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

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

Pathological causes

The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is incorrect load distribution on the spine. The factors that cause this can be different. Suppose someone is accustomed to carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, sleeping or sitting in the wrong position, and so on. It seems that these factors are not significant, but when they act for a long time, they lead to a completely logical consequence-osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are as follows:

• overweight;
• lack of physical activity;
• spinal cord injury transfer;
• postural disorders;
• foot pathology;
• deterioration of blood supply to the cervical spine.

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

The following factors can also exacerbate the situation:

• transmission of serious illness or injury, which causes thinning of the body;
• constant stress;
• metabolic disorders in the body;
• insufficient consumption of trace elements, their excessive consumption or insufficient absorption by the intestine;
• occupational diseases (especially vibration diseases);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other postural disorders;
• non -compliance with drinking rules;
• improper nutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy.

Often, SHOX provokes a group of factors. In its occurrence, lifestyle, general health, and the presence of background pathology play a role.

Symptoms of the disease

Even in the early stages, it can be identified by the following symptoms:

1. pain in the neck, back of the head, arms, shoulders;
2. upper limb weakness;
3. headaches and headaches;
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 may be accompanied by:

1. ringing and noise in the ears;
2. migraine;
3. dizziness and vomiting.

Patients often experience headaches, especially women. Sometimes he manifests himself:

1. restlessness;
2. irritable;
3. persistent mood swings;
4. sleep disturbances.

How are problems in this part of the spine diagnosed?

SHOX is diagnosed by the following methods:

• Radiography. This method is not always effective, especially at newer pathological stages.
• MRI. This makes it possible to see the structure of the bone, the hernia, its size and the direction of its development.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than magnetic resonance imaging, because the hernia and its size are difficult to determine with this method.
• Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used if there is a suspicion of blood flow disturbances in the arteries. Scanning makes it possible to assess the speed of blood flow and the presence of obstructions against it.

Specificity

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

Along with the pathological process, a compensatory mechanism is triggered, prolonging the function of the spine for a while and eliminating the symptoms. But with the progression of the disease causes the destruction of fibrous rings and the appearance of microcracks. Vertebrae lose fixation and stability.

Also, osteochondrosis is characterized by impregnation of the pulp of the space between the vertebrae with calcium. Accordingly, a kind of hernia is formed, because the affected vertebra is pressed against the body of the person next to it.

The structure wears over time, resulting in massive oxidation.

Level

The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

• Level 1.Vertebral structural instability and disorders of the disc.
• Level 2.Decreased vertebral section decreased, disc protrusion.
• Level 3.Rupture of the annulus fibrosus, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Level 4.Difficulty moving, severe acute pain, extensive bone tissue.

Because of the unique location of blood vessels and muscles, the neck is a vulnerable area. With long -term osteochondrosis, many complications arise, many of which pose a serious danger to human health.

How to give first aid at home?

Home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

1. medicines;
2. physiotherapy;
3. massage;
4. rehabilitation gymnastics;
5. dietary correction.

Therefore, the method of therapy makes it possible to achieve good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The symptoms of the disease can cause serious discomfort, so you need to know how to give first aid.

Medications

Various medications 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 vertebrologist.

Medications

1. For severe pain, you can take painkillers. If it does not work, NSAIDs can be taken.
2. Sometimes "distractions" are used, such as pepper spots. By itself, it does not heal, but warms the inflamed area and relieves pain.
3. For edema in areas of inflammation, herbal infusions and diuretics are useful.

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

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation in the affected nerve roots.
• B group vitamins. They help improve metabolic processes in nerve tissue.
• Chondroprotectors. Promotes cartilage tissue recovery.
• Relax the muscles. Helps reduce muscle spasms.
• Drugs aimed at improving the rheological properties of blood flow and blood. They help improve the process of blood flow to the brain and nutrition of the affected nerve endings.

Intramuscular injection may also be indicated.

Ointment

Ointment for osteochondrosis helps eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the early stages of pathology. They are classified according to their effect on the body:

1. Anti-inflammatory.The preparation contains non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances that help relieve pain and increase capillary permeability, reducing inflammation, swelling, and redness.
2. Warm up.Such ointments have a number of contraindications, but in some cases, they are very effective.
3. Complex preparation.Means this group relieves pain and inflammation, has anti-thrombotic and antimicrobial effects. They directly penetrate the joint tissues, normalizing blood flow.
4. Plant -based products.The advantage of such an ointment is the uniqueness of its composition. But you have to use it for a long time.
5. Chondroprotectors.This type of facility protects cartilage tissue from negative factors. Ointments include chondroitin, glucosamine. They activate the tissue repair process and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use it 2-3 times a day, after a little massage of the neck area.

Sort

Massage helps strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain. The technique chosen depends on the stage of the disease. But in most cases, all the classic massage techniques are used: rubbing, caressing, kneading, and so on.

• If the patient’s pain occurs only on one side, the sequence starts from a healthy area, gradually moving to where the pain occurs.
• The first session should last no more than seven minutes. Then each procedure is increased 1-2 minutes until the session time reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should assume a prone position, place the forehead on the cyst and arms and stretch the chin towards the chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

On yourself

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

1. Caressing.The sequence begins by stroking the collar zone in the direction from the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then stroking the plane sequence and combing is done.
2. Push-ups.The hand is placed on the neck and moves down the spine. Push-ups can also be done with the edges of the palms towards the shoulder joints.
3. Rubbing.Done to warm up and relax muscles. The sequence begins at the base of the skull. Straight and circular movements are made with the fingers. The sawing movement can also be done with the palms parallel to the ribs.
4. Knead.The neck is stretched in a circular motion.
5. Vibration.The sequence ends with beats and vibrations performed by rocking and tapping.

Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation gymnastics helps improve the patient’s condition. But it will be safest during the recovery period. During its implementation, the patient should not feel pain and discomfort. This exercise aims to strengthen the neck muscles.

Complex exercise therapy

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

1. In a cartilage state, you need to place your hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, keeping your back and torso straight. In the top position, you need to linger for a few minutes, then return to the starting position smoothly. Do 2-3 repetitions.
2. You need to take a lying position on your stomach, stretching your arms across your body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try touching the floor with your ears. For each side, at least 6 repetitions were performed.
3. In a sitting position, while inhaling, you need to bend over to touch the chest with your chin, then while exhaling, lean back, throwing your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.
4. You need to press your forehead with the palms of your hands, and hold with your forehead for 30 seconds. After the exercise is repeated with pressure on the back of the head with hands clasped. The number of repetitions is 2-3.
5. A smooth rotation to the head is performed - 10 times each. Dizziness should be avoided during this exercise.

Complementary therapy

Treatment can be complemented by methods of physical therapy, as well as the use of various tools such as masseurs.

Massager

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

• applicator;
• massage heating;
• tools for the neck and shoulders.

Applicator

An applicator is a pillow or mat with plastic or metal nails.

It acts at specific points that respond to all biological processes in the body.

The use of the product helps achieve the following results:

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

The device must be used according to the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods can be demonstrated from physiotherapy for SHH:

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

Folk remedies

Time -tested folk recipes can be used as an additional treatment.

Kerosene compresses

Heating compresses with kerosene help relieve pain quickly.

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

Rub from pharmaceutical supplies

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

Infusion of pine buds

The infusion of pine on the kidneys makes it possible for a minimum period of time to obtain long -term remission in case of pain in the cervical spine from osteochondrosis.

The drug must be prepared in advance and taken over a fairly long period of time, but the results will bring the long-awaited effect for months.

Preparation:

1. Buds must be harvested before May. They are cut into circles, put in a glass container and covered with granulated sugar in a ratio of 1: 2.
2. The drug should be injected for two weeks.
3. You need to drink it at a rate of 0. 0005 liters three times a day, keep it in your mouth for a while, and only then swallow it.

The admission course is 2-3 weeks.

Potato compresses

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

You can get rid of the pain in three days.

Dress the carrots

1. Carrots must be grated on a fine grater.
2. Place the gruel between two pieces of thin cloth and place around the neck, wrap with foil or paper.
3. You can save as long as there is enough time and effort.

Honey bandage

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

Repeat the procedure every evening.

Broth conifers

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

The therapy course lasted for 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 was also evaluated for the content of taraxacin glycosides, triterpenes compounds, fatty oils, organic acids and alcohols, resin compounds, bioflavonoids, as well as a number of mineral compounds, including required calcium.

Preparation:

1. You need to grind dandelion root to make 15 grams of 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 volume returns.
4. Drink 75 ml three times daily before meals.

Ginger ointment

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

Mustard egg mixture

You need to mix:

• 50 g of mustard powder;
• 3 eggs, beat;
• 50 ml of camphor alcohol;
• 59 ml of vodka or medical alcohol.

The product is put 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 liquid 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 stay there until dry. It is recommended to combine them until exhausted. The 12 -day course will help you forget the pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain?

1. For severe pain, you can take anesthetics or NSAIDs. Ointment gives fast results.
2. The departments involved need to be reassured.
3. Warm or, conversely, cold compresses also help. In this case, moderation is important so that the effects of low or high temperatures do not increase pain and swelling.

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

First of all, you should get rid of all the pain in the neck and head, getting rid of the cause of the discomfort.

If the patient is treating very severe pain, it is not impossible to get rid of the main problem.

Relieves dizziness

1. When dizziness manifests itself, the patient must lie down or sit so that the neck is as comfortable as possible.
2. In case of fainting, place the patient in a horizontal position and bend his head down.

Medication helps:

• muscle relaxation;
• vasodilator;
• anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

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

Prevention of deterioration

To avoid deterioration, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Simple exercise is very helpful. They help improve blood circulation and lymph flow in the collar zone, increase vertebral mobility and prevent degenerative changes.
2. Nutrition plays an important role. A special diet is not required, but it is recommended to limit the consumption of salty and spicy foods, sugar, foods containing artificial ingredients. The diet should contain enough protein, vitamins, minerals, and vegetable fiber. Drinking lots of water is also important.
3. You will need to undergo regular checkups 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 on computers have to do regular warm -ups.
7. It is important to control your body posture, trying to avoid stress, injury and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

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

• For acute pain, do not self -medicate. It is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible, who will develop a comprehensive treatment regimen, taking into account the specific case.
• You can’t try to fix your spine on your own and take a large amount of pain medication. Medication alone can only worsen the condition.
• An important step in exacerbating osteochondrosis is the motor regime. In the early days, rest and restriction of movement are required, but in the future, motor activity should develop. Special training is very helpful.
• It is important to quit smoking. This applies to the treatment of the disease and its prevention. Due to the influence of cigarette smoke, blood vessels are affected, blood circulation worsens, metabolic processes become slow. As a result, the risk of developing degenerative processes in various parts of the spine increases.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are rather unpleasant. If it appears suddenly and causes serious discomfort, you can use first aid measures in the form of taking painkillers or using folk remedies. But it should be understood that this method only alleviates the condition, but does not cure the disease. To get rid of osteochondrosis, you need to consult a specialist and adhere to the complex treatment regimen prescribed by him.