Many people know about cervical osteochondrosis. Standing still for a long time, bowing your head when working in front of a computer, and "sitting" in front of the TV for a long time are factors that lead to the emergence and development of diseases. The patient will have a question when facing the disease: how to cure cervical osteochondrosis? This article specifically answers this question.
Stage of disease
The disease develops in several stages:
- First-degree cervical osteochondrosis is characterized by damage to the cartilage tissue, and the patient feels muscular discomfort and slight discomfort. Symptoms disappear and few people go to see a doctor at this stage;
- Secondary cervical osteochondrosis leads to the destruction of the annulus fibrosus, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced, squeezed, and pain symptoms appear;
- Third-degree cervical osteochondrosis is manifested as further continuous destruction of vertebrae, changes in body shape, proliferation of bones, and intervertebral hernias are variable. The patient feels difficulty and pain when trying to turn the neck to one side
symptom
In the initial stages of development, osteochondrosis is asymptomatic. After prolonged bowing or strenuous exercise, there will be slight discomfort at the back of the neck. The patient is not in a hurry to see a doctor, mistakenly thinking it is the result of muscle overwork. Pathology is developing slowly but continuously.
The main symptoms of the disease:
- Pain in the problem area-"back pain" in the hands and shoulder blades;
- Overwork of neck muscles;
- Tongue numbness-felt when eating, talking;
- Paralysis of the arm and leg muscles, accompanied by any activity
Due to the deformation of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, the patient's condition deteriorated.
The course of osteochondrosis is complicated by neurogenic symptoms caused by compression of osteophytes or herniated spinal cord roots and vertebral arteries. Headache, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, decreased vision and hearing.
What should I do
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis requires a comprehensive approach. In the early stages of disease development, no medication is used. Adequate preventive procedures:
- Organize a healthy lifestyle;
- Proper nutrition (avoid spicy, high-fat, high-calorie foods);
- Gymnastics (10-15 minutes of morning exercise, physical condition will improve);
- Give up weightlifting-the load on the spine;
- Combat bad habits;
- Adopt the correct posture when sleeping (orthopedic mattresses will help) and work in front of the computer at the same time;
- Pay attention to your gait.
Drug use
As we age, osteochondrosis will develop. The treatment is aimed at combating the pathological properties. It is worth reducing pain (anaesthesia), reducing the intensity of the inflammatory process, and strengthening the metabolism of the cervical area.
Drug group used:
- Vitamin complex;
- Chondroprotective agent;
- Analgesics
- Muscle relaxants (drugs designed to relieve muscle spasms).
Doctors often prescribe drugs containing aspirin. These remedies can relieve pain, fever and fight mild discomfort.
The course includes sedative pills.
Doctors who are developing a disease-fighting compound will cure cervical osteochondrosis with the help of drugs.
injection
Blockade is a procedure that represents the introduction of drugs into areas affected by a progressive pathological process.
Only doctors with high medical education can perform this operation. The injection reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process and reduces pain.
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, both types of injections are applicable.
In the first case, the active substance is injected into the spinal cord in the direction of the nerve branch, in the second case-injected into the reflux branch of the spinal nerve.
The final blockade has a more complicated action, an execution technique.
ointment
One option to treat osteochondrosis with the help of drugs is to use creams, ointments, gels-for external treatment of painful areas.
This therapy is used in the early stages of osteochondrosis. benefit:
- The price of ointment is lower than that of magnetic therapy and acupuncture;
- Convenient and affordable for external use;
- No use contraindications;
- You can use the funds for a long time because allergic reactions to the components are ruled out.
Types of ointment used to treat osteochondrosis:
- Anti-inflammatory, contains analgesic ingredients;
- Complex cream
- Stimulating ointment-promote local blood circulation;
- Cartilage protective agent, restore cartilage tissue;
- Homeopathic products containing natural plant extracts;
- Massage mixture (among the ingredients-mummies, herbal ingredients, bee venom).
Non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment method is selected by the doctor based on the analysis of the stage of disease development. In the first stage, the patient is advised to sleep on a hard surface. If the nerve is squeezed, use the Glisson ring to pull out the cervical spine. As a result, the muscles and ligaments in the paravertebral area are stretched. The distance between the vertebrae increases, and the nerves and blood vessels are released. You can manually stretch the spine using manual therapy. The results are given by magnetic therapy and ultrasound.
In the system of treatment measures against osteochondrosis, physical exercise occupies an important position-gymnastics, swimming.
It is recommended to relieve patients and healthy people to exercise as a preventive measure. The load intensity gradually increased. At the beginning, practice with half the strength to avoid overloading the spine.
The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is initially dangerous-you may harm your body while fighting for your health. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor who conducts a thorough examination of the patient.
Correct body posture
Most symptoms of osteochondrosis are caused by the wrong position of the neck, compression of nerve endings and blood vessels, and blockage of local blood circulation, forming a "stasis zone". In this regard, doctors recommend continuous monitoring of the anatomical correctness of posture, gait, and posture.
Keep your back and neck straight throughout the day. If the work is static and sedentary, it is important to pay attention to the height of the chair and table. It must be the same so that the person can sit upright, not bend over, and not overwork the muscles.
In order to sleep, you need a special bed, orthopedic latex mattress. It is worth ensuring that the pillow is at the correct height (measured by the distance from the neck to the shoulder joint). This posture can relax the neck muscles during sleep and play a therapeutic role.
Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease that requires a comprehensive approach to organize treatment and preventive measures to combat it. It is worth warning not to self-medication, which can lead to irreversible negative health consequences. Qualified medical assistance will cure the disease.