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 is exclusively for the elderly, more and more young people are turning to specialists with a sore neck. It's about the lifestyle most people lead. Computer work, poor posture, bending over, uncomfortable bed, all this is due to the fact that cervical osteochondrosis develops. Treatment at home is possible at the initial stage of the disease, if you know the cause of its appearance.
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;
- Inheritance;
- Cervical injuries;
- Improper functioning of hormones.
Before looking for ways to cure the neck from osteochondrosis, it is necessary to know the symptoms of pain in osteochondrosis. 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 it that the brain is fed 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 is almost impossible to detect, as this disease develops gradually and pain appears already at the moment when the space between the vertebrae is compressed to such an extent that it affects the nerve endings of the column vertebral. This entails a violation of cerebral circulation. Only at this time do the first symptoms appear:
- First of all, pain appears in the neck area;
- Often disturbed by dizziness and headache, especially when moving;
- 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 in the development of osteochondrosis, more serious problems can occur with the spine, up to the curvature.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
There are several ways to treat osteochondrosis of the neck. Every patient suffering from this disease will find a suitable method of pain relief, it all depends on the severity of the stage of the disease. 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 must be carried out comprehensively.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine, with the correct application of recipes, can effectively relieve symptoms. Well helps to cope with the disease herbal infusions and decoctions, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammation, here are a few:
- A decoction of needles. Pour boiling water over the pine needles, let it brew, eat the resulting slurry twice a day or drink the infusion, this will help eliminate the cause of the headache;
- Garlic ginger wrap. Mix the 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 a 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 pain center and leave it overnight;
- horseradish leafsoak 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, in combination with alcohol, make for great warming tea towels. 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 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 making the diagnosis, all tests and examinations are carried out, the patient's brain vessels are checked, preparation for surgery begins. Surgery is often 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 from 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 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, place 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 must be relaxed;
- This exercise is also performed lying on the floor, but now on the stomach. Hands in front of you, slowly begin to raise your head, then your torso, straining your muscles, while your hands rest 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, 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 any exercise causes discomfort or pain, it is not necessary to continue its implementation at full strength.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy allows patients to strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, 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 course 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 done with gentle movements, so you don't 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 applied, the movements must be soft and not abrupt;
- 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 special oil. Some experts resort to cupping, believing it to improve blood circulation. Massage is prescribed both during remission and during exacerbation, as it is an excellent prophylaxis. 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 alone. 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, exacerbations may occur in some cases, it is impossible to get rid of it completely. Therefore, the question of how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home is somewhat inaccurate.
Therefore, it is possible to carry out only preventive measures for 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 a mattress. You should also avoid stressful situations and give up bad habits.