Osteochondrosis of the Neck: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Dull neck pain, increasing with exercise, headache, discomfort - these are the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis. This insidious disease can cause a lot of inconvenience to a person, so don't hesitate to see a doctor.

Neck pain with osteochondrosis

the development of the disease

Cervical osteochondrosis is classified as a chronic disease. Usually, the disease develops over a long period of time, so tissues and organs change.

The cause of this disorder can be intense physical exertion, monotonous movements associated with working conditions, prolonged periods of uncomfortable postures. In addition, the development of cervical osteochondrosis can cause low physical activity that worsens the process of blood circulation in the tissues adjacent to the spine and intervertebral discs. As a result, the musculoskeletal system becomes weak. However, one of the most common causes of the disease is the so-called mechanical factor (trauma, vibration, noise, bruising).

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:

  • headache, which may worsen during exercise;
  • decreased vision;
  • eye cramps;
  • increased pressure (occurs due to squeezing of blood vessels in the neck area);
  • chest pain, pain that may resemble angina;
  • numbness of hands;
  • Dizziness.

If any of these symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor.

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis

Self-treatment of osteochondrosis is absolutely excluded. After all, if pain medication can relieve pain, the inflammatory process is less likely to occur. In order not to make the situation worse, it is best to stick to all your doctor's prescriptions.

Experts say that it is impossible to completely cure cervical osteochondrosis, but at the same time, it can relieve symptoms, improve the general condition, and prevent the disease from getting worse. For these purposes, complex treatments are best suited, which include the use of hodroprotectors (to help restore the cartilage of the intervertebral discs), vasodilators (to activate blood circulation to the spine).

People with osteochondrosis often receive a massage session. The course is recommended to be taken twice a year with 10 lessons each. This treatment improves blood circulation and reduces pain.

Alternative medicine is also used to treat osteochondrosis, especially their use of acupuncture and manipulation. In some cases, electrophoresis and therapy practice sessions are also prescribed.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

The best way to prevent osteochondrosis is exercise. You can do yoga, fitness, swimming, and more on a regular basis, as well as simple exercises that are good for your neck and spine.

For example, you can do a head tilt: As you exhale, gently tilt your head forward while inhaling - back. Do three leans in each direction. After that, do the same thing, tilting your head left and right. Try to keep the movement as fluid as possible.

Also, try doing the following: Place your palms above your head while pulling your elbows out to the sides. Then, with all your strength, press your palms against each other and gradually relax your hands. Repeat 3 times.

You can do light gymnastics with a self-massage, rubbing your neck in circular motions. Remember, the main thing is not to cure the disease, but to prevent it from happening. We hope you don't get sick and hope you stay beautiful and happy longer!