Violations of the spine occurs 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 a part of the truth, because the choice of any one 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 it is not treated, then it will continue its development, hitting 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 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 surges;
- vision loss;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, hands;
- stiffness;
- 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, alas, can be the cause. What causes the appearance of osteochondrosis is not known for certain, 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 the 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 painkillers and other medicines.
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, then 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 during work.
Step number three. Strengthening the muscles of the neck. If we take into account the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, then 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. Improving blood circulation and relieving tension. To do this, apply a massage of 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, then it will need to be purchased at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and proper nutrition is not a cure, but in combination with the rest, it bears fruit.
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 arrangement of the bed and pillows is so important.
The disease must 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 step 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 on a chair, perform tilts and slight tilting of the head. Movements are smooth. 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.
- Raising and lowering the 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 lifting, throw back your head, and when lowering, tilt. But tilting is easy.
- Put both palms on the forehead and press (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 overstrain.
An approximate set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Perform warm-up exercises.
- Lying on your back, lift your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, perform head turns to the sides and lifts. 10 times. If severe pain appears, then refuse the exercise.
- In a standing position, raise your arms to shoulder level. Perform claps in front of you 15-20 times, above your head (with straight arms) 15-20 times.
- Hands on the belt, perform turns with the whole body to the sides 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Move back 2 steps. Raise and lower your head.
- In the same position, light diving with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit on a chair. To carry out 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, 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 gentle, the second as usual.
Swimming pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all diseases of the spine. In water is achieved:
- 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 still their use is recommended for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Muscle relaxants
The drugs of the group relieve spasm of clamped 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. Their 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 just as effective as pure pain relievers. 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 medicine 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 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 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 gentle massage of the collar zone 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 the head, then gradually descend to the shoulder blades. Movements start from the center, are directed to the periphery, and not vice versa. Massage or self-massage is carried out with the index and middle fingers or with one thumb.
What is 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. Thus, 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.
Dream
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 like and not achieve results if there are no necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, create a constant load on the cervical region, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even in sleep. A straight spine and proper load distribution are what you need to achieve.
ethnoscience
Traditional medicine methods are not always approved by doctors, because 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 pain reliever, without 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 get burned. 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 protective reactions of the body. Unlike willow, it is less effective when used externally.
The most popular product in folk medicine is honey. It is good in the form of compresses, ointments. Massage with honey 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 achieve results. The sooner 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 time and hard. This is not about months, but about years. Therapeutic measures have a good record, but in some cases may be ineffective. Then it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it's better not to bring it up.