Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common diseases and at different periods of their lives, approximately four out of five people suffer from it. Also, over time, the number of people suffering from cervical osteochondrosis only increases.
The symptoms of the disease are desirable so that everyone knows them well 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 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 a narrowing of the space of the spinal cord, vertebral artery and nerve roots. When these sensitive elements are compressed, the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- there is headache, dull and oppressive, increases with movement and is not relieved by analgesics;
- limbs feel weak and numb;
- coordination of movements is impaired;
- dizzy;
- memory disorders are observed;
- ringing and noise appear in the ears;
- there are general changes in the emotional background of a person;
- the normal functioning of the bowels and bladder is disturbed.
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 a frequent sitting or bending position. At the same time, the radicular nerve extending from the spinal cord is infringed and the blood supply to the brain is interrupted as a result of compression of the blood vessels.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the appearance of osteochondrosis, the following can be distinguished:
- spinal injuries such as pinches and sprains;
- altered metabolism in the body;
- general poisoning of the body and the course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and overweight;
- poor inheritance and genetic predisposition to the development of osteochondrosis;
- prolonged stay at low temperatures or poor living conditions;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes, particularly 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 one vertebra. As a result, the patient's vestibular apparatus may be disturbed, hearing and vision may deteriorate, and a severe headache may occur.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home quickly
It is best to treat osteochondrosis according to the recommendations of a specialist and with his direct participation. At the clinic, you can get a high-quality examination and treatment regimen, including massages, physical therapy procedures, and taking medications. Treatment is not difficult and difficult if the disease does not start. Therefore, you can do it yourself, quickly and at home. But to completely eliminate it, you need to tune in to long-term treatment. With a superficial attitude, you can only temporarily ease the pain. It takes time and sustained 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 circulation and lymphatic circulation.
In case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to massage the neck some time after the exacerbation of the disease. A massage course should include 10-15 massage procedures, followed by a break. It is recommended to take 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, as a person can well massage her neck on her own. This does not require any special conditions and the massage itself takes a little time. The effect will not be long in coming, little by little the pain will disappear and the muscles of the neck and back will relax. The physical impact on the massage area helps improve blood circulation in it. When self-medicating, you should definitely follow a few rules:
- The
- procedure is performed with fingers only;
- all stroking and rubbing movements go smoothly;
- The 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 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 establish the disease. Exercise for osteochondrosis will help to heal it and restore a person's health.
Osteochondrosis can be treated with special gymnastics.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home
A set of gymnastic exercises involves the following sequence:
- the resistance of the head to pressing from above with the hands is done smoothly, without sudden movements;
- sitting at the table, the back straightens, the elbow rests on the table, the ear is pressed against the palm, the head leans to the shoulder, the hand resists. 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 need to press 10 times for 10 seconds;
- in supine position with the back of the head, press on the floor, performed for 5 seconds;
- press your forehead against the floor while lying on your stomach.
The exercises can be done in any order.
Charging for cervical osteochondrosis at home
A simple exercise at home with osteochondrosis is recommended:
- turning to the left side, resting the head on the palm of the left hand, press the head against the palm. After changing your body position, press your head onto the palm of your right hand;
- Sit in a straight-backed chair and place your hands on the back of your head, joining them in a lock. Head over to press the lock;
- Leaning firmly 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 move is performed 10 times.
It is useful to hang it from the horizontal bar in the morning while charging. Just hang up for half a minute. Exposing the body to its own weight can align the vertebrae. It is very good to swim in the pool at the end of the charge, if possible.
How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home
A patient can be treated on an outpatient basis if hospitalization is not required. It is advisable to visit a neurologist at a certain time, even if you receive the main treatment at home.
Home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis: tablets
For pharmacological treatment, the use of these groups of drugs is recommended, after agreement with the doctor:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a couple of weeks three times a day after meals;
- diuretic tablets can relieve inflammation in the affected area of the neck and possible swelling;
- muscle relaxants will help relax the muscles contracted by the spasm;
- To build cartilage tissue, you must take a course in chondroprotectors. Its effect occurs only after three months. Only an experienced doctor can prescribe them.
Only a doctor has the right to prescribe all pills against osteochondrosis.
Ointment for cervical osteochondrosis
Ointment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will effectively relieve neck pain. It qualitatively relieves pain and has an effect aimed at restoring and relieving inflammation.
Ointments have an effect due to the penetration of their active substance through the skin and its subsequent dissolution in the blood, as a result of which it improves blood circulation. Over time, the swelling goes away and the joints return to mobility. Covering the affected area with a scarf after rubbing in the ointment only improves the overall effect.
Injections for cervical osteochondrosis
The following types of injections are recommended for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Injections with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Injections with local antiseptics.
- Injections with hormonal injections: corticosteroids.
- Vitamin injections.
- Chondroprotectant injections contribute to the rapid healing of cartilage tissue.
Doctors often turn 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 warming composition should be applied to the problem area, rubbed into the skin with massaging movements and wrapped with cellophane on top. Instead of the latter, it is recommended to use cabbage leaves or leaves, lilac, burdock, sage and mint. After that, the neck is wrapped with a woolen cloth.
Treating cervical osteochondrosis at home with home remedies
Traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis at home will perform the following functions:
- eliminates discomfort in the neck area and relieves pain;
- inhibit the expansion process of 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 the 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 in twice the vegetable oil until a homogeneous consistency is obtained, after which the mixture is infused. After a few days, a white mixture with fractions of both components is formed from the composition.
In the following days, massage the cervical region with the resulting mixture. The first massage takes two minutes, add one minute every day until the total time reaches 20 minutes. After the massage, the skin is cleaned 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 done in a bathing course every other day. The optimal effect is obtained 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. They are then filtered and drained in a warm bath. It should be taken up to half an hour. It is used for the procedure mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir and calendula. It is recommended to set the dose after consulting with a specialist.
Diet for cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule of thumb for using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is nutrition in divided portions up to six times a day. When making a diet, you should 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 salty. Vegetables and cereals need to be prepared well in advance and are best cooked. Meat products and fish should be lightly toasted before use. It's best to cook them in foil, roast them in an oven, or steam them.