Spine violations occur in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are the most affected. They have a heavy load throughout the day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, in each of them there may be a part of the truth, as choosing any one of the methods will not give the proper result. Only a complex effect on the body can prevent the development of the disease. It is likely that in the future osteochondrosis will make itself felt. But if left untreated, it will continue its development, reaching all new areas.
Symptoms of Cervical Osteochondrosis
There are a large number of them. This is explained by the fact that a large number of nerves pass through this area, the brain is fed. Osteochondrosis affects the spine by changing its structure. And as a result - compression of the arteries, pinched nerves. Therefore, problems can arise in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure spikes;
- vision loss;
- fatigue;
- somnolence;
- fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- neck pain, hands;
- rigidity;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle spasm.
This is not a complete list of possible symptoms, but they are the most common.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often found in people with impaired metabolism. Any deviation in health, unfortunately, can be the cause. What causes osteochondrosis to appear is not known with certainty, but there are several alleged causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- postural disorders;
- flat foot;
- prolonged physical activity;
- static work;
- drinking and smoking;
- inflammatory processes in Organs internal organs;
- neck injuries;
- high pillow;
- hormonal disorders.
The risk group includes pregnant women, representatives of "sedentary" professions and athletes.
about the treatment
First of all, any doctor will try to relieve pain with the help of pain relievers and other medications.
The next step is to rule out the probable cause of cervical spine osteochondrosis. For example, if we are talking about an office worker, exercises will be offered. In the process of work, you will need to take breaks, warm up, walks. Emphasis will be placed on correct posture while working.
Step number three. Strengthening the neck muscles. If we take into account the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, an incredible load is placed on the vertebrae. In addition, it is the most mobile part of the spine. To strengthen the neck muscles, you will need to perform sets of exercises, visit the pool.
Fourth step. Improve blood circulation and relieve tension. To do this, apply a massage to the neck and shoulders. There are other methods, but massage is the most proven option.
Step five. Vitamins and Minerals. It is no secret that a balanced diet contributes greatly to the improvement of many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a shortage of a specific substance, it will need to be purchased at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and proper nutrition is not a cure, but in combination with the rest, it bears fruit.
Last step. Organization of neck rest. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - the prone position. That's why bed and pillow layout is so important.
The disease must be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic actions cannot improve the patient's condition, then in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, surgical intervention is prescribed. A similar step is also taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
Constantly performing warm-up exercises allows you to relieve stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, lean forward and slightly tilt your head. The movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same position, make head turns to the sides. 10 times.
- Circular head movements clockwise and vice versa. Five times.
- Raise and lower your shoulders. 15 times.
- Move your head back and forth. 10 times.
- Standing or sitting, raise your arms without bending your neck. 10 times.
- Do the same, but when lifting, tilt your head back and when lowering, tilt it. But leaning is easy.
- Place both palms on your forehead and press down (but not hard). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times for 15 seconds.
Exercise therapy complexes for any osteochondrosis are individually developed. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overexertion.
A rough set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Do warm-up exercises.
- Lying on your back, lift your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, do sideways head turns and lifts. 10 times. If severe pain appears, refuse the exercise.
- Standing, raise your arms to shoulder level. Clap your hands in front of you 15-20 times, above your head (with your arms straight) 15-20 times.
- Hands on belt, do full body turns sideways 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, place your palms on it. Go back 2 steps. Raise and lower your head.
- In the same position, light dip with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand or sit in a chair. Perform head turns, with the simultaneous movement of the neck to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, we retract the chin, the neck and shoulders must remain even. 15 times.
Typically, the complex is repeated 2-3 times in one session. The first time in each lesson should be smooth, the second time as usual.
Pool
Swimming is the best remedy and prevention for all spinal diseases. In water it is achieved:
- relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and capabilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
preparations
chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good medicine. Its function is to repair cartilage. Let the process of its assimilation leave a lot to be desired, but still its use is recommended for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
muscle relaxants
The drugs in the group relieve the spasm of tense or loaded muscles. After taking myoclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is potentiated. However, after taking them, you cannot exercise, exercise.
Vasodilators
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Its impact is necessary to improve blood supply to the damaged section and brain.
Ines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetize. They can be just as effective as pure pain relievers. Prolonged use is contraindicated.
Analgesics
There are two types: narcotics and non-narcotics. The first type is used only when nothing else can ease the pain. The second type is used more often.
biostimulants
From the name it follows that this drug activates the work of the body, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also necessary for recovery work in osteochondrosis. They must include:
- vitamin A, B, C, D;
- Complex B vitamins;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphor.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development and repair of bone tissues.
Massage
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region without the use of massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the drug is, it will still not be able to ensure proper blood circulation, metabolism, if you do not help it with such a massage. As a general rule, a gentle massage in the collar area is prescribed. Various soothing oils and ointments can be applied. After all, osteochondrosis is still a heavy psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and caressing, without strong pressure.
Start at the back of the head and then gradually work your way down to the shoulder blades. Movements start in the center, are directed towards the periphery and not vice versa. Massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or with a thumb.
What is massage for? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even interfering substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the neck muscles with osteochondrosis of this department are very tense. This is the body's response to injury. Thus, the column is protected. Constant loading of the muscles leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and reduces mobility. And with a massage, it is removed, relaxation and pain relief are achieved.
Dream
During sleep, our body is completely relaxed. Unless, of course, this is the right dream. To allow the spine to relax, with cervical osteochondrosis, you need to use an orthopedic pillow and mattress. You can treat this disease as much as you want and get no results if there are no necessary conditions for adequate sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, create a constant load on the cervical region, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even during sleep. A straight spine and proper load distribution are what you need to achieve.
ethnoscience
Traditional medicine methods are not always approved by doctors, because some of the effects on the body can have "traps". But still, it was impossible not to mention them.
To reduce pain, the spinous processes are rubbed against hard objects (door jamb, rolling pin).
Willow is considered a good pain reliever with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions, compresses.
Horseradish leaves and their perfectly warm roots relieve inflammation and pain. But you have to be careful not to get burned. Therefore, it is not used at night. Due to skin irritation, blood circulation and metabolism increase.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use leads to a decrease in pain and inflammation, activates the protective reactions of the body. Unlike willow, it is less effective when used externally.
The most popular product in traditional medicine is honey. It is good in the form of compresses, ointments. Massage with honey relieves pain, relaxes, soothes. In addition to the taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen your body and provide you with many essential vitamins and compounds.
In short
It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of a complex effect on the body. Instead, this is how you can achieve results. The sooner you start, the less changes there will be in the body. In the early stages, the disease is almost completely cured. In advanced cases, you will have to fight the disease long and hard. It's not months, but years. Therapeutic measures have a good track record, but in some cases they may be ineffective. So it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it's better not to bring it.