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, it was previously 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 therapy is started, the less likely it is to develop complications.
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 initial changes, which practically do not cause 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 at the biochemical level. The patient does not experience pain or any other changes in his 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 disc occur. The patient begins to experience mild pain and other symptoms.
- The stage of complete destruction of the annulus fibrosus. There is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc - the nucleus pulposus begins to go beyond the destroyed annulus fibrosus, displacements and subluxations of the cervical vertebrae occur. Pain syndrome and other symptoms of the disease increase markedly.
- The stage of tissue regeneration of the intervertebral disc. The nucleus pulposus begins to be replaced by fibrous tissue, the tissues of the intervertebral disc scar, and the adjacent structures of the spinal column are involved in degenerative processes. With the development of fibrosis of the intervertebral disc, pain and instability disappear, but this condition does not mean recovery.
Important!Periodically, exacerbations of the disease may occur with increased symptoms, usually after increased physical exertion.
The earlier the treatment of the disease begins, the easier it is to achieve 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 complete diagnosis, X-ray, MRI or CT.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is insufficiently expressed and not obvious symptoms. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are a lot of vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, therefore, often they come to the identification of osteochondrosis through erroneous diagnoses.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. Perhaps this is due to the fact that men are less likely to see a doctor with symptoms of neurological diseases. In women, autonomic symptoms associated with the emotional sphere are considered more pronounced.
In general, the following signs are usually referred to the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and they 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. Also, with osteochondrosis, headache and dizziness may occur.
- Vegetative symptoms. Due to pinching of nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine, they arise in the cervical spine. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, symptoms similar to those of a panic attack occur.
- Feeling of numbness, limitation of 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 looked for 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, it includes taking pain medications, therapeutic exercises, massage and a number of other procedures. Each component of the therapy is essential for complete recovery.
Medication
Pain relievers are usually required, starting with non-steroidal non-prescription drugs. If such drugs do not help, they resort to using blockades - injections with anesthetics at the site of the lesion.
Topical corticosteroid ointments may also be used. Care must be taken with their use, because if used irrationally, they can do harm. Such funds are prescribed strictly by prescription; their own use is prohibited.
Also, with severe vegetative symptoms, means can be used to improve 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 of nerve endings.
Massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps to restore blood circulation, relieve tension from tense muscles. Several different massage techniques are used, self-massage is permissible at home, to perform it, you need to tilt your head forward in a sitting position, put your hands on your 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 cause pain. The procedure should be continued for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gymnastics
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important to maintain muscle tone and mobility of the cervical spine. With this disease, the muscles of the neck should be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position, you need to put your hands under your chin, lightly press them up. At the same time, you need to resist head pressure. The exercise should be performed for fifteen seconds, over time, the duration should be increased.
Diet
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to start eating more properly, include more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. It is also advised to eat more seafood and fermented milk products in order 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 treating 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 potato-based. 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 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.