Cervical osteochondrosis is common, accompanied by pain in the head, neck, shoulder girdle, impaired cerebral circulation. The specificity of the localization of the pathological process and contradictory manifestations force patients to turn to specialists for help. 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), tremors, poor posture, inactivityphysique, uncomfortable bed, heritage.
Possible reasons
The disease is associated with degenerative-dystrophic changes affecting 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 lymph and blood (in active people there is a constant exchange between bones and muscle tissue, with a static lifestyle, blood flow slows down, less salt enters the muscle tissue, they accumulate in places that do not workphysically - joints, spine, kidneys, liver);
- irreversible phenomena occurring in the cartilage tissue (salt deposition causes changes in the shock-absorbing properties of the vertebrae, the flexibility and elasticity of the cartilage tissue is lost);
- a long stay in a position that causes an overload of the muscles of the neck, back (desk work with a twisted neck and a tilted head), the vessels that supply the spine are squeezed, leading to degeneration of the intervertebral cartilage;
- with excess weight, the spine and intervertebral discs undergo deformation due to the high load, the muscular corset of the back weakens;
- as a result of improper metabolism, the balance of minerals in the 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, jerking when turning the head or tilting;
- pain of a pulling nature in the chest area on the left with radiation to the left hand, a burning sensation in the interscapular region;
- recurrent headaches, fatigue, weakness, difficulty turning the head;
- pain in the neck passes to the shoulder and arm, numbness of the fingers;
- there may be a deterioration of 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 (constant pain in the neck, pain in the muscles, chest, joints);
- II - pathological effect on the spinal cord (weakness in the arms and legs, involuntary contractions, myelopathy);
- III - is accompanied by processes occurring in the brain (cerebral manifestations due to insufficient blood supply: visual disturbances, feeling of a foreign body in the throat, noise and ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, unsteadiness while walking, fainting, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbance, 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 medications used:
- Course of NSAIDs 7 - 14 days (2 - 3 times a day);
- sedatives protect the nervous system from the impact of pain, course 1 - 3 weeks;
- diuretics to reduce swelling in the inflamed area;
- B vitamins to improve metabolic processes occurring in nervous tissue, normalize musculoskeletal conduction;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm;
- means that improve the structure and functions of cartilage tissue (ATP, chondroprotectors);
- locally - creams, gels, ointments as warming, analgesic or distracting.
With increased pain, it is recommended to rest in bed, a physiological position (to relieve the load from the spine) for 1-2 days, after which the patient should start moving.
In the acute phase, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises and exercises to relieve muscle spasm (smooth tilt and turn of the head, circular movements), gradually increasing the load. You should not make sudden movements.
With muscle spasms, massage is prescribed (you can perform self-massage of 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 prior consultation with a doctor).
Nutrition should be adjusted by excluding foods that increase muscle tone (smoked and spicy, alcohol, coffee, tea). For cartilage tissue are useful:
- foods rich in calcium (fermented milk, cottage cheese, mineral water, dark green leafy vegetables);
- unsaturated fatty acids (fatty fish, flax seeds, nuts);
- protein (lean poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts);
- foods rich in fiber and antioxidants (legumes, cereals, fruits).
In the absence of irritation, it is recommended to drink enough water (30 ml per 1 kg of weight), strengthen the muscles of the spine and back through physical exercises. When you work for a long time sitting, you should take a break every hour, relaxing the back muscles with the help of exercises.
How to treat folk remedies?
With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take infusions or decoctions of plants, rub oil on problem areas.
| Components | quantity | Method of application |
|---|---|---|
| pine needles | 250 g | Create needles with a liter of boiling water, insist. Drink twice a day. |
| Garlic, ginger | 1: 1 | Add garlic, a little butter to the grated ginger. Rub it on the sore areas of the neck. |
| Lemon, garlic | 4 things. and 5 pieces. | Pass the lemons and garlic through a meat grinder, pour 2 liters of boiling water. Drink ½ cup twice a day. |
| Fresh potatoes, honey | 1: 1 | Mix the wheat from the grated potatoes with honey, apply on the neck. |
| horseradish leaves | 1 pc. | Dip the horseradish leaf in boiling water for a few seconds and remove. Cool the liquid, use for compresses. |
| horseradish root | 2 spoons | Put the grated horseradish root in a bandage, attach it to the neck, cover it with plastic wrap on top and wrap it up. Keep it for 1 - 1. 5 minutes, then rinse with water. |
| Dear | 1 dessert spoon | Pre-warm the neck, do self-massage with honey for 5 minutes. After that, wrap the neck. |
What is not recommended?
With cervical osteochondrosis, you cannot:
- lift weights (if necessary, perform actions with a straight back, without bending your head forward);
- you can not press the vertebrae (these movements violate the integrity of the contact surfaces of the spine);
- sleep on a high pillow, soft bed (causes tension in the back muscles);
- lead a sedentary lifestyle (running, swimming, walking are useful);
- independently diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Preventive measures
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- get rid of hypodynamia (move more, engage in Nordic walking, dancing, swimming);
- monitor body weight, avoiding excess weight (this leads to impaired blood circulation, nutrition of the collar area);
- monitor the posture (if it is violated, the load on the back is unevenly distributed);
- prevention of microtrauma in the cervical region (properly lift weights and wear them);
- treat foci of chronic infection (ENT organs, etc. ), which reduce the body's resistance, lymph and blood circulation in the ligaments and tissues of the neck.
A good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be obtained using complex treatment. Home treatment will be effective only with careful observance of all recipes and their daily use.