Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common diseases and, at different times in life, about four out of five people suffer it. In addition, over time, the number of people suffering from cervical osteochondrosis only increases.
It is desirable that everyone knows the symptoms of the disease well, in order to be able to recognize it and eliminate it in time. With osteochondrosis, the intervertebral discs and cartilage are deformed and a corresponding reaction occurs in the vertebral body. The disease is accompanied by degenerative changes in the vertebral disc, while its height changes and physiological functions are lost. The result is instability and changes in the spinal joints. The progression of the disease causes curvature of the spine, as well as narrowing of the spinal canal.
In the first stage of the disease, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may be completely absent. The development of the disease is accompanied by a narrowing of the spinal cord, vertebral artery and nerve roots. When these sensitive elements are compressed, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- there is a headache, opaque and oppressive, which increases with movement and is not relieved with painkillers;
- limbs are weak and numb;
- the coordination of movements is impaired; dizzy
- ;
- memory disorders are observed;
- buzzing and noises appear in the ears;
- general changes in a person's emotional background are observed;
- the normal functioning of the intestines and bladder is impaired.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis can cause back pain.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
The physiological curvature of the cervical vertebrae is possible due to a sedentary lifestyle or frequent sitting or bending position. At the same time, the radicular nerve that extends from the spinal cord is violated and the blood supply to the brain is interrupted as a result of blood vessel compression.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the onset of osteochondrosis, the following can be distinguished:
- spinal injuries, such as pinches and sprains;
- impaired metabolism in the body;
- general poisoning of the body and the course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and overweight;
- low heredity and genetic predisposition for the development of osteochondrosis;
- long stay in low temperatures or poor living conditions;
- wear uncomfortable shoes, especially for women who wear high heels;
- excessive loads on the spine, accompanied by foot deformities, as well as the development of flat feet.
Due to the tight fit of the vertebrae to each other in the cervical spine, changes occur throughout the section due to changes in the functionality of a vertebra. As a result, the patient's vestibular apparatus may be disturbed, hearing and vision deteriorated, and a severe headache may occur.
Rapid treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
It is best to treat osteochondrosis according to the recommendations of a specialist and with your direct participation. At the polyclinic you can have a high quality exam and treatment regime, including massages, physiotherapy procedures and taking medications. Treatment is not difficult and difficult if the disease is not started. So you can do this yourself, quickly and at home. But, to eliminate it completely, you must contact long-term treatment. With a superficial attitude, you can only relieve the pain temporarily. It takes time and continuous effort to restore the blood supply to the vertebrae.
Cervical osteochondrosis: massage at home
Home massage for osteochondrosis can eliminate cervical spine stiffness, restore joint mobility and neck elasticity, while restoring blood and lymphatic circulation.
In the case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to massage the neck some time after the disease worsens. A massage course should include 10 to 15 massage procedures, followed by a break. Two or three therapeutic massage courses are recommended during the year.
Cervical osteochondrosis self-massage at home
Self-massage is applicable for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, as a person can easily massage the neck on their own. This does not require special conditions and the massage itself takes some time. The effect won't be long in coming, the pain will gradually disappear and the neck and back muscles relax. The physical impact on the massage area helps to improve blood circulation in it. When doing the self-massage, you should definitely follow some rules:
- The
- procedure is performed only with your fingers;
- all stroking and rubbing movements are performed smoothly; The movements of the
- massage are directed from the spine to the sides.
The massage is performed not only on the shoulders and neck, but also on the back of the head.
Exercises for cervical osteochondrosis at home
To prevent cervical osteochondrosis or treat it at home, some exercises are recommended. The disease affects people of all ages and its symptoms are sometimes so mild that it is difficult to establish the disease. Exercises for osteochondrosis help to cure it and restore a person's health.
Osteochondrosis can be treated with special gymnastics.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home
The gym exercise complex involves the following sequence:
- the resistance of the head against the pressure from above with the hands is performed smoothly, without sudden movements;
- sitting at the table, the back is stretched, the elbow rests on the table, the ear pressed against the palm, the head tilted to the shoulder, the hand resists. It runs 10 times, the wait takes 10 seconds;
- While sitting at the table, rest your forehead on your palm and place your hand on the table on your elbow. You need to press 10 times for 10 seconds;
- in the supine position with the neck, pressure on the floor, performed for 5 seconds;
- press your forehead against the floor while lying on your stomach.
Exercises can be performed in any order.
Loading for cervical osteochondrosis at home
A simple exercise at home with osteochondrosis is recommended:
- turning to the left side, resting your head on your left palm, press your head against your palm. After changing the position of the body, press the head in the palm of the right hand;
- sit in a chair with your back straight and place your hands on the back of the neck, securing them in a lock. Head to press the lock;
- well against the wall, press your head against the wall.
Each of these movements is performed with effort for five seconds. After that, the tension is released. Each movement is performed 10 times.
It is useful to hang on the horizontal bar in the morning when loading. It is enough to stand still for half a minute. Exposing the body to its own weight is able to align the vertebrae. It is very good to swim in the pool at the end of the load, if possible.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home
A patient can be treated on an outpatient basis if there is no need to hospitalize him. It is advisable to visit a neurologist at a certain time, even if he receives the main treatment at home.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home: pills
For drug treatment, it is recommended to use the following groups of drugs, after agreement with the doctor:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a few weeks, three times a day after meals;
- diuretic tablets can relieve inflammation in the affected neck area and possible swelling;
- muscle relaxants will help to relax the muscles contracted by the spasm;
- To build cartilage tissue, you must take a course on condoprotectors. Its effect occurs only after three months. Only an experienced doctor can prescribe them.
Only a doctor has the right to prescribe all osteochondrosis pills.
Ointment for cervical osteochondrosis
Ointment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will help to relieve neck pain effectively. Qualitatively relieves pain and has an effect aimed at restoring and relieving inflammation.
Ointments are effective by penetrating the active substance through the skin and subsequently dissolving it in the blood, improving blood circulation. Over time, the inflammation disappears and the joints return to mobility. Covering the affected area with a tissue after rubbing the ointment only adds to the overall effect.
Injections for cervical osteochondrosis
For cervical osteochondrosis, the following types of injections are recommended:
- Injections with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injections with local antiseptics.
- Injections with hormonal injections - corticosteroids.
- Vitamin injections.
- Condoprotective injections contribute to the rapid healing of cartilage tissue.
Doctors often resort to homeopathic remedies for injections. These drugs have no contraindications or side effects.
Compresses for cervical osteochondrosis at home
Compresses for cervical osteochondrosis are able to qualitatively warm the patient's neck and eliminate the painful condition. A heating composition should be applied to the problem area, rubbed into the skin with massage movements and wrapped with cellophane on top. Instead of the latter, it is recommended to use leaves or leaves of cabbage, lilac, burdock, sage and mint. After that, the neck is wrapped in a woolen cloth.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home with folk remedies
Traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis at home perform the following functions:
- eliminates discomfort in the neck area and relieves pain;
- inhibits the process of expanding cartilage tissue in the cervical spine.
Deep neck warming should not be used to treat cervical osteochondrosis. This can increase edema and increase inflammation of surrounding tissues.
Salt and oil for cervical osteochondrosis
For the treatment of the disease, it is necessary to prepare unrefined vegetable oil, fine sea salt. Ten tablespoons of salt are mixed twice as much as vegetable oil to obtain a homogeneous consistency, after which the mixture is infused. After a few days, a white mixture with fractions of both components is formed from the composition.
On the following days, massage the cervical region with the resulting mixture. The first massage lasts two minutes, add one minute every day until the total time reaches 20 minutes. After the massage, the skin is wiped with a cloth soaked in warm water.
Herbs for cervical osteochondrosis
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of herbal baths is effective. They must be performed on a bathing course on alternate days. The ideal effect is achieved by taking at least 15 baths.
Chopped herbs in a volume of up to 500 grams are poured with five liters of boiling water and infused for one hour. Then they are filtered and drained in a hot bath. It should take up to half an hour. They are used for the treatment with mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir and marigold. It is recommended to set the dosage after consultation with a specialist.
Diet for cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule for using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is nutrition in fractional portions up to six times a day. When dieting, limit the amount of salt, carbohydrates and drink no more than a liter of liquid per day. You should not eat anything fried, pickled or salted. Vegetables and grains should be prepared well in advance and are best cooked. Meat and fish products should be lightly roasted before use. It is best to cook them in aluminum foil, bake them in the oven or steam them.