Cervical osteochondrosis is a pathology that is accompanied by degenerative changes in cartilaginous tissue and intervertebral discs.
Pathology appears as a result of severe 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 during movement.Most often, pathology occurs 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.
- Stay in the same poses for a long time.
- Bad mattress.
- Intense sporting activities.
- Physical work.
- Injuries to the problem area.
- Flat feet.
- Age-related changes in the body.
- Bad 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 diet, 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 developing pathology is pain in the neck, back and shoulders.The patient feels heaviness in problem areas, throbbing, numbness and goosebumps.The pain can change in character from sharp 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 impairs the mobility of the upper extremities, 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 functioning of blood vessels deteriorates, which leads to the appearance of swelling and redness on the skin.
What symptoms accompany osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Neck, shoulder, back pain.
- Discomfort when moving or playing sports.Feeling of muscle stiffness in the morning, heaviness in the problem area.
- Sensations of tingling and numbness in the problem area.
- Muscle tension, cramps and spasms.
- Painful, pressing headaches that do not go away after taking painkillers.
- 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, the pathology increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.Cervical chondrosis can lead to diseases of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract.
The disease also has a significant 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, folk 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
Medicines are prescribed in the later stages of the disease, when the patient experiences unbearable pain and discomfort during movements.
Drug treatment of pathology is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process and relieving pain.Drug treatment is prescribed in the form of injections and means for internal use.
What are the functions of medicines:
- Relieves pain and muscle tension.
- I block the inflammatory process.
- Normalize blood circulation and vascular function.
- Promotes the restoration of cartilaginous tissue.
- Restore mobility.
- Relieves moral stress
For treatment, non-steroidal drugs are used that relieve pain, anti-inflammatory ointments that help relieve swelling.Additionally, intravenous injections are used.
Muscle relaxers are prescribed to dilate blood vessels and relieve muscle tension.Soothing products help overcome apathy, drowsiness and distrust.Antidepressants and sleeping pills are used for this purpose.
Traditional medicine
Traditional methods help eliminate the symptoms of chondrosis in the early stages.Herbal teas are used to eliminate 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.
- Rosehip.
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 to normalize blood circulation, restore mobility and eliminate numbness of 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 leave to infuse for 2 weeks.
Take one spoonful of solution per 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 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 a day.
It should be noted that it is not recommended to keep herbal infusions for more than 4 days.After this time, they lose their beneficial properties and cause undesirable effects.
Physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises and massages are effective ways to eliminate swelling, pain and discomfort in the neck.All exercises and activities should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, the patient must follow all recommendations to avoid complications.
Gymnastics is practiced 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.
Magnetotherapy, acupuncture and electrophoresis help restore flexibility to the spine and eliminate pain.These 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 well, avoid unhealthy foods.
- Get rid of harmful addictions.
- Do simple physical exercises to work all muscle groups every day.
- If there is discomfort in the shoulders and neck, perform self-massage and rub the skin with special ointments.
- If you suspect osteochondrosis, immediately consult a doctor and carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the body.
To prevent pathology, it is also necessary to restore the emotional state and get rid of life stress.
Osteochondrosis is a serious disease that leads to irreversible consequences.With a vigilant attitude to your own health and timely diagnosis, you will be able to avoid unpleasant complications and return the body to a normal state.