Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are currently very common. This disease is diagnosed in absolutely people of any age and is most often seen in citizens between the ages of 30 and 50 with an intact body. Some patients do not suffer from symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, or even suspect malaise, as degenerative changes in the cervical spine may occur unnoticed. During treatment, a person can return to excellent health. However, the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should not be ignored for this. Therefore, it is worth getting into more detail about the signs of the disease.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
This should not occur at all in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear only in the advanced form of the disease in the form of frequent headaches that increase during neck movement. When cerebral circulation is detected during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient begins to show the following symptoms:
- persistent headache;
- increased fatigue;
- Violation of muscle sensitivity on the face;
- noise in the head;
- hypertension;
- ringing in the ears;
- wobbly gait;
- frequent dizziness;
- loss of coordination in space.
If the disease is chronic, the symptoms and pain of cervical osteochondrosis will be constant. In this case, any movement of the head will be difficult due to the tension in the neck muscles. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine manifest as chronic migraine, a headache that in some cases is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness. If treatment is not started in time, the patient will begin to monitor the symptoms of the pharynx. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include dryness of the throat, difficulty swallowing, tickling, and itching. After a while, this disease can cause 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 performed immediately. It is worth learning in more detail about the most effective methods of treating the disease.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the neck is the aging of the human body and is also associated with age-related changes in tissues. But there are also factors that increase the risk of developing this pathology. These factors are:
- Sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle.
- Long stay in the same static pose.
- Overweight.
- Nervous tension and frequent stress.
- Common hypothermia.
- Autoimmune diseases in which cartilage tissue suffers.
- Neck or neck injuries.
- Abnormal congenital structure of vertebrae.
In addition, heredity, hormones, and metabolism play an important role in the development of this disease.
Methods of cervical osteochondrosis therapy
In order to get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment involves a number of methods and tools aimed at eliminating pain and overcoming the inflammatory process in the tissues. Exercises for daily physical activity and spinal flexibility are very effective. The program for such loads should be unique, selected by a specialist only after performing diagnostic procedures using computed tomography or MRI. When the first signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix appear, your doctor should also prescribe treatment. But what is the basis in the therapy of this disease?
Medication
Drug therapy is prescribed at the onset of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck and headache. Above all, pain is relieved with conventional painkillers. However, it is worth noting that this method will only be effective in the initial stages of disease development. After that, the painkillers no longer work.
Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of a new generation of chondroprotectors, drugs that stimulate the repair of cartilage in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is a combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The process of such therapy is usually several months, after which the mobility of the cervical spine improves.
And how can acute muscle and headaches be relieved in cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be eliminated by using novocaine blockade or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include capsules, ointments, injections, and tablets that can quickly improve the patient's general condition. If these chondroprotectors are not contraindicated for long-term use, these contraindications for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very severe and their use should be discussed with your doctor.
Ointments and gels
At the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, home treatment can be done with special ointments or gels that take effect 10 minutes after application to the problem area. These funds can be divided into several types, which are:
- Anti-inflammatory external agents based on non-steroidal substances and can eliminate painful sensations.
- Regenerating ointments and gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anesthetic external ointments and gels that can quickly affect nerve endings while relieving pain.
- Different ointments for massage.
Manual therapy
Of course, treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home with manual treatment will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and the most ancient. Specialists have developed a variety of techniques that can have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, joints, and tissues of the affected areas. If you choose a chiropractor for yourself, it should be noted that you must be an excellent professional, otherwise a person unfamiliar with the subject may lead the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy to combat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- Manipulations designed to restore joint health and function. These manipulations are accompanied by their crackling.
- Segment massage that can relieve muscle tension.
- Mobilization that restores damaged joints by adhesion.
Acupuncture
How else can the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis be eliminated? Acupuncture treatment can not only remove the pain during the disease, but also completely cure it. This needle therapy technique came to our medicine from eastern countries. The wise Chinese, armed with philosophy and knowledge of the human body, figured out how to use metal needles to regulate energy in the body. This procedure is now officially recognized by doctors as an effective technique to fight osteochondrosis.
Before using acupuncture to get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, be sure 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 pre-existing infectious diseases;
- if any tumors are present;
- for skin or blood disorders;
- in infancy or old age.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are very effective in fighting osteochondrosis of the neck. Homeopathic remedies contain biologically active substances and useful trace elements. These substances fully correspond to the concentration of minerals and vitamins in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain herbal extracts, plant extracts, which are taken only from environmentally friendly samples. The main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the effect of these funds in osteochondrosis is as follows:
- restores cartilage tissue;
- activates human immunity;
- improves blood circulation in the collar area.
Home Management
It is currently possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. In order to relieve pain and achieve general improvement in the patient, a special diet should be followed and an active lifestyle should be pursued. The daily diet of a patient diagnosed with cervical osteochondrosis should include foods that promote cartilage tissue regeneration. These products include:
- fresh vegetables and fruits and cereals and legumes;
- products that contain high amounts of protein: low-fat fish and poultry, eggs, nuts; products containing unsaturated fatty acids such as sea fish or flaxseed;
- Calcium-rich foods such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.
In addition, a vibroacoustic device is a very effective tool for treating osteochondrosis at home. This device is able to affect the main focus of the pain syndrome with ultrasound waves, as a result of which the process of cartilage regeneration is accelerated, tissue inflammation is eliminated and damaged cells are restored. This device does no harm to the body as the therapy for humans is influenced by completely natural acoustic waves.
Massage
Successful home therapy can be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and relaxes the tight muscles of the neck. After self-massage in the intervertebral discs, blood circulation improves, resulting in rapid relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a sitting position while performing caressing, rubbing and kneading movements on the headrest. However, in order to achieve maximum effect, it is best to use the services of a specialist.
Conducting a health promotion tournament
Such therapeutic practices have no less of an effect than drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts say that health-enhancing gymnastics is the foundation of a patient’s recovery. Such exercises usually do not take much time, especially because they can be done quite easily at home on their own. This exercise helps relieve pain syndromes during cervical osteochondrosis. It also stretches your ligaments and relaxes your neck muscles. However, during such a tournament, any operation should only be performed after consultation with a professional. They should be done very carefully so that the patient does not damage their body.
Kuznetsov applicator
Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not all patients decide on acupuncture. An alternative device is used for home therapy, which is a Kuznetsov needle applicator. There are one or two needles on the neck roll or buckle belt. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, not only can the symptoms be significantly alleviated, but this disease can be completely overcome.
Folk recipes
There are a number of effective alternative prescriptions that can help you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very economical, effective, and most importantly, safe. This does not require the purchase of expensive drugs to relieve pain. In addition, many medications purchased at pharmacies can have side effects and contraindications, which is not true of prescriptions for traditional medicine. The following natural remedies can help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Horseradish leaves. To do this, this plant should attach a leaf to the back of the neck, fixed at night with adhesive plaster. Painful feelings usually disappear by morning.
- Potatoes. This vegetable should be grated in equal proportions with honey. The resulting mixture should resemble an ointment in consistency. The compacted finished product is used at least 1 time in 7 days.
- A compress made from a 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, then the resulting mixture is impregnated with gauze or material, applied to the neck area and fixed with a woolen cloth. It is recommended to perform such compressions 1-2 times every 7 days. Compressions are made at night.
Disease Prevention
Many people know that a disease is easier to prevent than to treat later. Prevention of osteochondrosis includes maintaining proper posture, exercising on simulators, fitness exercises, walking, swimming, and yoga. When reading or writing, do not lean too low over the table, use the best orthopedic pillows while sleeping.
Patient Reviews
The opinion of patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggests that it is not so difficult to cure this disease at home. However, a greater effect can be achieved by using a complex therapy that includes not only massages and folk remedies, but also the use of medications.
In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is currently a very common disease. Due to the inactive and sedentary lifestyle, this disease affects not only adults but also young people. However, this disease can be successfully treated. To do this, when the first symptoms and signs appear, you should seek help from a health care facility where a specialist will prescribe appropriate treatment. It should also be recalled that it is recommended to consult your doctor about the use of prescriptions for traditional medicine.