Cervical osteochondrosis is common, accompanied by pain in the head, neck, shoulder girdle, impaired cerebral circulation. The peculiarity of the localization of the pathological process and contradictory manifestations force patients to turn to specialists for help. The lack of timely treatment threatens with disability.
Often, cervical osteochondrosis affects young people (up to 40 years old), contributes to the development of an incorrect body position (long sitting at the computer, the habit of holding the phone on the shoulder), vibration, poor posture, inactivity physical, uncomfortable bedding, heredity.
possible reasons
The disease is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes that affect the intervertebral disc of the cervical spine. This is caused by metabolic disorders in the cervical region, as a result of which the structure of the intervertebral discs and their bodies changes.
The main causes of the disease:
- high levels of salts in the lymph and blood (in active people there is a constant exchange between bone and muscle tissue, with a static lifestyle, the blood flow slows down, less salt enters the muscle tissue, they accumulate in places that do not physically function - joints, spine, kidneys, liver);
- irreversible phenomena that occur in the cartilage tissue (salt deposition causes changes in the shock absorption properties of the vertebrae, the flexibility and elasticity of the cartilage tissue is lost);
- a prolonged stay in a position that causes overstrain of the muscles of the neck, back (work at the table with a twisted neck and a tilted head), compression of the vessels supplying the spine occurs, which leads to intervertebral cartilage degeneration;
- with obesity, the spine and intervertebral discs are deformed due to a large load, the muscular corset of the back weakens;
- as a result of improper metabolism, the balance of minerals in bone tissue is disturbed.
Characteristic symptoms
The main manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulder, arm, difficulty moving the head, crackling when turning or tilting the head;
- pain of a pulling nature in the chest area on the left with irradiation to the left hand, burning sensation in the interscapular region;
- recurring headaches, fatigue, weakness, trouble turning your head;
- pain in the neck passes to the shoulder and arm, numbness of the fingers;
- there may be impaired hearing and vision, numbness of the tongue and face, dizziness, impaired activity of the lungs and heart.
Conventionally, symptoms are divided into groups:
- I - neurological manifestations (continuous pain in the neck, pain in the muscles, chest, joints);
- II - pathological effect on the spinal cord (weakness in the arms and legs, involuntary spasms, myelopathy);
- III - associated with processes that occur in the brain (cerebral manifestations due to insufficient blood supply: visual disturbances, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, noise and ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, instability when walking, fainting, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, memory loss).
General recommendations
In the absence of indications for hospitalization, outpatient treatment is prescribed (most of the time the patient is at home, visiting a neurologist on the indicated days). Of the drugs used:
- NSAID course 7 - 14 days (daily 2 - 3 times);
- sedatives protect the nervous system from the influence of pain, course 1-3 weeks;
- diuretics to reduce swelling in the inflamed area;
- B vitamins to improve the metabolic processes that occur in the nervous tissue, normalize musculoskeletal conduction;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms;
- means that improve the structure and functions of cartilage tissue (ATP, chondroprotectors);
- topically: creams, gels, ointments as a warming, analgesic or distraction.
With increased pain, bed rest, a physiological position (to relieve the load on the spine) is recommended for 1-2 days, after which the patient should begin to move.
In the acute stage, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises and exercises to relieve muscle spasm (gentle tilts and turns of the head, circular movements), gradually increasing the load. You should not make sudden movements.
With muscle spasms, massage is prescribed (you can do self-massage on the neck). For preventive purposes, a massage course should be carried out twice a year. To unload the spine, a cervical collar or Glisson loop is used (after consultation with a doctor).
Nutrition should be adjusted by excluding foods that increase muscle tone (smoked and spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, tea). For cartilage tissue are useful:
- calcium-rich foods (fermented milk, cottage cheese, mineral water, dark green leafy vegetables);
- unsaturated fatty acids (fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts);
- protein (lean poultry, dairy, eggs, nuts);
- foods rich in fiber and antioxidants (legumes, cereals, fruits).
In the absence of an exacerbation, it is recommended to drink enough water (30 ml per 1 kg of body weight), strengthen the spine and back muscles by physical exercises. When you work sitting for a long time, you need to take a break every hour, relaxing your back muscles with the help of exercises.
How to treat folk remedies?
With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to drink herbal infusions or decoctions, rub the ointment into problem areas.
| Components | Quantity | Application mode |
|---|---|---|
| pine needles | 250 grams | Brew needles with a liter of boiling water, insist. Drink twice a day. |
| garlic, ginger | eleven | To grated ginger add garlic, a little butter. Rub into sore areas of the neck. |
| lemon, garlic | 4 things and 5 pcs. | Pass the lemons and garlic through a meat grinder, pour 2 liters of boiling water. Drink ½ cup twice a day. |
| fresh potatoes, honey | eleven | Mix grated potato porridge with honey, apply to the neck. |
| horseradish leaf | 1 pc. | Dip the horseradish leaf in boiling water for a few seconds and remove. Cool the liquid, use for compresses. |
| horseradish root | 2 teaspoons | Grated horseradish root is placed in a bandage, attached to the neck, covered with plastic wrap on top and wrapped. Hold for 1 - 1. 5 minutes, then rinse with water. |
| Sweetie | 1 dessert spoon | Preheat the neck, self-massage with honey for 5 minutes. After that, wrap your neck. |
What is not recommended?
With cervical osteochondrosis, you can not:
- lifting weights (if necessary, perform actions with a straight back, without tilting your head forward);
- you can not crush the vertebrae (these movements violate the integrity of the contact surfaces of the spine);
- sleep on a high pillow, soft bed (causes strain on the back muscles);
- lead a sedentary lifestyle (jogging, swimming, walking are useful);
- diagnose and prescribe treatment independently.
Prevention measures
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- get rid of hypodynamia (move more, practice Nordic walking, dancing, swimming);
- control body weight, avoiding excess weight (leads to poor blood circulation, nutrition of the neck zone);
- control posture (if it is violated, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed);
- prevent microtrauma in the cervical region (lift weights correctly and use them);
- treat foci of chronic infection (ENT organs, etc. ), which reduce the body's resistance, lymphatic and blood circulation in the ligaments and tissues of the neck.
A good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be obtained by complex treatment. Home treatment will be effective only with careful adherence to all recipes and their daily use.