilizers are used in addition to them to help suppress depressive symptoms caused by pinching nerve endings.
massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps to restore blood circulation, relieve tension in tense muscles. Various massage techniques are used, self-massage is allowed at home. To perform them, you need to tilt your head forward while sitting, with your hands on the back of your neck on either side.
Important!In no case should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.
Stroking movements involve moving from the base of the head to the shoulders, trying to push, but not causing pain. The process should continue for 10 to 15 minutes.
gymnastics
Movement in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important in maintaining muscle tone and mobility in the cervical spine. With this disease, the neck muscles should be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position, you need to put your hands under your chin and push them up slightly. At the same time, you need to withstand the pressure on your head. The exercise should be done for fifteen seconds, increasing the duration over time.
diet
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to eat properly, include more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. Eating more seafood and fermented milk products is also recommended to replenish the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment with folk remedies
Folk remedies are not as effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, but there are a few recipes that will help with this disease. First of all, various compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is potato-based. Raw potatoes need to be grated, add a spoonful of honey, put on a sore spot and cover with cling film.
Potatoes can be replaced with unleavened unleavened dough. If there is no inflammation, the compress can be covered with a warm cloth for better effect. You can also lubricate and rub honey on the neck area during the massage, honey gives the best effect.
A combination of folk remedies and other methods of treatment will allow you to get the best result.