Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology accompanied by degenerative changes in cartilaginous tissue and intervertebral discs.
Pathology appears as a result of intense stress, inappropriate lifestyle and a number of other factors.It was recorded that osteochondrosis develops at 30-40 years of age, but every year the disease becomes younger.Today the disease also occurs in adolescence.
Causes of cervical chondrosis
As chondrosis develops, the tissues of the vertebrae are affected, causing intense pain and discomfort when moving.Most often, pathology occurs due to excessive load on the problem area.But often chondrosis is formed due to an unstable emotional state and frequent stress.
What reasons provoke the development of the disease:
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Staying in the same poses for a long time.
- Wrong sleeping mattress.
- Intense sporting activities.
- Physical work.
- Injuries to the problem area.
- Flat feet.
- Age-related changes in the body.
- Bad posture, scoliosis.
- Impaired metabolism, which interferes with the normal absorption of beneficial elements in the body.
- Wear inappropriate shoes.
- Vitamin deficiency in the body.
- Poor nutrition, dehydration.
Bad habits also affect the formation of cervical chondrosis and its unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptom that appears first when the pathology develops is pain in the neck, back and shoulders.The patient feels heaviness in problem areas, pulsation, numbness and goosebumps.The pain can change character and go from sharp to painful.The presence of additional symptoms depends on the stage of chondrosis.
As the disease progresses, the patient experiences feelings of fatigue and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.The discomfort does not just appear in the affected area, the pain radiates to the chest, lower back and arm.The pain syndrome impairs the mobility of the upper limbs, makes deep breathing difficult and the patient often experiences shortness of breath.
In addition to discomfort, the person's blood circulation is impaired, the functioning of blood vessels worsens, which leads to the appearance of swelling and redness of the skin.
What symptoms are accompanied by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, back.
- Discomfort when moving or playing sports.Feeling of muscle stiffness in the morning, heaviness in the problem area.
- Pins and needles sensations and numbness in the problem area.
- Muscle tension, cramps and spasms.
- Painful, pressing headaches that do not go away after taking painkillers.
- Nausea, darkening of the eyes, drowsiness.
- Chest pain.It may feel like heartache.
- Impaired mobility of the upper limbs.
In cervical chondrosis, pain usually radiates to the shoulder blades and shoulders.As it progresses, the patient experiences headaches and visual impairment.Such symptoms indicate that the pathology has reached a more serious stage.
How dangerous is the disease?
Cervical osteochondrosis is a serious disease that can cause regular loss of consciousness, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.Furthermore, the pathology increases the chance of heart attacks and strokes.Cervical chondrosis can cause kidney, liver and gastrointestinal tract diseases.
The disease also has a major impact on reproductive function.Osteochondrosis can cause infertility and impotence.As the pathology develops, a person feels apathy, regular pain, decreased performance and interest in life.This directly leads to the formation of depression.
Treatment of chondrosis of the cervical spine
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, medications, traditional methods and physiotherapeutic procedures are used.The specific method of treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.
Drug treatment
Medications are prescribed in the later stages of the disease, when the patient feels unbearable pain and discomfort when moving.
Treatment of pathology with medications is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and relieving pain.Drug therapy is prescribed in the form of injections and means for internal use.
What are the functions of drugs:
- Relieves muscle pain and tension.
- I block the inflammatory process.
- Normalize blood circulation and vascular function.
- Promotes the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.
- Restore mobility.
- Relieves moral stress
For treatment, non-steroidal medications are used that relieve pain, anti-inflammatory ointments that help relieve swelling.Additionally, intravenous injections are used.
Muscle relaxants are prescribed to dilate blood vessels and relieve muscle tension.Calming products help overcome apathy, drowsiness and suspiciousness.Antidepressants and sleeping pills are used for this.
Traditional medicine
Traditional methods help eliminate the symptoms of chondrosis in the early stages.Herbal teas are used to eliminate swelling and pain.They not only relieve physical discomfort, but also moral stress.
Similar drinks are used internally;Dry leaves of the following plants are suitable for preparation:
- Chamomile.
- Raspberry.
- Mint.
- Rosehip.
Herbal teas have a positive effect on stomach function and do not cause side effects.You can drink up to 3 glasses of decoctions per day.Before use, they must be left for several hours.
Therapeutic infusions help to normalize blood circulation, restore mobility and remove numbness from the skin.Pine buds have a beneficial effect on the body.
How to make medicine:
- Add 1 cup of washed buds to the same amount of sugar and mix.
- Pour the resulting mixture with a glass of water and leave to infuse for 2 weeks.
Take one spoonful of solution daily during or after meals.Herbal decoctions restore limb mobility and relieve moral stress.
How to make the product:
- Pour a small amount of dried dandelion roots into a glass of water.
- Heat the resulting solution in a water bath and leave to infuse in a dark place for 1 hour.
- Strain the broth and drink half a glass a day.
It is important to note that it is not recommended to store herbal infusions for more than 4 days.After this period, they lose their beneficial properties and cause adverse reactions.
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises and massages are effective ways to eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort in the neck.All exercises and activities must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, the patient must follow all recommendations to prevent complications.
Gymnastics is done 3 hours after the meal;It is not recommended to exercise before bed.The exact set of exercises is selected by the doctor based on the diagnosis.
Magnetic therapy, acupuncture and electrophoresis help restore spinal flexibility and eliminate pain.These methods are prescribed by a doctor if necessary.
Prevention measures
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain a daily routine and get enough sleep.
- Distribute physical activity wisely: don't overwork yourself, but don't lead an inactive lifestyle either.
- Choose suitable and comfortable shoes.For flat feet, use special models.
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress.
- Eat well, avoid unhealthy foods.
- Get rid of harmful addictions.
- Do simple physical exercises to work all muscle groups every day.
- If discomfort occurs in the shoulders and neck, do self-massage and rub the skin with special ointments.
- If you suspect osteochondrosis, immediately consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis of the body.
To prevent pathology, it is also necessary to restore the emotional state and get rid of life stress.
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that leads to irreversible consequences.With a vigilant attitude towards your own health and timely diagnosis, you can avoid unpleasant complications and normalize the body.