Cervical osteochondrosis often occurs, accompanied by pain in the head, neck, shoulder girdle, impaired cerebral circulation. The peculiarity of the localization of the pathological process and the contradictory manifestations force patients to turn to specialists for help. Lack of timely treatment threatens with disability.
Cervical osteochondrosis often affects young people (up to 40 years old), contributes to the development of incorrect body position (long sitting at the computer, the habit of holding the phone with the shoulder), vibrations, bad posture, lack of physical activity, uncomfortable bedding, heredity.
Possible reasons
The disease is accompanied by degenerative-dystrophic changes that affect the intervertebral disc of the cervical spine. This is due to 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 work physically -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 overstrain of the muscles of the neck, back (work at a table with a twisted neck and tilted head), compression of the vessels supplying the spine occurs, which leads to degeneration of the intervertebral cartilage;
- with obesity, the spine and intervertebral discs are deformed due to 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, crunching when turning the head or tilting;
- pulling pain in the chest region on the left with irradiation in the left arm, 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 deterioration of hearing and vision, numbness of the tongue and face, dizziness, impaired activity of the lungs and heart.
Symptoms are usually divided into groups:
- I - neurological manifestations (long neck pain, pain in muscles, chest, joints);
- II - pathological effect on the spinal cord (weakness in the arms and legs, involuntary twitches, myelopathy);
- III - related to processes taking place in the brain (brain manifestations due to insufficient blood supply: visual disturbances, feeling of a foreign body in the throat, noise and ringing in the ears, hearing loss, vertigo, unsteadiness when walking, fainting, fatigue, irritability, disorders ofsleep, memory loss).
General recommendations
In the absence of indications for hospitalization, outpatient treatment is prescribed (most of the time the patient is at home, visits a neurologist on the specified days). Of the drugs used:
- Course of NSAIDs 7 - 14 days (2 - 3 times a day);
- sedatives protect the nervous system from the influence of pain, course 1 - 3 weeks;
- diuretics to reduce swelling of the inflamed area;
- Vitamins of group B to improve metabolic processes occurring in nervous tissue, normalization of musculoskeletal conduction;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm;
- agents that improve the structure and functions of cartilage tissue (ATP, chondroprotectors);
- topical - creams, gels, ointments as warming, analgesic or distraction agents.
In case of increased pain, bed rest, physiological position (to relieve the load from the spine) is recommended for 1-2 days, after which the patient should start moving.
In the acute stage, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises and exercises to relieve muscle spasm (smooth tilts and turns of the head, circular movements), gradually increasing the load. You should not make sudden movements.
Massage is prescribed for muscle spasm (you can self-massage the neck). For preventive purposes, a course of massage should be conducted twice a year. To unload the spine, a cervical collar or a 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). Cartilage tissue is useful for:
- foods with a high calcium content (fermented milk, cottage cheese, mineral water, dark green leafy vegetables);
- unsaturated fatty acids (oily fish, flaxseed, nuts);
- proteins (lean poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts);
- foods high in fiber and antioxidants (legumes, grains, fruits).
In the absence of exacerbation, it is recommended to drink enough water (30 ml per 1 kg of body weight), strengthen the spine and back muscles through physical exercises. When you work for a long time in a sitting position, you should take a break every hour by relaxing your back muscles with the help of exercises.
How to treat with folk remedies?
With cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended to take infusions or decoctions of herbs, to rub the ointment into the problem areas.
| Components | Quantity | Application method |
|---|---|---|
| Pine needles | 250 gr | Boil needles with a liter of boiling water, insist. Drink twice a day. |
| Garlic, ginger | 1: 1 | Add garlic, a little oil to the grated ginger. Rub the 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 | 1: 1 | Mix mashed potatoes with honey, apply on the neck. |
| horseradish leaf | 1 piece. | Dip horseradish leaves in boiling water for a few seconds and remove. Cool the liquid, use for compresses. |
| horseradish root | 2 p. m | Put grated horseradish root on a bandage, attach to the neck, cover with plastic wrap on top and wrap. Hold for 1 - 1. 5 minutes, then rinse with water. |
| Honey | 1 dessert spoon | Pre-warm the neck, do a self-massage with honey for 5 minutes. Then wrap your neck. |
What is not recommended?
With cervical osteochondrosis, you cannot:
- lifting weights (if necessary, perform actions with a straight back without tilting your head forward);
- you can not crunch the vertebrae (these movements violate the integrity of the contact surfaces of the spine);
- sleeping on a high pillow, soft bed (causes back muscle tension);
- lead a sedentary lifestyle (jogging, swimming, walking are useful);
- independently diagnoses and prescribes treatment.
Prevention 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 (leads to impaired blood circulation, nutrition of the collar area);
- monitor the posture (if it is broken, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed);
- prevention of microtraumas in the cervical region (proper weight lifting and carrying);
- treatment of foci of chronic infection (ENT organs, etc. ), which reduce the resistance forces of the body, lymph and blood circulation in the ligaments and tissues of the neck.
A good result in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can be obtained through complex treatment. Treatment at home will be effective only with careful observance of all prescriptions and their daily use.