A common disease is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which manifests itself in people of all ages and especially in the working population aged 30 to 50 years. Some people suffer from this disease, sometimes without knowing the cause of the discomfort, because degenerative changes in the cervical spine imperceptibly occur. Timely treatment for cervical osteochondrosis will bring a person back to excellent health and give health in the future.
Symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis at the onset of the disease may not occur at all. The disease makes itself felt in neglected form with frequent headache and neck pain when moving. When there is a cerebral circulation violation with cervical osteochondrosis, a person will develop the following symptoms:
- regular headaches;
- violation of the sensitivity of the facial muscles;
- increased tiredness;
- noise in the head;
- rings in the ears;
- high blood pressure;
- loss of coordination;
- frequent dizziness;
- wobbly gait.
When osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae becomes chronic, the pain is permanent and head movements are difficult due to the tension in the neck muscles. The patient begins to suffer from cervical migraines, and the headache is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated in a timely manner, the person may be accompanied by throat discomfort: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of dry throat, itching and tickling. Over time, this disease can lead to a herniated disc.
Methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes a whole range of means and methods aimed at eliminating pain and fighting the inflammatory process in tissues. An effective method is daily exercise for flexibility of the spine. As a rule, an individual training program is selected by a doctor after diagnosis using an MRI or computed tomography and assessment of the disease stage. Let's see how osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated.
Medicines: pills, medicines and injections
Drug therapy is prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be relieved with a normal anesthetic pill, it won't help later. Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with the new generation of chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is achieved by a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The course of treatment with these drugs can last for several months, after which the mobility of the cervical spine improves.
However, if there is a need to relieve acute pain in cervical osteochondrosis, doctors will prescribe novocaine blockade or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are ointments, capsules, tablets and injections that quickly improve the general condition of the patient. If chondroprotectors have no contraindications, even with prolonged use, then NSAIDs have serious ones, so it is imperative that their use be agreed with the attending physician.
Local remedies: gels and ointments
Special gels or ointments that work 10 minutes after application help to quickly numb the cervical spine in osteochondrosis. There are several types of them:
- Regenerate to restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anti-inflammatory, based on non-steroidal substances to relieve pain.
- pain relievers that affect nerve endings and quickly relieve pain.
- massage ointments.
Manual therapy
The oldest, but no less effective method than modern methods of treating osteochondrosis is manual therapy. Specialists have developed many techniques that have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, tissues and joints of the affected area. Only the chiropractor should be a good specialist in his field so as not to lead the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- Segment massage that relieves muscle tension;
- restoration manipulation joint performance, accompanied by their crisis;
- Mobilization, restoration of damaged joints through stretching.
Acupuncture
With the help of acupuncture, you can not only eliminate pain symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but also cure them completely. The needle technique came into Russian medicine from the east. The wise Chinese, based on the philosophy and knowledge of the human body, have learned to regulate the energy in the body with the help of metal needles. The acupuncture procedure is now recognized by doctors as an extremely effective method of combating osteochondrosis.
However, before resorting to acupuncture, it is necessary to consult a doctor, as this procedure is not for everyone. You cannot use this technique:
- in the presence of infectious diseases;
- pregnancy;
- any tumor;
- disorders of the skin or blood;
- Age or childhood.
Homeopathic remedies
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with homeopathy. Homeopathic preparations contain useful trace elements and biologically active substances. They fully correspond to the concentration of vitamins and minerals in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain plant extracts, herbal extracts from environmentally friendly samples and, most importantly, are completely natural. The principle of their action in osteochondrosis:
- Activates the immune system.
- Restore cartilage tissue.
- Improves blood circulation in the neck area.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home
Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is now possible. It is entirely possible to achieve better health on your own and relieve pain symptoms if you follow proper nutrition and lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet for cervical osteochondrosis should include foods that promote the regeneration of cartilage tissue. This includes:
- Legumes, cereals, vegetables, fruits;
- contains proteins: nuts, eggs, lean poultry, fish;
- unsaturated fatty acids: flaxseed, oily sea fish;
- foods rich in calcium: milk, cottage cheese, leafy vegetables.
Massage and self-massage
Successful treatments at home are carried out with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension by relaxing the tense neck muscles. After the massage, the blood flow to the intervertebral discs improves, which gives the patient quick relief. Self-massage is performed while seated and performed by rubbing, caressing and kneading the back of the head. However, to get a greater effect, it is better to invite a qualified massage therapist.
Wellness gymnastics
Remedial gymnastics has no less effect than the drug treatment of osteochondrosis and is the basis for recovery. The exercises won't take long, especially since they are easy to do at home. Gymnastics is aimed at relieving pain in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, stretching the ligaments and relaxing the muscles of the neck. However, you need to do the exercises only after consulting a doctor and very carefully so as not to harm the body.
Recipes for traditional medicine
When asked how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home, folk remedies are usually meant. Herbal treatment is economical, effective, and most importantly, safe. There is no need to buy expensive pain relievers, which can also have negative side effects. Natural traditional medicine remedies to help with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine include:
- Horseradish leaves. You need to attach the sheet to the nape of your neck and fasten it overnight. In the morning the pain will be gone.
- potatoes. It should be rubbed with honey in the same proportion so that the mixture resembles an ointment in consistency. Use the product as a compress at least once a week.
- Compresses made from vodka (1 l) with the addition of freshly squeezed aloe juice (1 tbsp l), mustard powder (1 tbsp l) and propolis (50 g) are effective. The mixture is impregnated with a fabric and applied to the neck with a woolen cloth. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a week at night.
Methods for the prevention of diseases
It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes maintaining posture, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, race walking, yoga, swimming. It is necessary to sit properly at the table and at the computer. You can't throw your head back for a long time or tilt your head while lifting weights. When writing or reading, it is not recommended to bend deeply over the table surface and it is recommended to use an orthopedic pillow while sleeping.