Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common diseases and at different periods of their lives about four out of five people suffer from it. Moreover, over time, the number of people suffering from cervical osteochondrosis only increases.
It is desirable that everyone knows the symptoms of the disease well so that they can recognize and eliminate them in time. In 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 spinal 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 causes curvature of the spine, as well as narrowing of the spinal canal.
In the first stage of the disease, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may be completely absent. Further development of the disease is accompanied by narrowing of the spinal cord, spinal artery and nerve roots. When these sensitive elements are compressed, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- there is headache, dullness and squeezing, it intensifies with movements and analgesics do not relieve it;
- limbs feel weak and numb;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- dizziness;
- memory disorders have been reported;
- ringing and noise appear in the ears;
- general changes in a person's emotional background were observed;
- is impaired normal bowel and bladder function.
In addition, cervical osteochondrosis can cause back pain.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Physiological curvature of the cervical spine is possible due to a sedentary lifestyle or frequent sitting or bent position. At the same time, the radicular nerve extending from the spinal cord was injured, and blood flow to the brain was also interrupted as a result of blood vessel compression.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the occurrence of osteochondrosis, the following can be distinguished:
- spinal injuries such as constriction and sprains;
- disturbed metabolism in the body;
- general poisoning of the body and the course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and overweight;
- poor heredity and genetic predisposition to develop osteochondrosis;
- long stay in low temperatures or poor living conditions;
- wear uncomfortable shoes, especially women who wear high heels;
- excessive loads on the spine, accompanied by deformities of the feet, as well as the development of flat feet.
Due to the tight adhesion of the vertebrae in the cervical spine, changes in the entire department occur due to changes in the functionality of one vertebra. As a result, the patient's vestibular apparatus may be disturbed, hearing and vision may deteriorate, and severe headaches may occur.
Quick treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
It is best to treat osteochondrosis according to the recommendations of experts and with their direct participation. At the clinic, you can get a high-quality examination and treatment regimen, including massage, physiotherapy procedures and medication. Treatment is not difficult and difficult if the disease does not start. So you can do it yourself, quickly and at home. But to eliminate it completely, you should adjust to long-term treatment. With a superficial attitude, you can only temporarily relieve the pain. It takes time and effort to restore blood flow to the vertebrae.
Cervical osteochondrosis: massage at home
Massage at home with osteochondrosis is able to eliminate stiffness of the cervical spine, restore joint mobility and elasticity of the neck, and at the same time restore blood circulation and lymphatic circulation.
In case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to massage the neck for some time after the disease worsens. One massage course should contain 10 to 15 massage procedures, followed by a break. It is recommended to perform two or three courses of therapeutic massage during the year.
Self-massage of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Self-massage is applicable for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, because a person can easily massage the neck himself. It does not require special conditions, and the massage itself takes little time. The effect will not last long, the pain will gradually disappear and the neck and back muscles will relax. Physical impact on the massage area helps to improve blood circulation in it. When self-massage, be sure to follow some rules:
- The procedure is performed only with the fingers;
- all stroking and rubbing movements are performed smoothly;
- massage movements 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 to treat it at home, certain exercises are recommended. The disease affects people of all ages, and the symptoms are sometimes so mild that it is difficult to diagnose the disease. Exercise for osteochondrosis will help her heal and restore her health.
Osteochondrosis can be treated with special gymnastics.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home
The set of gymnastic exercises includes the following order:
- resistance of the head to pressure from above with the hands is performed smoothly, without sudden movements;
- sitting at the table, back straight, elbow resting on the table, ear pressed against the palm, head tilted towards the shoulder, arm resisting. Performed 10 times, retention lasts 10 seconds;
- while sitting at the table, rest your forehead on your palm, place your hand on the table on your elbow. You have to press 10 times for 10 seconds;
- in supine position with the back of the head, press on the floor, run for 5 seconds;
- press your forehead to the floor while lying on your stomach.
Exercises can be performed in any order.
Charging for cervical osteochondrosis at home
A simple exercise at home with osteochondrosis is recommended:
- turning to the left, resting your head on the palm of your left hand, press your head against your palm. After changing body position, press your head to the palm of your right hand;
- sit on a chair with a flat back and put your hands on the back of your head, joining them in a lock. Start pressing the lock; Leaning firmly against the wall, press your head against the wall.
Each of these movements is performed with an effort of five seconds. After that, the tension is released. Each movement is performed 10 times.
It is useful to hang on a horizontal bar in the morning while charging. Just hang for half a minute. Exposing the body to its own weight can straighten the vertebrae. If possible, it is very good to swim in the pool at the end of the charge.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home
The patient can be treated on an outpatient basis if there is no need for hospitalization. It is recommended to visit a neurologist at a certain time, even if the main treatment is at home.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home: tablets
For drug treatment, the use of such groups of drugs is recommended, after consultation with your doctor:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for several weeks three times daily after meals;
- diuretic tablets may relieve inflammation in the affected neck area and possible swelling;
- muscle relaxants will help relax spasmodic muscles;
- To build cartilage tissue, you should take a course of chondoprotectors. Their effect occurs only after three months. Only an experienced doctor can prescribe them.
Only a doctor has the right to prescribe all anti-osteochondrosis pills.
Ointment for cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis ointment for the cervical spine will effectively relieve neck pain. Qualitatively relieves pain and acts aimed at restoring and alleviating inflammation.
Fats act due to the penetration of their active substance through the skin and its subsequent dissolution in the blood, resulting in improved blood circulation. Over time, the inflammation disappears and the joints return to mobility. Covering the affected area with a scarf after rubbing the fat only improves the overall effect.
Injections for cervical osteochondrosis
The following types of injections are recommended for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Injections with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injections with local antiseptics.
- Hormone injections - corticosteroids.
- Vitamin injections.
- 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.
Cervical osteochondrosis compresses at home
Cervical osteochondrosis compresses are able to qualitatively warm the patient's neck and eliminate the painful condition. The warming composition should be applied to the problem area, rubbed into the skin with massage movements and wrapped with cellophane from above. Instead of the latter, it is recommended to use the 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 will perform the following functions:
- eliminate discomfort in the neck area and relieve pain;
- inhibit the process of cartilage tissue expansion in the cervical spine.
Deep neck heating should not be used to treat cervical osteochondrosis. This can increase edema and increase inflammation of adjacent 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 into twice as much vegetable oil to a homogeneous consistency, after which the mixture is poured. After a few days, a white mixture with fractions of both components is formed from the mixture.
In the following days, massage the cervical region with the resulting mixture. The first massage lasts two minutes, add one minute each 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
The use of herbal baths is effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. They should be performed during bathing every other day. The optimal effect is given by taking at least 15 baths.
Chopped herbs in an amount of up to 500 grams are poured with five liters of boiling water and infused for an hour. They are then filtered and taken to a warm bath. It should take up to half an hour. They are used for the treatment of mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir and calendula. It is recommended to determine the dose after consulting a specialist.
Diet for cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule of using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is to eat in broken meals up to six times a day. When composing a diet, you should limit the amount of salt, carbohydrates and drink no more than a liter of fluid a day. You should not eat anything fried, sour or salted. Vegetables and cereals must be prepared in advance and it is best to cook them. Meat products and fish should be lightly toasted before use. It is best to cook them in foil, bake in the oven or steam.