Many people experience osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.This disease progresses and develops gradually and imperceptibly, but at a not entirely miraculous moment, it manifests itself as 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 turn to for help?
How does osteochondrosis appear and manifest itself?
The human cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae.They are connected by discs called intervertebral discs, the nucleus pulposus is located in the center.Irrational loading of the spine, constant uncomfortable body position, poor circulation, frequent muscle spasms eventually lead to degenerative changes in the intervertebral cartilage of the cervical spine.As a result of these changes, cracks appear in the disc of the intervertebral disc, into which the nucleus pulposus moves under the load of the spine.This displacement causes compression of nearby structures - the substance of the spinal cord and the roots of the spinal nerves - and, as a result, pain.
Anyone who pays attention to their health can notice the first signs of the development of osteochondrosis.Most often, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine causes pain in the shoulder girdle, back of the head and neck.In addition, osteochondrosis disrupts cerebral circulation, causing headaches, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.
Most often, this disease occurs in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do sedentary work, where the position of the head and neck is limited to a monotonous range of motion during the working day.If a person does not receive qualified treatment in time and tries to fight the disease independently at home, the situation worsens - the distance between the vertebrae narrows, bone growth occurs, which leads to a permanent partial or complete loss of working capacity.
If the above symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.A vertebrologist treats various pathologies of the spine;however, you can only find a specialist with this profile in large medical centers.In a regular clinic, patients suffering from osteochondrosis are treated by a neurologist and, in his absence, by a therapist.Only after examination by a doctor can you prescribe treatment (medicinal, folk, combined), modify or cancel it.
Stages and diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis
The clinical course of osteochondrosis is characterized by three main stages of development, which differ in symptoms and degree of abnormalities:
- Section 1– there are already cracks in the intervertebral disc ring;under load, the core can shift to the side.At this stage, there are symptoms such as sharp pains and spasms of the neck muscles, numbness of the tongue, dilation of the pupils, the occurrence of Wright's syndrome (tingling and numbness of the hands when moved behind the head), Naffziger's syndrome (pinching of the lower roots of the brachial plexus and the artery below the clavicle), the anterior carotid arteryhis pain;
- Section 2– the distance between the vertebrae decreases, the fibrous ring dries out, and as a result, inflammation occurs due to the rupture of the capsule.In addition, the edges of the vertebral bodies are overgrown with osteophytes - specific bone growth.To the symptoms of the first stage is added the so-called "falling head" syndrome, which forces the patient to support his head with his hands in order to reduce the pain;
- Section 3– in this stage, the complete rupture of the cartilage and the prolapse of the nucleus pulposus and the development of intervertebral hernia can be observed.At this stage, symptoms such as periodic neck pain, headache and dizziness are observed, loss of consciousness is observed with a sharp turn of the head, and the limbs periodically "stop listening".
In order to make a diagnosis, you need to seek help from a neurologist, who will prescribe a thorough examination after a preliminary examination.It should include radiography, 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, in case of changes in the structure of the vertebrae and discs.
How is the treatment done?
How can osteochondrosis of the cervical spine be cured?Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment that can completely get rid of this disease.If the patient's condition is satisfactory and he does not need hospital treatment, i.e. he can be treated at home, the doctor prescribes outpatient treatment, during which the patient visits the doctor on the agreed days and takes measures.In severe cases, it is possible to decide on hospital treatment.
Medical treatment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine usually includes oral medications from the following groups:
- pain relievers.For a long time for 1-2 weeks, 3 times a day after meals;
- folk sedatives - St. John's wort, valerian, St. John's wort.They are mild sedatives and prevent nervous system exhaustion due to prolonged pain.It is accepted for 1-3 weeks;
- diuretics.They help reduce swelling in the area of inflammation;
- B vitamins - normalize muscle conduction, improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue;
- muscle relaxants - help to relax spasmodic muscles.
- chondroprotectors - drugs that improve the structure of cartilage tissue and the performance of intervertebral discs.
In addition, gels, ointments, creams and various medicinal or folk rubs are applied locally, which have pain-relieving, warming and distracting effects.
Other treatments
In addition to medicines and folk remedies to alleviate the patients' condition, situation management is also prescribed.In the stage of exacerbation of osteochondrosis with pronounced pain, strict bed rest is prescribed, in which the physiological position of the body allows to remove the load from the spine and reduce pain.Positioning treatment is prescribed for 1-3 days.In addition, during the acute stage of osteochondrosis, doctors and physical therapists recommend performing special breathing exercises and home exercises that relieve muscle spasms.
In the subacute stage of cervical osteochondrosis, you can independently perform head and smooth bends at home.When a muscle spasm occurs, massage is a very effective way to relieve the pain.You can do it yourself or entrust it to a professional.In order to prevent the disease, it is worth having a massage twice a year.So, the following tools and methods are used to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- gymnastics;
- massage;
- hirudotherapy (treatment with medicated leeches);
- wearing a special neck brace;
- vertical cervical traction with a special device.
Diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle play an important role in the treatment of the disease.Drinks and foods that contribute to a person's agitation and spasm of the spinal muscles should be excluded from the diet.Prohibited drinks and foods include: tea and coffee, alcohol and hot spices, marinades and smoked foods.Fresh vegetables and fruits, seeds and legumes, nuts and boiled eggs, dairy products and fermented milk products, as well as low-fat fish, beef and poultry will have a beneficial effect on cartilage and joint tissue.