Cervical osteochondrosis is common, accompanied by pain in the head, neck, shoulder girdle, impaired cerebral circulation. The peculiarity of the localization of the pathological process and contradictory manifestations force patients to turn to specialists for help. Lack of prompt treatment threatens disability.
Often cervical osteochondrosis affects young people (up to 40 years), contributes to the development of incorrect body position (sitting for a long time in front of the computer, habit of holding the phone with the shoulder), vibrations, poor posture, physical inactivity, uncomfortable bedding, inheritance.
Possible reasons
The disease is accompanied by 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 the lymph and blood (in active people there is a continuous exchange between bone and muscle tissue, with a static lifestyle, blood flow slows down, less salt enters the muscle tissue, they accumulate in places that do not function physically - joints, spine, kidneys, liver);
- irreversible phenomena that occur in the cartilage tissue (salt deposition causes alterations in the cushioning 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 (work at the table with a twisted neck and tilted head), squeezing of the vessels that feed the spine occurs, resulting in degeneration of the intervertebral cartilage;
- with obesity, the spine and intervertebral discs undergo deformation due to high load, the muscular corset of the back weakens;
- due to improper metabolism, the balance of minerals in the bone tissue is disturbed.
Characteristic symptoms
The main manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis:
- pain in the nape, neck, shoulder, arm, difficulty moving the head, creaking when turning the head or tilting;
- pain of a pulling nature in the chest area on the left with irradiation to the left hand, burning sensation in the interscapular region;
- recurring headaches, fatigue, weakness, difficulty turning your head;
- pain in the neck passes to the shoulder and arm, numbness in 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, the symptoms are divided into groups:
- I - neurological manifestations (continuous 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 - associated with processes occurring in the brain (cerebral manifestations due to insufficient blood supply: visual disturbances, sensation of a foreign body in the throat, noise and ringing in the ears, hearing loss, dizziness, unsteadiness when walking, fainting , fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, memory loss).
General recommendations
In the absence of indications for hospitalization, outpatient treatment is prescribed (most often the patient is at home, visiting a neurologist on the indicated days). Of the drugs used:
- NSAID course 7 - 14 days (per day 2 - 3 times);
- sedatives protect the nervous system from the influence of pain, course 1 - 3 weeks;
- diuretics to reduce swelling in the inflamed area;
- vitamins of group B to improve metabolic processes occurring in the nervous tissue, normalize musculoskeletal conduction;
- muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm;
- means that improve the structure and functions of cartilage tissue (ATP, chondroprotectors);
- topically - creams, gels, ointments such as warming, analgesic or distraction.
With increasing pain, bed rest is recommended, a physiological position (to relieve the load from the spine) for 1-2 days, after which the patient should begin to move.
In the acute stage, it is necessary to perform breathing exercises and exercises to relieve muscle spasm (smooth head tilt and rotation, circular movements), gradually increasing the load. You shouldn't make sudden movements.
With muscle spasm, massage is prescribed (you can do 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's ring is used (after consultation with a doctor).
Diet should be adequate 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);
- proteins (lean poultry, dairy products, eggs, nuts);
- foods rich in fiber and antioxidants (legumes, cereals, fruit).
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 sitting, you need to 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 herbal infusions or decoctions, rub the ointment into problem areas.
| Components | Quantity | Application procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Pine needles | 250 g | Prepare the needles with a liter of boiling water, insist. Drink twice a day. |
| Garlic, ginger | 1: 1 | To the grated ginger add the garlic, a little butter. Scrub the painful 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 grated potato gruel with honey, apply on the neck. |
| horseradish leaf | 1 pc. | Dip the horseradish leaf in boiling water for a few seconds and remove. Cool liquid, use for compresses. |
| horseradish root | 2 tsp | Grated horseradish root put on a bandage, attached to the neck, cover with plastic wrap on top and wrap. Hold for 1 - 1, 5 minutes, then rinse with water. |
| treasure | 1 dessert spoon | Preheat the neck, do self-massage with honey for 5 minutes. After that, wrap your neck. |
What is not recommended?
With cervical osteochondrosis, you cannot:
- lifting weights (if necessary, perform actions with a straight back, without tilting the 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, a soft bed (causes tension in the back muscles);
- lead a sedentary lifestyle (jogging, swimming, walking are useful);
- independently diagnose and prescribe treatment.
Prevention measures
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis, it is recommended:
- get rid of hypodynamy (move more, engage in Nordic walking, dance, swim);
- monitor body weight, avoiding excess weight (leads to impaired blood circulation, nutrition of the collar area);
- monitor posture (if violated, the load on the spine is unevenly distributed);
- prevent microtraumas in the cervical region (correctly lift weights and put them on);
- 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 achieved using complex treatment. Home treatment will only be effective with careful observance of all prescriptions and their daily use.