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

A sedentary lifestyle, typical of most modern people, often leads to musculoskeletal disorders. One of them is cervical osteochondrosis. Recently, this disease has become much younger and its symptoms are common 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 if 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:

• Obesity;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Transmission of spinal injuries;
• Posture disorders;
• Foot pathology;
• Deterioration in blood supply to the cervical spine.

These reasons lead to the formation of a misalignment of the vertebrae. Weight is distributed unevenly across the vertebrae, which is why some parts of the cervical spine are exposed to excessive stress. Tissue changes occur in response to this.

The following factors can make the situation even worse:

• the transmission of a serious illness or injury that 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 (especially vibration sickness);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• Scoliosis and other postural disorders;
• Non-compliance with the drinking regime;
• wrong diet;
• Bad habits;
• Pregnancy.

Most of the time, SHOX provokes a complex of factors. When it occurs, lifestyle, general health and the presence of background pathologies play a role.

Symptoms of the disease

Even in the early stages, it can be recognized by the following symptoms:

1. Pain in the neck, back of the head, arms, shoulders;
2. Upper limb weakness;
3. Headache and crunch;
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 noises in the ears;
2. Migraine;
3. Nausea and vomiting.

Patients often experience headaches, especially women. Sometimes it manifests itself:

1. Fear;
2. Irritability;
3. constant mood swings;
4. Sleep disorders.

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

SHOX is diagnosed using the following methods:

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

particularities

The disease can progress in different ways. Sometimes it compensates for itself, sometimes exacerbations occur.

Along with the pathological process, compensatory mechanisms are triggered that prolong the functions of the vertebrae for a while and eliminate symptoms. In the further course of the disease, however, the fiber ring is destroyed and microcracks appear. The vertebrae lose their fixation and stability.

Osteochondrosis is also characterized by the impregnation of the pulp of the space between the vertebrae with calcium. In view of this, a kind of hernia forms as the affected vertebra is pressed into the body of the person standing next to it.

Structures wear out over time, which leads to massive ossification.

Stages

The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

• Stage 1.Instability of the vertebral structures and disorders of the intervertebral discs.
• Level 2.Decreased fixation of the vertebral segments, intervertebral disc protrusion.
• Level 3.Rupture of the annulus fibrosus, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Level 4.Movement disorders, severe acute pain, extensive 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, numerous complications arise, many of which pose a serious threat to human health.

How do you give first aid at home?

Home treatment for cervical osteochondrosis includes:

1. Medication;
2. Physical therapy;
3. Massage;
4. Remedial gymnastics;
5. Correction of the diet.

In combination, the therapeutic methods enable good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. The symptoms of the disease can lead to serious discomfort, so you need to know how to give first aid.

Medication

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.

Medication

1. If the pain is severe, you can take pain relievers. If they don't work, NSAIDs can be taken.
2. Sometimes "distractions" are used, such as a pepper patch. In itself, it does not heal, but rather heats the inflamed area and relieves pain.
3. Herbal infusions and diuretics are useful for edema in the area of inflammation.

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

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

Intramuscular injections may also be indicated.

Anoint

Ointments for osteochondrosis will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms at the initial stage of the pathology. They are classified according to the effect they have on the body:

1. Anti-inflammatory.The preparations contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory substances that help relieve pain and improve capillary permeability, reduce inflammation, swelling and redness.
2. Heat.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 an antithrombotic and antimicrobial effect. They immediately penetrate the tissues of the joints and normalize 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. Chondroprotectors.Means of this type protect the cartilage tissue from negative influences. Ointments include chondroitin, glucosamine. They activate tissue repair processes and reduce inflammation. It is recommended to use it 2-3 times a day, having previously massaged the neck area a little.

massage

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

• If the patient's pain is only on one side, the massage begins in a healthy area and gradually moves to where the pain occurs.
• The very first session should not last longer than seven minutes. Then each process is extended by 1-2 minutes until the session time reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should assume a prone position with their forehead resting on the cysts and arms, and their chin extended toward their chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

On your own

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

1. Stroke.The massage begins by stroking the collar area in the direction from the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then the flat and comb-like order is deleted.
2. Pushups.The hand is placed over the neck and moves down the spine. Push-ups can also be performed with the edge of the palm facing the shoulder joints.
3. Rub.Performed to warm up and relax the muscles. The massage begins at the base of the skull. The fingers are used to perform straight and circular movements. Sawing movements can also be performed with the palms of the hands parallel to the ribs.
4. Knead.The neck is stretched in circular movements.
5. Vibration.The massage ends with strokes and vibrations by shaking and tapping.

physical therapy

Remedial gymnastics helps improve the patient's condition. But it will be safest during the recovery period. During the execution, the patient should not feel any pain or discomfort. The exercises aim to strengthen 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 put your hands on the floor and slowly raise your head, keeping your back and torso straight. You need to stay in the top position for a few minutes, and then gently return to the starting position. Do 2-3 repetitions.
2. You need to get into a lying position on your stomach and stretch your arms along your body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try to touch the ground with your ear. Do a minimum of 6 repetitions for each side.
3. In a sitting position, as you inhale, you need to bend down to touch your chest with your chin, then as you exhale, you need to lean back and toss your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.
4. You need to press your forehead with your palms and resist them with your forehead for 30 seconds. After the exercise, repeat with folded hands with pressure on the back of the head. The number of repetitions is 2-3.
5. Gentle turns of the head to the sides are performed - 10 times each. Dizziness should be avoided with this exercise.

Complementary Therapy

The treatment can be supplemented by physical therapy methods and the use of various devices such as massage devices.

Massagers

Using massage equipment helps speed recovery. It should be noted that they have a number of contraindications and can only be used with the approval 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 tips.

It works at specific points that respond to all biological processes in the body.

Using the product helps to achieve the following results:

1. Reducing or eliminating pain;
2. Improvement of metabolic processes in cells;
3. Elimination of tension in the joints and restoration of their tone;
4. Normalization of sleep.

The device must be used in accordance with the instructions.

physical therapy

The following methods from physiotherapy for SHH can be indicated:

• Electrophoresis. . . It is combined with drugs that, through the action of an electric current, instantly reach the desired area.
• Ultrasonic.Relieves pain and inflammation, helps improve metabolic processes.
• Magnetic Therapy.Relieves tissue swelling and thereby minimizes pain.
• Laser therapy.Eliminates inflammation and improves blood circulation.

Home remedies

Proven folk recipes can be used as an additional treatment.

Kerosene compress

A warming compress with kerosene will help relieve pain quickly.

1. The cloth must be moistened with a solution that is applied to the affected area.
2. Put cotton or plastic wrap on top.
3. Do not hold for more than three hours.

Rubbing 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 well.
3. The composition is rubbed into the areas of the neck where pain is noted.

Pine bud infusion

Pine infusion on the kidney allows long-term remission for a minimal period of pain in the cervical spine due to osteochondrosis.

This medication needs to be prepared in advance and taken for a long period of time, but the results will bring the long-awaited effects 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 ratio of 1: 2.
2. The drug should be infused for two weeks.
3. You have to take it three times a day at 0. 005 liters, hold it in your mouth for a while, and only then swallow it.

The recording time 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 rubbed on a fine grater.
2. Place the pulp between two thin pieces of fabric and wrap it around your neck by wrapping foil or parchment around it.
3. You can keep it for as long as there is 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 applied to the affected area.
3. At the top you need to seal it with paper and wrap it with something warm.

Repeat the process every evening.

Coniferous broth

1. 250 grams of young pine or spruce needles should be poured with one liter of water.
2. Cook for half an hour.
3. The liquid is taken twice a day, 35 minutes after meals.

The course of therapy lasts a month.

Dandelion broth

The main 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, resin compounds, bioflavonoids, as well as a number of minerals including the necessary calcium.

Preparation:

1. You need to grind the dandelion roots to make 15 grams of the product.
2. It is poured over 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 and add water until it returns to its original volume.
4. Take 75 ml three times a day before meals.

Ginger ointment

1. Grind the ginger root weighing about 55g.
2. Add 30 ml of softened butter and 3 cloves of garlic.
3. The agent is applied to the affected area to warm it up.

Mustard and 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 the following:

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

The composition is kept in a dark place for 12 hours.

The funds are applied to the affected area twice a day and remain there until dry. It is recommended to combine them until they are used up. A 12-day course will help you forget the pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain

1. If the pain is severe, you can take an anesthetic or NSAID. Ointments give a quick result.
2. The department concerned must be rested.
3. Warm or, on the contrary, cold compresses also help. In this case, it is important to use moderation so that the effects of high or low temperatures do not increase pain and swelling.

It should be remembered that therapy for osteochondrosis should be carried out in a complex.

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

If the patient is dealing with extremely severe pain, then it will not be possible to get rid of the main problem.

Dizziness relief

1. If dizziness occurs, the patient must be laid down or sat down so that the neck is as relaxed as possible.
2. If the patient faints, move them to a horizontal position and bend their head down.

Medicines help:

• Muscle relaxants;
• Vasodilators;
• anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Gymnastics and physiotherapy are also useful in vertigo therapy.

Exacerbation prevention

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

1. Moderate exercise is helpful. They help to improve blood and lymph flow in the collar area, improve the mobility of the vertebrae and prevent degenerative changes.
2. Diet plays an important role. No special diet is required, but it is recommended to limit the use of salty and spicy foods, sugars, and foods with artificial ingredients. The diet should contain enough proteins, vitamins, minerals and vegetable fiber. It is also important to drink plenty of water.
3. Regular checks by an orthopedic surgeon are necessary.
4. If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it.
5. When carrying weights, you need to distribute the load evenly.
6. People who work on computers should warm up regularly.
7. It is important to control your posture and avoid stress, injury, and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

Specialists and patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine also give the following advice:

• No self-medication for acute pain. 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 correct the displaced vertebra yourself and take a large amount of pain medication. Self-medication can only make the condition worse.
• An important measure to exacerbate osteochondrosis is the motor regime. Rest and restricted mobility are required in the first few days, but motor activity should increase in the future. 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 impaired, blood circulation deteriorates, metabolic processes slow down. This increases the risk of developing degenerative processes in different parts of the spine.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are quite uncomfortable. If they appear suddenly and cause severe discomfort, you can take first aid measures in the form of pain relievers or folk remedies. However, it should be understood that these methods only relieve 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.