Spinal cord injury occurs in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are most affected. They carry heavy loads during the day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, each of which may be part of the truth, because the choice of any method will not give the desired result. Only a complex effect on the body can stop the development of the disease. It is likely that osteochondrosis will be felt in the future. But if left untreated, it will continue to grow, hitting all new areas.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
There are many of them. This is explained by the large number of nerves passing through this area, feeding the brain. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, changing its structure. And as a result - constriction of blood vessels, constriction of nerves. Therefore, problems can arise in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and increased blood pressure;
- vision loss;
- tiredness;
- drowsiness;
- tiredness;
- numbness of hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in neck, hands;
- hardness;
- raxiokampis;
- muscle spasm.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible symptoms, but the most common.
Reasons
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often occurs in people with metabolic disorders. Unfortunately, any deviation in health can be the cause. The exact cause of the appearance of osteochondrosis is not known, but there are a number of alleged causes. These include:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- posture disorders;
- straight legs;
- long-term 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 medications.
The next step is to rule out a possible cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. For example, if we are talking about an office worker, then exercises will be offered. It is necessary to take breaks in the work process, warm up, take walks. Attention will be paid to the correct posture during the work.
The third step. Strengthen neck muscles. Considering the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, the vertebrae are incredibly burdened. In addition, it is the most mobile part of the spine. You need to do a number of exercises to strengthen the neck muscles, visit the pool.
The fourth step. Improve blood circulation and relieve tension. To do this, massage the neck and shoulders. There are other methods, but massage is the most proven option.
The fifth step. Vitamins and minerals. It is no secret that a balanced diet mainly helps to cure many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a deficiency of a certain substance, then it is necessary to buy it at the pharmacy. Taking vitamins and eating properly is not a cure, but it works with the rest.
The last step. Organization of rest for the neck. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - the prone position. Therefore, the arrangement of beds and pillows is very important.
The disease should be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic measures do not improve the patient's condition, surgery is prescribed in case of cervical osteochondrosis. A similar step is taken in advanced cases.
Exercise therapy and warm-up
Regular warm-up exercises help to relieve stress and improve metabolism.
Warm-up exercises:
- Sitting in a chair, bend your head and bend slightly. The movements are smooth. 10 times.
- In the same situation, turn your head to the sides. 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.
- When standing or sitting, raise your arms without bending your neck. 10 times.
- Do the same, but bend your head back when lifting and bend when lowering. But it is easy to bend.
- Place both palms on the forehead and press (but not hard). At the same time, keep your head forward. 5 times in 15 seconds.
Exercise therapy complexes for any osteochondrosis are developed individually. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overload.
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.
- Stand on all fours, turn your head to the sides and lift. 10 times. If severe pain is seen, stop exercising.
- In a standing position, raise your arms to shoulder level. Clap your hands 15-20 times in front of you, 15-20 times over your head (with straight arms).
- Hands on the belt, make 15-20 turns to the sides with the whole body.
- Go to the wall, put your palms on it. Take 2 steps back. Raise your head and lower it.
- In the same situation, dive lightly with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit in a chair. Perform head turns with simultaneous movement of the neck to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, we pull the chin back, the neck and shoulders should remain equal. 15 times.
It is usually repeated 2-3 times in a complex session. The first time in each lesson should be soft, and the second should be as usual.
Swimming pool
Swimming is the best medicine and prevention for all diseases of the spine. Obtained in water:
- rest;
- increases muscle tone and their capacity;
- spasm disappears.
Preparations
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good medicine. Their function is to restore cartilage. Their assimilation process may be very undesirable, but still their use is recommended for 2-3 months. The drug contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Muscle relaxants
The group of drugs relieves spasms of compressed or overloaded muscles. After receiving myocardial infarction, the positive effects of massage and manual therapy intensify. But after accepting them, you can not exercise.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators are also used to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region. Their effect is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged part and the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly eliminate inflammation and provide anesthesia. They can be 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 relieve the pain. The second type is used more often.
Biostimulants
As the name suggests, this drug activates the body, improves blood circulation, eliminates swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamins
Vitamin complexes are also needed for recovery in osteochondrosis. They should include the following:
- vitamins A, B, C, D;
- B vitamins;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development and regeneration of bone tissue.
Massage
It is impossible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical region without massage or self-massage. No matter how effective the drug is, if you do not help it with this massage, it will still not be able to ensure proper blood circulation and metabolism. 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 to rub and stroke 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, and not vice versa. Massage or self-massage is performed with the index and middle fingers or a thumb.
What is a massage for? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even interfering substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the neck muscles of this department, which have osteochondrosis, are very tense. This is the body's reaction to injury. Thus, the spine is protected. The constant load on the muscles causes the accumulation of lactic acid. Causes pain and reduces mobility. And removed with a massage, relief and pain relief are obtained.
Imagination
During sleep, our body completely relaxes. Of course, this is not the right dream. You should use an orthopedic pillow and mattress with cervical osteochondrosis to allow the spine to relax. You can treat this disease as much as you want, and you will not get results if you do not have the necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, create a constant load on the neck, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even in sleep. A straight spine and proper load distribution are all you need to achieve.
ethnoelm
Traditional medicine is not always approved by doctors, because some effects on the body can be "students". But still it was impossible not to mention them.
To reduce pain, spinous processes are rubbed on hard objects (door jambs, rolling pins).
Willow is considered a good painkiller without side effects. It is added to ointments, infusions, compresses.
Horseradish leaves and roots perfectly warm, relieve inflammation and pain. But you have to be careful not to burn. Therefore, it is not used at night. Increases blood circulation and metabolism due to skin irritation.
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 externally.
The most popular product in traditional medicine is honey. Compresses are good in the form of ointments. Massage with honey relieves pain, soothes and calms. In addition to taste, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many important vitamins and compounds.
Summary
Osteochondrosis can be treated only with the help of a complex effect on the body. Instead, you can get results this way. The sooner you start, the less change 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 months, but years. Therapeutic measures have a good record, but in some cases may be ineffective. Then it is possible to treat osteochondrosis only surgically. Therefore, it is better not to bring it up.