Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common diseases that around four out of five people suffer from at different stages of life. In addition, over time, the number of people with cervical osteochondrosis is only increasing.
It is desirable that everyone knows the symptoms of the disease well in order to identify and eliminate them in time. In osteochondrosis, intervertebral discs and cartilage are deformed and a corresponding reaction occurs in the vertebral body. The disease is accompanied by degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc, while its height changes and physiological functions are lost. The result is instability and changes in the joints of the spine. Further progression of the disease leads to a curvature of the spine, as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal.
In the first stage of the disease, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may be completely absent. The further development of the disease is accompanied by a narrowing of the space of the spinal cord, vertebral artery and nerve roots. When these delicate elements are compressed, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- there are headaches, dull and squeezing, they increase with movement and are not relieved by analgesics;
- Limbs feel weak and numb;
- Movement coordination is impaired;
- dizzy;
- Memory disorders are detected;
- ringing and noises occur in the ears;
- general changes in a person's emotional background are noted;
- The normal function of the intestines and bladder is impaired.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis can cause back pain.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Physiological curvature of the cervical vertebrae is possible due to a sedentary lifestyle or frequent sitting or a bent position. At the same time, the radicular nerve from the spinal cord is injured and the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by squeezing the blood vessels.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the onset of osteochondrosis, the following can be distinguished:
- injuries to the spine such as pinches and sprains;
- impaired metabolism in the body;
- general body poisoning and the course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and obesity;
- poor inheritance and genetic predisposition to the development of osteochondrosis;
- long stay at low temperatures or poor living conditions;
- wears uncomfortable shoes, especially for women who wear high heels;
- excessive load on the spine, accompanied by deformities of the foot, as well as the development of flat feet.
Because of the tight fit of the vertebrae 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 deteriorating, and severe headaches may occur.
Fast home treatment for cervical osteochondrosis
It is best to treat osteochondrosis according to the recommendations of a specialist and with direct participation. At the polyclinic, you will receive a high-quality examination and treatment regimen, including massage, physical therapy and taking medication. Treatment is not difficult and difficult if the disease is not started. Therefore, you can do it yourself quickly and at home. But to get rid of this completely, you should be prepared for long-term treatment. A shallow attitude can only provide temporary relief from pain. It takes time and sustained effort to restore blood supply to the vertebrae.
Cervical osteochondrosis: massage at home
A home massage for osteochondrosis can remove the stiffness of the cervical spine, restore mobility of the joints and elasticity of the neck, while restoring blood and lymphatic circulation.
With osteochondrosis, it is recommended to massage the neck for some time after the disease has worsened. A massage course should include 10 to 15 massage procedures followed by a break. It is recommended to conduct two or three therapeutic massage courses during the year.
Self-massage of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Self-massage is great for treating osteochondrosis at home because a person may be able to massage their neck by themselves. This does not require any special conditions and the massage itself takes some time. The effects will not be long in coming, gradually the pain will go away and the muscles of the neck and back will relax. Physical effects in the massage area help improve blood circulation. When doing self-massage, you should definitely follow a few rules:
- The
- procedure is only carried out with the fingers.
- All stroking and rubbing movements are carried out smoothly.
- Massage movements are directed from the spine to the sides.
The massage is not only performed 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, certain exercises are recommended. The disease affects people of all ages, and its symptoms are sometimes so mild that it is difficult to diagnose the disease. Exercise for osteochondrosis helps heal it and restore a person's health.
Osteochondrosis can be treated with special gymnastics.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home
A series of gymnastics exercises includes the following sequence:
- The head resistance against pressure from above with the hands is carried out smoothly and without sudden movements.
- sits at the table, the back is stretched, the elbow rests on the table, the ear is pressed against the palm, the head is tilted towards the shoulder, the hand is resisting. It is executed 10 times, holding for 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, press the back of the head on the floor, perform for 5 seconds;
- Press your forehead to the floor while lying on your stomach.
The exercises can be carried out in any order.
Charge for cervical osteochondrosis at home
For osteochondrosis, a simple exercise at home is recommended:
- Turn on your left side, rest your head on the palm of your left hand, and press your head against the palm. After changing the position of the body, press your head on the palm of your right hand.
- Sit on a straight-backed chair, place your hands on the back of your head and connect them with a lock. Head to push the lock;
- leans firmly against the wall and presses your head against the wall.
Each of these movements is painstakingly performed for five seconds. Then the tension is released. Each movement is performed 10 times.
It is useful to hang from a horizontal bar when charging in the morning. It is enough to hang for half a minute. When the body is exposed to its own weight, the vertebrae can be aligned. If possible, it is very good to swim in the pool at the end of the charge.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home
A patient can be treated on an outpatient basis if he does not have to be hospitalized. It is advisable to see a neurologist at some point, even if he is receiving the main treatment at home.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home: tablets
For drug treatment, it is recommended to use the following drug groups after consulting a doctor:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a couple of weeks three times a day after meals;
- Diuretics can reduce inflammation in the affected area of the neck and possible swelling.
- Muscle relaxants help relax muscles contracted by cramps.
- To build up cartilage tissue, you should take chondoprotectors. They only take effect after three months. Only an experienced doctor can prescribe them.
Only a doctor has the right to prescribe all pills for osteochondrosis.
Ointment against cervical osteochondrosis
An ointment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine helps to effectively relieve neck pain. It qualitatively relieves pain and has the effect of restoring and relieving inflammation.
Ointments work due to the penetration of their active ingredient through the skin and their subsequent dissolution in the blood, which improves blood circulation. Over time, the inflammation will go away and the joints will return to mobility. Covering the affected area with a scarf after rubbing in the ointment will only enhance the overall effect.
Injections for cervical osteochondrosis
The following types of injections are recommended for cervical osteochondrosis:
- injections of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- injections with local antiseptics.
- Injections with hormonal injections - corticosteroids.
- Vitamin shots.
- Chondoprotective 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 can 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. Instead of the latter, it is recommended to use cabbage leaves or leaves, lilac, burdock, sage and mint. Then the neck is wrapped with a woolen cloth.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home with folk remedies
Conventional methods of treating osteochondrosis at home perform the following functions:
- eliminates discomfort in the neck area and relieves pain;
- inhibits the process of expansion of cartilage tissue in the cervical spine.
Deep warming of the neck should not be used to treat cervical osteochondrosis. This can increase the edema and inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Salt and oil against cervical osteochondrosis
To treat the disease, unrefined vegetable oil and fine sea salt must be produced. Ten tablespoons of salt are mixed in twice as much vegetable oil until a homogeneous consistency is achieved. After that, the mixture is poured into it. After a few days, the composition forms a white mixture with fractions of both components.
Massage the neck region with the resulting mixture on the following days. The first massage lasts two minutes, add a 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 against cervical osteochondrosis
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of herbal baths is effective. They should be taken in the bathroom every other day. The optimal effect is achieved by at least 15 baths.
Chopped herbs in a volume of up to 500 grams are poured with five liters of boiling water and poured into it for an hour. Then they are filtered and drained into a warm bath. It should take up to half an hour. They are used to treat mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir, and marigold. It is recommended to adjust the dosage after consulting a specialist.
Diet against cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule of using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is to eat fractions up to six times a day. When dieting, limit the amount of salt and carbohydrates and drink no more than a liter of fluids per day. You shouldn't eat anything fried, pickled, or salted. Vegetables and grains need to be prepared on time and are best cooked. Meat products and fish should be lightly roasted before use. It is best to cook in foil, roast in the oven or steam.