Today, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over 30 years old. In the course of the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Subsequently, the disease affects nearby vessels, tissues and ligament systems.
Strong reasons for the threatening prevalence of this disease, doctors call sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
In addition, the development of the disease is facilitated by:
- nervous stress, constant overload;
- hard physical work;
- overweight;
- disorders in the functioning of the body's immune system;
- uncomfortable position of the neck during sleep;
- complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis often develops in the elderly as a result of senile changes in the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis has 4 degrees. This article will consider the symptoms and characteristics of the treatment of the disease of stages 1 and 2, because it is in the stages that the consequences of the disease are reversible, the complex treatment helps well, including with the use of medicines, traditional medicine, exercises, physiotherapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The initial signs of cervical osteochondrosis in stage 1 are weak. Often the person pays no attention to them ("the neck has burst, it will pass by itself").
The body usually signals the onset of the disease as follows:
- pain in the neck, aggravated when turning the head;
- sensation of numbness and slight tingling in the arm and shoulder;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the disease's development, many are in vain and are in no hurry to go to the doctor, attributing the diseases 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 prevent the 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
The late search for medical help leads to the progression of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease passes to the second stage. More destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae and nearby tissues, vessels.
The compression of nerve roots leads to the fact that the pain is not localized, but radiates to the arm, shoulder, back and under the scapula.
Patients go to the cardiologist with complaints of pain in the heart region. During the examination, the cardiogram is found to be within normal limits and the painful sensations are caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself in the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- inability to turn, to lean, to lift the head;
- severe numbness of the neck and shoulder girdle;
- frequent headache;
- consistently high blood pressure;
- reduced performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- pulling the pain that radiates to the arm, under the shoulder blade, to the back;
- pain in the heart region.
Constant tension of the back muscles is observed, resulting in displacement of the vertebrae. This can lead to curvature of the spine.
Treatment of the disease at this stage of development requires a more serious approach, including:
- drug therapy;
- medical examination and diagnosis; physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises; massage
- ;
- restricted diet;
- consultation with restricted specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neuropathologist).
The complete course of treatment is developed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age, severity of the disease and can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis stage 1 and 2
To prevent attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to regularly carry out a set of preventive measures.
The basic guidelines are as follows:
- Track your weight. Each extra kilogram increases the load on the spine. This will inevitably lead to a loss of elasticity in the intervertebral discs, impaired blood circulation. This, in turn, contributes to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move around a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps to reduce muscle tone, all systems in the body start to work intermittently. Exercising outdoors, swimming, cycling and walking are helpful.
- Maintain the correct posture. Don't lean over, keep your back straight while walking around your desk. To do this, make it a rule to do some simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with a spine support to work on the computer. Get up from the table every half hour, do a little warm-up.
- Elimination of infectious foci in the body. Any infectious focus on the body can cause preconditions for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This applies especially to ENT organs (ear, throat, nose).
- Correct body position during sleep and rest. Orthopedic mattresses and pillows are recommended. Its design ensures the correct positioning of the spine, allowing the body to relax as much as possible during rest.
- The daily physical exercise complex should include exercises to prevent spinal osteochondrosis.
- Adequate nutrition. Do not abuse spicy, fatty and smoked foods. Try to include more vegetables, fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
- Give up alcohol and smoking. Now it is not only harmful to health, but it is also not in fashion.
- Get medical exams annually. Ultrasound, X-ray examination 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 a disease as serious as cervical osteochondrosis.