Treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: first aid at home

A sedentary lifestyle, typical of most modern people, often leads to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. One of them is cervical osteochondrosis. Recently, this disease has become much younger, and its symptoms are often found in people over 25 years of age. If left untreated, the pathology can lead to dangerous consequences.

Causes of pathology

The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is the poor distribution of the load on the spine. The factors that lead to this may be different. Let's say a person has a habit of carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, sleeping or sitting in the wrong position, etc. It seems that these factors are insignificant, but when they act for a long time, they lead to a quite logical consequence - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

The risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are:

• Overweight;
• lack of physical activity;
• transfer of injuries to the spine;
• postural disturbances;
• foot pathology;
• deterioration of the blood supply to the cervical spine.

These reasons lead to the formation of an incorrect position of the vertebrae. The weight is distributed unevenly on the vertebrae, which is why some parts of the cervical spine are under excessive stress. In response to this, tissue changes occur.

The following factors can also make the situation worse:

• the transfer of serious illness or injury, leading to exhaustion of the body;
• constant stress;
• metabolic disorders in the body;
• insufficient use of trace elements, their excessive consumption or insufficient absorption from the intestines;
• occupational diseases (in particular vibration disease);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other postural disorders;
• non-compliance with the drinking regime;
• bad nutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy.

Most often, SHOX causes a combination of factors. In its occurrence, lifestyle, general state of health and the presence of underlying pathologies play a role.

Symptoms of the disease

Even at the initial stage, it can be recognized by the following symptoms:

1. pain in neck, back of head, arms, shoulders;
2. weakness of the upper limbs;
3. headaches and crunches;
4. general weakness and fatigue;
5. frequent dizziness;
6. lack of coordination;
7. numbness of the tongue, impaired hearing and vision.

The most common symptom is dizziness. It can be accompanied:

1. ringing and noise in the ears;
2. migraines;
3. nausea and vomiting.

Patients often suffer from headaches, especially women. Sometimes it manifests itself:

1. anxiety;
2. irritability;
3. constant mood swings;
4. sleep disturbances.

How do you diagnose a problem in this part of the spine?

SHOX is diagnosed by the following methods:

• X-ray. This method is not always effective, especially in the later stages of the pathology.
• MRI. It allows to see bone structures, hernias, their size and direction of development.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than magnetic resonance imaging because hernias and their size are difficult to determine with this method.
• Double-sided ultrasonic scanning. This method is used when there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries. The scan makes it possible to assess the speed of the blood flow and the presence of obstacles to it.

Particularities

The disease can progress in different ways. Sometimes it compensates for itself, sometimes exacerbations appear.

Along with the pathological process, compensatory mechanisms are triggered, prolonging the functions of the vertebrae for some time and eliminating the symptoms. But with the course of the disease, the destruction of the fibrous ring and the appearance of microcracks occur. The vertebrae lose their fixation and stability.

In addition, osteochondrosis is characterized by the impregnation of the pulp of the space between the vertebrae with calcium. In view of this, a kind of hernia is formed, as the affected vertebrae is pressed into the body of the person next to it.

The structures wear out over time, leading to massive ossification.

Steps

The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

• Step 1.Instability of the structures of the vertebrae and disorders of the discs.
• 2nd step.Decreased fixation of vertebral sections, disc protrusion.
• Step 3.Rupture of the fibrous ring, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Step 4.Difficulty in movement, severe sharp pain, extensive bone tissue.

Due to the peculiarities of the location of blood vessels and muscles, the neck is vulnerable areas. With a long course of osteochondrosis, many complications arise, many of which pose a serious danger to human health.

How to provide first aid at home?

Home treatment for cervical osteochondrosis includes:

1. medications;
2. physiotherapy;
3. massage;
4. remedial gymnastics;
5. diet correction.

It is in combination that the therapeutic methods make it possible to obtain good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of the disease can cause severe discomfort, so you need to know how to give first aid.

Medications

Various drugs are used to combat the symptoms of the disease. They should be prescribed by a doctor who specializes in the treatment of osteochondrosis - a neurologist or a vertebrologist.

Medications

1. In case of severe pain, you can take pain relievers. If they don't work, NSAIDs can be taken.
2. Sometimes "distractions" are used, such as a pepper patch. By itself, it does not heal, but warms the inflamed area and relieves pain.
3. For edema in the area of inflammation, herbal infusions and diuretics are useful.

For the treatment of SHOC, the following groups of drugs are prescribed:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation of the affected nerve root.
• Group B vitamins. They help improve metabolic processes in nervous tissue.
• Chondroprotectors. Promotes the restoration of cartilage tissue.
• Muscle relaxants. Helps reduce muscle spasms.
• Medicines aimed at improving the rheological properties of blood flow and blood. They help improve the process of blood flow to the brain and the nutrition of affected nerve endings.

Intramuscular injections may also be indicated.

Ointments

Ointments for osteochondrosis help to eliminate unpleasant symptoms at the initial stage of pathology. They are classified according to the effect on the body:

1. Anti-inflammatory.The preparations contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory substances that help to remove pain and improve capillary permeability, reduce inflammation, swelling and redness.
2. Warming up.These ointments have a number of contraindications, but in some cases they are very effective.
3. Complex preparations.Means of this group relieve pain and inflammation, have antithrombotic and antimicrobial effects. They instantly penetrate the tissues of the joints, normalizing blood flow.
4. Herbal products.The advantage of such ointments is the naturalness of the composition. But you have to use them for a long time.
5. Chondroprotectors.Means of this type protect the cartilage tissue from negative factors. Ointments include chondroitin, glucosamine. They activate tissue repair processes and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use them 2 to 3 times a day, after having previously massaged the neck area a little.

Massage

Massage helps build muscle tone and relieve pain. Its technique is chosen depending on the stage of the disease. But in most cases, all the techniques of classic massage are used: rubbing, stroking, kneading, etc.

• If the patient's pain occurs on one side only, the massage begins from a healthy area, gradually moving to where the pain occurs.
• The very first session should not last longer than seven minutes. Then each procedure is increased by 1 to 2 minutes until the duration of the session reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should take a supine position, place the forehead on the cysts and arms, and stretch the chin towards the chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

Alone

Massage can be done at home, but in this case you need to be very careful not to hurt yourself even more. Self-massage with SHOX includes the following classic techniques:

1. Caress.The massage begins by stroking the area of the cervix in the direction of the lymph towards the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then, the planar and comb-type strokes are carried out.
2. Shoes.The hand is placed on the neck and moves down the spine. Push-ups can also be performed with the edge of the palm towards the shoulder joints.
3. Friction.Made to warm up and relax muscles. The massage begins at the base of the skull. The rectilinear and circular movements are done with the fingers. Sawing movements can also be done with the palms parallel to the ribs.
4. Kneading.The neck is stretched in a circular motion.
5. Vibration.The massage ends with movements and vibrations performed by shaking and tapping.

Physiotherapy

Catch-up gymnastics helps to improve the patient's condition. But it will be safer during the recovery period. During the execution, the patient should not feel pain and discomfort. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the muscles of the neck.

Complex exercise therapy

The gymnastic complex should be selected by a doctor. The following exercises are useful:

1. While lying down, you should put your hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, keeping your back and torso straight. In the high position, you need to linger for a few minutes, and then smoothly return to the starting position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
2. You need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms along the body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try to touch the ground with your ear. For each side, at least 6 repetitions are performed.
3. In a seated position, when inhaling, you should bend down to touch your chest with your chin, then when exhaling, lean back, throwing your head back. The number of repetitions is 10 to 15.
4. You should press your forehead with your palms and resist it with your forehead for 30 seconds. After the exercise is repeated with pressure on the back of the head with the hands clasped. The number of repetitions is 2-3.
5. Smooth rotations of the head to the sides are performed - 10 times each. Dizziness should be avoided during this exercise.

Complementary therapy

Treatment can be supplemented with physiotherapy methods, as well as the use of various devices such as massagers.

Masseurs

The use of massagers helps speed recovery. It should be noted that they have a number of contraindications, and they can only be used with the permission of a doctor. With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is often used:

• applicator;
• heated massagers;
• neck and shoulder appliances.

Applicator

The applicator is a pillow or mat with plastic or metal tips.

It acts on specific points which respond to all the biological processes of the organism.

Using the product achieves the following results:

1. reduction or elimination of pain;
2. improvement of metabolic processes in cells;
3. elimination of joint tensions and restoration of their tone;
4. normalization of sleep.

The device must be used in accordance with the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods may be indicated of physiotherapy for SHH:

• Electrophoresis. . . It is combined with drugs that immediately penetrate the desired area due to the effect of an electric current.
• Ultrasound.Relieves pain and inflammation, helps improve metabolic processes.
• Magnetotherapy.Relieves tissue swelling, thereby minimizing pain.
• Laser therapy.Eliminates inflammation and improves blood circulation.

Folk remedies

Proven folk recipes can be used as an additional treatment.

Kerosene compress

A heating pad with kerosene helps to relieve pain quickly.

1. The cloth should be moistened with a solution, applied to the affected area.
2. Place cotton or plastic wrap on top.
3. Hold no more than three hours.

Rubbing from pharmaceutical preparations

1. You need to crush 5 analgin tablets.
2. Add 15 ml of spin, 0, 005 l each of iodine and camphor alcohol, mix everything well.
3. The composition is rubbed into the areas of the neck where pain is noted.

Pine bud infusion

The infusion of pine on the kidneys allows for a minimum time to achieve long-term remission in cervical spine pain with osteochondrosis.

This drug will need to be prepared in advance and consumed for quite a long time, but the results will bring the long-awaited effect for many months.

Preperation:

1. The buds should be harvested before May. They are cut into circles, placed in a glass container and covered with granulated sugar in a ratio of 1: 2.
2. The drug should be infused for two weeks.
3. You should take it at 0. 0005 liters three times a day, keeping it in your mouth for a while and then swallowing it only.

The admission course is 2-3 weeks.

Potato compress

1. You need to mix 50 g of grated raw potatoes with the same amount of honey.
2. The composition is applied to a piece of natural fabric and placed on the neck.

You can get rid of the pain in three days.

Radish dressing

1. Radish should be grated on a fine grater.
2. Place the oatmeal between two thin pieces of cloth and lay it on the neck, wrapping it in foil or parchment.
3. You can keep as long as there is enough time and effort.

Honey dressing

1. You need to mix 15 grams of honey and chopped salt.
2. The composition is applied to a piece of natural material and placed on the affected area.
3. In addition, you have to close it with paper and wrap it with something warm.

Repeat the procedure every night.

Coniferous broth

1. 250 grams of young pine or spruce needles should be poured with a liter of water.
2. Cook for half an hour.
3. The liquid is consumed twice a day, 35 minutes after meals.

The course of therapy lasts a month.

Dandelion broth

The most important medicinal properties of dandelion are associated with the content of inulin, a large amount of amino sugars, natural rubber.

The plant is also appreciated for its content of taraxacin glycoside, triterpene compounds, fatty oil, organic acids and alcohols, resinous compounds, bioflavonoids, as well as a number of mineral compounds, including the necessary calcium.

Preperation:

1. You need to grind the dandelion roots to get 15 grams of the product.
2. It is poured over 250 ml of hot water and left in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
3. The broth should be infused for 55 minutes, then strain and add water until the original volume returns.
4. Consume 75 ml three times a day before meals.

Ginger ointment

1. Grind the ginger root, weighing about 55 g.
2. Add 30 ml of soft butter and 3 cloves of garlic.
3. The agent is applied to the affected area to warm it up.

Mustard Egg Mix

You have to mix:

• 50 g of mustard powder;
• 3 egg whites, beaten;
• 50 ml of camphor alcohol;
• 59 ml of vodka or medical alcohol.

The product is infused in a dark place for 10-12 hours.

To prepare the second mixture, you need to mix:

• 100 g of honey;
• 50 g of aloe juice;
• 150 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol.

The composition is placed in a dark place for 12 hours.

The funds are applied twice a day, applied to the affected area and remaining there until dry. It is recommended to combine them until exhaustion. A 12-day cure will help you forget about the pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain?

1. If the pain is severe, you can take an anesthetic or NSAIDs. Ointments give a quick result.
2. The affected department must be at peace.
3. Hot or on the contrary cold compresses also help. In this case, moderation is important so that the effects of high or low temperatures do not increase pain and swelling.

It should be noted that the treatment of osteochondrosis should be carried out in a complex.

First of all, you need to eliminate any pain in the neck and head, eliminate the root causes that cause discomfort.

If the patient treats extremely severe pain, it will not be possible to get rid of the main problem.

Relief of dizziness

1. When dizziness occurs, the patient should be lying down or sitting so that the neck is as relaxed as possible.
2. If unconscious, place the patient in a horizontal position and lower the head.

Medicines help:

• muscle relaxants;
• vasodilators;
• anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Gymnastics and physiotherapy are also useful in the therapy of vertigo.

Prevention of exacerbations

To prevent exacerbations, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Moderate exercise is helpful. They help improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow in the cervix area, improve mobility of the vertebrae and prevent degenerative changes.
2. Nutrition plays an important role. A special diet is not required, but it is recommended to limit the use of salty and spicy foods, sugar, foods with artificial ingredients. The diet should contain enough protein, vitamins, minerals and plant fiber. Drinking plenty of water is also important.
3. It is necessary to undergo regular checks by an orthopedist.
4. If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it.
5. When carrying weights, you need to distribute the load evenly.
6. People who work at the computer should do a periodic warm-up.
7. It is important to control your posture, try to avoid stress, injury and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

Specialists and patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine additionally give the following advice:

• For acute pain, do not self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will draw up a comprehensive treatment regimen, taking into account a specific case.
• You should not try to correct the displaced vertebra yourself and take a large amount of pain relievers. Self-medication can only worsen the disease.
• An important measure for exacerbation of osteochondrosis is motor speed. In the first days, rest and restriction of movement are necessary, but in the future, motor activity should develop. Special exercises are useful.
• It is important to quit smoking. This applies both to the treatment of the disease and to its prevention. Due to the influence of cigarette smoke, blood vessels are affected, blood circulation deteriorates, metabolic processes slow down. As a result, the risk of developing degenerative processes in various parts of the spine increases.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are quite unpleasant. If they appear suddenly and cause severe discomfort, you can use first aid measures in the form of taking pain relievers or using folk remedies. But it should be understood that these methods only relieve the disease, but do not cure the disease. To get rid of osteochondrosis, you need to visit a specialist and follow the complex treatment regimen that he prescribed.