Osteochondrosis - degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, accompanied by partial destruction of the discs between the vertebrae. Osteochondrosis of the cervix is characterized by a slow destruction, developed over the years, of the tissue between the vertebrae that support the head. If in the last century the disease was mainly diagnosed in people aged thirty and above, today orthopedists make such a diagnosis for school children. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is long. Even during the remission period, maintenance therapy courses should be taken.
Symptoms of the disease in the early stages
The size of the cervical vertebrae is smaller than that of the chest and waist. But the load on them is important: every day a person's neck performs many complex movements. Office workers, who are forced to sit in the same position at the computer for many hours in a row, often develop osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Treatment in this case includes not only the removal of pain, but also a mandatory change in lifestyle. Staying inactive for many hours on the monitor is a great test for the spine.
The following causes of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae can be distinguished:
- inheritance;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- extreme physical activity;
- neck injuries;
- cervical spine abnormalities;
- persistent incorrect body position during sleep.
Orthopedics and neurology distinguish four stages of the disease. In the first two, the disease does not cause severe pain, but can not be bypassed.
In the first stage, the disease manifests itself as frequent headaches, a slight sensation of withdrawal in the neck. Almost all patients do not pay attention to such mild symptoms. Headaches are attributed to fatigue or lack of sleep. Most patients prefer to simply take an analgesic tablet.
Over time (sometimes this process can drag on for several years), the disease inevitably progresses to the second stage. The risk of osteochondrosis is that so-called radicular syndrome often develops. Most often, it manifests itself in the second stage and worsens further with the progression of osteochondrosis. Radicular syndrome is a constriction of nerve endings in the cervical vertebrae. After that, many other pathologies join the headache. This is a deterioration of sight and hearing, impaired functioning of the vestibular apparatus, unbearable migraine with and without aura, numbness of the hands.
As a rule, patients go to the doctor only after the manifestations of radicular syndrome. Above all they worry only about his symptoms. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae and the necessary rehabilitation will not be able to neutralize all the consequences that radicular syndrome carries with it. You can only temporarily stop the development of the disease and prevent even greater complications.
Manifestations of the disease in the later stages
There is also a third and fourth stage of the disease, which is simply impossible not to notice. Even patients who strangely neglect their health give the alarm and go to see a doctor.
The third stage of cervical osteochondrosis, if not accompanied by radicular syndrome, brings the patient a frequent excruciating headache. It is characterized by the appearance of pain directly in the neck and shoulders. The patient is forced to constantly use ointments with warming and analgesic effect. Massage helps a lot in the third stage. It is important to understand that it will not work to completely get rid of the disease. Only long-term forgiveness can be achieved - that is the purpose of treatment.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae in the fourth stage: a noticeable distortion of the spine with the naked eye and severe pain in this area. If there is also a radicular syndrome, then the patient often experiences very severe dizziness, may become weak after doing one or another sharp physical movement. Depending on where and how severely the nerve ending is pressed, a serious deterioration of vision or hearing is possible.
In the later stages it is also possible the appearance of irritative-reflex syndrome, in which frequent strong pains appear in the back of the head with pulsating nature, as well as pains that go down to the thoracic spine. They can achieve such a force that the patient can not fall asleep or perform normal body movements. Such symptoms are also possible with a strong displacement of the vertebrae. Osteochondrosis of the cervix in the later stages in 90% of cases is accompanied by either irritating reflex or radicular syndrome.
There are cases when the disease is complicated by two of these pathologies at the same time. In this case, treating osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies will not work. An integrated approach is important, which includes the use of both specialized methods (injections, massage, physiotherapy, taking analgesics) and general ones (swimming, exercise therapy, lifestyle).
Symptoms depending on damaged nerve roots
Osteochondrosis of the first vertebra of the cervix is accompanied by numbness in the occipital region in the early stages of disease development. In the later stages - the appearance of severe pain in this area. The best treatment is the use of ointments with heating and anesthetic effect, as well as massage. Once every six months, it is necessary to inject B group vitamin preparations.
Osteochondrosis of the 4th and 5th vertebrae of the cervix is associated with a violation of limb sensitivity and the appearance of pain in the forearms, chest region. Treatment - massage of the cervical area and those parts of the body that are numb. Regular use of B vitamins on a regular basis (at least once every six months, optimally once a quarter) is indicated. Physiotherapy is also effective.
Osteochondrosis of the 6th cervical vertebra is associated with pain in the shoulders and neck. Frequent headaches. Vision may begin to deteriorate - myopia and astigmatism develop. The principles of treatment are the same as in the case of other vertebrae. Only with accompanying symptoms - deterioration of vision and hearing - you should pay attention to it as well. Engage regularly in visual hygiene, do eye exercises, insert special drops that relax the optic nerve.
Osteochondrosis of the 7th cervical vertebra is associated with nerve ending damage in the fifth, sixth, and seventh vertebral regions. It occurs in both men and women of all ages. This is the most common osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae. Symptoms of C6 and C7 nerve endings include periodic numbness of the fingers and hands, pain in the neck, forearm, and lower back - shoulder blade, back, to the waist.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis: which doctor to contact
To diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, you should register for a consultation with a neuropathologist and orthopedist. A neurologist can prescribe remedies for the manifestations of the disease, which affect the state of nerve endings. This makes sense if the disease is associated with radicular syndrome. The orthopedist will assess the condition of the spine and diagnose the presence of additional diseases: scoliosis, lordosis, etc.
The following research methods are used to accurately diagnose and assess the condition of intervertebral discs:
- Radiography.
- CT scan.
- Magnetic tomography.
- Ultrasound scan of the neck vessels.
Each of them is completely safe for health and does not carry any threat of excessive exposure. The diagnosis of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, the treatment of which will be carried out throughout the rest of life, can be made after a simple visual examination. Any orthopedist can do this easily. The exception is the first stage of the disease, when no obvious pathologies of the cervical region are observed.
Methods of treatment of traditional medicine
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae? Whichever method is chosen, it should be remembered that to achieve forgiveness, you will need to regularly monitor the condition of the neck. Osteochondrosis cannot be completely cured. After a while, the symptoms will definitely be felt again, and their intensity will depend directly on the patient's attitude towards his health.
Here is a list of the most effective measures to get rid of the symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- physiotherapy;
- massage of the cervical area;
- taking analgesics;
- a course of B group vitamins;
- physiotherapy;
- Swiming.
The patient should remember that he should not engage in athletics (running, jumping, plyometric exercises), strength fitness. This will inevitably provoke a worsening of the situation. You can not sit in one position for a long time. Even if office work involves long hours spent on the monitor, once an hour you should get up and do yourself a ten minute warm-up of the neck and collar area, extending slightly.
Complex of physiotherapy exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervix
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae at home can be done with the help of special exercises. They must be performed daily, otherwise a noticeable result can not be expected.
- Stand straight, in line. Raise your hands up, breathe in, get up on your toes, and lie down as much as possible. Perform several repetitions.
- Starting position - standing, back straight, arms sitting freely along the body. Touch the left ear with the left shoulder, the right ear with the right shoulder. Perform ten times in each direction at a slow pace, without making sudden movements.
- The starting position is the same as in the previous exercise. Touch the chin to the sternum, then gently and gently tilt the head back. If the movement is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it should be abandoned.
- Sit in a chair or on a firm floor with your back straight. You can cross your legs in the lotus position. Perform circular rotations of the head - first clockwise, counterclockwise.
- Lie on the hard floor on your stomach. The arms and legs are elongated. "Boat" exercise: tear the surface of the head, arms and legs and try to raise them as high as possible. Stay in this position for as long as possible. This exercise is useful not only for the cervical spine, but also for the chest and waist.
Physical therapy exercises should be performed carefully, at a slow pace. Sudden movements can lead to increased pain.
If it is possible to perform exercises after a therapeutic warm-up massage of the cervical area - wonderful. This way of combining two treatment methods at the same time is very good.
Blockade of pain syndrome in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The main group of drugs used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with vertebral displacement are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Furthermore, in connection with osteochondrosis of the cervix, topical use of NSAIDs in gels and ointments is preferred.
In this regard, ointments and creams with snake and bee venom in the composition are effective. Among the means for local external use, local irritants and chondroprotectors are indicated.
If the pain is very strong, strong analgesics can be used once. Sometimes osteochondrosis is made worse by the cold. In this case, to remove all the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and chondrosis, medicines based on the active ingredient paracetamol will help.
Use of B vitamins in traditional therapy of the disease
Why do neuropathologists invariably prescribe B vitamins as part of the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae? The explanation is very simple. With radicular syndrome, nerve endings suffer and vitamins are the easiest way to support their functioning. The most effective form of application is intramuscular injection. When taken orally, B vitamins are only partially absorbed. When administered intramuscularly, they enter the bloodstream almost immediately.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae at home
For complex treatment, it is not at all necessary to go to the hospital. It is quite possible to achieve forgiveness at home. It is very good if the patient is able to inject independently. Then you can not be in the clinic every day.
Methods for treating osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies:
- Baths with salt and soda bring pain reduction, relaxation of the whole body. This is especially good before bed. You should take a full bath with water of medium temperature and dissolve in it a kilogram of salt and about 500 grams of soda.
- Paraffin applications are excellent. Melt the paraffin or wax, cool to a comfortable temperature and apply to the damaged area. Such compresses can be done 2 times a week.
- To reduce the inflammatory process, you can take a decoction of herbs. You need to mix 1 tablespoon. l. canton flowers, chamomile, marigold and yarrow. Add 1 tablespoon to them. l. thyme and dandelion leaves. Now you need to take 2 tablespoons. l. the resulting mixture and pour a liter of boiling water, insist. For 3 weeks, it is enough to take a decoction of 1/4 of a glass 3 times a day.
- If you do not trust pharmaceutical preparations, you can prepare an ointment for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix. You will need to take coriander fruit, birch buds, dandelion root, mint grass in equal parts. Grind three tablespoons of the mixture into a powder, pour 1/2 cup boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes. To the resulting mass add 75 g of vegetable oil and lard. Cool and rub into the affected 4 times a day. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.
- Good help with osteochondrosis and compresses. For example, from honey and potatoes. Grind a large tuber on a fine grater and mix with honey in a 1: 1 ratio. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area for 45 minutes.
With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, massage is the medicine no. 1 for reducing tension and pain. To do massage therapy for yourself, you need good flexibility. Older people are often not even able to raise their arms to the desired height. But they find a way out of the situation: they ask one of the younger relatives to massage.
Patient reactions to the outcome of therapy
According to numerous reviews of orthopedic patients and neurologists, the optimal method of treatment is the use of all procedures in combination. It is useless to use only methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae with folk remedies.
Some patients notice that a course of procedures with a good massage therapist literally brought them back to life, their work capacity increased.
Some patients respond positively exclusively to physiotherapy exercises. They started exercising regularly at home, bought a subscription to the pool for therapeutic swimming courses. Yoga and regular exercises to stretch the spine have helped some. Feelings after such asanas: tenderness in the body, lack of pain, stress relief.
If you regularly charge your body with this type of activity, you can enter into a long-term remission and forget the symptoms of cervical spine osteochondrosis.