Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over 30 years of age. In the course of the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Subsequently, the disease affects neighboring vessels, tissues and gang systems.
Doctors cite a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work as important reasons for the threatened prevalence of this disease.
In addition, the development of the disease is facilitated by:
- nervous stress, constant overload;
- hard physical labor;
- overweight;
- Disorders of the function of the body's immune system;
- uncomfortable neck position while sleeping;
- Complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis is common in the elderly, which is due to senile changes in the body.
The cervical osteochondrosis has 4 degrees. This article will discuss the symptoms and features of the treatment of the disease of stages 1 and 2, since in the stages the consequences of the disease are reversible. Complex treatment helps well, including the use of medication, traditional medicine, exercise, and physical therapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The first signs of stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis are weak. Often a person does not pay attention to them ("the throat is blown, it will pass by itself").
The body usually signals the onset of the disease as follows:
- Pain in the neck, aggravated by turning the head;
- Sensation of numbness and a slight tingling sensation in arm and shoulder;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the development of the disease, many are in no hurry to see a doctor, which is due to overwork and nervous stress.
The pathological process has just begun its destructive activity. The intervertebral discs have not completely lost their elasticity. Timely medical attention will help prevent stage 1 osteochondrosis from developing further.
Therapeutic methods in combination with massage and physiotherapy can restore the affected area until it is completely healed.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis
The belated search for medical help leads to the progression of cervical osteochondrosis. The disease moves on to the second phase. Another destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae themselves and nearby tissues, vessels.
The pinching of the nerve roots means that the pain is not localized, but radiates to the arm, shoulder, back and shoulder blade.
Patients go to the cardiologist with complaints about pain in the heart area. During the examination, it turns out that the cardiogram is within normal limits, and the painful sensations are caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 of cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- Inability to turn, tilt, and lift the head;
- severe numbness of the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- frequent headaches;
- consistently high blood pressure;
- decreased the performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- drawing pain that radiates to the arm, under the shoulder blade, to the back;
- pain in the heart area.
A constant tension in the back muscles is observed, which leads to the displacement of the vertebrae. This can lead to a curvature of the spine.
Treating the disease at this developmental stage requires a more serious approach, including:
- drug therapy;
- medical and diagnostic examination;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- physical therapy exercises;
- massage;
- strict diet;
- Consultation of close specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neuropathologist).
The entire course of treatment is developed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age and the severity of the disease. It can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis in stages 1 and 2
In order to avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, preventive measures must be taken regularly.
Basic guidelines are as follows:
- Keep an eye on your weight. Every additional kilogram increases the load on the spine. This inevitably leads to a loss of elasticity in the intervertebral discs and a circulatory disorder. Which, in turn, contributes to the appearance of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move around a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps reduce muscle tone, all body systems begin to work intermittently. Exercise in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, walking are useful.
- Maintain correct posture. Don't slouch, keep your back straight while sitting at your desk. Make it a rule to do a few simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with a back support for computer work. Get up from the table every half hour and warm up a little.
- Elimination of sources of infection in the body. Any infectious focus in the body can create conditions for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine to occur. This applies in particular to the ENT organs (throat, pharynx, nose).
- Correct the body position during sleep and rest. It is recommended to use orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Their design ensures the correct position of the spine and allows the body to relax as much as possible at rest.
- The complex of daily physical exercises should include exercises for the prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Proper nutrition. Avoid using spicy, fatty, and smoked foods too often. Try to include more vegetables, vegetables, and fruits in your daily diet.
- Give up smoking alcohol and tobacco. Now, not only is it unhealthy, it's also out of fashion.
- Carry out an annual medical examination. Ultrasound, x-ray, and 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.