Violations of the spine occur in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are most often 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 some truth, because choosing one method will not give the right result. Only a complex effect on the body can stop the development of the disease. It is likely that in the future osteochondrosis will make itself felt. But if left untreated, it will continue to grow, affecting 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 supplied. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, 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 water hammer;
- vision loss;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity in the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, hands;
- stiffness;
- rachiocampus;
- muscle spasms.
This is not a complete list of possible symptoms, but these are the most common.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often observed in people with impaired metabolism. Any health gap, alas, can be the cause. The causes of the appearance of osteochondrosis are not known with certainty, but there are a number of suspected causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- flat foot;
- prolonged physical activity;
- static work;
- drinking and smoking;
- inflammatory processes in 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 painkillers and other drugs.
The next step is to exclude the probable cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. 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, perform a warm-up, walks. Emphasis will be placed on good posture during work.
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. Moreover, it is the most mobile part of the spine. To strengthen the muscles of the neck, you will need to perform sets of exercises, visit the pool.
Fourth step. Improve blood circulation and relieve tension. For this, apply 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 significantly to the improvement of many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a shortage of a particular substance, it will have to be purchased at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and proper nutrition is not a cure, but in combination with the rest it pays off.
Last step. Neck rest organization. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - 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 the standard therapeutic actions could not improve the patient's condition, then in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, surgical intervention is prescribed. A similar measure is also taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
The constant performance of warm-up exercises allows you to relieve stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, perform tilts and a slight tilt of the head. The movements are fluid. 10 times.
- In the same position, perform head turns to the sides. 10 times.
- Circular movements of the head clockwise and vice versa. Five times.
- Raise and lower your shoulders. 15 times.
- Move your head back and forth. 10 times.
- While 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 the incline is easy.
- Place both palms on the 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 developed individually. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overwork.
An approximate set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Perform warm-up exercises.
- Lying on your back, raise your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, perform head turns to the sides and lifts. 10 times. If severe pain appears, refuse exercise.
- While standing, raise your arms to shoulder level. Clap in front of you 15-20 times, above your head (with outstretched arms) 15-20 times.
- Hands on the belt, perform bends with the whole body to the sides 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Take 2 steps back. Raise and lower your head.
- In the same position, dive lightly with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight 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, the chin is retracted, the neck and shoulders must remain equal. 15 times.
Usually the complex is repeated 2-3 times in one session. The first time of each lesson should be gentle, the second as usual.
Swimming pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all spinal diseases. In water we get:
- relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and their abilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good drugs. Their function is to repair the cartilage. Let the process of their assimilation leave something to be desired, but their use is still recommended for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Muscle relaxants
Drugs from the group relieve spasms of tight or loaded muscles. After taking myoroclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, after taking them, you cannot exercise, exercise.
Vasodilators
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Their impact is necessary to improve blood supply to the damaged section and the brain.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetize. They can be just as effective as pure painkillers. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Painkillers
There are two types: narcotic and non-narcotic. The first type is used only when nothing else can relieve 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 should include:
- vitamin A, B, C, D;
- B vitamins;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development and repair of bone tissue.
Massage
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region without using massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the drug is, it still will not be able to provide good blood circulation, metabolism, if you do not help it with this massage. As a rule, a gentle massage of the cervix area is prescribed. Various soothing oils and ointments can be applied. After all, osteochondrosis remains a heavy psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and stroking, without strong pressure.
Start at the back of the head, then gradually work your way down to the shoulder blades. The movements start from 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 annoying substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the muscles of the neck, with osteochondrosis of this department, are very tense. It is the body's response to injury. Thus, the spine is protected. The constant load on 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, it's 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 not get results if there are no necessary conditions for good 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 good load distribution is what you need to achieve.
ethnosciences
The methods of traditional medicine are not always approved by doctors, since some of the effects on the body may have "pitfalls". 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 painkiller with no side effects. It is used in the composition of ointments, infusions, compresses.
Horseradish leaves and its roots warm up perfectly, relieve inflammation and pain. But you have to be careful not to burn yourself. 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, it activates the body's protective reactions. Unlike willow, it is less effective when used outdoors.
The most popular product in traditional medicine is honey. It is good in the form of compresses, ointments. Honey massage relieves pain, relaxes, soothes. In addition to taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
Summary
It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of a complex effect on the body. On the contrary, this is how you can get results. The earlier you start, the less changes will occur in the body. In the early stages, the disease is almost completely cured. In advanced cases, you will have to fight the disease for a long and hard time. It's not months, it's years. Therapeutic measures have a good track record, but in some cases may be ineffective. Then it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it's better not to talk about it.