Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology associated with degenerative changes in cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
Pathology arises as a result of severe stress, poor lifestyle and a number of other factors.It has been found that osteochondrosis develops by the age of 30-40, but the disease becomes younger every year.Today the disease also occurs in adolescence.
Causes of cervical chondrosis
When chondrosis develops, the tissues of the vertebrae are affected, causing severe pain and discomfort when moving.Most often, pathology arises due to excessive stress on the problem area.But often chondrosis arises 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.
- Poor posture, scoliosis.
- Impaired metabolism, which interferes with the normal absorption of useful elements in the body.
- Wearing unsuitable shoes.
- Vitamin deficiency in the body.
- Poor diet, dehydration.
Bad habits also influence the development of cervical chondrosis and its unpleasant symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main symptom that first appears when developing pathology is pain in the neck, back and shoulders.The patient feels heaviness in the problem areas, pulsation, numbness and goosebumps.The pain can change character and go from acute to painful.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 occurs not only in the affected area, the pain also radiates to the chest, lower back and arm.The pain syndrome impairs the mobility of the upper limbs, makes it difficult to breathe fully, and the patient often suffers from shortness of breath.
In addition to discomfort, a person's blood circulation is impaired, the function of blood vessels deteriorates, which leads to swelling and redness on the skin.
What symptoms are associated with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, back.
- Discomfort when moving or doing sports.Feeling of muscle stiffness in the morning, feeling of heaviness in the problem area.
- Tingling and numbness in the problem area.
- Muscle tension, spasms and spasms.
- Painful and pressing headache that does not go away even after taking painkillers.
- Nausea, darkening of the eyes, drowsiness.
- Chest pain.It can feel like heartbreak.
- Limited mobility of the upper limbs.
In cervical chondrosis, the pain often radiates to the shoulder blades and shoulders.As the disease progresses, the patient experiences headaches and visual disturbances.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 periodic loss of consciousness, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.In addition, the pathology increases the risk 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, reduced performance and interest in life.This leads directly to the development of depression.
Treatment of chondrosis of the cervical spine
To treat osteochondrosis, medications, traditional methods and physiotherapeutic procedures are used.The specific treatment method is prescribed by the doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.
Drug treatment
Medication is prescribed in later stages of the disease when the patient experiences unbearable pain and discomfort when moving.
Drug treatment of pathology 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 functions do medications have:
- 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
Treatment includes nonsteroidal medications to relieve pain and anti-inflammatory ointments to relieve swelling.Intravenous injections are also used.
Muscle relaxants are prescribed to dilate blood vessels and relieve muscle tension.Calming products help overcome apathy, drowsiness and distrust.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 relieve swelling and pain.They eliminate not only 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 stomach function and do not cause any side effects.You can drink up to 3 glasses of decoction per day.They must be left to stand for several hours before use.
Therapeutic infusions help normalize blood circulation, restore mobility and eliminate 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 brew for 2 weeks.
Take a spoonful of solution daily during or after meals.Herbal decoctions restore mobility to the limbs and relieve moral stress.
How to make the product:
- Add a small amount of dry dandelion roots to a glass of water.
- Heat the resulting solution in a water bath and let it brew in a dark place for 1 hour.
- Strain the broth and drink half a glass daily.
It should be noted that storing herbal teas is not recommended for longer than 4 days.After this time, they lose their beneficial properties and cause side effects.
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises and massage are effective ways to eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort in the neck.All exercises and activities must be carried out under medical supervision, the patient must follow all recommendations to prevent complications.
Gymnastics is done 3 hours after a meal;It is not recommended to exercise before bedtime.The exact set of exercises is selected by the doctor based on the diagnosis.
Magnetic therapy, acupuncture and electrophoresis help restore flexibility to the spine and eliminate 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 sensibly: do not overexert yourself, but do not lead an inactive lifestyle either.
- 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 every day to train all muscle groups.
- If discomfort occurs in the shoulder and neck area, perform self-massage and rub the skin with special ointments.
- If you suspect osteochondrosis, immediately consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnostics of the body.
To prevent pathologies, it is also necessary to restore emotional state and reduce stress in life.
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that has irreversible consequences.With a vigilant approach to your own health and timely diagnosis, you can avoid unpleasant complications and return the body to a normal state.