A common disease is cervical osteochondrosis, which manifests itself in people of all ages, and especially among the working population from 30 to 50 years. Some people suffer from this disease, sometimes unaware of the cause of the disorders, because degenerative changes in the cervix appear imperceptible. Timely treatment of cervical osteochondrosis will bring the person back to excellent health and provide health in the future.
Symptoms and signs of cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis at the onset of the disease may not appear at all. The disease is already felt in a neglected form with frequent head and neck pain when moving. When there is a violation of cerebral circulation with cervical osteochondrosis, a person develops the following symptoms:
- regular headache
- violation of the sensitivity of the facial muscles
- increased fatigue
- noise in the head;
- rings in the ears
- high blood pressure
- loss of coordination
- frequent dizziness
- wobbly gangart.
If osteochondrosis of the uterine vertebrae assumes a chronic form, the pain is permanent and any head movement is difficult due to the neck muscles. The patient begins to suffer from cervical migraine, and headaches are sometimes accompanied by vomiting, nausea and even loss of consciousness. If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated in time, the person may be accompanied by symptoms of swallowing: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of dry throat, itching and tickling. Over time, this disease can lead to a herniated disc.
Methods of treating osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix includes a wide range of tools and methods aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in tissues. An effective method is daily training for the flexibility of the spine. As a rule, an individual training program is selected by a physician after diagnosis using MRI or computed tomography and assessment of the stage of the disease. Let's see how osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated.
Medicine: pills, medicines and injections
Drug therapy is already prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be eliminated with a regular anesthetic, then it no longer helps. Medical treatment for cervical osteochondrosis is performed with new generation chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the recovery of cartilage tissue in the spine. The best therapeutic effect is provided by a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The course of treatment with these drugs can be several months after admission, after which the mobility of the cervix is improved.
However, if you need to relieve acute pain in cervical osteochondrosis, doctors will prescribe a novocaine block or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are ointments, capsules, tablets and injections that quickly improve the patient's general condition. However, if chondroprotectors do not have contraindications, even with long-term use, have NSAIDs severe, so their use must necessarily be agreed with the attending physician.
Local remedies: gels and ointments
To quickly numb the cervical spine with osteochondrosis, special gels or ointments will help, which begin to work 10 minutes after application. There are several types of them:
- Regeneration, which allows to restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anti-inflammatory, based on non-steroidal painkillers.
- Analgesics that affect nerve endings that quickly alleviate pain.
- Massage ointment.
Manual therapy
The oldest but no less effective method than modern methods of treating osteochondrosis is manual therapy. Specialists have developed many techniques that have a beneficial effect on vertebrae, tissues and joints in the affected area. Only the chiropractor should be a good specialist in his field so as not to lead the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervix are:
- segment massage that relieves muscle tension
- recovery manipulation joint performance accompanied by their crunch
- mobilization, restoration of damaged joints by stretching them.
Acupuncture
Using acupuncture can not only eliminate the pain symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervix, but also cure it completely. The needle technique came to Russian medicine from the east. The wise Chinese, guided by the philosophy and knowledge of the human body, have learned to regulate the energy of the body using metal needles. The acupuncture procedure is today recognized by doctors as a highly effective method of combating osteochondrosis.
However, before going to acupuncture, consult a doctor as this procedure is not suitable for everyone. You can not use this technique:
- in the presence of infectious diseases
- pregnancy
- any tumor
- skin or blood diseases
- old age or childhood.
Homeopathic Remedies
Cervical osteochondrosis is successfully treated with homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies contain useful trace elements and biologically active substances. They fully correspond to the concentration of vitamins and minerals in the human body. Homeopathic remedies contain plant extracts, herbal extracts taken from environmentally friendly samples, and most importantly, they are completely natural. The principle of their action in osteochondrosis:
- Activate the immune system.
- Restore cartilage tissue.
- Improves blood circulation in the neck area.
How To Cure Cervical Osteochondrosis At Home
Complex treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home is now possible. It is very possible to achieve better health and relieve pain symptoms alone if you adhere to the right diet and lead an active lifestyle. The daily diet for cervical osteochondrosis should include foods that promote regeneration of cartilage tissue, these include:
- legumes, cereals, vegetables, fruits;
- containing proteins: nuts, eggs, lean poultry, fish;
- unsaturated fatty acids: flaxseed, fatty sea fish;
- foods rich in calcium: milk, cottage cheese, leafy vegetables.
Massage and self-massage
Successful home treatments are performed with massage or self-massage. This procedure relieves tension by relaxing tight neck muscles. After massage, the blood circulation in the intervertebral discs improves, giving the patient quick relief. The self-massage procedure is performed while sitting and is performed by rubbing, stroking and kneading movements on the back of the head. But to get a greater effect, it is better to invite a qualified massage therapist.
Wellness Gymnastics
Remedial gymnastics has no less effect than drug treatment of osteochondrosis and is the basis of recovery. The exercises do not take much time, especially as they are easy to do at home. Gymnastics is aimed at relieving pain in osteochondrosis of the cervix, stretching ligaments and relaxing the neck muscles. However, you should only perform the exercises after consultation with a doctor and very carefully so as not to injure the body.
Recipes for Traditional Medicine
When asked how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervix at home, folk medicine is usually meant. Herbal treatment is economical, effective and most importantly - safe. There is no need to buy expensive painkillers, which can also have negative side effects. Natural remedies for traditional medicine that help with osteochondrosis of the cervix include:
- Horseradish leaves. You need to attach the sheet to the back of your neck and straighten it overnight. In the morning the pain will be gone.
- Potatoes. It should be rubbed with honey in the same ratio so that the mixture resembles an ointment in consistency. Use the product as a compress at least once a week.
- Compresses made from vodka (1 l) with the addition of freshly squeezed aloe juice (1 tbsp), mustard powder (1 tbsp) and propolis (50 g) are effective. The mixture is impregnated with a substance and applied to the neck, fastened with a woolen cloth, the procedure is performed 1-2 times a week at night.
Disease prevention methods
It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes adherence to posture, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, running, yoga, swimming. It is necessary to sit properly at the table and the computer, you can not tilt your head back for a long time or tilt when lifting weights. When writing or reading, it is not recommended to bend low over the table surface, and during sleep it is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow.