Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which pain occurs not only in the cervical area, but also in the head, shoulder joints, cerebral circulation is disturbed. Contrary to the opinion that this disease concerns only the elderly, more and more young people are turning to specialists with a sore throat. It's all about the lifestyle that most people lead. Working on the computer, bad posture, bending over, uncomfortable bed, all this is due to the development of cervical osteochondrosis. 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:
- Sedentary life, computer work.
- Improper metabolism?
- Accumulation of calcium between the vertebrae.
- Unbalanced diet?
- Heredity;
- Cervical injuries?
- Improper function of hormones.
Before looking for ways to treat osteochondrosis neck, you need to know the symptoms of osteochondrosis pain. To correctly identify the symptoms, it is worth knowing that the vertebral artery, one of the largest vital vessels, passes through the cervical region. It is through it that the brain is supplied with all the necessary substances. The curvature of the intervertebral discs, which at the same time causes intense sensations of pain, is called osteochondrosis. Initially, this disease of the joints and the spine is almost impossible to detect, as this disease develops gradually and the pain already appears at the moment when the space between the vertebrae is compressed to such an extent that the nerve endings of the spine are affected. This implies a violation of cerebral circulation. Only at this time do the first symptoms appear:
- First of all, pain occurs in the neck area.
- Often disturbed by dizziness and headaches, especially during movement.
- There is weakness in the arms and legs, the coordination of movements is disturbed.
- Also, a symptom can be ringing, tinnitus.
- Sudden mood swings.
- Violation of the digestive tract and urinary processes in the body.
If you do not consult a specialist at an early stage of development of osteochondrosis, then more serious problems with the spine may appear, up to curvature.
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 for pain relief, it all depends on how serious the stage of the disease is. For example, dizziness in osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be treated with compresses according to folk recipes. It is important to remember that any treatment must be carried out comprehensively.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine, with the correct application of the recipes, can effectively relieve the symptoms. So help to deal with the disease herbal teas and decoctions, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammation, here are some of them:
- A decoction of needles. Pour boiling water over pine needles, let it brew, eat the resulting pulp twice a day or drink an infusion, this will help eliminate the cause of headaches.
- Ginger garlic compress. Mix garlic and ginger root in equal proportions, add a little butter. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area. If the ginger is only in the form of seasoning, you can add a spoonful of powder, the effect will be the same.
- Shredded potatoes mixed with honeyone by one, put the resulting mass on a cloth for compression, attach it to the focus of pain and leave it overnight.
- horseradish leafdip in boiling water, then attach the plant to the neck, the water can also be used for compresses.
Also, don't forget essential oils and herbs, which, combined with alcohol, make excellent warming rubs. Within a week of treatment at home, 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 procedure, 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 is made, all tests and examinations are carried out, as well as a check of the patient's cerebral vessels, the preparation for surgery begins. Often, surgery is required when the intervertebral disc is damaged. If possible, it is better to use other methods.
Medical treatment
With this disease, treatment depends on its severity. The main function of the drug is the 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 the sensation of pain.
- Muscle relaxants are great for relieving muscle spasms.
- Anticonvulsants are taken for pain due to the development of neuroticism.
- Thermal and anti-inflammatory ointments, gels.
Physiotherapy
In order not to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis and ankylosing spondylitis, it is recommended to do the following exercises:
- Lie on the floor, put one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest, inhale and exhale slowly at least ten times. The essence of the exercise is that the body should be relaxed.
- This exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but now on the stomach. Hands in front of you, slowly begin to lift your head, then your torso, stretching your muscles, while your hands rest on the floor. So you need to stand for a minute and a half. Perform 4 approaches.
- Position - sitting in a chair, back straight. Tilt your head forward, trying to reach your chest with your chin. Then tilt your head as far back as possible. Repeat 15 times.
A set of exercises is performed very carefully, all movements must be smooth without sudden movements, if any exercise causes discomfort or pain, you do not need to continue its application with full force.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy allows patients to strengthen the neck and back muscles, correct the position of each vertebra, and work to stretch them with the help of special exercises. Working with light weights improves nerve conduction in the spinal canal. A full range of exercises allows you to recover faster.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage is good because even in a severe stage of the disease, it can be performed with gentle movements, so you don't even need to go anywhere, you can always invite a specialist to your home. Typically, a chiropractor adheres to the following principles:
- No force is applied, the movements should be soft and not sharp.
- The movements start from the spine.
- The massage is done only with the fingers, without pressure.
Before a massage session, the skin is lubricated with special oil. Some experts resort to cupping, believing that it improves blood circulation. Massage is prescribed both during remission and during exacerbation, as it is an excellent prophylactic. One hour 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 the pain syndromes. This is due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, in some cases exacerbations may occur, it is impossible to get rid of it completely. Therefore, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home is a bit imprecise.
Thus, it is only possible to take preventive measures against the recurrence of the disease. To do this, you need to regularly perform exercises, move more, do not sit still for a long time, use orthopedic pillows and mattress. You should also avoid stressful situations and give up bad habits.