Today, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over the age of 30. In the course of the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Subsequently, the disease affects nearby vessels, tissues, ligamentous systems.
For important reasons of the threatening prevalence of this disease, doctors define a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
Furthermore, the development of the disease is facilitated by:
- nervous stress, constant overwork;
- hard physical work;
- overweight;
- disturbances in the functioning of the body's immune system;
- uncomfortable position of the neck during sleep;
- complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis often develops in the elderly due to senile changes in the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis has 4 degrees. This article will consider the symptoms and features of the disease treatment of stages 1 and 2, since it is in the stages when the consequences of the disease are reversible, complex treatment helps well, including the use of drugs, traditional medicine, exercises, Physiotherapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The initial signs of stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis are weak. Often a person does not pay attention to them ("the neck is blown, it will pass by itself").
The body usually signals the onset of the disease as follows:
- pain in the neck, aggravated by turning the head;
- feeling of numbness and slight tingling in the arm and shoulder;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the development of the disease, many in vain are not in a hurry to see a doctor, attributing ailments to overwork, nervous stress.
The pathological process has just begun its destructive activity. The intervertebral discs have not completely lost their elasticity. Prompt medical care will help avoid further development of stage 1 osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic methods in combination with massage, physiotherapy are able to restore the affected area, up to a complete cure.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis
Late seeking medical assistance leads to the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease passes to the second stage. Further destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae themselves and neighboring tissues, vessels.
Pinching of the nerve roots leads to the fact that the pain is not localized, but radiates to the arm, shoulder, back, under the shoulder blade.
Patients turn to the cardiologist with complaints of pain in the heart area. During the examination, it turns out that the cardiogram is within normal limits, and painful sensations are caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- inability to turn, tilt, raise the head;
- severe numbness in the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- frequent headache;
- constantly high blood pressure;
- has reduced performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- pulling the pain that radiates to the arm, under the shoulder blade, to the back;
- pain in the heart region.
There is constant tension in the back muscles, resulting in displacement of the vertebrae. This can lead to curvature of the spine.
Treatment of the disease at this stage of development requires a more serious approach, it includes:
- drug therapy;
- medical and diagnostic examination;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- strict diet;
- consultation of narrow specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neuropathologist).
The entire course of treatment is developed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age, severity of the disease, it can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis stage 1 and 2
To avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to regularly carry out a number of preventive measures.
The basic guidelines are as follows:
- Track your weight. Each additional kilogram increases the load on the spine. This will inevitably lead to a loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs, impaired blood circulation. Which, in turn, contributes to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move around a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps to reduce muscle tone, all systems of the body begin to function intermittently. It is useful to exercise in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, walking.
- Maintain good posture. Don't bend over, keep your back straight as you walk while sitting at your desk. To do this, establish a few simple exercises every day as a rule.
- Choose a chair with spine support for computer work. Get up from the table every half hour, do some warm-up.
- Elimination of infectious foci in the body. Any infectious foci in the body can cause preconditions for the onset of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This especially applies to the ENT organs (ear, throat, nose).
- Correct body position during sleep and rest. It is recommended to use orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Their design ensures the correct position of the spine, allows the body to relax as much as possible during rest.
- The complex of daily physical exercises should include exercises for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Proper nutrition. Do not abuse spicy, fatty and smoked foods. Try incorporating more vegetables, fruits, and vegetables into your daily diet.
- Stop smoking alcohol and tobacco. Now it is not only unhealthy, but also not trendy.
- Have a medical examination every year. Ultrasound, X-ray examination, tomography can detect the disease in the early stages of development.
Remember:your health is in your hands. Following the simplest rules will allow your body to avoid such a serious disease as cervical osteochondrosis.