Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms home treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by deformation and structural changes of the intervertebral disc.

Cervical osteochondrosis has recently become more common, which can be explained by the spread of a sedentary lifestyle (driving, sitting at a computer).

Unlike thoracic and lumbar, cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself much more often, which is due to the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact is that in the neck area, the vertebrae are close enough to each other and the muscular frame is poorly developed, which leads to displacement of the vertebrae even with small loads on the neck area, and, as a consequence, to compression of blood vessels and nerves.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Relationship - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fears, tension and depression.

No less relevant cause of manifestation and aggravation of cervical and vertebral osteochondrosis is the human mental factor - these are frequent or constant stresses, fears, anxieties, a state of depression, which are always accompanied by arising internal stress.

Our spine, including the cervical section, consists of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and to keep this whole structure strong and strong, the spine is tied with many muscles and ligaments that create a kind of corset. A very important role in this design is played by intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move relative to each other, thanks to which amortization occurs.

When these very discs or the vertebrae are damaged (change in structure due to metabolic disorders), osteochondrosis occurs, which is named after the affected area: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic and lumbar.

In cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves extending from the spinal cord are pinched and the vessels are compressed, which disrupts the blood flow. because, inside tense muscles, blood is difficult to move. Of course, the blood supply to the brain is also disrupted, as a result of which oxygen starvation occurs.

In addition, all these nerves coming out of the spinal cord are connected to our internal organs and, therefore, their work is also disrupted.

Also, the causes of cervical osteochondrosis can be:

• injuries of intervertebral discs;
• weight lifting;
• incorrect posture;
• hypothermia, draft;
• incorrectly performed procedures, for example, massage, and others.
• overeating, overweight - excessive stress on the spine;
• the use of spicy, salty aggravates osteochondrosis;
• congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
• long-term exposure to vibration - working with construction machinery, driving a car, etc.
• uncomfortable bed, featherbeds, large pillows, therefore, the position of the neck in sleep is wrong;
• hereditary predisposition;
• loads on the spine, not only strong, but, for example, monotonous;
• pathology of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus;
• asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, its injuries, chewing habits, malocclusion;
• tight uncomfortable bra straps, tight collars;
• work with strenuous movements of the same type (especially when half-bending forward): sawing-splitting firewood, gardening with a shovel, with a hoe, washing on the board, vacuuming and the like.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis directly depend on the target. In this regard, a group of syndromes accompanying this disease is distinguished:

• Radicular syndromes.Radicular syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the cervical region are compressed (pinched nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain that occurs in the neck is transmitted downward and can go down to the scapula and even to the outer part of the forearm to the fingers. Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, in some cases, there is tingling of the forearm, hand or fingers, pastiness, the effect of running goose bumps.
• Irriate reflex syndromes.In case of reflex-reflex syndrome, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include acute burning pain in the neck or occiput, which occurs when moving after a static state (with sudden turns of the head, when sneezing, after sleep). The pain can radiate to the shoulder and chest.
• Cardiac syndrome.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this syndrome largely coincide with the symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in the diagnosis. With cardinal syndrome, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal and prolonged (up to several hours). Increased pain occurs with sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing, and a sharp turn of the head. Often there is the appearance of tachycardia and extrasystoles against the background of a complete absence of signs of circulatory disorders.
• Vertebral artery syndrome.In this case, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by such a symptom as a throbbing or burning headache, which most often captures the superciliary region, the back of the head, the temple, the dark. The pain, as a rule, practically does not stop, and only in some cases has a paroxysmal character. Increased pain occurs with movement or after prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position.

There is a possibility of hearing and visual impairments (decreased hearing and visual acuity, tinnitus, disorders of the vestibular apparatus, pain in the eyes). Against the background of general weakness of the body, nausea or loss of consciousness is possible.

Summing up the above, we can distinguish a number of symptoms most characteristic of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• constant neck pain extending to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, the back of the head and does not stop even at night;
• pain in the hands, forearm, shoulder, worsening even with a slight load;
• weakening of muscle strength and decreased sensitivity of hands, hands, fingers, as well as difficulty in their movements;
• pain in the neck when turning and tilting the head;
• tension of the muscles of the neck, feeling of lying back in the morning;
• burning, numbness, tingling in the legs or arms;
• extensive headache with primary localization in the occiput;
• darkening in the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, with a sharp turn of the head - fainting,
• decreased visual acuity and hearing;
• proliferation of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
• pain in the region of the heart.

Medication for cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the affected area.

Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate pain syndrome and help to reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.

In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these medicines also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.

The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The drug substance that is part of their composition is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the barrier of skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Nevertheless, there is a sense in using these external agents, since when they are rubbed into the skin, a neck massage is performed.

To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed vitamins of group B. Very often, doctors recommend to patients combined vitamin preparations, which are administered intramuscularly.

Traditional methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Folk remedies definitely cannot be written off - cervical osteochondrosis with its symptoms can be treated at home with essential oils, herbs, fats, roots and poisons. They are combined with alcohols, iodine and turpentine, and get quite effective anti-inflammatory and warming agents for use both externally and internally.

Phytotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis

Celery Remedy. Grate celery root on the finest grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice for cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment at home three times a day for a tablespoon before meals.

Less concentrated version of the medicine - for 1 tablespoon of juice 100 ml of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours and take a tablespoon of solution an hour before meals 4 times a day.

You can also use the root itself instead of juice - pour 3 grams of root into 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours until it cools completely and drink 20 ml before each meal.

Bay leaf remedy. In an enamel saucepan, pour 12 grams of bay leaf with 300 ml of cold water, boil for five minutes. Let it brew for three hours, drain. Throughout the day, between meals, drink the infusion in small sips. Drink the rest before bed. Continue taking the drug for four days, take a break for a week and repeat the course. For prevention, repeat the course every spring.

Herbal collection from cervical osteochondrosis. Grind and mix 100 grams of chamomile, parsley, hops and oregano, add 100 grams of nettle leaf and 200 grams of burdock root. Brew in a thermos, pouring 1. 5 liters of boiling water. Leave for three days. Drink the strained solution in a tablespoon twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Store in a cool, dark place.

Rubbing

Red pepper remedy.Finely chop two hot red chilli peppers, pour them into a tightly closing container and add 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Rub into the affected area with gentle movements twice a day. You don't need to take a lot of funds right away, as it can burn a lot. The effect of the product is warming, blood circulation is improved.

Butter based.Mix the egg with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of softened butter. Leave the product for a couple of days in a dark place, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture and rub it into the skin in the area of ​​cervical osteochondrosis during massage. Store the prepared mixture for no longer than 3 days.

Compresses

Burdock and horseradish leaves have proven themselves as compresses. They are scalded with boiling water, applied to the damaged area and kept for several hours, wrapped in a cotton cloth. Repeat every day 10 times. Repeat 2-4 times a year.

Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

These exercises will help both with the existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, and as a prophylaxis. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis for preventive purposes can be performed in the evenings at home, but it is better to use short breaks in work for this (this is a recommendation for those who have a sedentary job). Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis does not take much time, but it gives a positive result, and quite quickly.

• Exercise 1.Sit up straight, tilt your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to the starting position. The exercise is performed slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Do five repetitions for each side.
• Exercise 2.Sit up straight, face looking forward, chin slightly raised. Slowly and smoothly turn your head to the right - as much as possible. Return to starting position and make the same turn to the left. Repeat 5 times in each direction.
• Exercise 3.Put your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, while the palm should remain in the same place, that is, resist the pressure. During pressure with your head, you need to strain the muscles of the neck. Slowly count to 5 to yourself and relax. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 4.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed on the back of the head and it is with them to press on the palm. The tension must be kept, counting to oneself to 5. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 5.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, but in this case, put your right palm on the right temple and press your head against the palm. The tension must be kept, counting to oneself to 5. Repeat 3 times. Then do the same, placing the left palm on the left temple - repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 6.Sit up straight, tilt your head back slightly and then slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest. Repeat 5 times.
• Exercise 7.Sitting upright, lower your head down and make slow head turns to the right and left - 5 times in each direction. In this case, the head remains lowered.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not include head rotations without hand support, especially in those moments when the neck is tense and aching.

Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Self-massage never hurts, it is a key treatment at home. The main requirement is a sparing regime. You can not use excessive force, the procedure is carried out exclusively with your fingers. You can do this all day at least. During exercise, it is advisable not to bend or tilt the neck to the sides.

It is necessary to start from the upper cervical vertebra and gradually lower the massaged area. Movements should be smooth spiral or circular, from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If a muscle in the cervical area is stiff, it can be kneaded separately. Remember the symmetrical load. The time for massaging the right and left parts is approximately equal. It will not be possible to completely cure the disease with self-massage, but it is quite possible to slow down the disease and speed up recovery.

Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors advise to eat in small portions at least 5 times a day. Eat cooked or steamed meals. Drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day. Season salads with olive oil. Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

Include the following products on the menu:

• lean meat: beef, rabbit, chicken;
• vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
• dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
• seafood: fish, lobster, oysters, crabs;
• dishes with gelatin: jelly, jellied meat, aspic from fish;
• nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds;
• mushrooms, eggs, cereals.

Try to eat less sugar, grapes, broths. Eliminate salty and smoked foods, flour products, hot spices from the diet.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

As usual, proper prophylaxis will help avoid osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but, of course, all physical exercises must be used regularly, otherwise there will be little benefit from "periodic" exercises.

It remains to remember simple rules:

• regularly go in for sports, especially swimming, water aerobics, gymnastics for stretching and flexibility of the vertebrae is also suitable to prevent osteochondrosis, which can be practiced at home;
• Eat more foods with a lot of calcium and magnesium. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to abstain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy;
• choose a good orthopedic mattress and pillow that is ideal for the neck, supporting the head in the correct anatomical position during sleep (yes, your favorite huge down pillows will not go away with spinal problems! ).
• during sedentary work, at least a couple of times a day, perform a special set of therapeutic exercises.