Cervical osteochondrosis can be considered 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 suffering from this degenerative disease, it was previously believed that osteochondrosis occurs only in the elderly. Knowing the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and home treatment is useful, because the earlier the pathology is detected and treatment started, the less chance there is of developing complications.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine, in which the intervertebral disc is destroyed. The pathology progresses quite 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 stage. At this stage there are no visible signs of degenerative changes, they take place at the biochemical level. The patient does not feel any pain or any other change 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 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 tissue of the intervertebral disc and adjacent structures of the spine are involved in degenerative processes. With the development of intervertebral disc fibrosis, the 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 treatment for the disease begins, the easier it is to suspend 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 scan.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is insufficiently expressed and the symptoms are not very obvious. In addition to the pain syndrome, there are many vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system. Therefore, they often lead to the identification of osteochondrosis through misdiagnosis.
Autonomic symptoms in men are often considered less severe than pain. This may be 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 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. 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, headaches and dizziness can occur.
- Vegetative symptoms. Due to the pinching of nerve endings and blood vessels in the cervical spine, they occur in the cervical spine. Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, symptoms similar to a panic attack occur.
- Sensation of numbness, limitation of the mobility of the upper limbs, at the level 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 discomfort 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. The therapy should be comprehensive, it includes taking pain relievers, therapeutic exercises, massages and a number of other procedures. Each component of therapy is essential for full recovery.
Medication
Pain relievers are usually needed, starting with non-prescription non-steroidal medications. If such drugs do not help, they resort to blockages - injections of anesthetics into the site of the injury.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Care should be taken in their use, because if used irrationally, they can do harm. These funds are strictly prescribed by ordinance, their own use is prohibited.
In addition, in case of severe vegetative symptoms, means can be used 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 resulting from the pinching of nerve endings.
Massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps restore blood circulation, relieve tension in tight muscles. Several 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 your neck on both sides.
Important! In no case should you put pressure on the spine, otherwise the pain syndrome may worsen.
With stroking movements, you need to move from the base of the head to the shoulders, trying to press, but without causing pain. The procedure should be continued for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gymnastic
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important in maintaining muscle tone and mobility of the cervical spine. With this disease, the muscles of the neck must be trained.
The simplest exercise - in a sitting position, you need to put your hands under your chin, lightly squeeze them. At the same time, you need to withstand the pressure of the head. 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 correctly, including more fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. It is also advisable to eat more seafood and fermented dairy 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 the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, but there are a few recipes that will help in the fight against this disease. First of all, various compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is potato. Raw potatoes should be grated, add a spoonful of honey, put on a sore spot, cover with cling film.
Potatoes can be replaced with unleavened dough. In the absence of inflammation, the compress can be covered with a warm cloth for more effect. You can also lubricate the cervical region with honey during the massage and organize rubbing with it, honey provides the best effect.
With a combination of folk remedies and other treatment methods, you can achieve the best result.