Spinal cord injuries occur in almost everyone. The neck and lumbar regions are most commonly affected. They get a big load all day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, all of which can be part of the truth, because choosing either method does not give a satisfactory result. Only a complex effect on the body can stop the disease from developing. It is likely that osteochondrosis will feel in the future. But if left untreated, it will continue to evolve, touching on all new areas.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck
There are a lot of them. This can be explained by the fact that a large number of nerves pass through this area, feeding the brain. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, altering its structure. And as a result - squeezing the arteries, pinching the nerves. Therefore, problems can occur in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- high blood pressure and high blood pressure;
- vision loss;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of the hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, hands;
- stiffness;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle cramp.
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 cases of impaired metabolism. Unfortunately, any discrepancy in health can be the cause. The causes of osteochondrosis are uncertain, but there are a number of alleged causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- goosefoot;
- prolonged physical activity;
- static work;
- drinking and smoking;
- inflammatory processes in the internal organs;
- neck injuries;
- high pillow;
- hormonal disorders.
The risk group includes pregnant women, members of the "sedentary" professions and athletes.
About the treatment
Above all, every doctor tries to relieve pain with the help of painkillers and other medications.
The next step is to rule out a probable cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. For example, if we’re talking about an office worker, they offer internships. You have to take breaks, warm up, walk during work. Emphasis should be placed on proper posture while working.
Third step. Strengthening the muscles of the neck. Considering the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, there is an incredible strain on the vertebrae. In addition, it is the most mobile part of the spine. To strengthen the muscles of the neck, you need to do exercises, you need to visit the pool.
Step four. Improving blood circulation and relieving tension. To do this, use a neck and shoulder massage. There are other methods, but massage is the most proven option.
Fifth step. Vitamins and minerals. It’s no secret that a balanced diet contributes greatly to the cure for many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a shortage of a particular substance, it must be purchased at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and eating right is not a cure, but it will bear fruit along with the rest.
Last step. Organizing neck rest. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - in the supine position. This is why the arrangement of the bed and pillows is so important.
The disease should be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic measures have failed to improve the patient's condition, surgery is prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis. A similar step is taken in advanced cases.
Practice therapy and warm-up
Constantly performing warm-up exercises allows you to relieve stress and improve your metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, tilt and tilt your head slightly. The movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same position, execute the head to the side. 10 times.
- Circular movement of the head in a clockwise direction and vice versa. Five times.
- Lifting and lowering the shoulders. 15 times.
- Move your head back and forth. 10 times.
- When standing or sitting, raise your arms without bending your neck. 10 times.
- Do the same, but tilt your head back when lifting, tilt when lowering. But tipping is easy.
- Place both palms on your forehead and press (but not firmly). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times for 15 seconds.
Therapeutic complexes for any osteochondrosis are developed individually. These are usually simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overload.
Approximate set of exercises for cervical osteochondrosis:
- Perform warm-up exercises.
- Lie on your back and raise your head. 15 times.
- Stand on all fours, perform your head to the side and lift. 10 times. If severe pain occurs, refuse the exercise.
- When standing, raise your arms to shoulder level. Applaud 15-20 times in front of you, 15-20 times over your head (straight arm).
- Hold your hand on your belt, perform a side turn with your whole body 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palm on it. Go back 2 steps. Raise and lower your head.
- Easy dive in the same position, upside down under your armpits. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit in a chair. Rotate the head, moving the neck to the other side at the same time. 10 times.
- In the same position, retract your chin so that your neck and shoulders remain flat. 15 times.
Usually the complex is repeated 2-3 times in one session. The first time in each lesson should be gentle, the second in the usual way.
Swimming pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all diseases of the spine. Available in water:
- rest;
- increases muscle tone and abilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good drugs. Their job is to restore cartilage. Leave something to be desired after the process of their assimilation, but nevertheless their use is recommended for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Muscle relaxants
The group’s medications relieve cramps in trapped or loaded muscles. After taking myoroclasts, the positive effects of massage and manual therapy increase. However, after taking them, it is not possible to exercise.
vasodilators
Vasodilators are also used to treat osteochondrosis of the neck region. Their effect is needed to improve the blood supply to the injured part and the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs completely relieve inflammation and anesthetize. They can be just as effective as pure painkillers. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Analgesics
There are two types: narcotic and non-narcotic. The first type is used only if nothing else relieves the pain. The second type is used more often.
Biostimulants
It follows from the name that this drug activates the work of the body, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also needed to restore osteochondrosis. They must include:
- Vitamins A, B, C, D;
- B vitamins;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development and repair of bone tissue.
Massage
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region is impossible without massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the drug is, you will not be able to ensure proper blood circulation and metabolism if you do not help her with this massage. A gentle massage of the collar zone is usually prescribed. Various soothing oils and ointments may be used. After all, osteochondrosis remains a strong psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and stroking without strong pressure.
Start at the back of the head and gradually descend to the shoulder blades. The movements start from the center, are directed to the periphery, and not the other way around. The massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or a thumb.
What is a massage for? In addition to improving blood circulation, excess and even interfering substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the muscles of the neck, in osteochondrosis of this class, are very tense. This is the body’s response to injuries. This protects the spine. Constant strain on the muscles leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and reduces mobility. It is removed with a massage, relaxation and pain relief can be achieved.
Dream
During sleep, our body relaxes completely. Unless, of course, it's the right dream. In order for the spine to relax, you should use an orthopedic pillow and mattress for osteochondrosis of the neck. No matter how much you can treat this disease and you will not get results if you do not have the necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, cause a constant load on the neck region and osteochondrosis continues to develop even during sleep. You need to reach a straight ridge and proper load distribution.
ethnology
Traditional medicine methods are not always approved by doctors because some of the effects on the body can have "pitfalls. " But they could not be ignored.
To reduce pain, the thorn protrusions are rubbed against hard objects (door jamb, rolling pin).
Willow is considered a good painkiller with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions and compresses.
The leaves and roots of horseradish perfectly warm and relieve inflammation and pain. But care must be taken not to burn it. Therefore, they are not used at night. Skin irritation increases blood circulation and metabolism.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation, activating the body's defensive reactions. Unlike willow, it is less effective externally.
The most popular product in traditional medicine is honey. Compresses in the form of ointment are good. Honey massage relieves pain, relaxes and soothes. In addition to taste, consuming a few tablespoons a day strengthens the body and provides many essential vitamins and compounds.
In summary
Treatment of osteochondrosis is only possible through a complex effect on the body. This is the way to get results. The sooner you start, the less change there will be in your body. In the initial stage, the disease is almost completely cured. In advanced cases, you have to fight the disease for a long time and hard. It’s not about months, it’s about years. Therapeutic measures are effective but may be ineffective in some cases. After that, osteochondrosis can only be treated surgically. So you better not bring it up.