Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology that is accompanied by degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
Pathology appears as a result of intense stress, poor lifestyle and a number of other factors.It has been 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 forms 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 sports activities.
- Physical work.
- Injuries to the problem area.
- Flat feet.
- Age-related changes in the body.
- Poor posture, scoliosis.
- Impaired metabolism, which interferes with the normal absorption of beneficial elements in the body.
- Wearing 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 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 its character and go from acute to aching.The presence of additional symptoms depends on the stage of chondrosis.
As the disease progresses, the patient experiences a feeling of fatigue and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.Discomfort appears not only in the affected area, pain radiates to the chest, lower back, and arm.The pain syndrome impairs the mobility of the upper limbs, makes it difficult to take a full breath, and the patient often experiences shortness of breath.
In addition to discomfort, a person’s blood circulation is impaired, the functioning of blood vessels deteriorates, which leads to the appearance of swelling and redness on 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.
- Aching and pressing headaches that do not go away after taking analgesics.
- Nausea, darkening of the eyes, drowsiness.
- Chest pain.It may feel like heart pain.
- Impaired mobility of the upper limbs.
With cervical chondrosis, the pain often radiates to the area of 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 lead to regular loss of consciousness, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.In addition, pathology increases the chance of heart attacks and strokes.Cervical chondrosis can lead to diseases of the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.
The disease also has an important impact on reproductive function.Osteochondrosis can lead to infertility and impotence.As the pathology develops, a person experiences 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 later stages of the disease, when the patient experiences unbearable pain and discomfort when moving.
Treatment of pathology with drugs is aimed at removing 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 pain and muscle tension.
- I block the inflammatory process.
- Normalize blood circulation and vascular function.
- Promotes the restoration of cartilage tissue.
- Restore mobility.
- Relieves moral stress
For treatment, non-steroidal drugs are used that relieve pain, anti-inflammatory ointments that help relieve swelling.In addition, 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 remove physical discomfort, but also moral stress.
Similar drinks are used internally; dry leaves of the following plants are suitable for preparation:
- Chamomile.
- Raspberry.
- Mint.
- Rose hip.
Herbal teas have a positive effect on the functioning of the stomach 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 normalize blood circulation, restore mobility and remove numbness on 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 let it steep for 2 weeks.
Take a spoonful of solution per day during or after meals.Herbal decoctions restore limb mobility and relieve moral stress.
How to make the product:
- Pour a small amount of dry 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 take half a glass per day.
It is worth noting that herbal infusions are not recommended to be stored for more than 4 days.After this period, they lose their beneficial properties and cause adverse reactions.
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective ways to get rid of 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 a 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 the flexibility of the spine and get rid of pain.Such 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: do not overwork yourself, but also do not lead an inactive lifestyle.
- Choose suitable and comfortable shoes.For flat feet, use special models.
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress.
- Eat right, 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 stress in life.
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that leads to irreversible consequences.With a vigilant attitude towards your own health and timely diagnosis, you will be able to avoid unpleasant complications and bring the body to a normal state.