Today, 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 the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Subsequently, the disease affects nearby vessels, tissues, tendon systems.
Severe 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 fatigue;
- heavy physical work;
- overweight;
- disorders in the functioning of the body's immune system;
- awkward neck position 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 stages. This article will discuss the symptoms and characteristics of the treatment of the disease in stages 1 and 2, because it is in the stages the consequences of the disease are reversible, complex treatment helps well, including the use of drugs, traditional medicine, exercise, physiotherapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The initial signs of stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis are mild. Often one does not pay attention to them ("the neck is blown, it will pass by itself").
Usually the body signals the onset of the disease as follows:
- neck pain, aggravated by turning the head;
- tingling and slight tingling in the arm and shoulder;
- general weakness of the body.
At this stage of the disease, many are in no hurry to visit a doctor, attributing diseases of fatigue, nervous stress.
The pathological process has just begun its destructive activity. The intervertebral discs have not completely lost their elasticity. Timely medical care will help avoid further development of stage 1 osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic methods in combination with massage, physiotherapy are able to restore the affected area until complete healing.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis
Late seeking medical attention leads to progression 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, 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 shoulder blade.
Patients go to a cardiologist with complaints of pain in the heart area. During the examination it turned out that the cardiogram was within normal limits and the painful sensations were caused by osteochondrosis.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis presents with the following symptoms:
- severe muscle pain in the neck;
- inability to turn, tilt, lift the head;
- severe tingling in the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- frequent headache;
- persistent high blood pressure;
- reduced performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- pulling pain radiating to the arm, under the shoulder blade, to the back;
- pain in the heart.
There is constant tension in the muscles of the back, which leads to displacement of the vertebrae. This can lead to curvature of the spine.
The treatment of the disease at this stage of development requires a more serious approach, including:
- drug therapy;
- medical and diagnostic examination;
- physiotherapy;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- massage;
- strict diet;
- consultation of close specialists (orthopedist, surgeon, neurologist).
The full course of treatment is developed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age, severity of the disease, can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis stage 1 and 2
To avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to regularly perform a set of preventive measures.
The basic guidelines are as follows:
- Keep track of your weight. Each extra 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 a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps to reduce muscle tone, all body systems begin to work periodically. Exercises in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, walking are useful.
- Maintain proper posture. Do not move, keep your back straight as you walk, while sitting at your desk. To do this, make it a rule to do a few simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with a backrest for working on a computer. 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 cause preconditions for the appearance of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This is especially true for ENT organs (ear, throat, nose).
- Proper 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 prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Proper nutrition. Do not abuse spicy, fatty, smoked foods. Try to include more vegetables, greens, fruits in your daily diet.
- Quit alcohol and smoking. Now this is not only unhealthy, but also not fashionable.
- Get a medical checkup 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.