Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is one of the most common diseases and at different times in their lives, about four in five people have it. In addition, 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 so that they can 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. The continued progression of the disease leads to a curvature of the spine, as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal.
At the first stage of the disease, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may be completely absent. The further development of the disease is accompanied by a narrowing of the marrow space, 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 tight, it increases with movement and is not relieved by pain relievers;
- the limbs are weak and numb;
- coordination of movements is impaired;
- stunned;
- memory impairment is noted;
- ringing and noise appearing in the ears;
- general changes in a person's emotional background are noted;
- normal bowel and bladder function 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 bending. At the same time, the radicular nerve extending from the spinal cord is violated, and the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to the compression of the blood vessels.
In addition to the reasons that directly affect the occurrence of osteochondrosis, we can distinguish the following:
- spinal injuries such as pinches and sprains;
- alteration of metabolism in the body;
- general body poisoning and the course of various inflammatory processes;
- eating disorders and overweight;
- poor heredity and genetic predisposition to the development of osteochondrosis;
- long stay at low temperature or in poor living conditions;
- wear uncomfortable shoes, especially women who wear high heels;
- excessive loads on the spine, accompanied by deformities of the foot, as well as the development of flat feet.
Due to the tight fit of the vertebrae to each other in the cervical spine, changes throughout the section occur due to changes in the functionality of a vertebra. As a result, the patient's vestibular apparatus may be disturbed, hearing and vision deteriorate, and a severe headache may occur.
Rapid treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
Osteochondrosis is best treated according to the recommendations of a specialist and with his direct participation. At the clinic, you can benefit from a high-quality examination and treatment regimen, including massage, physiotherapy procedures, and medication. Treatment is neither difficult nor difficult if the disease has not started. Therefore, you can do it yourself, quickly and at home. But to eliminate it completely, you need to connect to long-term treatment. With a superficial attitude, you can only relieve pain temporarily. It takes time and sustained effort to restore blood supply to the vertebrae.
Cervical osteochondrosis: massage at home
Home massage for osteochondrosis can eliminate stiffness of cervical spine, restore joint mobility and neck elasticity, while restoring blood circulation and lymphatic circulation.
In case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to massage the neck sometime after the exacerbation of the disease. A massage course should include 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 for cervical osteochondrosis at home
Self-massage is applicable to treat osteochondrosis at home, because a person can easily massage their neck on their own. It does not require special conditions, and the massage itself takes a little time. The effect will not take long to come, gradually the pain will disappear, and the muscles of the neck and back will relax. The physical impact in the massage area helps improve blood circulation. During the self-massage, you must absolutely respect certain rules:
- The
- procedure is performed only with the fingers;
- all stroking and rubbing movements are carried out gently;
- 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 cure 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:
- resistance of the head to pressure from above with the hands is carried out smoothly, without sudden movements;
- seated at the table, back straightened, elbow resting on table, ear resting against palm, head tilting towards shoulder, hand resisting. It is performed 10 times, the standby lasts 10 seconds;
- 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;
- supine with the back of the head, press to the ground, performed for 5 seconds;
- Rest your forehead on the ground while lying on your stomach.
The exercises can be performed in any order.
Refill for cervical osteochondrosis at home
Simple home exercise with osteochondrosis is recommended:
- turning to the left side, resting your head on the palm of your left hand, lean your head against the palm. After changing the position of the body, rest your head on the palm of your right hand;
- Sit in a chair with a straight back and put your hands at the back of your head, joining them in a lock. Head to press the lock;
- leaning firmly against the wall, lean 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 a horizontal bar in the morning when loading. It is enough to suspend for half a minute. Exposing the body to its own weight helps 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 there is no need for hospitalization. It is advisable to see a neurologist at a certain time, 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 groups of drugs, after consultation with the doctor:
- nonsteroidal 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 relaxers will help relax muscles contracted by spasms;
- To develop cartilage tissue, you need to take a course in chondoprotectors. Their 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 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, which improves blood circulation. Over time, the inflammation subsides and the joints regain their mobility. Covering the affected area with a scarf after rubbing the ointment only enhances 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.
- Injections with hormonal injections - corticosteroids.
- Vitamin injections.
- Chondoprotective injections help the cartilage tissue to heal quickly.
Doctors often use 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 massaging movements and wrapped in 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 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 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 twice as much 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 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 dampened with lukewarm water.
Herbs for cervical osteochondrosis
In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the use of herbal baths is effective. They should be performed in a course involving taking baths every other day. The optimum 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 hot bath. It should last up to half an hour. Used for the mint, lemon balm, chamomile, fir and calendula procedure. It is recommended to adjust the dosage after consultation with a specialist.
Diet for cervical osteochondrosis
The basic rule of using a diet for cervical osteochondrosis is nutrition in divided portions up to six times a day. When developing 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, marinated or salted. Vegetables and grains should be prepared well in advance and are best boiled. Meat products and fish should be lightly grilled before use. It is best to bake them in foil, roast in the oven or steam them.