Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the common diseases and at different times of their lives about four out of five people suffer from it. Also, over time, the number of people suffering from cervical osteochondrosis only increases.
It is desirable that everyone is familiar with the symptoms of the disease in order to be able to recognize 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, as 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 and 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, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis appear:
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- there is a headache, dull and crushing, increases with movement and is not relieved by analgesics;
- limbs feel weak and numb;
- coordination of movements is impaired;
- dizziness;
- memory disturbances are noted;
- ringing and noise appear in the ears;
- general changes are noted in a person's emotional background;
- normal bowel and bladder function is impaired.
Also, 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 bending position. At the same time, the radicular nerve extending from the spinal cord is violated, and the blood supply to the brain is also cut off due to compression of the blood vessels.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the onset of osteochondrosis, the following can be distinguished:
- spinal injuries such as pinching and sprains;
- impaired metabolism in the body;
- general poisoning of the body and course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and overweight;
- poor heredity and genetic predisposition to the development of osteochondrosis;
- long stay at low temperatures or poor living conditions;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes, especially 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 in the entire 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 severe headache may occur.
Rapid treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
It is better to treat osteochondrosis according to the recommendations of a specialist and with their direct participation. In the clinic, you can get a high-quality examination and treatment regimen, including massage, physiotherapy procedures, and taking medication. Treatment is not difficult and difficult if the disease has not started. Therefore, you can perform it yourself, quickly and at home. But to get rid of it completely, you should tune in to a long-term treatment. With a superficial attitude, you can only relieve pain temporarily. It takes time and constant effort to restore blood supply to the vertebrae.
Cervical osteochondrosis: massage at home
Home massage for osteochondrosis can eliminate the stiffness of the cervical spine, restore joint mobility and neck elasticity, restore blood circulation and lymphatic circulation.
In case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform neck massage some time after the exacerbation of the disease. A massage course should include 10 to 15 massage procedures, followed by a break. Two or three therapeutic massage courses are recommended throughout the year.
Self-massage of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Self massage is applicable for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home, as a person can easily massage their neck on their own. This does not require special conditions, and the massage itself takes some time. The effect will not be long in coming, gradually the pain will disappear and the muscles of the neck and back will relax. Physical impact in the massage area helps improve blood circulation within it. When doing self-massage, you should definitely adhere to some rules:
- the procedure is performed only with the fingers;
- all stroking and rubbing movements are performed without problems;
- 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, 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. Exercise for osteochondrosis will help cure it and restore a person's health.
Osteochondrosis can be treated with special gymnastics.
Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home
The complex of gymnastic exercises includes the following sequence:
- the resistance of the head to pressure from above with the hands is performed smoothly, without sudden movements;
- sitting at the table, the back is straightened, the elbow rests on the table, the ear is pressed against the palm, the head is tilted on the shoulder, the hand resists. It is performed 10 times, the hold lasts 10 seconds;
- while sitting at the table, rest your forehead on the palm of your hand, put your hand on the table on your elbow. You need to press 10 times for 10 seconds;
- in the supine position with the back of the head, press on the floor, performed for 5 seconds;
- press your forehead to the floor while lying on your stomach.
The exercises can be performed in any order.
Refill 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 the position of the body, press the head on the palm of the right hand;
- sit in a chair with your back straight and put your hands behind your head, connecting them in a lock. Head to press on the lock;
- Leaning firmly against the wall, press your head against the wall.
Each of these movements is performed with an effort for five seconds. After that, the tension is released. Each movement is performed 10 times.
It is useful to hang a horizontal bar in the morning when charging. It is enough to hang for half a minute. Exposing the body to its own weight is able to align the vertebrae. It's great 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 they do not need to be hospitalized. It is recommended to visit a neurologist at a certain time, even if he receives the main treatment at home.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home: tablets
For drug treatment, it is recommended to use the following groups of drugs, by 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 help to relax the muscles contracted by the spasm;
- To build cartilage tissue, you should go through a cycle of condoprotectors. Their 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 effectively relieves neck pain. Qualitatively relieves pain and has a targeted effect to restore and relieve inflammation.
Ointments have an effect due to the penetration of their active ingredient through the skin and its subsequent dissolution in the blood, as a result of which blood circulation improves. Over time, the inflammation subsides and the joints return to mobility. Covering the affected area with a scarf after rubbing the ointment only improves the overall effect.
Injections for cervical osteochondrosis
The following types of injections are recommended for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Injections of 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 warming 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 with a woolen cloth.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home with folk remedies
Traditional methods of treating osteochondrosis at home will perform the following functions:
- eliminates discomfort in the neck area and relieves pain;
- inhibits 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 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 in double the amount of vegetable oil until a homogeneous consistency is obtained, after which the mixture is infused. After a few days, a white mixture is formed from the composition with fractions of both components.
In 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 cleaned with a cloth dipped in warm water.
Herbs for cervical osteochondrosis
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of herbal baths is effective. They should be performed in a cycle of baths every other day. The optimal effect is given 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 an hour. Then they are filtered and drained in a warm bath. It should take up to half an hour. They are used for treatment with mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir and calendula. It is recommended to set the dosage after consulting a specialist.
Diet for cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule of using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is feeding in fractional portions up to six times a day. When drawing up a diet, it is necessary to limit the amount of salt, carbohydrates and drink no more than a liter of liquid per day. You shouldn't eat anything fried, pickled, or salted. Vegetables and grains must be prepared well in advance and are best cooked. Meat products and fish must be lightly toasted before use. It is best to bake them in foil, roast them in the oven or steam them.