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, previously it was believed that osteochondrosis occurs only in older people. It is worth knowing the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and treatment at home, because the earlier the pathology is detected and therapy is started, the less likely complications will develop.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine, in which the intervertebral disc is destroyed. 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 are distinguished from the initial changes, which practically do not cause pain and other symptoms, to complete the destruction of the intervertebral disc:
- Preclinical phase. At this stage, there are no visible signs of degenerative changes, they occur at the biochemical level. The patient does not feel pain or other changes in her condition.
- The stage at which degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus increase. Changes in the nucleus pulposus lead to destabilization of the cervical spine, disturbances in the structure of the fibrous disk occur. The patient begins to experience mild pain and other symptoms.
- The stage of complete destruction of the fibrous ring. There is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc: the nucleus pulposus begins to extend beyond the destroyed fibrous ring, displacements and subluxations of the cervical vertebrae occur. 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 scar tissues 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 healing.
Important!Periodically, exacerbations of the disease with increased symptoms may occur, usually after increased physical exertion.
The earlier the treatment of the disease begins, the easier it is to obtain the 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 full diagnosis, x-ray, MRI or CT.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is insufficiently expressed and does not manifest itself with noticeable symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are many vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, therefore, often we come to the identification of osteochondrosis through misdiagnosis.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. Perhaps this 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 to be more pronounced.
In general, the following symptoms usually refer to the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and should all be present at the same time:
- Pain syndrome. Pain occurs in the neck and shoulders, spreads 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 pinching of the nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine, they arise in the cervical spine. Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, symptoms similar to those of a panic attack occur.
- Feeling of numbness, limited mobility 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 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 to complete recovery.
Drug
Pain relievers are usually needed, starting with non-steroidal drugs without a prescription. If such drugs do not help, they resort to the use of blocks - injections of anesthetics at the injury site.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Care must be taken with their use, because if used irrationally, they can do harm. Such funds are strictly prescribed by prescription; their use is prohibited.
Also, with severe vegetative symptoms, it is possible to use means to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are prescribed on rare occasions. Sometimes, in addition to them, daytime tranquilizers are used, which help suppress depressive symptoms that arise from pinching nerve endings.
Massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps to restore blood circulation, relieve tension from tense muscles. 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, put your hands on the neck on both sides.
Important!In no case should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome can worsen.
With stroking movements, you need to move from the base of the head to the shoulders, trying to press, but not causing pain. The procedure should be continued for 10-15 minutes.
Gym
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important for maintaining muscle tone and mobility of 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 the chin, slightly press them up. At the same time, you have to resist the pressure of the head. Exercise should be performed for fifteen seconds, over time the duration should be increased.
Diet
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start eating more correctly, include more fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. It is also advisable to consume more seafood and fermented dairy products to replenish the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment with folk remedies
Folk remedies are not so effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, but there are a couple of recipes that will help with this disease. First of all, various compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is the potato-based one. Raw potatoes need to be grated, add a spoonful of honey, put on a sore spot, cover with cling film.
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. You can also lubricate the cervical region with honey during the massage and arrange rubbing with it, honey provides the best effect.
With a combination of folk remedies and other methods of treatment, you can achieve the best result.