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

Have you ever experienced neck pain, dizziness, nausea or lack of air? All of these are 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 occurrence factors 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 structure of the discs themselves, vertebrae and joints in the neck.

In the first stage, the symptoms are almost invisible, as the changes in the cartilage vertebrae have just begun. The following symptoms are observed:

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

During the second stage, a small spinal hernia may occur, the intervertebral fissures may narrow. Due to the compression of the nerve trunks, punctual pain syndromes are felt during the execution of the movements.

Manifestations of the disease:

• The neck hurts and a crunch is heard during shifts.
• Loss of skin sensation on the arms and shoulders.
• Vision is decreasing.
• I hear ringing in my ears.
• The face and neck become numb;
• The upper limbs are weakening.
• Shooting pains radiating to the shoulder blade.
• Insomnia, sleep problems.

The third phase is difficult to deal with. A hernia is formed, the spine is deformed, changes in position, dislocations of the vertebrae are observed:

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

The final fourth stage during which symptoms worsen.

Reasons

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

• Heavy.
• Sitting work, lack of mobility.
• Previous spinal injuries.
• Mental disorders, nervous tension, stress.
• Poor physical fitness.
• Curvature of the spine, scoliosis, incorrect posture.
• Wrong body positions that have become a habit.
• Tension in the neck, back, through work.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Unusual physical stress for the body, increased activity.
• Violation of the rules of a healthy diet.

The cervical crest experiences increased stress, which the neck muscles try to balance, under the influence of the factors mentioned above. 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 are different from the symptoms of this disease seen in other parts of the spine. The close position of the vertebrae of the neck leads to compression of the nerve roots and the spinal cord.

I have the following symptoms:

• Localization of pain: in the neck, back of the head, shoulders, arms and legs. During the connection of the nerve roots to the process, discomfort is felt in the shoulders, in the back of the head, the restructuring of the upper limb begins. A spasm of the neck muscles at the back of the head leads to a reduction in blood flow.
• Weakness in the arms, which is caused by root dysfunction, which includes the motor nerves that reorganize the arm muscles.
• There is a restructuring of the hands, due to a decrease in sensitivity in the hands, root damage, which includes the sensory nerves.
• During the movements of the head, pain is felt and a crunch is heard. It is caused by the defeat of the small joints in the neck, a reduction in the level of the intervertebral disc.
• Lack of strength, fatigue, dizziness, lack of coordination. Due to the displacement of the vertebrae, the spinal artery is compressed. It leads to a deterioration of blood flow, weakening the blood supply to the occipital lobe, cerebellum.
• Complication of sight, the tongue loses its sensitivity.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in women are similar to men. At the age of 46-60, the fair sex turns to stone, tingling hands during sleep.

Why osteochondrosis is dangerous

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

Tightly pressed, due to the slightest pathology, they are compressed, leading to a deterioration of blood circulation in the brain, gives rise to migraines, disrupts the heart rhythm, difficulties in breathing, vision, coordination and attention begin.

Disorders causing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

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

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

Having considered all the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, having identified the factors of its development, we will consider the treatment used in this case.

Treatment

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis in women does not differ from treatment in men. Stages of treatment:

1. Pain relief.
2. Removal of edema.
3. Normalization of blood circulation.
4. Strengthen the muscles of the back, abdominals, chest.
5. Better nutrition and tissue repair.

Any stage or symptom should require medical attention. Specialists who select complex treatments: surgeon, neurologist, physiotherapist, masseur. Drug therapy, physiotherapy, massage of the collar area are used, therapeutic exercises are recommended, because it is effective in osteochondrosis.

Preparations

Medicines used for treatment:

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

First aid for exacerbations

There are times when the pain becomes unbearable and the visit to the doctor has to be postponed. It is recommended to drink pain relievers. To relieve pain, you can apply a "pepper patch", but it's worth noting that you can't hope for a long-term effect. The plaster 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 a full recovery it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Physiotherapy

• Electrophoresis- ions of the anesthetic drug penetrate the painful spot due to the action of an electric current. Often done with pain relievers.
• Laser therapy- has anti-inflammatory properties, ensures better blood circulation, thanks to exposure to light.
• Magnetic therapy- relieves swelling of tissues, has an analgesic effect.
• Ultrasound- there is an improvement in metabolic processes, pain relief, relieve inflammation of damaged areas.

Corrective gymnastics

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

Attention!When performing the complex, you should not feel pain, discomfort.

• Lie on your stomach, resting your hands. Keep your back straight as you raise 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 along your body, trying to touch the floor with your ear, turning your head to the left. Do 6-7 repetitions.
• Inhale while sitting on the floor, lean forward, trying to touch your chest with your head. After exhaling, lean back, throw your head back. Do 10-15 repetitions.
• Pressing on your forehead, lower it to your palms while sitting on the floor. Perform for about 30 seconds, 2-3 repetitions.
• Circular rotation of the head. Do it softly, slowly, so that your head starts spinning. If you feel dizzy, stop exercising. Make 10 rotations in each direction.

Home care

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

Recipes to relieve malaise at home:

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

We advise you not to ask the forums for help, you should rely on the diagnoses made by doctors.

Massage

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

Therapeutic massage techniques:

1. Start massaging with strokes, starting from the neck area.
2. Push-up, for execution, the masseur places his hand on the neck and moves along the spine. Alternatively, this technique can be performed towards the shoulder.
3. Rubbing is done to warm up the neck muscles, as the body relaxes, bleeding improves. Proceeding from the skull, the movements are direct, the movements are oriented towards the spine.
4. The neck should be kneaded in a circular motion.
5. You need to finish with vibration, performed by tapping and shaking.

Prevention

The following rules should be followed to prevent the disease:

• Play sports (swimming is the most effective).
• Increase the consumption of foods containing calcium, magnesium.
• Warm up several times a day, especially if you have a sedentary job.
• Choose the right pillow (it should be low) and the mattress (it shouldn't be soft). Monitor neck position while sleeping: the neck angle should be at least 15 degrees.
• Take a warm shower for at least 10 minutes a day.
• For people who do not like sports, experts recommend practicing yoga regularly.
• It's better to give up the gym. Bodybuilding can worsen health conditions.

Osteochondrosis and pregnancy

How to treat osteochondrosis when carrying a baby? Of course, you have to limit yourself to the use of drugs. Ointments 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 much adults become convinced that it is too early for teenagers to acquire such diseases, they are being observed more and more often. It can develop as a result of congenital or acquired cartilage insufficiency.

During an exacerbation of the disease, it is forbidden to warm the neck, because it can lead to increased swelling.

This article considered not only the basic concepts, but also effective methods for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. They will help you cope with painful sensations, feel comfortable and confident, wherever you are.