Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology that is accompanied by degenerative changes in the cartilaginous 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 between the ages of 30 and 40, 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 severe pain and discomfort when moving.Most often, pathology arises due to excessive load on the problem area.But often chondrosis is formed due to an unstable emotional state and frequent stress.
What reasons provoke the development of the disease:
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Staying in the same positions 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.
- Bad posture, scoliosis.
- Altered 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 first appears when the 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 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 appears not only in the affected area, the pain radiates to the chest, lower back and arm.The pain syndrome affects the mobility of the upper extremities, makes it difficult to fully breathe, 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 causes swelling and redness of 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.
- Tingling and numb sensations in the problem area.
- Muscle tension, cramps and spasms.
- Painful, pressing headaches that do not go away after taking pain relievers.
- Nausea, darkening of the eyes, drowsiness.
- Chest pain.It can feel like heartache.
- Impaired mobility of the upper extremities.
With cervical chondrosis, pain often radiates to 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 cause regular loss of consciousness, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia.In addition, the pathology increases the chances of suffering from heart attacks and strokes.Cervical chondrosis can lead to diseases of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract.
The disease also has a major 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.
Medications, traditional methods and physiotherapy procedures are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis.The specific treatment method is prescribed by the doctor depending on the degree of development of the disease.
Pharmacological treatment
Medications are prescribed in later stages of the disease, when the patient experiences unbearable pain and discomfort when moving.
Treatment of pathology with medications is aimed at relieving 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.
- Normalizes blood circulation and vascular function.
- Promotes the restoration of cartilage tissue.
- Recover mobility.
- Relieves moral stress
For treatment, non-steroidal medications are used that relieve pain and anti-inflammatory ointments that help relieve swelling.Additionally, intravenous injections are used.
Muscle relaxants are prescribed to dilate blood vessels and relieve muscle tension.Calming products help overcome apathy, drowsiness and distrust.For this, antidepressants and sleeping pills are used.
traditional medicine
Traditional methods help eliminate the symptoms of chondrosis in the early stages.Herbal infusions are used to eliminate swelling and pain.They not only eliminate physical discomfort, but also moral stress.
Similar drinks are used internally;For the preparation, the dried leaves of the following plants are suitable:
- Chamomile.
- Raspberry.
- Mint.
- Hip.
Herbal infusions 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 you have to leave them for several hours.
Therapeutic infusions help to normalize blood circulation, restore mobility and eliminate skin numbness.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 rest for 2 weeks.
Take one tablespoon of solution a day during or after meals.Herbal decoctions restore mobility of limbs and relieve moral stress.
How to make the product:
- Pour a small amount of dried 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 drink half a glass a day.
It is worth noting that it is not recommended to store herbal infusions for more than 4 days.After this period, they lose their beneficial properties and cause adverse reactions.
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy.
Therapeutic exercises and massages are effective ways to eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort in the neck.All exercises and activities must be performed under the supervision of a doctor, the patient must follow all recommendations to prevent complications.
Gymnastics is performed 3 hours after a meal;It is not recommended to exercise before bedtime.The doctor selects the exact set of exercises based on the diagnosis.
Magnetotherapy, acupuncture and electrophoresis help restore spinal flexibility and eliminate pain.These methods are prescribed by a doctor if necessary.
Preventive measures
To prevent the development of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain a daily routine and get enough sleep.
- Distribute physical activity wisely: do not work too much, but also do not lead a sedentary lifestyle.
- Choose appropriate and comfortable footwear.For flat feet, use special models.
- Sleep on an orthopedic mattress.
- Eat well, avoid unhealthy foods.
- Get rid of harmful addictions.
- Do simple physical exercises to work all muscle groups every day.
- If you feel discomfort in your shoulders and neck, perform self-massage and rub the skin with special ointments.
- If you suspect osteochondrosis, immediately consult a doctor and conduct 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 has irreversible consequences.With an attentive attitude to your own health and timely diagnosis, you will be able to avoid unpleasant complications and bring the body to a normal state.