Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which pain occurs not only in the cervical region, but also in the head, shoulder joints, cerebral circulation is disturbed. Contrary to the opinion that this disease affects exclusively older people, more and more young people turn to specialists with neck pain. It all depends on the lifestyle that most people lead. Working at the computer, poor posture, stooping, 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 lifestyle, computer work;
- Improper metabolism;
- Accumulation of salts between the vertebrae;
- Unbalanced diet;
- Heredity;
- Cervical injuries;
- Malfunction of hormones.
Before looking for ways to cure the neck of osteochondrosis, you should know the symptoms of pain associated with osteochondrosis. In order to correctly determine the symptoms, it is worth knowing that the vertebral artery, one of the largest vital vessels, passes through the cervical region. It is through her that the brain is supplied with all the necessary substances. The curvature of the intervertebral discs, which at the same time causes strong pain sensations, is called osteochondrosis. At first, this disease of the joints and the spine is almost impossible to detect, because this disease develops gradually, and the pain appears already at the moment when the space between the vertebrae is compressed to such an extent that the nerve endings of thespine are affected. . This leads to a violation of cerebral circulation. Only then do the first symptoms appear:
- First, pain in the neck area appears;
- Often bothered by dizziness and headache, 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 the development of osteochondrosis, more serious problems with the spine can arise, 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 of relieving pain, it all depends on the severity of the stage of the disease. For example, dizziness in osteochondrosis of the cervical region can be cured by compresses according to folk recipes. It is important to remember that any treatment must be carried out holistically.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine, with the correct application of recipes, can effectively relieve symptoms. 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 decoction of needles. Pour boiling water over pine needles, let it brew, eat the resulting porridge twice a day or drink 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;
- Finely grated potatoes mixed with honeyone by one, put the resulting mass on a cloth for a compress, attach it to the focus of pain and leave it overnight;
- horseradish leafsoak in boiling water, then tie the plant to the neck, the water can also be used for compresses.
Also, don't forget about essential oils and herbs which, combined with alcohol, make excellent warming rubs. Within a week after home treatment, inflammatory processes should subside. If this does not happen, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Operation
Surgery is a rather long 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 an operation is made by a doctor who treats osteochondrosis - a neurosurgeon. Only after the diagnosis has been made, all tests and examinations performed, and the patient's brain vessels checked, does the preparation for surgery begin. Often, surgery is required when the intervertebral disc is destroyed. If possible, it is better to use other methods.
medical therapy
With this disease, treatment 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;
- Corticosteroids also help reduce pain sensation;
- Muscle relaxants are great for relieving muscle spasms.
- Anticonvulsants are taken for pain due to the development of neuroticism;
- Warming and anti-inflammatory ointments, gels.
Physiotherapy
In order not to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis and ankylosing spondylitis, it is recommended to perform the following exercises:
- Lying 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 exercise is that the body should be relaxed;
- This exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but now on the stomach. With your hands in front of you, slowly begin to raise your head, then your torso, contracting your muscles as your hands rest on the floor. So you have to stand for a minute and a half. Execute 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 should be smooth without sudden movements, if some exercises cause discomfort or pain, you do not need to continue its implementation at full power.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy allows patients to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, correct the position of each vertebra and work on stretching them using special exercises. Working out with light weights improves nerve conduction in the spinal canal. A comprehensive exercise program helps you recover faster.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage is good because even at a severe stage of the disease it can be performed with gentle movements, for this you do not even have to go anywhere, you can always invite a specialist to your home. Generally, a chiropractor adheres to the following principles:
- No force is applied, movements should be smooth and not sudden;
- The movements start from the spine;
- The massage is performed only with the fingers, without pressure.
Before a massage session, the skin is lubricated with a special oil. Some experts use cupping, believing that it improves blood circulation. 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 due to the fact that osteochondrosis is a chronic disease, in some cases exacerbations may occur, it is impossible to completely get rid of them. Therefore, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home is somewhat inaccurate.
Thus, it is only possible to take preventive measures for the recurrence of the disease. To do this, you need to regularly perform exercises, move more, do not sit for a long time, use orthopedic pillows and a mattress. You should also avoid stressful situations and let go of bad habits.