Cervical osteochondrosis is a disease in which pain occurs not only in the cervical region, but also in the head, shoulder joints, impaired cerebral circulation. Contrary to the opinion that the disease is only for the elderly, more and more young people are turning to specialists with neck pain. It’s all about the lifestyle that most people go through. Working at a computer, poor posture, stooping, uncomfortable beds, these are all due to developing cervical osteochondrosis. Home treatment is possible in the early stages of the disease, if you know the cause of its appearance.
Causes and symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
The main causes of the development of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Inactive lifestyle, computer work;
- Improper metabolism;
- Salt accumulation between vertebrae;
- Unbalanced diet;
- Descendants;
- Cervical injuries;
- Improper hormone function.
Before looking for a way to cure neck from osteochondrosis, you need to know the symptoms of pain in osteochondrosis. To determine the symptoms correctly, it should be known that the vertebral artery, one of the largest important channels, passes through the cervical area. Through it the brain is fed with all the necessary ingredients. The curvature of the intervertebral disc, which at the same time causes a strong sensation of pain, is called osteochondrosis. At first, this disease of the joints and spine is almost impossible to detect, as the disease develops gradually, and pain appears at this time when the space between the vertebrae is compressed in such a way that the nerve endings of the spine are affected. . This involves a violation of cerebral circulation. Only at this time the first symptoms appear:
- First of all, pain in the neck area appears;
- Often bothered by dizziness and headache, especially during movement;
- There is weakness in the arms and legs, impaired coordination of movements;
- Also, symptoms may be ringing, tinnitus;
- Sudden mood swings;
- Violations of the gastrointestinal tract and the process of urination in the body.
If you do not consult a specialist in the early stages of the development of osteochondrosis, then more serious problems with the spine may occur, up to curvature.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
There are several ways to treat neck osteochondrosis. Every patient with this disease will find an appropriate method of pain relief, all depending on the severity 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 should be carried out thoroughly.
Restoration of the people
Traditional medicine, with the use of proper recipes, can effectively reduce symptoms. Good help to overcome the disease herbal infusions and decoctions, the action of which is aimed at relieving inflammation, here are some of them:
- Needle boiled water. Pour boiling water over a pine needle, let it brew, eat the resulting slurry twice a day, or drink an infusion, this will help get rid of the cause of the headache;
- Compressed garlic ginger. 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 seasoning, you can add a tablespoon of powder, the effect will be the same;
- Finely grated potatoes mixed with honeyone by one, place the resulting mass on a cloth to compress, apply it to the focus of pain and leave overnight;
- radish leavesdip in boiling water, then attach the plant to the neck, water can also be used to compress.
Also, do not forget about essential oils and herbs, which, in combination with alcohol, make an excellent warming sweep. Within a week of treatment at home, the inflammatory process should subside, 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 decision on the need for surgery is made by the doctor treating osteochondrosis - a neurosurgeon. Only after the diagnosis is made, all tests and examinations are performed, as well as the patient’s brain channels are examined, preparation for surgery begins. 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 analgesic effect. It all depends on the stage of development of the disease, specialists in medical institutions prescribe certain drugs:
- Effective anti-inflammatory drugs against pain and inflammation;
- Corticosteroid medications also help reduce the sensation of pain;
- Muscle relaxation is great for relieving muscle cramps;
- Anticonvulsants are taken for pain due to the development of neuroticism;
- Warming and anti-inflammatory ointment, gel.
Physiotherapy
In order not to suffer from cervical osteochondrosis and ankylosing spondylitis, it is recommended to do the following exercises:
- Lying on the floor, place one hand on your stomach, the other on your chest, slowly inhale and exhale at least ten times. The essence of exercise is that the body must be relaxed;
- This exercise is also done lying on the floor, but now on the stomach. The hands in front of you, slowly begin to lift your head, then the body, tensing your muscles, while your hands rest on the floor. So you have to stand for a minute and a half. Run 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 back as far as possible. Repeat 15 times.
A set of exercises is done very carefully, all movements should be smooth without sudden movements, if some exercises cause discomfort or pain, you should not continue its implementation with full strength.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy 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 weight increases nerve conduction in the spinal canal. A full course of training allows you to recover faster.
Massage for cervical osteochondrosis
Massage is good because even with a severe degree of illness, it can be done with gentle movements, for this you do not have to go anywhere, you can always invite a specialist to your home. Typically, chiropractors adhere to the following principles:
- No force is applied, the movement should be gentle and not sharp;
- Movement starts from the spine;
- Massage is performed only with the fingers, without pressure.
Before the massage session, the skin is lubricated with a special oil. Some experts use cupping, believing that they improve blood circulation. Massage is prescribed during remission and during exacerbations, as it is an excellent prophylaxis. One hour of daily sessions is enough.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home
It is not possible 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 syndrome. 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 little inaccurate.
Therefore, it is only possible to carry out preventive measures for recurrence of the disease. To do this, you need to exercise regularly, move more, do not sit still for long periods of time, use orthopedic pillows and mattresses. You should also avoid stressful situations and abandon bad habits.