Today, cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases in people over 30 years of age. During the pathological process, the intervertebral discs and the vertebrae themselves are destroyed. Thereafter, the disease affects nearby blood vessels, tissues, and ligament systems.
Serious causes of the threatening incidence of the disease are referred to by doctors as a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
In addition, it contributes to the development of the disease:
- nervous stress, constant overload;
- hard physical work;
- overweight;
- disorders of the body's immune system;
- uncomfortable neck position during sleep;
- complications after infectious diseases.
Cervical osteochondrosis in the elderly often results from senile changes in the body.
Cervical osteochondrosis is 4 degrees. This article examines the symptoms and characteristics of the treatment of stage 1 and 2 disease, as the consequences of the disease are reversible, complex treatment helps well, including the use of medications, traditional medicine, practices, physiotherapy.
Stage 1 cervical osteochondrosis
The initial signs of osteochondrosis of the neck in stage 1 are weak. Often one does not pay attention to them ("the neck is blown, it goes away on its own").
The body usually signals the development of the disease as follows:
- neck pain aggravated by turning the head;
- feeling numbness and mild tingling in the arms and shoulders;
- is a general weakness of the body.
At this stage in the development of the disease, many people do not rush to the doctor in vain, attributing the diseases to overload and nervous stress.
The pathological process has just begun its destructive activity. Intervertebral discs did not completely lose their elasticity. Timely medical help will help prevent the further development of stage 1 osteochondrosis.
Therapeutic methods combined with massage and physiotherapy can restore the affected area until complete healing.
Stage 2 cervical osteochondrosis
Getting late medical help progresses to cervical osteochondrosis, the disease goes into the second stage. Further destruction of the intervertebral discs occurs, the pathological process affects the vertebrae themselves and the nearby tissues and vessels.
The pinching of the nerve roots leads to the fact that the pain is not localized but radiates under the arm, shoulder, back, shoulder blade.
Patients report complaints of pain around the heart to their cardiologist. The examination reveals that the cardiogram is 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, tilt, lift head;
- severe numbness of the neck and upper shoulder girdle;
- common headache;
- persistently high blood pressure;
- decreased performance;
- feeling of constant tiredness, feeling of weakness;
- pulling pain radiating to the arm, under the shoulder blade, back;
- pain in the heart region.
Constant tension in the back muscles is observed, resulting in displacement of the vertebrae. This can lead to curvature of the spine.
Treating 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 with narrow specialists (orthopedists, surgeons, neuropathologists).
The full course of treatment is designed taking into account the characteristics of the patient's body, age and the severity of the disease, and can last up to 2 months.
Prevention of stage 1 and 2 cervical osteochondrosis
Preventive measures should be taken regularly to avoid attacks of cervical osteochondrosis.
The basic guidelines are:
- Keep track of your weight. Each extra kilogram increases the load on the spine. This inevitably leads to a loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs, damage to the blood circulation. Which in turn contributes to the development of osteochondrosis.
- Try to move a lot. A sedentary lifestyle helps reduce muscle tone, with all body systems starting to work intermittently. Exercise in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, walking are useful.
- Correct posture. Do not bend over, keep your back straight while walking while sitting at your desk. To do this, make it a rule to do some simple exercises every day.
- Choose a chair with a backrest for computer work. Get up from the table every half hour, do a little warm-up.
- Eliminate infectious foci in the body. Any infectious focus in the body can cause preconditions for the occurrence of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. This is especially true for ENT organs (ear, throat, nose).
- Correct posture during sleep and rest. The use of orthopedic mattresses and pillows is recommended. Their design ensures the correct position of the spine, allowing the body to relax as much as possible while resting.
- The complex of daily physical exercises should include exercises to prevent osteochondrosis of the spine.
- Proper nutrition. Do not overuse spicy, greasy, smoked foods. Try to include as many greens, vegetables and fruits as possible in your daily diet.
- Quit alcohol and smoking. Now it’s not only unhealthy, it’s not fashion.
- You should have a medical examination 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 illness such as osteochondrosis of the neck.