Spinal disorders occur in almost everyone. The neck and lumbar areas are most commonly affected. They have a heavy workload throughout the day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, in each of them there may be some truth, because the choice of 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 be felt in the future. But if left untreated, it will continue to develop, 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 powered. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, changing its structure. And as a result - compression of the arteries, pinching of nerves. Therefore, problems can arise in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure surges;
- loss of vision;
- fatigue;
- drowsiness;
- fatigue;
- numbness of the hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in the neck, arms;
- stiffness;
- rachiocampis;
- 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 common in people with impaired metabolism. Any deviation in health, alas, may be the cause. What causes osteochondrosis is not known for sure, but there are a number of possible causes. They include:
- sedentary way of life;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- flat steps;
- 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 "stuck" professions and athletes.
About the treatment
First of all, every doctor will try to relieve the pain with the help of painkillers and other medications.
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, then exercises will be offered. In the process of work you will have to take breaks, warm up, walk. Emphasis will be placed on proper posture during work.
Step number three. Strengthen the muscles of the neck. If we take into account the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, then the vertebrae are incredibly loaded. 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 to visit the pool.
Fourth step. Improve blood circulation and relieve tension. To do this, apply a massage to the neck and shoulders. There are other methods, but massage is the most proven option.
Fifth step. 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 certain substance, then it will have to be purchased at a pharmacy. Taking vitamins and proper nutrition is not easy, but in combination with the rest it bears fruit.
Last step. Organization of a break for the door. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - lying down. That is why the arrangement of the bed and pillows is so important.
The disease should be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic actions cannot improve the patient's condition, then in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, surgery is prescribed. A similar step is taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
Constant performance of warm-up exercises allows you to relieve stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, do tilts and slightly tilt your head. 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 an upright 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 tilting is easy.
- Place both palms on your forehead and press (but not hard). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times in 15 seconds.
The treatment complexes for each osteochondrosis are developed 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:
- Do warm-up exercises.
- Lie 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, cancel the exercise.
- In an upright position, raise your arms to shoulder level. Perform slaps in front of you 15-20 times, over your head (with straight hands) 15-20 times.
- Hands on the belt, perform turns with the whole body to the side 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, place your palms on it. Move 2 steps back. Raise and lower your head.
- In the same position, a slight dive with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit on a chair. Perform rotations of the head while moving the neck on the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, remove the chin, neck and shoulders should remain flat. 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 a good medicine. Their function is to restore cartilage. Let the process of their assimilation leaves 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 in the group relieve spasms of compressed or strained muscles. After taking myoclasts, the positive effect of massage and manual therapy is enhanced. However, once you accept them, you can't practice, practice.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are also used in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Their impact is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged area and the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthetize. They can be just as effective as pure painkillers. Prolonged 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
It follows from the name that this drug activates the body, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also needed for restorative work in 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 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 the head, then gradually descend to the shoulder blades. The movements start from the center, are directed to the periphery, not vice versa. The massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or with one thumb.
What is massage for? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even obstructing 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 reaction to injury. This protects the spine. Constant muscle strain leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and reduces mobility. And with massage it is removed, relaxation and pain relief is achieved.
A dream
During sleep, our body is completely relaxed. Unless, of course, it's 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 you do not have the necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, create a constant strain on the cervical region, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even in sleep. The right spine and the right load distribution are what you need to achieve.
ethnoscience
The methods of traditional medicine are not always approved by doctors, as some of the effects on the body can have "pitfalls". But it was still impossible not to mention them.
To reduce pain, prickly growths are rubbed into hard objects (door coke, rolling pin).
Willow is considered a good painkiller with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions, compresses.
Horseradish leaves and 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 are increased.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use reduces pain and inflammation, activates the body's defenses. 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, soothes. In addition to taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
Summary
Treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only with the help of complex effects 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. This is not about months, but about years. Therapeutic measures have good results, but in some cases may be ineffective. Then it is possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. So it is better not to lift it.