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 observed that more and more young people are ill 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 home treatment, 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. The pathology progresses rather slowly, but it should be noted 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, up to the 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 change in his condition.
- Stage in which the degenerative changes in the nucleus pulposus increase. Changes in the nucleus pulposus lead to destabilization of the cervical spine, alterations occur in the structure of the fibrous disc. 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, displacement and subluxation 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 scar tissues of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent structures of the spine 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 treatment of the disease begins, the easier it will be to achieve 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, radiography, MRI or computed tomography.
Symptoms
The main difficulty in identifying cervical osteochondrosis is not sufficiently expressed and has no obvious symptoms. In addition to pain syndrome, there are a large number of vegetative symptoms that can speak of diseases of the nervous or circulatory system, which is why many times they lead 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 symptoms are usually referred to the main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and they should all be present at the same time:
- Pain syndromeThe 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 can occur.
- Vegetative symptoms. Due to the 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.
- Sensation 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, many times 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, including taking pain relievers, therapeutic exercises, massages, and a host of other procedures. Each component of therapy is essential to complete recovery.
Medicine
Pain relievers are usually required, starting with non-steroidal over-the-counter medications. If such drugs do not help, they resort to the use of blockades - injections with anesthetics at the site of injury.
Topical corticosteroid ointments can also be used. Care should be taken with their use, because if they are used irrationally, they can cause harm. Such funds are strictly prescribed by prescription; their own use is prohibited.
Also, with severe vegetative symptoms, means can be used to improve the blood supply to the brain. They are rarely prescribed. Sometimes, in addition to them, daytime tranquilizers are used, which help to suppress depressive symptoms that arise from pinching of nerve endings.
Massage
With osteochondrosis, massage of the cervical spine is important, it helps restore blood circulation and relieves tension from 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 should 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.
Gymnastics
Exercise for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is extremely important in maintaining muscle tone and mobility of the cervical spine. With this disease, the neck muscles must be trained.
The simplest exercise: in a sitting position, you need to put your hands under the chin and slightly press them up. At the same time, it must withstand the pressure of the head. The exercise should be done 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 dairy products to replenish the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment with home remedies.
Home remedies are not as effective in treating cervical osteochondrosis, but there are a couple of recipes that will help with this disease. First of all, several compresses are recommended, one of the most effective is potato. Raw potatoes need to be grated, add a tablespoon of honey, put on a sore spot and cover with cling film.
Potatoes can be replaced with yeast-free 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 fix the rubbing with it, honey provides the best effect.
With a combination of home remedies and other treatment methods, you can achieve the best result.