Spinal disorders occur in almost everyone. The most commonly affected are the cervical and lumbar regions. They have a heavy load during the day. How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervix? There are many answers to this question, in each of them there may be a piece of truth, because the choice of any method will not give the right result. Only a complex action on the body can stop the development of the disease. Osteochondrosis is likely to be felt in the future. But if left untreated, it will continue to develop, 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 nourished. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, changing its structure. And as a result - squeezing arteries, constricted nerves. Therefore, problems can occur in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure surges;
- vision loss;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of hands, face;
- reduced sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in neck, arms;
- stiffness;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle spasm.
This is not a complete list of possible symptoms, but they are the most common.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often found in people with impaired metabolism. Unfortunately, any deviation in health can be the cause. What causes osteochondrosis is not reliably known, but there are a number of alleged causes. This includes:
- 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 "sitting" professions and athletes.
About treatment
First of all, every doctor will try to alleviate the pain with the help of painkillers and other medications.
The next step is to rule out a 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 have to take breaks, do warm-ups, walks. Emphasis will be placed on proper 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, then the vertebrae are put on an incredible load. Besides, 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.
The fourth step. Improving blood circulation and relieving 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 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 others, it bears fruit.
The last step. Organization of neck rest. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - lying down. That’s why bed and pillow arrangements are so important.
The disease must be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic procedures could not improve the patient's condition, then in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, surgical intervention is prescribed. A similar step is being taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
Performing warm-up exercises constantly allows you to get rid of stress and improve your metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting on a chair, perform tilts and tilting your head slightly. The movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same position, turn your head to the side. 10 times.
- Circular movements of the head clockwise and counterclockwise. 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, tilt your head back, and when lowering, tilt it. But leaning 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.
Exercise therapy complexes for any osteochondrosis develop individually. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overexertion.
Approximate set of exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:
- Perform warm-up exercises.
- Lying on your back, raise your head. 15 times.
- Stand on all fours, turn your head to the side and lift. 10 times. If severe pain occurs, refuse exercise.
- In a standing position, raise your arms to shoulder level. Perform applause 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 side 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Move 2 steps back. 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. Perform head turns, while moving the door to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, pull in the chin, 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 for all diseases of the spine. In water is achieved:
- relaxation;
- increases muscle tone and their ability;
- spasm is relieved.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good drugs. Their function is to restore 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
Drugs in this group relieve cramps in tense or strained muscles. After taking myoclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, after taking it you can’t exercise, exercise.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are also used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region. Their impact is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged part and the brain.
NSAIL
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 alleviate the pain. The second type is more commonly used.
Biostimulants
The name implies that this medicine activates the body's work, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also essential for recovery from osteochondrosis. These 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 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 neck area is prescribed. Various soothing oils and fats can be applied. After all, osteochondrosis is still a strong psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and caressing, without strong pressure.
Start at the back of the head and then gradually descend to the shoulder blades. The movements start from the center, they are directed to the periphery, not the other way around. Massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or one thumb.
What is massage for? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even disruptive substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the neck muscles, with osteochondrosis of this department, are very tense. This is the body's response to the injury. That is how the spine is protected. Constant muscle load leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and reduces mobility. And the massage removes, achieves relaxation and pain relief.
Dream
During sleep, our body is completely relaxed. Unless, of course, this is a real dream. To allow the spine to relax, you must use an orthopedic pillow and mattress for cervical osteochondrosis. You can treat this disease as much as you want and not achieve results if you do not have the necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low ones, 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
Methods of traditional medicine are not always approved by doctors, because some of the effects on the body can have "traps". Still, it was impossible not to mention them.
To reduce the pain, rub the rubbing attachments on hard objects (door jamb, rolling pin).
Willow is considered a good painkiller, with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions, coatings.
Rhubarb 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, circulation and metabolism increase.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use reduces 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 taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
Compression
Osteochondrosis can be treated only with the help of a complex action on the body. On the contrary, you can achieve results this way. The sooner you start, the less change will happen 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. It's not about months, it's about years. Therapeutic measures have good results, but in some cases may be ineffective. Then it is already possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. That's why it's better not to mention it.