What is cervical osteochondrosis, how dangerous is it and how to treat it?

Have you ever felt cervical pain, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath? These are all signs of osteochondrosis of the neck.

Osteochondrosis, a common problem, worries more and more people every year. Can cervical osteochondrosis be cured? First, let’s look at the factors of occurrence and the signs of occurrence.

Stages of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is a disease whose effect weakens the discs between the vertebrae, leading to changes in the texture of the discs, vertebrae and joints of the neck.

In the first stage, the symptoms are almost invisible, because the changes in the cartilaginous vertebrae have just begun. The following symptoms are noted:

• Headache.
• Unpleasant sensations in the neck, arms, shoulders.
• Slight limitation of motor activity of the neck.
• Short-term visual impairment.
• Reduces the sensitive area of ​​the collar.

During the second phase, a small spinal hernia may appear, intervertebral fissures may narrow. Due to the compression of the nerve trunks, point pain syndromes are felt during the performance of the movement.

Manifestations of the disease:

• The neck hurts, and a crunch is heard during the turn.
• Loss of skin sensation on arms and shoulders.
• Vision decreases.
• I hear it ringing in my ears.
• The face and neck are numb;
• Upper limbs weak.
• Shooting pain radiating to the shoulder blade.
• Insomnia, sleep problems.

The third stage is difficult to treat. A hernia is formed, the spine is deformed, there are changes in position, dislocations of the vertebrae:

• Severe pain in neck, heart muscle, collar area.
• The skin on the head, shoulders, arms stops being felt.
• The upper limbs are paralyzed.
• Tendon reflexes are no longer visible.
• The hernia of the cervical vertebrae begins.

The fourth final stage during which symptoms worsen.

Reasons

Factors influencing the onset and development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Heavy weight.
• Sedentary work, lack of mobility.
• Previous spinal injuries.
• Mental disorders, nervous effort, stress.
• Poor physical fitness.
• Spinal curvature, scoliosis, incorrect posture.
• Irregular body position that has become a habit.
• Tension neck, back, work.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Physical stress unusual for the body, increased activity.
• Violation of the rules of healthy eating.

The cervical ridge experiences an increase in stress, which the neck muscles try to balance, due to the influence of the above mentioned factors. Muscle spasm occurs, blood circulation in the body is disturbed. Anatomical lesions appear.

Symptoms of the disease

The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine differ from the symptoms of this disease observed in other parts of the spine. The proximity of the position of the cervical vertebrae leads to compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord.

I have the following symptoms:

• Localization of pain: in the neck, nape, shoulder, arms and legs. During the connection of the nerve roots with the process, discomfort is felt in the shoulders, nape, restructuring of the upper limb begins. Spasm of the neck muscles in the back of the head leads to impaired blood flow.
• Weakness of the hands, caused by root dysfunction, which involves the motor nerves that rearrange the muscles of the hands.
• There is a restructuring of the hands, due to reduced sensitivity in the hands, damage to the roots, which includes the sensory nerves.
• During the movement of the head, pain is felt and a crunchy sound is heard. It is caused by the defeat of small joints of the neck, a decrease in the level of the intervertebral disc.
• Lack of strength, fatigue, dizziness, lack of coordination. Due to the movement of the vertebrae, the artery of the spine is constricted. This leads to worsening of blood flow, weakening of the supply of the occipital lobe, cerebellum.
• Complication of vision, tongue loses sensitivity.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are similar to men. At the age of 46 to 60, the fairer sex turns to stone and tingles their hands during sleep.

Why osteochondrosis is dangerous

The disease harms the whole organism. The cervical region includes a significant number of arteries, nerve endings, and blood vessels that feed the brain.

Heavily pressed, due to the slightest pathology, they compress, which leads to worsening of blood circulation in the brain, leads to migraine, disrupts the heart rhythm, difficulties in breathing, vision, coordination and attention begin.

Pathologies that cause osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• Brain disease;
• Spinal artery syndrome;
• Spinal stroke.

Death is the worst consequence that occurs when the spinal cord is compressed.

Once all the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are taken into account, the factors of its development are determined, we will consider the treatment used in this case.

Treatment

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women is no different from the treatment in men. Stages of treatment:

1. Pain relief.
2. Removal of edema.
3. Normalization of blood circulation.
4. Strengthens the muscles of the back, abdomen, chest.
5. Improved nutrition and tissue regeneration.

Medical attention should be sought at any stage or symptom. Specialists who choose complex treatment: surgeon, neurologist, physiotherapist, massage therapist. Drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage of the collar area are used, therapeutic exercises are recommended, because it is effective in osteochondrosis.

Preparations

Medications used for treatment:

• Medications that relieve muscle cramps.
• Vitamins that improve metabolism in the nervous system.
• NSAID drugs that reduce pain, relieve inflammation and swelling.
• Preparations for joints, cartilage tissue regeneration, intervertebral disc injuries.
• Drugs that improve the nutrition of damaged nerve cells regulate blood flow to the brain.

First aid for deterioration

There are times when the pain becomes unbearable and the visit to the doctor has to be postponed. It is recommended to drink a painkiller. To relieve the pain, you can apply a “pepper patch, ” but it’s worth noting that you can’t hope for a long-term effect. The patch warms the inflamed area and temporarily relieves pain. To relieve swelling, it is recommended to use herbal infusions for 3-4 days. Is it possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis with these methods? No, the above methods are short-term, for complete recovery you need to consult a doctor.

Physiotherapy

• Electrophoresis- anesthetic ions penetrate the painful area due to the action of electric current. It is often done with pain relievers.
• Laser therapy- has anti-inflammatory properties, guarantees improved blood circulation, through exposure to light.
• Magnetic therapy- relieves tissue swelling, has an analgesic effect.
• Ultrasound- improves metabolic processes, relieves pain, relieves inflammation of damaged areas.

Rehabilitation gymnastics

When it comes to physiotherapy, there are a few simple exercises you need to know. Regular exercise brings the expected results very quickly.

Attention!When you perform a complex, you should not feel pain, discomfort.

• Lie on your stomach, rest your hands. Keep your back straight while lifting your head and body. Hold the position for about 2 minutes, then take the starting position. Continue the exercise 2-3 times.
• Take a lying position on the floor, stretching your arms out next to your body, trying to touch your ear to the floor, turning your head to the left. Perform 6-7 repetitions.
• Inhale while sitting on the floor, lean forward, trying to touch your chest with your head. After exhaling, lean back, tilt your head back. Do 10-15 reps.
• Pressing your forehead, lower it to your palms while sitting on the floor. Perform for about 30 seconds, 2-3 reps.
• Circular rotation of the head. Perform smoothly, slowly, so that your head starts to spin. If dizziness occurs, complete gymnastics. Make 10 rotations in each direction.

Home treatment

This method of treatment should only be used in conjunction with a complex prescribed by a doctor. In such cases are used: traditional medicine, remedial gymnastics, massage.

Recipes for relieving fatigue at home:

• A sheet, fastened to the neck and fastened with a bandage or cloth, will help. It is recommended to pour boiling water and then cool to room temperature. It is better to leave the bandage overnight.
• Cut potatoes, mix with honey (one to one). Use once a week as a compress.
• Warming up will help relieve the pain. You can apply mustard plaster, sandbag, pepper patches and so on.

We advise you not to seek help on forums, you need to rely on diagnoses made by doctors.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can be performed at home, includes elements of classical massage. It starts with the healthy part of the body, moving smoothly to the sore spot. The complex was selected according to the individual characteristics of the patient, the stage of the disease. To perform the massage, the patient should take a horizontal position on the floor, lowering the forehead to the hands, pulling the chin towards the chest. Relax your neck muscles.

Massage treatment techniques:

1. Start massaging with strokes starting from the collar zone.
2. Push-ups, to perform, the masseur puts his hand on his neck and moves along the spine. Alternatively, this technique can be performed towards the shoulder.
3. Rubbing is performed to warm the neck muscles while the body relaxes and the bleeding improves. Starting from the skull, the movements are directed, the movements directed towards the spine.
4. The neck should be kneaded in a circular motion.
5. It is necessary to finish with vibrations, performed by hitting and shaking.

Prevention

To prevent the disease, the following rules should be followed:

• Do sports (swimming is the most efficient).
• Increase your intake of foods that contain calcium and magnesium.
• Do warm-ups several times a day, especially if you have an inactive job.
• Choose the right pillow (should be low) and mattress (should not be soft). Monitor the position of the door while you sleep: the angle of the door should be at least 15 degrees.
• Take a hot shower for at least 10 minutes a day.
• For people who don’t like sports, experts advise practicing yoga regularly.
• It's better to leave the gym. Bodybuilding can worsen your health.

Osteochondrosis and pregnancy

How to treat osteochondrosis while carrying a child? Of course, you have to limit yourself in drug use. Fats with a natural composition and folk methods will help.Remember!During pregnancy, all possible effects on the neck area (for example, warming up) are prohibited.

Does osteochondrosis occur in young people? No matter how adults are convinced that it is too early for adolescents to acquire such diseases, they are increasingly being observed. It can develop as a result of congenital or acquired cartilage failure.

During the worsening of the disease, it is forbidden to heat the neck, as this can lead to an increase in swelling.

This article discusses not only the basic concepts, but also effective methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis. It will help you deal with painful sensations, feel comfortable and confident, wherever you are.