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 old. If left untreated, the condition can lead to dangerous consequences.

Causes of the pathology

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

The risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are as follows:

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

These reasons lead to the formation of an incorrect position of the vertebrae. Weight is unevenly distributed across 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 aggravate the situation:

• the transfer of a 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 by the intestines;
• occupational illnesses (in particular vibration illnesses);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other posture disorders;
• non-compliance with the drinking regime;
• inadequate nutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy.

Most of the time, SHOX triggers a series of factors. In its occurrence, lifestyle, general health and the presence of background pathologies play a role.

disease symptoms

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Even in the initial phase, it can be recognized by the following symptoms:

pain in neck, neck, arms, shoulders;

weakness of the upper limbs;

headaches and crushing;

general weakness and fatigue;

frequent dizziness;

lack of coordination;

tongue numbness, hearing and visual impairment.

The most common symptom is dizziness. May be accompanied by:

ringing and noise in the ears;

migraines;

nausea and vomiting.

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

anxiety;

irritability;

constant mood swings;

sleep disorders.

How is a problem diagnosed in this part of the spine?

SHOX is diagnosed by the following methods:

• Radiography. This method is not always effective, especially in the later stages of the pathology.
• Magnetic resonance. Allows you to see bone structures, hernias, their size and direction of development.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than MRI as hernias and their size are difficult to determine with this method.
• Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used if impaired blood flow in the arteries is suspected. The scan allows you to assess the speed of blood flow and the presence of obstacles to it.

Peculiarities

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The disease can progress in different ways. Sometimes it compensates, sometimes exacerbations arise.

Along with the pathological process, compensation mechanisms are activated, prolonging the functions of the vertebrae for some time and eliminating the symptoms. But as the disease progresses, it leads to the destruction of the fibrous ring and the appearance of micro-cracks. The vertebrae lose fixation and stability.

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

Structures wear out over time, resulting in massive ossification.

Stages

The course of the disease is divided into several phases:

• Stage 1.Instability of vertebral structures and disc disorders.
• Step 2.Decreased fixation of vertebral sections, disc protrusion.
• Step 3.Fibrous ring rupture, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Step 4.Movement difficulty, severe sharp pain, bone tissue spread.

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

How to provide first aid at home?

Home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes:

medicines;

physiotherapy;

massage;

corrective gymnastics;

diet correction.

It is together that the therapeutic methods allow 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.

Medicines

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

Medicines

For severe pain, you can take painkillers. If they don't work, NSAIDs can be taken.

Sometimes "distractions" are used, like a pepper patch. On its own, it does not heal, but warms the inflamed area and relieves pain.

For swelling in the area of inflammation, herbal infusions and diuretics are helpful.

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

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Helps relieve pain, swelling and inflammation of the affected nerve root.
• B group vitamins. They help to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
• Chondroprotectors. Promotes restoration of cartilage tissue.
• Muscle relaxants. Helps reduce muscle spasms.
• Medicines that aim to improve the rheological properties of blood and blood flow. They help to improve the blood flow process to the brain and nourish the affected nerve endings.

Intramuscular injections may also be indicated.

ointments

Osteochondrosis ointments help to eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the early stages of the pathology. They are classified according to their effect on the body:

Anti-inflammatory.The preparations contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances that help to eliminate pain and improve capillary permeability, reducing inflammation, swelling and redness.

Heating.These ointments have several contraindications, but in some cases they are very effective.

Complex preparations.Means in this group relieve pain and inflammation, have antithrombotic and antimicrobial effects. They instantly penetrate joint tissues, normalizing blood flow.

Herbal products.The advantage of such ointments is the naturalness of the composition. But you need to use them for a long time.

Chondroprotectors.Means of this type protect 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, previously massaging the neck region a little.

Massage

Massage helps to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain. Your technique is selected depending on the stage of the disease. But, in most cases, all the techniques of classical massage are used: rubbing, caressing, kneading, and so on.

• If the patient's pain is on one side only, the massage begins in a healthy area, gradually moving to where the pain occurs.
• The first session should last no longer than seven minutes. Then, each procedure is increased by 1-2 minutes until the session time reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should lie prone, placing the forehead on the cysts and arms and stretching the chin towards the chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

On its own

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

Caressing.Massage begins by stroking the collar area towards the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then the movement of the flat and comb-like order is done.

Push ups.The hand is placed on the neck and down the spine. Push-ups can also be performed with the edge of the palm towards the shoulder joints.

Friction.Designed to warm and relax muscles. Massage starts at the base of the skull. Straight and circular movements are made with the fingers. Sawing movements can also be performed with the palms of the hands parallel to the ribs.

Crumple.The neck is stretched in circular motions.

Vibration.The massage ends with blows and vibrations carried out by shaking and tapping.

Physiotherapy

Corrective gymnastics helps to improve the patient's condition. But it will be safer during the recovery period. While running, the patient should not experience pain and discomfort. The exercises aim to strengthen the muscles in the neck.

Complex exercise therapy

The gym complex must be selected by a physician. The following exercises are helpful:

In the prone position, you need to rest your hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, keeping your back and torso straight. In the top position, you need to take a few minutes and then gently return to the starting position. Do 2-3 reps.

You need to lie on your stomach, stretch your arms at your sides. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try touching the floor with your ear. For each side, at least 6 reps are performed.

In a sitting position, as you inhale, you need to bend down to touch your chest with your chin, and on exhalation, lean back, throwing your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.

You need to press your forehead with your palms and resist them with your forehead for 30 seconds. After the exercise is repeated with pressure on the back of the head with folded hands. The number of reps is 2-3.

Gentle rotations of the head to the sides are performed - 10 times each. Dizziness should be avoided during this exercise.

Complementary Therapy

Treatment can be complemented by physical therapy methods, in addition to the use of various devices, such as massagers.

Massagers

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

• applicator;
• heating massagers;
• devices for the neck and shoulders.

Applicator

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

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

Using the product helps achieve the following results:

reduction or elimination of pain;

improvement of metabolic processes in cells;

elimination of joint tension and restoration of its tone;

sleep normalization.

The device must be used in accordance with the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods can be indicated from physiotherapy for SHH:

• Electrophoresis. . . It is combined with medications that immediately enter the desired area by the effect of an electrical current.
• Ultrasound.Relieves pain and inflammation, helps improve metabolic processes.
• Magnetotherapy.Relieves tissue swelling, thus minimizing pain.
• Laser therapy.Eliminates inflammation and improves blood circulation.

folk remedies

Time-tested popular recipes can be used as an add-on treat.

Kerosene compress

A warming compress with kerosene helps to quickly relieve pain.

The cloth should be dampened with a solution, applied to the affected area.

Put cotton or plastic wrap on top.

Hold for no longer than three hours.

Scrubbing of pharmaceutical preparations

You need to crush 5 analgin pills.

Add 15 ml centrifuged, 0. 005 l each of iodine and camphor alcohol, mix well.

The composition is rubbed into the areas of the neck where pain is noticed.

Infusion of pine buds

Pine infusion in the kidneys allows, for a minimum period of time, to obtain a long-term remission in case of pain in the cervical spine due to osteochondrosis.

This medicine should be prepared in advance and consumed for a long time, but the results will bring the long-awaited effect for many months.

Preparation:

Buds must be harvested before May. They are cut into circles, placed in a glass container and covered with granulated sugar at a ratio of 1: 2.

The drug must be infused for two weeks.

It is necessary to take 0. 0005 liters three times a day, stay a little in the mouth and then swallow.

The admission course is 2-3 weeks.

potato compress

You need to mix 50 g of grated raw potato with the same amount of honey.

The makeup is applied to a piece of natural fabric and placed on the neck.

You can get rid of pain in three days.

radish sauce

The radish should be grated on a fine grater.

Place the porridge between two thin pieces of fabric and place around the neck, wrapping with aluminum foil or parchment.

You can keep it as long as there is enough time and effort.

honey bandage

You need to mix 15 grams of honey and chopped salt.

The makeup is applied over a piece of natural material and placed on the affected area.

You have to close with paper and wrap with something warm on top.

Repeat the procedure every night.

conifer broth

250 grams of new pine or spruce needles should be poured into a liter of water.

Cook for half an hour.

The liquid is consumed twice a day, 35 minutes after meals.

The course of therapy lasts for a month.

dandelion broth

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

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

Preparation:

You need to grind the dandelion roots to make 15 grams of the product.

It is poured into 250 ml of hot water and left in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

The broth must be infused for 55 minutes, then strain and add water until the original volume returns.

Consume 75 ml three times a day before meals.

ginger ointment

Grind ginger root, weighing about 55 g.

Add 30 ml of softened butter and 3 cloves of garlic.

The agent is applied to the affected area to warm it up.

Mustard Egg Mix

You need to mix:

• 50 g of powdered mustard;
• 3 beaten egg whites;
• 50 ml of camphor alcohol;
• 59 ml of vodka or medicinal alcohol.

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

To prepare the second mix, you need to mix:

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

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

Funds are applied twice a day, applying to the affected area and remaining there until drying. It is recommended to combine them until they run out. A 12-day course will help you forget about pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain?

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For severe pain, you can take an anesthetic or NSAIDs. Ointments give a quick result.

The affected department needs peace.

Hot compresses 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 emphasized that osteochondrosis therapy must be performed in a complex way.

First of all, you must remove all 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.

dizziness relief

When dizziness sets in, the patient should be laid down or seated so that the neck is as relaxed as possible.

In case of fainting, place the patient in a horizontal position and lower the head.

Medicines help:

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

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

Prevention of exacerbations

To avoid exacerbations, it is important to follow the following recommendations:

Moderate exercise is helpful. They help to improve blood circulation and lymph flow in the collar area, improve vertebrae mobility and prevent degenerative changes.

Nutrition plays an important role. A special diet is not necessary, but it is recommended to limit the use of salty and spicy foods, sugar, foods that contain artificial ingredients. The diet must contain sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals and vegetable fiber. Drinking lots of water is also important.

It is necessary to have regular check-ups by an orthopedist.

If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it.

When carrying weights, you need to evenly distribute the load.

People working at the computer should periodically warm up.

It is important to control your posture, avoiding stress, injuries and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

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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 consult a doctor as soon as possible, who will develop a comprehensive treatment regimen, taking into account a specific case.
• You should not try to fix the dislocated vertebra yourself and take a lot of pain medication. Self-medication can only make the situation worse.
• An important measure for the exacerbation of osteochondrosis is the motor regimen. In the first days, rest and restriction of movement are necessary, but in the future the motor activity must expand. Special exercises are helpful.
• It is important to stop smoking. This applies to both the treatment of the disease and its prevention. Due to the influence of cigarette smoke, blood vessels are affected, blood circulation worsens and metabolic processes slow down. As a result, the risk of developing degenerative processes in various parts of the spine increases.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are quite unpleasant. If they appear abruptly and cause severe discomfort, you can use first aid measures in the form of taking pain relievers or using folk remedies. But it must be understood that these methods only alleviate the condition, not cure the disease. To get rid of osteochondrosis, you need to visit a specialist and adhere to the complex treatment regimen prescribed by them.