Cervical osteochondrosis can be safely called the "disease of the century", since this disease occurs in every second person aged 25-40 years.
It is a violation of the functioning of the articular cartilage and adjacent bone tissue.
The cervical spine is the most mobile. It contains a large number of nerve endings and vascular formations.
The destruction or change of the intervertebral discs leads to a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the brain.
Causes
- Sedentary lifestyle. With a sedentary lifestyle, metabolic processes in the body undergo changes. Salt begins to accumulate in the cervical region.
- stress. During the period of being in a depressed state, a person stoops, lowers his head down. Prolonged stay in this position has a negative effect on the cervical spine. It increases the pressure, which leads to the appearance of spasms and infringement of nerve endings.
- Improper nutrition. Eating too fatty and salty foods leads to the formation of fatty plaques, makes breathing difficult and increases the salt content in the lymph and blood. With a disease, fatty meat broths, grapes, sorrel and legumes are contraindicated.
- Overweight. Increased body weight puts additional stress on the spinal column.
- Professions. Prolonged stay in one position can be the cause of osteochondrosis. The risk group includes bank employees, drivers and programmers.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
In the early stages of the development of the disease, the main symptom by which the disease can be recognized is a specific crunch when turning the head.
Sometimes there is discomfort that affects not only the cervical spine, but sometimes gives into the hand or fingers.
Pain in cervical osteochondrosis is ambiguous. Its degree depends on which parts of the cervical region are affected.
If the intervertebral disc is affected, the clinic will be one, if the nerve is pinched or the joint is damaged, it will be completely different. Pain may be constant or intermittent.
You need to see a doctor if:
- Painful sensations in the cervical region appear at rest. With increased movement, the pain increases.
- Cervicago- Sudden sharp pain in the cervical region. When moving, the pain only intensifies.
- The appearance of pain, pressure and visual impairment at the same time. Flies begin to appear before the eyes, and it becomes difficult to look at bright lights.
- The appearance of dizziness. Caused by irritation of the vertebral artery. When turning the head, the patient may experience severe dizziness and even vomiting.
- The occurrence of pain in the shoulders. Caused by a disorder of the nervous system. You may experience goosebumps and chilly hands. Often with cervical osteochondrosis, the shoulders burn.
Helpful tips for treatment
The best remedy for osteochondrosis is its regular prevention.
The more a person moves, the less the risk of developing an ailment.
Forget about the elevator forever - walking up the stairs increases blood circulation in the human body and has a beneficial effect on the spinal column.
Morning exercises and swimming are very useful.
An effective remedy in the fight against osteochondrosis is massage. Before visiting a chiropractor, you must consult a doctor, otherwise you can only aggravate the situation.
Eliminates pain and fights the symptoms of the disease massage with warming oils. It can be carried out at home.The main thing is not to make sudden movements.
Honey massage is widely practiced. The movements are very simple: stroking from the neck to the head and vice versa. The procedure is performed until the honey is completely absorbed. Then it is necessary to insulate the cervical region. It is advisable to steam the body in the bath before the massage.
Another means of preventing and treating osteochondrosis is wrapping the cervical region using medicinal plants.
Most often used for this purposehorseradish,radishorgarlic.
Before the procedure, the plant is cut so that it releases the juice. Then it is applied to the affected area and the neck is wrapped in warmth. You can’t keep such a compress for a long time, as the remedy can strongly bake.
This massage stimulates blood circulation in the cervical region and eliminates pain.
Physiotherapy
With the help of physical education and an active lifestyle, you can forget about osteochondrosis forever.
During the period of exacerbation of the disease, it is forbidden to do any exercises.
To prevent the disease or eliminate symptoms in the early stages of the development of osteochondrosisthe following procedures are effective:
- When sitting or standing, turn your head to the left or right. It is important that the nose and chin are located above the shoulder. The exercise should be repeated up to 10 times. It stimulates blood circulation in the cervical region and prevents the formation of salts.
- Stand up straight, lower your arms along the torso. Try to reach your chest with your chin. The exercise returns the original flexibility of the intervertebral discs and eliminates "stagnation". It is recommended to repeat it about 8 times.
- Exercise is performed standing or sitting. Tilt your head back and try to pull in your chin as much as possible. The frequency of repetition is 7 times. Exercise eliminates the stiffness of the back muscles of the cervical region. You can practice in between work at the computer.
- Initial position-sitting. Place your palm on your forehead and lower your head. Try to press hard on your forehead. Perform the exercise for 10 seconds. It strengthens the anterior muscles of the cervical region.
To restore the health of the cervical spine, we recommend using special exercises.
Classic options for the fight against osteochondrosis
Medical assistance
Drug treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is justified only in case of complications.
Initially, it is aimed at eliminating pain and inflammation. Then, blood circulation is stimulated in the affected area and the metabolism is accelerated. Such results are achieved through the use of medicines of various actions.
To restore metabolic processes in the cervical region, B vitamins and chondroprotectors are used.
The composition of the tablets for the treatment of osteochondrosis includes acetylsalicylic acid. It effectively relieves pain and inflammation. The course of treatment may also include sedatives.
Acupuncture
With an exacerbation of the disease, acupuncture is used. The needle is inserted into a specific place that is responsible for the activity of a specific organ. Unique procedures are able to eliminate all the symptoms of the disease and establish a self-healing mechanism. Along with the pain, migraines, sleep and appetite disorders go away.
Ointments
For self-elimination of the disease, most often usedointments. In the piggy bank of traditional medicine there are many useful recipes for ointments that allow you to get rid of pain and inflammation.The basis for them is standard:water, vegetable oil and animal fat. Ratio 100: 75: 75 grams.
Birch buds, dandelion root, coriander can act as additional ingredients. We cut them and send them to boil for 5 minutes with the base. The ointment should cool to room temperature, then it is applied to the cervical region and wrapped in heat.
Compresses
Useful for the fight against osteochondrosis compresses with horseradish. The plant is dipped in hot water for a few minutes, then applied to the neck. The department is warmed with a scarf. This compress can be left overnight.
Some helpful tips for prevention
- Lead a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise reduces the risk of illness by 2 times.
- Eat Right. Eliminate coffee completely as it leaches calcium. The diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid hypothermia and drafts. This is what causes muscle tension.
- Watch your posture. With a long stay in one position, do small exercises that will increase blood circulation in the cervical region.
Osteochondrosis is a widespread disease. To prevent it, it is enough to lead an active lifestyle and listen to your body.