Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which pain occurs not only in the neck, but also in the head and shoulder joints, and brain circulation is disturbed. Contrary to the idea that this disease only applies to the elderly, more and more young people are turning to specialists with neck pain. This is due to the lifestyle that most people lead. Working at the computer, bad posture, bending over, uncomfortable bed, all this is related to the development of cervical osteochondrosis. Home treatment is possible in 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, working with a computer;
- Improper metabolism;
- Accumulation of salts between the vertebrae;
- unbalanced diet;
- heredity;
- Cervical injuries;
- Hormones not working properly.
Before looking for ways to treat the neck from osteochondrosis, you need to know the symptoms of pain in osteochondrosis. In order to correctly identify the symptoms, it is worth knowing that the vertebral artery, one of the largest vital vessels, passes through the cervical region. Through it, the brain is fed with all the necessary substances. At the same time, the curvature of the intervertebral discs, which causes strong pain, is called osteochondrosis. Initially, it is almost impossible to detect this disease of the joints and the spine, because this disease develops gradually, and the pain appears when the space between the vertebrae is compressed to the extent that the nerve endings of the spine are affected. . This causes disruption of cerebral circulation. Only at this time the first symptoms appear:
- First of all, pain appears in the neck area;
- He is often disturbed by dizziness and headache, especially during movement;
- There is weakness in arms and legs, coordination of movements is disturbed;
- Also, a symptom may be ringing, tinnitus;
- Sudden mood swings;
- Disruption of the digestive tract and urinary processes in the body.
If you do not consult a specialist at the early stage of the development of osteochondrosis, more serious problems may arise in the spine, 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 to relieve pain, it all depends on how severe 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 should be done thoroughly.
Folk treatment
Traditional medicine, with the correct application of prescriptions, can effectively relieve symptoms. Herbal infusions and decoctions help to cope with the disease, their actions are aimed at eliminating inflammation, some of them are:
- Decoction of needles. Pour boiling water over pine needles, brew, eat the resulting slurry twice a day or drink an infusion, this will help eliminate the cause of the headache;
- Garlic ginger compress. Mix garlic and ginger root in equal proportions, add a little butter. The resulting mixture is applied to the affected area. If ginger is only in the form of a spice, you can add a spoonful of powder, the effect will be the same;
- Finely grated potatoes are mixed with honeysuddenly, 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 tie the plant around the neck, the water can also be used for compresses.
Also, don't forget about essential oils and herbs that make great warming rubs with alcohol. Inflammatory processes should decrease within a week of home treatment, 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 doctor who treats osteochondrosis - a neurosurgeon - decides on the need for surgery. Only after the diagnosis is made, all analyzes and examinations are carried out, as well as the patient's brain vessels are checked, and preparations for the operation begin. Often, surgery is required when the intervertebral disc is destroyed. If possible, it is better to use other methods.
Medical therapy
Treatment of this disease depends on its severity. The main function of the drug is 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;
- Muscle relaxants are great for relieving muscle spasms;
- Due to the development of neuroticism, anticonvulsants are taken for pain;
- 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 and the other on your chest, inhale slowly and exhale 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 body, tense your muscles, your hands rest on the floor. So, you need to stop for a minute and a half. Perform 4 approaches;
- Position - sitting in a chair, back straight. Bending your head forward, try to reach your chin with your chest. Then tilt your head back as far as possible. Repeat 15 times.
The complex of exercises is performed very carefully, all movements should be smooth without sudden movements, if some exercises cause discomfort or pain, there is no need to continue its implementation at full strength.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy allows patients to strengthen the neck and back muscles, correct the position of each vertebra and work on their extension with the help of special exercises. Working with light weights improves nerve conduction in the spinal canal. A full training course allows for faster recovery.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage is good because it can be done with gentle movements even in the severe stage of the disease, you don't even need to go anywhere, you can always invite a specialist to your home. Typically, a chiropractor follows the following principles:
- No force is applied, movements should not be soft and sharp;
- Movements start from the spine;
- Massage is performed only with fingers, without pressure.
Before the massage session, the skin is lubricated with special oil. Some experts turn to cupping, believing it improves blood circulation. Massage is prescribed both during remission and during exacerbation, as it is an excellent preventive measure. One hour session daily is enough.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home
It is impossible to completely treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home. You can only prevent the development 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 imprecise.
Thus, it is possible to implement only preventive measures for the recurrence of the disease. For this, it is necessary to do exercises regularly, to move more, not to sit in one place for a long time, to use an orthopedic pillow and mattress. You should also avoid stressful situations and give up bad habits.