Violations of the spine 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, because the choice of any method will not give the proper 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 develop and come into 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, they feed the brain. 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 sudden increases in pressure;
- Sight loss;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, 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. It is not known for sure what causes the appearance of osteochondrosis, but there are a number of supposed causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- flatfoot;
- prolonged physical activity;
- static work;
- drinking and smoking;
- inflammatory processes in the internal organs;
- neck injuries;
- tall 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 painkillers and other medications.
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, warm up, walk. Correct posture during work will be emphasized.
Step number three. Strengthening of 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. Improves blood circulation and relieves 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's no secret that a balanced diet greatly contributes to the improvement of many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a shortage of a particular substance, you will need to buy it at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and proper nutrition is not a cure, but in combination with the rest it pays off.
Last step. Organization of rest for the neck. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - the prone position. That is why the layout of the bed and pillows 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:
- Sitting on a chair, perform bows and slight tilts of the head. The movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same position, make head turns to the sides. 10 times.
- Circular movements of the head clockwise and vice versa. Five times.
- Raise and lower the shoulders. 15 times.
- He moves his 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 the tilt 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 developed individually. As a general rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue or overexertion.
An approximate set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Do warm-up exercises.
- Lying on your back, raise your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, perform head rolls to the sides and elevations. 10 times. If severe pain appears, refuse exercise.
- In a standing position, raise your arms to shoulder level. Clap in front of you 15 to 20 times, above your head (with arms outstretched) 15 to 20 times.
- With your hands on your belt, perform twists with your whole body to the sides 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Take 2 steps back. Head up and down.
- In the same position, light diving with the head under the arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit in a chair. Make 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 should remain even. 15 times.
Usually the complex is repeated 2-3 times in one session. The first time in each lesson should be smooth, the second as usual.
Swimming pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all diseases of the spine. In water you get:
- relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and its capabilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good medicine. Its function is to repair cartilage. Let the process of its assimilation leave much to be desired, but it is still recommended to use it for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
muscle relaxants
Drugs from the group relieve spasm of tense or loaded muscles. After taking myoroclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, after taking them, you can not exercise, exercise.
Vasodilators
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Its impact is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged section and the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetize. They can be as effective as pure pain relievers. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Analgesics
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 must include:
- vitamin A, B, C, D;
- B vitamins;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- match.
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 still will not be able to ensure proper blood circulation, metabolism, if you do not help it with this massage. As a rule, a gentle massage of the neck area is prescribed. Various soothing oils and ointments can be applied. After all, osteochondrosis is still a strong psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and stroking, without strong pressure.
Start from the back of your head, then gradually work your way down to your shoulder blades. The movements start from the center, go to the periphery and not the other way around. Massage or self-massage is done with the index and middle fingers or with a thumb.
What is the 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 in this department are very tense. This is the body's response to injury. Therefore, 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 eliminated, relaxation and pain relief are achieved.
Sleep
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 not achieve results if the necessary conditions for proper sleep do not exist.
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 is 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 "catch-ups. "But still, it was impossible not to mention them.
To reduce pain, the spinous processes are rubbed against hard objects (door frame, roller).
Willow is considered a good pain reliever with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions, compresses.
Horseradish leaves and its roots perfectly warm, 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, it increases blood circulation and metabolism.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use leads to a decrease in pain and inflammation, activates the body's protective reactions. 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. Honey massage relieves pain, relaxes, calms. In addition to the taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
summarizing
It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of a complex effect on the body. Rather, this is how you can achieve 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 long and hard. It's not about months, it's about years. Therapeutic measures have a good track record, but in some cases they may be ineffective. Then it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it is better not to mention it.