Many people experience osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.This disease progresses and develops gradually and imperceptibly, but at one not entirely wonderful moment it manifests itself in a deterioration in general well-being and headaches.Is it possible to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home with folk remedies and which specialist should you contact for help?
How does osteochondrosis develop and manifest itself?
The human cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae.They are connected by intervertebral discs called intervertebral discs, in the middle of which is the nucleus pulposus.Irrational stress on the spine, constant uncomfortable positions, poor blood circulation and frequent muscle spasms eventually lead to degenerative changes in the intervertebral cartilage of the cervical spine.The consequence of these changes is the appearance of cracks in the cartilage of the intervertebral discs, into which the nucleus pulposus shifts when the spine is stressed.This displacement leads to compression of neighboring structures - the substance of the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves - and therefore pain.
Anyone who pays attention to their health can recognize the first signs of osteochondrosis.Most often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine causes pain in the shoulder girdle, back of the head and neck.In addition, osteochondrosis leads to disruption of cerebral circulation, headaches, dizziness and even loss of consciousness.
Most often, this disease occurs in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or engage in sedentary work in which the position of the head and neck is limited to a monotonous range of movements during the working day.If a person does not receive qualified treatment in a timely manner and tries to overcome the disease on his own at home, the situation worsens - the distance between the vertebrae decreases, bone growth occurs, which leads to permanent partial or complete loss of ability to work.
If the above symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor.A vertebral doctor treats various pathologies of the spine;However, a specialist of this profile can only be found in large medical centers.In a regular clinic, patients with osteochondrosis are treated by a neurologist, and in his absence - by a therapist.Only a doctor can prescribe, adjust or cancel treatment (medicinal, folk, combined) after an examination.
Stages of cervical osteochondrosis and their diagnosis
The clinical course of osteochondrosis is characterized by three main stages of development, which differ in symptoms and extent of disorders:
- Stage 1– there are already cracks in the disc ring;The core can shift to the side under stress.At this stage, symptoms such as stabbing pain and spasms of the neck muscles, numbness of the tongue, dilated pupils, the appearance of Wright's syndrome (tingling and numbness of the hands when moving behind the head), Naffziger's syndrome (pinching of the lower roots of the brachial plexus and subclavian artery), pain in the neck muscles predominate;
- Stage 2– The distance between the vertebrae decreases, the fibrous ring dries out and, as a result, inflammation occurs due to capsule rupture.In addition, the edges of the vertebral bodies are overgrown with osteophytes - specific bone growths.To the symptoms of the first stage is added the so-called “falling head” syndrome, in which the patient is forced to support his head with his hands to relieve the pain;
- Stage 3– At this stage there is a complete tear of the cartilage, prolapse of the nucleus pulposus and the formation of an intervertebral fracture.At this stage, symptoms such as periodic pain in the neck, headaches and dizziness are observed, loss of consciousness occurs with a sharp turn of the head, and the limbs periodically “stop listening”.
To make a diagnosis, you should contact a neurologist who, after a preliminary examination, will prescribe a detailed examination.These include X-rays, MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine, angiography and vascular ultrasound.The diagnosis of “osteochondrosis” is made only on the basis of X-rays and MRI data when there are changes in the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.
How is the treatment carried out?
How to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that can completely eliminate this disease.If the patient's condition is satisfactory and does not require hospitalization, i.e.In severe cases of the disease, the decision to stay in hospital may be made.
Drug treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine prescribed by the doctor usually includes drugs taken orally from the following groups:
- Painkillers.Taken three times a day after meals for a long period of 1-2 weeks;
- Folk sedatives - feverfew, valerian, St. John's wort.They are mild sedatives and prevent nervous system exhaustion due to persistent pain.Accepted for 1-3 weeks;
- Diuretics.They help reduce swelling in the area of inflammation;
- B vitamins – normalize muscle conduction and help improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue;
- Muscle relaxants – help relax tense muscles.
- Chondroprotectors – drugs that help improve the structure of cartilage tissue and the performance of intervertebral discs.
In addition, gels, ointments, creams and various medicinal or folk rubs are used externally, which have an analgesic, warming and distracting effect.
Other treatments
In addition to medications and folk remedies to alleviate the patient's condition, positioning treatment is also prescribed.At the stage of exacerbation of osteochondrosis with pronounced pain, strict bed rest is prescribed, during which physiological posture allows you to unload the spine and relieve pain.Treatment with storage is prescribed for 1-3 days.Even in the acute stage of osteochondrosis, doctors and physiotherapists recommend performing special breathing exercises and exercises at home that relieve muscle spasms.
In the subacute stage of cervical osteochondrosis, you can independently perform head rotations and gentle bends at home.When a muscle cramp occurs, massage is a very effective method of pain relief.You can do it yourself or trust the hands of a specialist.To prevent this disease, it is useful to undergo a massage twice a year.Therefore, to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the following means and methods are used:
- Gymnastics;
- Massage;
- Hirudotherapy (treatment with medicinal leeches);
- wearing a special neck brace;
- vertical cervical traction using a special device.
Diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle play an important role in the treatment of this disease.From the diet it is necessary to exclude drinks and foods that contribute to restlessness and spasms of a person's spinal muscles.Prohibited drinks and foods include: tea and coffee, alcohol and hot spices, marinades and smoked foods.Fresh vegetables and fruits, grains and legumes, nuts and boiled eggs, dairy and fermented milk products, as well as low-fat fish, beef and poultry have a positive effect on cartilage and joint tissue.