Violations of the spine occur in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are most often affected. They have a heavy load all day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, in each of them there can be a part of the truth, because choosing any method will not give the right result. Only a complex effect on the body can stop the development of the disease. Osteochondrosis is likely to make itself felt in the future. But if left untreated, it will continue its development, hitting all new areas.
Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms
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, changing its structure. And as a result - squeezing of the arteries, pinched nerves. Therefore, problems can arise in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure changes;
- loss of vision;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of the hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, hands;
- rigidity;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle spasms.
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 for sure, but there are a number of alleged causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- flat feet;
- 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 treatment
First of all, any doctor will try to relieve pain with the help of pain relievers and other medicines.
The next step is to rule out the probable cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. For example, if we are talking about an employee, 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 correct posture while working.
Step number three. Strengthen 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 muscles of the neck, you will need to perform sets of exercises, visit the pool.
Fourth step. Improve blood circulation and relieve tension. To do this, apply a neck and shoulder massage. There are other methods, but massage is the most proven option.
Step five. Vitamins and minerals. It is no secret that a balanced diet largely contributes 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 the 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. This is why the arrangement 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, surgery is prescribed in the case of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar step is also taken in advanced cases.
Physical therapy and warm-up
Constantly performing warm-up exercises allows you to relieve stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, perform tilts and slight tilts of the head. The movements are fluid. 10 times.
- In the same position, turn your head 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.
- In a standing or sitting position, raise your arms without bending your neck. 10 times.
- Do the same, but when you lift, tilt your head back and when you lower it tilt it. But tilting is easy.
- Place both palms on your forehead and press (but not hard). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times for 15 seconds.
Physical therapy complexes for any osteochondrosis are developed individually. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overload.
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, turn your head to the sides and lift. 10 times. If severe pain appears, refuse exercise.
- In a standing position, raise your arms to shoulder height. Perform claps in front of you 15-20 times, overhead (with straight arms) 15-20 times.
- Hands on the belt, make turns with the whole body to the sides 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Go back 2 steps. Raise and lower your head.
- In the same position, immerse yourself slightly with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit in a chair. To perform turns of the head, with the simultaneous movement of the neck to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, we retract the chin, 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 polite, the second time as usual.
Pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all spinal diseases. In water you get:
- relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and their capabilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good medicine. Their function is to repair cartilage. Let the process of their assimilation leave much 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 of the group relieve spasm of tight or loaded muscles. After taking myoroclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, after taking them, you cannot practice, practice.
Vasodilators
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Their impact is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged section and to the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetize. They can be just as effective as pure pain relievers. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Pain relievers
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 medicine activates the work of the body, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also needed for recovery work in osteochondrosis. They should include:
- vitamin A, B, C, D;
- vitamins of group B;
- soccer;
- 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 the use of massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the medicine is, it will still not be able to ensure proper blood circulation, metabolism, if you do not help him with this massage. As a rule, a light massage of the collar 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 at the back of your head, then gradually work your way down to the shoulder blades. The movements start from the center, are directed to the periphery and not vice versa. The 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 muscles of the neck, with osteochondrosis of this department, are very tense. This is the body's response to injury. Therefore, the spine is protected. The constant load 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.
To dream
During sleep, our body is completely relaxed. Unless, of course, this is not the right dream. To allow the spine to relax, with cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to use an orthopedic pillow and mattress. You can cure this disease as much as you want and get no results if the conditions necessary for adequate sleep are not there.
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
The methods of traditional medicine are not always approved by doctors, because some of the effects on the body can have "pitfalls". However, 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 its roots perfectly heat, 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 a lot of 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 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 the taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
summing up
It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of a complex effect on the body. Rather, 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 long and hard. It is not a question of months, but of years. Therapeutic measures have a good record, but in some cases they can be ineffective. So it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it's best not to talk about it.