Spinal injuries occur in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are most commonly affected. You're under a lot of stress throughout the day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, each of which may contain a part of the truth, because choosing a method does not lead to 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 it is not treated, 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 appear in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure surges;
- vision loss;
- Fatigue;
- Sleepiness;
- Fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, in the 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 people with impaired metabolism. Any health abnormality can unfortunately be the cause. What causes osteochondrosis to occur is not known for certain, but there are a number of alleged causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- postural 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 the treatment
First of all, every doctor will try to relieve pain with the help of painkillers 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 office worker, exercises are offered. During work, you need to take breaks, warm up and go for a walk. Correct posture during work is important.
Step number three. Strengthening of the neck muscles. If we take into account the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, there is an incredible load on the vertebrae. It is also the most mobile part of the spine. To strengthen the muscles of the neck, you need to perform exercises and visit the pool.
Fourth step. Improving blood circulation and relieving tension. To do this, use 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 significantly contributes to the improvement of many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If a certain substance is scarce, it must be bought in 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 loaded, 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 the usual therapeutic measures have not been able to improve the patient's condition, surgical intervention is prescribed for cervical osteochondrosis. A similar step is also taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
By constantly performing warm-up exercises, you can reduce stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, perform inclines and slight head tilts. movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same position, perform head twists to the side. 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 thing, but tilt your head back when lifting and when lowering. But tipping is easy.
- Place both palms on your forehead and squeeze (but not hard). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times for 15 seconds.
Exercise therapy complexes for each 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:
- do warm-up exercises.
- Lie on your back and raise your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, perform head rotations to the sides and lifting movements. 10 times. If there is severe pain, refuse the exercise.
- While standing, raise your arms to shoulder height. Perform 15-20 claps in front of you, 15-20 above your head (arms straight).
- Hands on the belt, twists 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, gently dive with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit in a chair. To turn the head while moving the neck to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, we pull the chin back, the neck and shoulders should remain straight. 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 of all diseases of the spine. In the water is achieved:
- Relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and their abilities;
- the spasm is relieved.
preparations
chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good medicine. Their function is to repair cartilage. The process of their assimilation leaves 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
The drugs in the group relieve spasms of tight or strained muscles. After taking myoroclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, after taking it, you can not exercise, exercise.
vasodilators
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Their action is necessary to improve blood supply to the damaged section and the brain.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetic. They can be just as effective as pure painkillers. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Painkiller
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, reduces swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also necessary for recovery work in osteochondrosis. They should include:
- vitamins A, B, C, D;
- B vitamins;
- Calcium;
- Magnesium;
- Phosphorus.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for bone tissue development and repair.
massage
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region without massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the drug is, it still will not be able to ensure blood circulation and 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 at the back of the head, then gradually descend to the shoulder blades. Movements start from the center, are directed outwards and not vice versa. The massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or with a thumb.
What are massages for? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even disruptive substances are removed from the tissue. For example, with osteochondrosis of this department, the neck muscles are very tight. This is the body's response to injury. This protects the spine. The constant strain on the muscles leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and limits 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 real dream. In order for the spine to relax, with cervical osteochondrosis you need to use an orthopedic pillow and mattress. You can treat this disease as often as you like and not get results if there are no necessary conditions for a good night's sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, constantly stress the cervical spine, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even during sleep. A straight spine and good load distribution are what you need to achieve.
ethnoscience
Methods of traditional medicine are not always approved by doctors, since some of the effects on the body can have "pitfalls". Still, it was impossible not to mention her.
To relieve pain, the spinous processes are rubbed on hard objects (doorpost, 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 their roots perfectly warm, relieve inflammation and pain. But you have to be careful not to burn yourself. Therefore, it is not used at night. Blood circulation and metabolism are stimulated by skin irritations.
Onions have many beneficial properties. Its use leads to a reduction in pain and inflammation, it activates the body's protective reactions. Unlike willow, it is less effective when applied externally.
The most popular product in traditional medicine is honey. It is good in the form of compresses, ointments. Massage with honey relieves pain, relaxes, calms. Aside from the taste, taking a few tablespoons a day strengthens the body and provides many important vitamins and compounds.
Summarize
Osteochondrosis can only be treated with the help of a complex effect on the body. Rather, this is how you can get results. The earlier you start, the fewer changes will occur in the body. In the early stages, the disease is almost completely cured. In advanced cases, you have to fight the disease long and hard. It's not about months, it's about years. Therapeutic measures have proven their worth, but can be ineffective in some cases. Then it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it's better not to bring it up.