Today, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over 30 years. During the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Later, the disease affects nearby blood vessels, tissues and garden systems.
The serious reasons for the threatening spread 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;
- heavy physical work;
- overweight;
- disorders of the body's immune system;
- disturbed neck position during sleep;
- Complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis often develops in the elderly as a result of age-related changes in the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis is grade 4. In this article, the symptoms and features of the treatment of the disease will be considered in stages 1 and 2, because complex treatment, including medication, traditional medicine, exercise, physiotherapy, helps well, as the consequences of the disease are reversible.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
In stage 1, the initial symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are mild. Often a person does not pay attention to them ("the neck exploded, it will pass by itself").
The body generally indicates the onset of the disease as follows:
- neck pain, aggravated by dizziness;
- numbness and tingling in the arms and shoulders;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the disease, many people do not rush to the doctor in vain, linking the disease with overwork and nervous stress.
The pathological process has just begun its destructive activity. Intervertebral discs have not completely lost their elasticity. Timely medical care will help prevent the development of stage 1 osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic methods, combined with massage and physiotherapy, can restore the affected area to a complete cure.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis
Late access to medical care leads to the development of cervical osteochondrosis, the disease progresses to the second stage. Further destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae themselves and nearby tissues and blood vessels.
Compression of nerve roots leads to non-localization of pain, spreading under the arms, shoulders, back, scapula.
Patients present to a cardiologist with complaints of pain in the heart area. Examination revealed that the cardiogram was normal and that the painful sensations were caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- inability to turn one's head, bend, lift;
- Acute alignment of the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- frequent headaches;
- persistent high blood pressure;
- performance decreased;
- constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- pain in the arm, under the shoulder blade, spreading to the back;
- Pain in the heart area.
There is a constant tension in the back muscles, resulting in displacement of the vertebrae. This can cause curvature of the spine.
At this stage of development, treatment of the disease requires a more serious approach:
- drug treatment;
- medical and diagnostic examination;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- strict diet;
- Consultation of narrow specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neurologist).
The full course of treatment is prepared taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age, severity of the disease, can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of stage 1 and 2 of cervical osteochondrosis
To avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to take a number of preventive measures on a regular basis.
The basic instructions are as follows:
- Track your weights. Each extra kilogram increases the load on the spine. This will inevitably lead to loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs and disruption of blood circulation. This, in turn, contributes to the development of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps to reduce muscle tone, all body systems begin to work intermittently. It is useful to do sports in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, walking.
- Maintain proper posture. Don't panic, keep your back straight while walking at your desk. To do this, make it a rule to do a few simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with back support for computer work. Get up from the table every half hour, warm up a bit.
- Elimination of infectious foci in the body. Any infectious focus on the body can lead to preconditions for the development of cervical spine osteochondrosis. This is especially true of the ENT organs (ears, throat, nose).
- Correct your body position during sleep and rest. It is recommended to use orthopedic mattresses and pillows. Their design ensures the correct position of the spine, allowing the body to relax as much as possible at rest.
- A set of daily physical exercises should include exercises to prevent osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Proper nutrition. Do not overdo spicy, fatty, smoked foods. Try to include more greens, vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Now it is not only healthy, but also fashionable.
- Get a medical checkup every year. Ultrasound, X-ray, 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 serious disease such as cervical osteochondrosis.