Today, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over the age of 30. During the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Subsequently, the disease affects neighboring vessels, tissues and ligament systems.
Big reasons for the threatening prevalence of this disease, doctors call a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
In addition, the development of the disease is facilitated by:
- nervous stress, constant overwork;
- hard physical labor;
- overweight;
- disturbances in the functioning of the body's immune system;
- uncomfortable neck position while sleeping;
- complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis often develops in older people as a result of senile changes in the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis has 4 degrees. This article will consider the symptoms and features of the treatment of the disease of stages 1 and 2, since it is at the stages that the consequences of the disease are reversible, complex treatment helps well, including the use of drugs, medicinetraditional, exercises, physiotherapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The first signs of cervical osteochondrosis in stage 1 are weak. Often a person does not pay attention to them ("the neck has puffed, it will pass by itself").
The body usually signals the onset of illness as follows:
- pain in the neck, worse when turning the head;
- feeling of numbness and slight tingling in the arm and shoulder;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the development of the disease, many people are in no hurry to see a doctor, attributing the ailments to overwork, nervous stress.
The pathological process has just started its destructive activity. The intervertebral discs have not completely lost their elasticity. Timely medical assistance will help to avoid the further development of stage 1 osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic methods in combination with massage, physiotherapy are able to restore the affected area, until complete healing.
Cervical osteochondrosis stage 2
Late seeking medical help leads to the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease passes to the second stage. Further destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae themselves and neighboring tissues, vessels.
Pinching of the nerve roots leads to the fact that the pain is not localized, but radiates to the arm, shoulder, back, under the scapula.
Patients go to the cardiologist for complaints of pain in the region of the heart. Upon examination, it turns out that the cardiogram is within normal limits, and painful sensations are caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- inability to turn, tilt, lift head;
- severe numbness in the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- frequent headaches;
- constant high blood pressure;
- decrease in performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling weak;
- pulling the pain radiating to the arm, under the scapula, to the back;
- pain in the region of the heart.
Constant tension of the back muscles is observed, causing the vertebrae to shift. This can lead to a curvature of the spine.
Treating the disease at this stage of development requires a more serious approach, including:
- drug treatment
- ;
- medical and diagnostic examination; physiotherapy
- ;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises; massage
- ;
- strict diet;
- consultation of narrow specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neuropathologist).
The full course of treatment is developed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age, severity of the disease, it can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis stages 1 and 2
To avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to regularly carry out a set of preventive measures.
The basic rules are as follows:
- Keep track of your weight. Each additional kilogram increases the load on the spine. This will inevitably lead to loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs, impaired blood circulation. Which, in turn, contributes to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move around a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps reduce muscle tone, all systems in the body begin to function intermittently. Outdoor exercise, swimming, cycling, walking are helpful.
- Maintain correct posture. Do not slouch, keep your back straight while walking while sitting at your desk. To do this, be sure to do a few simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with spine support for computer work. Get up from the table every half hour, do a little warm-up.
- Elimination of infectious foci in the body. Any infectious focus in the body can be a prerequisite for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This applies in particular to ENT organs (ear, throat, nose).
- Correct body position during sleep and rest. It is recommended to use orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Their design ensures the correct position of the spine, allows the body to relax as much as possible during rest.
- The complex of daily physical exercises should include exercises for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Good nutrition. Do not abuse spicy, fatty and smoked foods. Try to include more green vegetables, vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
- Stop smoking alcohol and tobacco. Now it is not only unhealthy, but not trendy.
- Have a medical exam every year. Ultrasound, x-ray examination, tomography can detect the disease in the early stages of development.
Remember:your health is in your hands. Following the simplest rules will allow your body to avoid such a serious disease as cervical osteochondrosis.