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

A sedentary lifestyle, typical for 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 the age of 25. If untreated, pathology can lead to dangerous consequences.

Causes of pathology

The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is the incorrect distribution of the load on the spine. The factors that lead to this can 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 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;
• transfer of spinal injuries;
• posture disorders;
• foot pathology;
• deterioration of blood supply to the cervical spine.

These reasons lead to the formation of an incorrect position of the vertebrae. Weight is unevenly distributed to the vertebrae, which is why some parts of the cervical spine endure 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 the depletion 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 diseases (in particular vibration disease);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other posture disorders;
• non-compliance with the drinking regime;
• improper nutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy.

Most often, SHOX provokes a complex of factors. In its appearance, the lifestyle, general health, and the presence of background pathologies play a role.

Symptoms of the disease

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

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

The most common symptom is dizziness. It may be accompanied by:

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 disorders.

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

SHOX is diagnosed by the following methods:

• Radiography. This method is not always effective, especially in the later stages of the pathology.
• MRI. It makes it possible to see bone structures, hernias, their size and direction of development.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than magnetic resonance imaging, since hernias and their size are difficult to determine with this method.
• Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used if there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries. Scanning makes it possible to assess the speed of blood flow and the presence of obstacles to it.

Peculiarities

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

Together with the pathological process, compensation mechanisms are triggered, prolonging the functions of the vertebrae for a while and eliminating symptoms. But with the further course of the disease leads to the destruction of the fibrous ring and the appearance of microcracks. The vertebrae lose fixation and stability.

Also, 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, since the affected vertebra is pressed into 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 stages:

• Stage 1.Instability of the structures of the vertebrae and disturbances in the discs.
• Stage 2.Decreased fixation of the vertebral sections, disc protrusion.
• Stage 3.Rupture of the annulus fibrosus, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Stage 4.Difficulty in movement, severe acute pain, widespread 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, numerous complications arise, many of which pose a serious danger to human health.

How to provide first aid at home?

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes:

1. medicines;
2. physiotherapy;
3. massage;
4. remedial gymnastics;
5. correction of the diet.

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

Medicines

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 a vertebrologist.

Medicines

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

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

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Help relieve pain, swelling and inflammation of the affected nerve root.
• Vitamins of group B. They help to improve metabolic processes in nervous tissues.
• 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 to improve the process of blood flow to the brain and nutrition of the 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances that help eliminate pain and improve capillary permeability, reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness.
2. Warming.Such 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 anti-thrombotic and antimicrobial effects. They instantly penetrate the tissues of the joints, normalizing blood flow.
4. Plant-based products.The advantage of such ointments is the naturalness of the composition. But you need to use them for a long time.
5. 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 2-3 times a day, after a little massage of the neck area.

Massage

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

• If the patient's pain occurs on only one side, massage begins from a healthy area, gradually moving to where pain occurs.
• The very first session should last no more than seven minutes. Then each procedure is increased by 1-2 minutes until the session time reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should take a prone position, 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 one's own

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

1. Stroking.The massage begins with stroking the collar zone in the direction from the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then stroking of the planar and comb-like order are done.
2. Push-ups. The hand is placed across the neck and moves down the spine. Push-ups can also be performed with the edge of the palm towards the shoulder joints.
3. Rubbing.Performed to warm up and relax muscles. The massage begins at the base of the skull. Straight and circular movements are made with the fingers. Sawing movements can also be performed with the palms parallel to the ribs.
4. Kneading.The neck is stretched in a circular motion.
5. Vibration.The massage ends with stroking, as well as vibration, performed by shaking and tapping.

Physiotherapy

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

Complex exercise therapy

The gymnastics complex should be selected by a doctor. The following exercises are helpful:

1. In the prone position, you need to rest your hands on the floor and slowly raise your head, keeping your back and torso straight. In the top position, you need to linger for a couple of minutes, then smoothly return to the starting position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
2. You need to take a lying position on your stomach, stretch your arms along the body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try to touch the floor with your ear. For each side, at least 6 repetitions are performed.
3. In a sitting position, while inhaling, you need to bend down to touch your chest with your chin, then on exhalation, lean back, throwing your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.
4. You need to press on 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 clasped hands. 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 complemented by physical therapy methods, as well as the use of various devices such as massagers.

Massagers

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

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

Applicator

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

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

The use of the product helps to achieve the following results:

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

The device must be used in accordance with the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods can be shown from physiotherapy for SHOC:

• Electrophoresis. . . It is combined with medications that immediately get into 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

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

Kerosene compress

A warming compress with kerosene helps to quickly relieve pain.

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

Rubbing from pharmaceutical preparations

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

Pine bud infusion

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

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

Preparation:

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

The course of admission 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 pain in three days.

Radish dressing

1. The radish should be grated on a fine grater.
2. Place the gruel between two thin pieces of fabric and put it on the neck, wrapping it with foil or parchment.
3. You can keep 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 to a piece of natural material and placed on the affected area.
3. On top you need to close it with paper and wrap it with something warm.

Repeat the procedure every evening.

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

Preparation:

1. You need to grind the dandelion roots to make 15 grams of the product.
2. It is poured with 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 it 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 soft 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 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, applying to the affected area and staying there until it dries. It is recommended to combine them until they run out. A course of 12 days will help you forget about pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain?

1. For severe pain, you can take an anesthetic or NSAIDs. Ointments give a quick result.
2. The affected department needs to be provided with peace.
3. Warm or, on the contrary, 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 a complex.

First of all, you should remove all pain in the neck and head, eliminate the root causes that cause discomfort.

If the patient treats extremely severe pain, the main problem will not be eliminated.

Dizziness relief

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

Medicines help:

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

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 to improve blood circulation and lymph flow in the collar zone, improve the 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 containing artificial ingredients. The diet should contain enough proteins, vitamins, minerals, and vegetable fiber. Drinking plenty of water is also important.
3. It is necessary to undergo regular examination by an orthopedist.
4. If you have excess weight, you need to get rid of it.
5. When carrying weights, you need to evenly distribute the load.
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 early as possible, who will develop a comprehensive treatment regimen, taking into account a specific case.
• You should not try to correct the displaced vertebra on your own and take a large amount of pain medications. Self-medication can only aggravate the condition.
• An important measure for exacerbation of osteochondrosis is the motor regime. In the first days, rest and restriction of movement are needed, but in the future, motor activity should expand. Special exercises are helpful.
• It is important to quit 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, 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 abruptly and cause serious discomfort, you can use first aid measures in the form of taking pain medication or using folk remedies. But it should be understood that these methods only alleviate the condition, but do not cure the disease. To get rid of osteochondrosis, you need to visit a specialist and adhere to the complex treatment regimen prescribed by him.