Cervical osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes, treatment options, therapeutic exercises, massage

cervical osteochondrosis

The manifestation 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 it is observed in able-bodied citizens from 30 to 50 years old. Some patients do not suffer from symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, unaware of even malaise, since degenerative changes in the cervical spine can occur unnoticed. During treatment, a person can return to excellent health. However, for this, one should not ignore the appearance of the first symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Therefore, it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself in more detail with the signs of this disease.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

This disease at the initial stage of its development may not manifest itself at all. 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 neck. When disorders of cerebral circulation are observed during cervical osteochondrosis, the patient begins to show the following symptoms of the disease:

  • persistent headaches;
  • increased fatigue;
  • violation of the sensitivity of the muscles on the face;
  • noise in the head;
  • high blood pressure;
  • ringing in the ears;
  • wobbly gait;
  • frequent dizziness;
  • loss of coordination in space.
causes of osteochondrosis of the neck

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 in time, then the patient begins to accompany the pharyngeal symptoms. These symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis of the spine include: a feeling of dryness in the throat, difficulty swallowing, tickling and itching. After some time, this disease can cause a hernia in the intervertebral disc area. Therefore, when the first signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine appear, treatment should be immediate. It is worthwhile to get 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 area 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 pose.
  3. Excess body weight.
  4. Nervous strain and frequent stress.
  5. Frequent hypothermia.
  6. Autoimmune diseases during which cartilage tissue suffers.
  7. Injuries to the occiput 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 cervical osteochondrosis therapy

therapy of cervical osteochondrosis

To get rid of the signs and symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, treatment implies a whole range of methods and means aimed at eliminating pain and fighting the inflammatory process that appears in the tissues. Daily physical activity and exercises that are aimed at the flexibility of the spine are considered very effective. The program of such loads should be individual, it is selected by a specialist only after carrying out 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?

Medication

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

Drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis involves the use of new 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? Symptoms data can be eliminated with the use of novocaine blockade or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This should include capsules, ointments, injections and tablets that can quickly improve the general condition of the patient. If these chondroprotectors have no contraindications even with long-term use, then for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs these contraindications are very serious, so their use must be agreed with the attending physician.

Ointments and gels

ointments and gels against cervical osteochondrosis

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

  1. Anti-inflammatory external agents that are based on non-steroidal substances that can eliminate painful sensations.
  2. Regenerating ointments and gels that restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
  3. Anesthetic external ointments and gels that can quickly affect nerve endings, while dulling pain.
  4. Various ointments for massage.

Manual therapy

Of course, the treatment of symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home through manual therapy will be quite difficult. However, this method is very effective and the most 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 can lead the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy to combat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are as follows:

  1. Manipulations that are aimed at restoring the health and functioning of the joints. These manipulations are accompanied by their crunch.
  2. Segmental massage that can relieve muscle tension.
  3. Mobilization that repairs damaged joints as a result of traction.

Acupuncture

How else can you eliminate the signs and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis of the spine? Acupuncture treatment can remove not only soreness 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 the 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 physicians as an effective technique for combating osteochondrosis.

Before getting rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine using acupuncture, it is imperative to consult a specialist, since this procedure is not suitable for every patient. This technique is not carried out in the following cases:

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

Homeopathic remedies

homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are very effective in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis. 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 herbal extracts, plant extracts, which are taken only from environmentally friendly specimens. And the main advantage is that such preparations are completely natural. The main principle of the effect of these funds in osteochondrosis is as follows:

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

Home Treatment

Currently, it is possible to treat the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis at home. To relieve soreness and achieve general 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 cervical osteochondrosis should contain products that promote the regeneration of cartilaginous tissues. These products include the following:

  • fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as cereals and legumes;
  • products that contain a large amount of proteins: 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.

In addition, a very effective means for treating osteochondrosis at home is a vibroacoustic device. This device is capable of acting on the main focus of pain syndrome with ultrasonic waves, due to which the process of cartilage regeneration 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

massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Successful home therapy can also be done with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension and relaxes 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 carried out in a sitting position, and during it stroking, rubbing and kneading movements are made on the back of the head. However, in order to achieve maximum effect, it is best to use the services of a professional.

Conducting health-improving gymnastics

Such therapeutic exercises have no less effect than drug therapy for cervical osteochondrosis. Many experts claim that health-improving gymnastics is the basis for a patient's recovery. Such exercises, as a rule, do not take a lot of time, especially since they are quite easy to do on your own at home. This gymnastics helps to alleviate pain syndromes during cervical osteochondrosis. In addition, exercise stretches the ligaments and relaxes the neck muscles. However, it is necessary to perform any actions during such gymnastics only after consulting a specialist. They must be performed very carefully so that the patient does not harm his body.

Kuznetsov Applicator

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. It has single or twin needles located on the neck roll or on the buckle belt. If the patient lies on this applicator for 30 minutes every day, then it is possible not only to significantly alleviate the symptoms, but also to completely overcome this ailment.

Folk recipes

treatment with folk methods

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

  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 at night. As a rule, painful sensations disappear by morning.
  2. Potatoes. This vegetable must be grated together with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture should resemble an ointment in its consistency. A ready-made product in the form of a compress is used at least 1 time in 7 days.
  3. A compress made from one liter of vodka, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed aloe juice, 1 spoon of mustard powder and 50 g of propolis is quite effective. All ingredients are mixed, after which the resulting mixture is impregnated with gauze or fabric, applied to the neck area, and fixed with a woolen cloth. It is recommended to do such compresses 1-2 times every 7 days. Compresses are made at night.

Disease Prevention

Many people know that the disease is easier to prevent than to cure it later. Prevention of osteochondrosis means maintaining correct posture, exercising on exercise equipment, fitness exercises, walking, swimming and yoga. While reading or writing, a person should not bend over the table too low, 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 massage and folk remedies, but also the use of medicines.

patient opinions

In conclusion, it should be noted that osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a very common disease at the present time. This ailment affects not only adults, but also young people due to an inactive and sedentary lifestyle. However, this disease can be successfully treated. To do this, it is necessary, when the first symptoms and signs appear, to 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 recipes is recommended to be coordinated with your doctor.