Spinal cord injuries occur in almost everyone. The cervical and lumbar regions are most often affected. They have a heavy load all day. How to treat cervical osteochondrosis? There are many answers to this question, in each of them there may be part of the truth, because the choice of any one method will not give the desired result. Only complex effects on the body can stop the progression of the disease. It is likely that in the future osteochondrosis will make itself felt. But if it is not treated, then it will continue its development, 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 fed. Osteochondrosis affects the spine, altering its structure. And as a result - squeezing of the arteries, pinched nerves. Therefore, problems can arise in completely unexpected places. The main symptoms are:
- hypertension and pressure surges;
- loss of vision;
- fatigue;
- sleepy;
- fatigue;
- numb hands, face;
- decreased sensitivity of the neck and head;
- pain in neck, hands;
- stiffness;
- rachiocampsis;
- muscle cramp.
This is not a complete list of possible symptoms, but they are the most common.
The reasons
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is often found in people with impaired metabolism. Any deviation in health, unfortunately, can be the cause. What causes the appearance of osteochondrosis is not known for sure, but there are several alleged causes. This includes:
- sedentary lifestyle;
- infectious and viral diseases;
- postural disorders;
- Flat feet;
- prolonged physical activity;
- static work;
- drinking and smoking;
- inflammatory processes in internal organs;
- neck injuries;
- high pillows;
- hormonal disorders.
Risk groups include 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 exclude the possible cause of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. For example, if we are talking about office workers, then training will be offered. In the process of work, you need to rest, do warm -ups, walk. Emphasis will be placed on correct posture while working.
Step number three. Strengthens neck muscles. If we take into account the number of muscles and the weight of the human head, then an extraordinary load is placed on the vertebrae. In addition, it is the most mobile part of the spine. To strengthen the neck muscles, you need to do a set of exercises, visit the pool.
The fourth step. Improves blood circulation and relieves tension. To do this, apply the massage on the neck and shoulders. There are other methods, but sequence is the most proven option.
The fifth step. Vitamins and minerals. It is no secret that a balanced diet largely contributes to the improvement of many diseases, and osteochondrosis is no exception. If there is a shortage of certain substances, then it should be purchased at the pharmacy. Proper vitamin intake and nutrition is not a cure, but combined with the rest, it pays off.
Final step. Organization of rest for the neck. As you know, the cervical spine is always under load, with one exception - the prone position. That is why the arrangement of beds and pillows is so important.
This disease must be treated as soon as possible. If standard therapeutic action fails to improve the patient’s condition, then in the case of cervical osteochondrosis, surgical intervention is prescribed. The same step is also taken in further cases.
Exercise therapy and warm -up
Continuous performance of warm -up exercises allows you to relieve stress and increase metabolism.
Warm -up exercises:
- Sit on a chair, do a tilt and tilt your head slightly. Smooth movement. 10 times.
- In the same position, do a head turn to the side. 10 times.
- Circular movement of the head clockwise and vice versa. Five times.
- Raise and lower the shoulders. 15 times.
- Move your head forward and forward. 10 times.
- In a standing 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 the forehead and press (but not hard). At the same time, move your head forward. 5 times for 15 seconds.
Complex exercise therapy for any osteochondrosis is developed individually. As a rule, these are simple exercises that do not cause fatigue and overstrain.
A set of exercise estimates for cervical spine osteochondrosis:
- Do warm -up exercises.
- Lie on your back, lift your head. 15 times.
- Get on all fours, do a head turn to the side and lift. 10 times. If severe pain appears, then decline exercise.
- In a standing position, raise your hands to shoulder level. Do a clap in front of you 15-20 times, above your head (with straight hands) 15-20 times.
- Hands on the belt, do rounds with the whole body to the side 15-20 times.
- Go to the wall, place your palms on it. Take 2 steps back. Lift and lower your head.
- In the same position, dive lightly with your head under your arms. 10-15 times.
- Stand up straight or sit on a chair. To perform round the head, with simultaneous movements of the neck to the other side. 10 times.
- In the same position, we pull back the chin, neck and shoulders should remain the same. 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 cure and prevention for all spinal diseases. In the water achieved:
- relaxation;
- improve muscle tone and their ability;
- The cramp was relieved.
Inventory
Chondroprotectors
Chondroprotectors are good remedies. Their function is to repair cartilage. Let their assimilation process leave much to be desired, but still its use is recommended for 2-3 months. The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Relax your muscles
The group medications relieve muscle spasms that are flanked or loaded. After taking the myoroclast, the positive effects of massage and manual therapy are enhanced. However, after taking them, you can not exercise, exercise.
Vasodilator
In the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical region, vasodilators are also used. Their effect is necessary to improve the blood supply to the damaged parts and the brain.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs perfectly relieve inflammation, anesthesia. They can be just 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 frequently.
Biostimulants
From its name, this drug activates the work of the body, improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, inflammation and pain.
vitamin
Vitamin complexes are also required for restorative work in osteochondrosis. They should include:
- vitamins A, B, C, D;
- vitamin B;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for the development and repair of bone tissue.
massage
It is not possible to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical area without using massage or self -massage. No matter how effective the drug is, it still will not be able to ensure proper blood circulation, metabolism, if you do not help him with this sequence. As a rule, a gentle massage of the collar zone is prescribed. A variety of soothing oils and ointments can be used. After all, osteochondrosis is still a strong psychological burden.
The main massage technique is rubbing and rubbing, without strong pressure.
Start from the back of the head, then gradually descend to the shoulder blades. The movement starts from the center, is directed to the edges, and not the other way around. Massage or self -massage is done with the index and middle fingers or with one thumb.
Sort for what? In addition to improving blood circulation, unnecessary and even disruptive substances are removed from the tissues. For example, the neck muscles, with osteochondrosis of this department, are very tense. This is the body’s response to injury. Therefore, the spine is protected. Constant muscle load leads to the accumulation of lactic acid. It causes pain and reduces movement. And with massage, it is removed, relaxation and pain relief is achieved.
Dreams
During sleep, our body is completely relaxed. Unless, of course, this is a dream come true. To allow the spine to relax, with cervical osteochondrosis, you need to use orthopedic pillows and mattresses. You can treat this disease as much as you like and not achieve results if there are no necessary conditions for proper sleep.
High pillows, like low pillows, create a constant load on the cervical area, and osteochondrosis continues to develop even in sleep. A straight spine and proper load distribution are the things you need to achieve.
ethnoscience
Traditional medical methods are not always approved by doctors, as some effects on the body may have "traps". But still, it is impossible not to mention them.
To reduce pain, the spinous process is rubbed on hard objects (door jambs, rolling pins).
Willow is considered a good painkiller, with no side effects. It is added to the composition of ointments, infusions, compresses.
Carrot leaves and roots warm perfectly, relieving inflammation and pain. But you have to be careful not to burn. Therefore, it is not used at night. Due to skin irritation, blood circulation and metabolism are increased.
Onions have many positive properties. Its use leads to a decrease in pain and inflammation, it activates the body's protective response. 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. Massage with honey relieves pain, soothes, soothes. In addition to flavor, taking a few tablespoons a day will strengthen the body and provide many essential vitamins and compounds.
Adding up
It is possible to treat osteochondrosis only with the help of complex effects on the body. Instead, this is how you can achieve results. The sooner you start, the less changes will take place in the body. In the early stages, the disease is almost completely cured. In further cases, you have to fight the disease for a long and hard time. It's not about the month, but about the year. Therapeutic measures have a good track record, but in some cases may not be effective. Then it is possible to treat osteochondrosis only through surgery. So it is better not to leverage it.