Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which pain occurs not only in the neck area, but also in the head, shoulder joints, and there is a disruption in cerebral circulation. Contrary to the opinion that this disease is exclusively for the elderly, more and more young people with a sore throat turn to specialists. It's all about the lifestyle that most people lead. Work at the computer, bad posture, bending over, uncomfortable bed, all this is due to the fact that cervical osteochondrosis develops. Home treatment is possible at the initial stage of the disease, if you know the cause of its occurrence.
Causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main reasons for the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- lack of exercise, computer work;
- Improper metabolism;
- Accumulation of salts between the vertebrae;
- unbalanced diet;
- heredity;
- cervical injuries;
- Improper functioning of hormones.
Before looking for ways to cure the neck from osteochondrosis, you need to know the symptoms of pain in osteochondrosis. In order to properly diagnose symptoms, it is important to know that the vertebral artery, one of the largest vital vessels, runs through the cervical region. As a result, the brain is supplied with all the necessary substances. The curvature of the intervertebral discs, which at the same time causes severe pain sensations, is called osteochondrosis. At first, this disease of the joints and spine can hardly be recognized, since this disease develops gradually, and the pain appears already at the moment when the space between the vertebrae is compressed so much that the nerve endings of the spine are affected . This leads to a violation of cerebral circulation. Only at this moment do the first symptoms appear:
- First, there is pain in the neck area;
- Frequently disturbed by dizziness and headaches, especially when moving;
- There is weakness in the arms and legs, coordination of movements is disturbed;
- Also a symptom can be ringing, tinnitus;
- Sudden mood swings;
- Violation of the digestive tract and urinary tract in the body.
If you do not consult a specialist at an early stage of the development of osteochondrosis, more serious problems with the spine, up to and including curvature, may appear.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
There are several ways to treat osteochondrosis of the neck. Each patient suffering from this disease will find a suitable method of pain relief, it all depends on how severe the stage of the disease is. For example, dizziness in osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be cured with compresses according to folk recipes. It is important to remember that any treatment should be carried out comprehensively.
home remedies
Traditional medicine can effectively alleviate the symptoms if the formulas are used correctly. Well help to cope with the disease herbal infusions and decoctions, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammation, here are some of them:
- A brew of needles. Pour boiling water over pine needles, let it brew, eat the resulting slurry twice a day or drink an infusion. This will help eliminate the root cause of headaches.
- Garlic Ginger Compress. Mix garlic and ginger root in equal parts, add a little butter. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area. If ginger is only in the form of spices, you can add a spoonful of powder, the effect will be the same;
- Finely grated potatoes mixed with honeyone on one, put the resulting mass on a cloth for a compress, attach to the focus of pain and leave overnight;
- horseradish leafDip in boiling water, then attach the plant to the neck, water can also be used for compresses.
Also, don't forget essential oils and herbs, which combine with alcohol to make excellent warming rubs. Within a week after home treatment, the inflammatory processes should subside, if this does not happen, you should immediately contact a specialist.
surgery
Surgery is a rather time-consuming and complex process, so this method of treatment is used in the most extreme cases and only when other methods are ineffective.
The decision on the need for surgery is made by a doctor who treats osteochondrosis - a neurosurgeon. Only after the diagnosis has been made, all tests and examinations have been carried out, and the patient's cerebral vessels have been checked, does the preparation for the operation begin. Surgery is often required when the intervertebral disc is destroyed. If possible, it is better to use other methods.
Medical therapy
Treatment for this disease depends on its severity. The main function of the drug is an analgesic effect. It all depends on the degree of development of the disease, specialists in medical institutions prescribe certain drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs that effectively fight pain and inflammation;
- Corticosteroid medications also help reduce pain sensation;
- Muscle relaxants are great for relieving muscle spasms;
- Anticonvulsants are taken for pain because of the development of neuroticism;
- Warming and anti-inflammatory ointments, gels.
physical therapy
In order not to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis and ankylosing spondylitis, it is recommended to do the following exercises:
- Lie on the floor, place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest, breathe in and out slowly at least 10 times. The essence of the practice is that the body must be relaxed;
- This exercise is also done lying on the floor, but now on your stomach. Hands in front of you, slowly begin to raise your head, then your upper body, tightening your muscles while your hands are resting on the floor. So you have to stand for a minute and a half. Perform 4 approaches;
- Position - sitting on a chair, back straight. Tilt your head forward and try to reach your chest with your chin. Then tilt your head back as far as possible. Repeat 15 times.
A set of exercises is performed very carefully, all movements should be smooth, without sudden movements, if an exercise causes discomfort or pain, you do not need to continue its performance with full force.
physical therapy
Physiotherapy allows patients to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, correct the position of each vertebra, and work on stretching with the help of special exercises. Working with light weights improves nerve conduction in the spinal canal. A full course of exercises will allow you to recover faster.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage is good because even in a severe stage of the disease it can be done with gentle movements, for this you do not even have to go anywhere, you can always invite a specialist to your home. Typically, a chiropractor adheres to the following principles:
- No force is exerted, movements should be soft and not sharp;
- movements begin at the spine;
- The massage is done with the fingers only, without pressure.
Before a massage session, the skin is lubricated with a special oil. Some experts resort to cupping, believing that it improves blood flow. Massage is prescribed both during remission and during exacerbation, as it is an excellent prophylactic. One hour of daily sessions is enough.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home
It is impossible to completely cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home on your own. You can only prevent the progression of the disease and stop pain syndromes. This is because osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, in some cases there may be exacerbations, it is impossible to completely get rid of them. Therefore, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home is somewhat imprecise.
Thus, it is only possible to carry out preventive measures for the recurrence of the disease. To do this, you need to regularly do exercises, move more, do not sit still for a long time, use orthopedic pillows and a mattress. You should also avoid stressful situations and give up bad habits.