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

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 the age of 25. If left untreated, the 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.

The risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are the following:

• 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. The weight is unevenly distributed to the vertebrae, which is why some parts of the cervical spine experience 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, which leads 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 intestine;
• occupational diseases (in particular vibration diseases);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other posture disorders;
• non-compliance with the consumption regime;
• incorrect nutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy.

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

Symptoms of the disease

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

1. pain in the neck, nape, arms, shoulders;
2. weakness of the upper limbs;
3. headaches and crunches;
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 can be accompanied by:

1. ringing and noise in the ears;
2. migraines;
3. nausea and vomit.

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:

• X-ray. This method is not always effective, especially in the later stages of the pathology.
• magnetic resonance. It allows you to see the bone structures, hernias, their size and the direction of development.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than MRI, since hernias and their size are difficult to determine with this method.
• Duplex ultrasonic 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

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

Along with the pathological process, compensation mechanisms are activated, 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 microfractures. The vertebrae lose fixation and stability.

In addition, 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, as the affected vertebra is pressed into the body of the person next to it.

Structures wear out over time, resulting in massive ossification.

Phases

The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

• Phase 1.Instability of the structures of the vertebrae and disorders in the discs.
• Phase 2.Decreased fixation of the vertebral sections, disc protrusion.
• Phase 3.Rupture of the fibrous ring, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Phase 4.Difficulty moving, severe sharp pain, diffuse bone tissue.

Due to the peculiarities of the location of blood vessels and muscles, the neck is a vulnerable area. With a long course of osteochondrosis, a number of 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. diet correction.

It is in combination that the methods of therapy allow to achieve 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 drugs 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 don't work, NSAIDs can be taken.
2. Sometimes "distractions" are used, such as a pepper patch. By itself, it does not heal, but it warms the inflamed area and relieves pain.
3. For edema in the area 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 of the affected nerve root.
• Vitamins of group B. They help improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
• Chondroprotector. 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 improve the blood flow process to the brain and the 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 the 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. Warm up.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 antithrombotic 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 have to use them for a long time.
5. Chondroprotector.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 massaging the neck area a little.

Massage

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

• If the patient's pain occurs only on one side, the massage starts from a healthy area, gradually moving to the point where the pain occurs.
• The 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 assume a prone position, resting the forehead on the cysts and arms and stretching the chin towards the chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

Alone

The massage can be done at home, but in this case you have to be very careful not to get hurt even more. Self-massage with SHOX includes the following classic techniques:

1. Caress.The massage begins by stroking the collar area in the direction from the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then the caresses of the planar and comb order are performed.
2. Lift.The hand is placed on the neck and moves along the spine. Push-ups can also be done with the edge of the palm towards the shoulder joints.
3. Rubbing.Performed to warm up and relax the muscles. The massage begins at the base of the skull. Straight and circular movements are performed with the fingers. The sawdust movements can also be performed with the palms parallel to the ribs.
4. knead.The neck is stretched in a circular motion.
5. Vibration.The massage ends with caresses and vibrations performed by shaking and tapping.

Physiotherapy

Corrective gymnastics helps improve the patient's condition. But it will be safer during the recovery period. During the execution, the patient should not feel pain and discomfort. Exercises are aimed at strengthening the neck muscles.

Complex physical therapy

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

1. In the prone position, you need to place your hands on the floor and slowly raise your head, keeping your back and torso straight. In the highest 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 position lying on the stomach, stretch your arms along the body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try touching the floor with your ear. At least 6 repetitions are performed for each side.
3. In a sitting position, when you inhale, you need to bend to touch your chest with your chin, then exhaling, lean back, throwing your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.
4. You need to press on the forehead with your palms and hold on with your forehead for 30 seconds. After the exercise is repeated with pressure on the back of the head with the hands joined. The number of repetitions is 2-3.
5. Regular 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.

masseurs

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

• applicator;
• heated massagers;
• neck and shoulder devices.

Applicator

The applicator is a cushion 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 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 according to the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods may be indicated by physiotherapy for SHH:

• Electrophoresis. . . It is combined with drugs that immediately enter the desired area under 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 treat.

Kerosene compress

A warming compress with kerosene helps relieve pain quickly.

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

Rubbing from pharmaceutical preparations

1. You need to crush 5 tablets of analgin.
2. Add 15 ml of centrifuge, 0. 05 l each of iodine and camphor alcohol, mix everything well.
3. The composition is rubbed into the areas of the neck where pain is noted.

Infusion of pine buds

Infusion of pine on the kidneys allows for a minimum period of time to achieve long-term remission in case of pain in the cervical spine from osteochondrosis.

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

Preparation:

1. The buds must be harvested before May. They are cut into circles, placed 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, holding it in your mouth for a while, and only then swallow it.

The admission course is 2-3 weeks.

Potato wrap

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. Radish must be grated on a fine grater.
2. Place the baby food between two thin pieces of fabric and place it on the neck, wrapping it with foil or parchment.
3. You can keep it 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 night.

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

Preparation:

1. It is necessary to grind the roots of the dandelion to obtain 15 grams of product.
2. It is poured onto 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 of soft butter and 3 cloves of garlic.
3. The agent is applied to the affected area to warm it.

Mustard egg mixture

You need to mix:

• 50 g of 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.

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 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 an anesthetic or NSAIDs. Ointments give a quick result.
2. The affected department must be endowed with peace.
3. Hot 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 osteochondrosis therapy 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, it will not be possible to get rid of the main problem.

Relief from vertigo

1. When dizziness occurs, the patient should be lying or sitting so that the neck is as relaxed as possible.
2. In case of fainting, place the patient in a horizontal position and tilt the head down.

Medicines help:

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

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 improve blood and lymphatic circulation in the collar area, 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 protein, vitamins, minerals and plant fibers. Drinking plenty of water is also important.
3. It is necessary to undergo regular checkups by an orthopedist.
4. If you have excess weight, you need to get rid of it.
5. When carrying weights, it is necessary to distribute the load evenly.
6. People who work on computers should do periodic warm-up.
7. It is important to control posture, try to avoid stress, injury and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

Specialists and patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine also provide 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 shouldn't try to correct the displaced vertebra yourself and take a large amount of pain medication. Self-medication can only aggravate the condition.
• An important measure for the exacerbation of osteochondrosis is the motor regime. In the first days, rest and limitation of movement are required, but in the future motor activity should expand. Special exercises are useful.
• It is important to quit smoking. This applies to both the treatment of the disease and its prevention. Due to the influence of cigarette smoking, 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 suddenly and cause severe discomfort, you can use first aid measures in the form of taking painkillers or 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.