Osteochondrosis of the cervix: symptoms, causes, treatment options, therapeutic exercises, massage

The onset of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis is considered very common at the present time. This disease is diagnosed in people of absolutely any age, and in most cases is observed in citizens with disabilities from 30 to 50 years old. Some patients do not suffer from the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, aware of even disease, as degenerative changes in the cervical spine can occur invisibly. During treatment, a person can return to excellent health. However, for this, the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should not be ignored. Therefore, it is worthwhile to know in more detail the signs of this disease.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

This disease in the initial stage of its development may not appear at all. The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are felt only in the advanced form of the disease in the form of frequent headaches, which intensify during the movement of the cervix. When cerebral circulatory disorders are observed during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient begins to show the following symptoms of the disease:

• persistent headaches;
• added fatigue;
• violation of facial muscle sensitivity;
• noise in the head;
• high blood pressure;
• tinnitus;
• rocking;
• frequent dizziness;
• loss of coordination in space.

If the disease is chronic, the symptoms and pain of cervical osteochondrosis will be permanent. In this case, any movement of the head will be difficult due to the tension of the neck muscles. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in chronic form are manifested in the form of migraine, headache, which in some cases is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and even loss of consciousness. If you do not start treatment on time, then the patient begins to accompany pharyngeal symptoms. These symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis include: a feeling of dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tingling and itching. After a while, this disease can cause a hernia in the area of ​​the intervertebral disc. Therefore, when the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, treatment should be immediate. It is worth getting acquainted in more detail with the most effective methods of treating this disease.

Causes of osteochondrosis

The main reason for the development of osteochondrosis in the neck is the aging of the human body, and is also associated with age-related changes that occur in the tissues. But there are also some factors that increase the risk of developing this pathology. These factors include:

1. Sedentary work and sedentary lifestyle.
2. Long stay in the same static position.
3. Excess body weight.
4. Nervous strain and frequent stress.
5. Frequent hypothermia.
6. Autoimmune diseases in which cartilage tissue suffers.
7. Injuries to the neck or neck.
8. Abnormal congenital structure of the vertebrae.

In addition, heredity, hormones and metabolism play an important role in the development of this disease.

Methods of therapy for cervical osteochondrosis

To get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment involves a whole range of methods and tools aimed at eliminating the pain and fighting the inflammatory process that appears in the tissues. Physical activity and daily exercises aimed at spinal flexibility are considered very effective. The program of such loads should be individual, it is selected by a specialist only after performing diagnostic measures using computed tomography or MRI. When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, a doctor should also prescribe treatment. But what is the basis for the therapy of this disease?

Medications

When the first symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, headache, drug therapy is prescribed. First of all, the pain is relieved with conventional pain relievers. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that this method will be effective only in the initial stage of disease development. Pain pills are no longer useful afterwards.

Medication therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of next-generation chondroprotectors, which are drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is the combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. The course of such therapy is, as a rule, several months, after which there is an improvement in the mobility of the cervical spine.

And how to relieve acute muscle and headache in cervical osteochondrosis? Symptom data can be eliminated with the use of novocaine blockade or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include capsules, oils, injections and tablets that can quickly improve the overall condition of the patient. If these chondroprotectors do not have contraindications even with long-term use, then these contraindications are very serious for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, their use should be agreed with the attending physician.

Ointments and gels

When the first signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear, home treatment can be performed with the help of special oils or gels, which begin to act 10 minutes after application to the problem area. These funds are divided into several types, which include:

1. External anti-inflammatory agents based on non-steroidal substances that can eliminate painful sensations.
2. Regenerating ointments and gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
3. Ointments and external anesthetic gels that can quickly affect nerve endings while aching pain.
4. Various massage ointments.

Manual therapy

Of course, treating the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home through manual therapy will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and more ancient. Specialists have developed many different techniques that can have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, joints and tissues of the affected areas. Choosing a chiropractor for himself, it should be noted that he must be an excellent specialist, otherwise an inexperienced person in this matter may lead the patient in a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy to fight osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:

1. Manipulations aimed at restoring the health and functioning of the joints. These manipulations are accompanied by their crisis.
2. Segmental massage that can relieve muscle tension.
3. Mobilization that regulates traction-damaged joints.

Acupuncture

How else can you eliminate the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in the spine? Acupuncture treatment can not only remove the bitterness during this disease but also completely cure it. This needle therapy technique came to our medicine from eastern countries. The wise Chinese, armed with philosophy as well as knowledge of the human body, have figured out how to regulate energy in the body using metal needles. This procedure is currently officially recognized by doctors as an effective technique for fighting osteochondrosis.

Before getting rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and thorax using acupuncture, it is necessary to consult a specialist, as this procedure is not suitable for every patient. This technique is not performed in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• for existing infectious diseases;
• if any tumor is present;
• for skin or blood diseases;
• in infancy or old age.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are very effective in fighting osteochondrosis of the cervix. Homeopathic remedies contain biologically active substances and useful trace elements. These substances absolutely correspond to the concentration of minerals and vitamins in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain plant extracts, plant extracts, which are taken only from environmentally friendly samples. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the effect of these funds on osteochondrosis is as follows:

• restore cartilage tissue;
• activate human immunity;
• improve blood circulation to the collar area.

Home treatment

Currently, it is possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. To alleviate grief and achieve overall improvement in the patient, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet and also lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet of a patient who has been diagnosed with osteochondrosis of the cervix should contain products that promote cartilage tissue regeneration. These products include the following:

• fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and legumes;
• products that contain a large amount of protein: low-fat fish and poultry, eggs, nuts;
• products containing unsaturated fatty acids, such as sea fish or flax seeds;
• foods that are rich in calcium, such as leafy vegetables, cottage cheese, milk.

Moreover, a very effective tool for treating osteochondrosis at home is a vibroacoustic device. This device is capable of acting on the main focus of ultrasound wave pain syndrome, due to which the cartilage regeneration process begins to accelerate, tissue inflammation is eliminated, and damaged cells begin to recover. This device will not cause any harm to the body, as the therapy is performed under the influence of acoustic waves, which are absolutely natural for humans.

Massage

Successful home therapy can also be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and relaxes the tight muscles in the neck. After self-massage in the intervertebral discs, blood circulation is improved, due to which there is rapid relief. The self-massage procedure itself should be performed in a sitting position, and during it stroking, rubbing and kneading movements are made on the back of the head. However, to achieve maximum effect, it is better to use the services of a professional.

Performing gymnastics to improve health

Such therapeutic exercises have no less effect than drug therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervix. Many experts claim that improving health gymnastics is the basis for healing a patient. Such exercises, as a rule, do not take much time, especially since they are quite easy to do yourself at home. This gymnastics helps relieve pain syndromes during cervical osteochondrosis. It also stretches your ligaments and relaxes your neck muscles. However, it is necessary to perform any action during such gymnastics only after consulting a specialist. They should be performed very carefully so that the patient does not harm his body.

Applicant Kuznetsov

Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for this disease. However, not every patient decides on acupuncture. For home therapy, an alternative device is used, which is a Kuznetsov needle applicator. There are single or twin needles placed on the neck roll or on the tightening strap. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly relieve the symptoms, but also to completely overcome this disease.

Popular recipes

There are many effective alternative medicine prescriptions that can help you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis. Herbal therapy is very economical, effective and most importantly, safe. To do this, there is no need to buy expensive medicines to relieve the pain. In addition, many medicines bought at the pharmacy can have side effects and contraindications, which can not be said about the prescriptions of traditional medicines. The following natural remedies can help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

1. Horseradish leaves. To do this, you need to attach a leaf of this plant to the back of the neck, fixing it with adhesive plaster overnight. As a rule, painful sensations disappear by morning.
Potatoes. This vegetable should be minced together with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture should resemble a stable oil. A finished product in the form of a compress is used at least 1 time in 7 days.
2. A compress made from one liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 tablespoon of mustard powder and 50 g of propolis is quite effective. All the ingredients are mixed, after which the resulting mixture is impregnated with gauze or cloth, applied to the neck area and fixed with a woolen cloth. It is recommended to make such compresses 1-2 times every 7 days. Compresses are made at night.

Disease Prevention

Many people know that it is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it later. Preventing osteochondrosis means maintaining correct posture, exercising on exercise equipment, fitness exercises, walking, swimming and yoga. While reading or writing, a person should not lean over the table too far down, and while sleeping, it is best to use orthopedic pillows.

Patient Opinions

Opinions of patients who have been diagnosed with osteochondrosis suggest that it is not so difficult to cure this disease at home. However, a greater effect can be achieved if you use a complex therapy, which includes not only massages and folk remedies, but also the use of medicines.

In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a very common disease at the present time. This disease affects not only adults but also young people due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. However, this disease can be successfully cured. To do this, when the first symptoms and signs appear, you should seek help from a medical institution, where a specialist will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is also worth remembering that the use of traditional medicine prescriptions is recommended to be coordinated with your doctor.