Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis home treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by deformation and structural changes of the intervertebral disc.

Osteochondrosis of the neck has recently become more common, which can be explained by the spread of a sedentary lifestyle (driving, sitting next to a computer).

Unlike the chest and groin, cervical osteochondrosis is much more common due to the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact that the vertebrae in the neck area are close enough to each other and the muscle frame is poorly developed, leading to dislocation of the vertebrae even at low loads around the neck and consequent compression of the blood vessels and nerves.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Relationship - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fears, tension and depression.

No less relevant reason for the manifestation and exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the neck and vertebrae is the human mental factor - these are frequent or constant stresses, fears, anxieties, depressive states, which are always associated with internal stress.

Our spine, including the neck section, consists of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and to keep this whole structure strong and strong, the spine is connected by many muscles and ligaments that create a kind of corset. Intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move together, play a very important role in this design, resulting in cushioning.

When it is these plates or vertebrae that are damaged (changes in structure due to metabolic abnormalities), osteochondrosis occurs, which is named after the affected area: cervical osteochondrosis, chest and lumbar.

In cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves protruding from the spinal cord become constricted and the blood vessels constrict, disrupting blood flow. because blood is difficult to move in tense muscles. Of course, the blood supply to the brain is also cut off, resulting in oxygen starvation.

In addition, all of these nerves leaving the spinal cord connect with our internal organs, so their work is interrupted.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis may include:

• intervertebral disc injuries;
• weight lifting;
• incorrect posture;
• hypothermia, draft;
• Improperly performed procedures such as massage and others.
• overeating, overweight - excessive stress on the spine;
• spicy, salty use aggravates osteochondrosis;
• congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
• Work exposed to prolonged vibration - work with construction machinery, driving a car, etc.
• uncomfortable bed, feather beds, large pillows, so the neck is wrong during sleep;
• hereditary predisposition;
• strains the spine, not only strong but also monotonous, for example;
pathology of the muscle ligament device
• ;
• asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, injuries, chewing habits, malocclusion;
• tight, uncomfortable bra straps, tight collars;
• works with the same types of strenuous movements (especially when half-leaning forward): sawing-splitting firewood, gardening with a shovel, hoe, board washing, vacuuming, and the like.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

Symptoms of cervicothoracal osteochondrosis depend directly on the target. In this respect, a group of syndromes accompanying this disease is distinguished:

• Radical syndromes.Radical syndrome occurs when the nerve roots in the neck region are compressed (pinched nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain in the neck spreads downwards and can go down to the shoulder blade and even to the outside of the forearm to the fingers. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the neck include, in some cases, tingling in the forearm, hand or fingers, pasteurization, and the effect of running goose hills.
• Irritating reflex syndromes.In reflex-reflex syndrome, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include acute burning pain in the neck or cervical vertebrae that occurs when moving after a static state (with sharp head turns, sneezing, after sleep). The pain can radiate toward the shoulders and chest.
• Heart syndrome.Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this syndrome largely coincide with symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in the diagnosis. With cardinal syndrome, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal and long-lasting (up to several hours). Increased pain occurs with sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing, and a sharp turn of the head. Tachycardia and extrasystoles often occur in the background of a complete lack of signs of circulatory disorders.
• Vertebral artery syndrome.In this case, osteochondrosis of the cervix is ​​accompanied by a symptom such as a throbbing or burning headache that most often affects the supercillary region, the back of the head, the temple, the darkness. The pain, as a rule, practically does not stop and is only paroxysmal in certain cases. Increased pain occurs when moving or staying in a long, uncomfortable position for a long time.

There is a possibility of hearing and vision impairments (decreased hearing and vision acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, eye pain). Nausea or loss of consciousness may occur in the background of general weakness of the body.

To summarize the above, we can distinguish several of the symptoms that are most characteristic of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• constant pain in the neck that extends to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, the back of the head, and does not stop at night;
• pain in the hands, forearms, shoulders, even with a slight load;
• weakened muscle strength and decreased sensitivity of hands, hands, fingers and difficulty moving;
• neck pain when turning and tilting the head;
• tension in the muscles of the neck, feeling of lying backwards in the morning;
• burning, numbness, tingling in the legs or arms;
• extensive headache with primary localization in the cervical spine;
• darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, with a sharp turn of the head - fainting,
• decreased visual acuity and hearing;
• proliferation of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
• pain in the heart region.

Medication for osteochondrosis of the cervix

Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic, and gradual treatment. The goal of therapy is to eliminate pain and combat the inflammatory process in the affected area.

Patients are prescribed painkillers. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have become increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine, which effectively eliminate pain syndrome and reduce the activity of the inflammatory process.

In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow cartilage tissue destruction. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes cartilage tissue regeneration.

The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The medicine in their part is unlikely to reach the affected area due to the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle barrier. Nevertheless, it makes sense to use these external agents as they are rubbed into the skin to perform a neck massage.

Patients are prescribed group B vitamins to improve the regenerative and metabolic processes of the affected nerve root. Very often, doctors recommend combined vitamin preparations for patients to be administered intramuscularly.

Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Folk remedies can definitely not be described - the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis can be treated at home with essential oils, herbs, fats, roots and poisons. In combination with alcohols, iodine and turpentine, they provide quite effective anti-inflammatory and warming agents both externally and internally.

Phytotherapy for cervical osteochondrosis

Celery Cleanser. Grate celery root on the finest grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice for cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment at home three times a day before a meal.

Less concentrated version of the medicine - leave 1 tablespoon of juice in 100 ml of boiling water for a few hours and take one tablespoon of the solution four hours a day before meals before meals.

Instead of juice, you can also use the root itself - pour 3 grams of root in 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a few hours until completely cooled, and drink 20 ml before each meal.

Bay leaf cure. In an enamel pan, pour 12 grams of bay leaves with 300 ml of cold water, boil for five minutes. Allow to boil for three hours, drain. Drink small sips of the infusion throughout the day between meals. Drink the rest before going to bed. Continue taking the medication for four days, take a week break, and repeat the course. To prevent this, repeat the course every spring.

Herbal Collection for Cervical Osteochondrosis. Grind and mix 100 grams of chamomile, parsley, hops and oregano, add 100 grams of nettle leaves and 200 grams of burdock root. Bring to a boil in a thermos, pour 1, 5 liters of boiling water. Leave for three days. Drink the strained solution twice a day in a tablespoon - morning and evening. Store in a cool, dark place.

Rubbing

Red pepper cure.Gently cut two hot red chili peppers, pour into a tightly closed container and pour 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Rub the affected area with light movements twice a day. You don’t have to take a lot of money right away as it can burn a lot. The effect of the product is warming, blood circulation is improved.

Butter based.Mix the eggs with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of soft butter. Leave the product in a dark place for a few days, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture, and rub into the skin in the area of ​​neck osteochondrosis during the massage. Store the reconstituted mixture for up to 3 days.

Compress

The burdock and horseradish leaf proved to be a compress. It is scalded with hot water, smeared on the damaged area and kept wrapped in cotton cloth for a few hours. Repeat 10 times each day. Repeat 2-4 times a year.

Therapeutic Exercises for Cervical Osteochondrosis

These exercises help both in existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and as a prevention. Exercise for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis can also be done at home in the evenings, but it is better to use short breaks for this (this is a recommendation for those with sedentary work). Cervical osteochondrosis exercise does not take much time, but it gives a positive result and is fast enough.

• Exercise 1.Sit up straight, tilt your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to your starting position. The exercise is done slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Perform five repetitions on each side.
• Exercise 2.Sit up straight, face forward, chin slightly raised. Slowly and smoothly turn your head to the right - as much as possible. Return to starting position and make the same turn to the left. Repeat five times in both directions.
• Exercise 3.Place your palm on your forehead and press your head against it while your palm stays in the same place, that is, it must withstand the pressure. You need to tighten your neck muscles under pressure with your head. Slowly count to 5 for yourself and relax. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 4.The exercise is similar to Exercise 3, only your palm (or two palms) should be placed on the headrest and pressed against the palm. The voltage should be kept, counting to 5 for yourself. Repeat three times.
• Exercise 5.The exercise is similar to Exercise 3, but in this case, place your right palm on your right temple and push your head against your palm. The voltage should be kept, counting to 5 for yourself. Repeat three times. Then do the same, place your left palm on your left temple - repeat three times.
• Exercise 6.Sit up straight, tilt your head back slightly, then slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head, pressing your chin to your chest. Repeat five times.
• Exercise 7.Sit up straight, lower your head, then slowly turn your head to the right and left - five times in both directions. In this case, the head remains lowered.

Cervical osteochondrosis gymnastics should not involve turning the head without manual support, especially in moments when the neck is tense and sore.

Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Self-massage never hurts, a key treatment at home. The main requirement is a gentle system. You cannot use excessive force, perform the procedure only with your fingers. You can do this at least all day. It is advisable not to bend or tilt your neck to the side during training.

Start with the upper cervical vertebra and gradually lower the massaged area. The movements should be smooth, spiral or circular, from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If the neck muscle is stiff, it can be kneaded separately. Remember the symmetrical load. The massage times for the right and left parts are almost the same. With the help of self-massage, it is not possible to completely cure the disease, but it is completely possible to slow down the disease and speed up the recovery.

Nutrition for cervical osteochondrosis

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors advise you to eat small doses at least five times a day. Eat cooked or steamed food. Drink at least 1, 5 liters of water a day. Season the salads with olive oil. Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

Add the following products to the menu:

• lean meat: beef, rabbit, chicken;
• vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
• dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
• seafood: fish, lobster, oysters, crab;
• gelatin dishes: jelly, jelly meat, fish aspic;
• nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds;
• mushrooms, eggs, cereals.

Try to eat less sugar, grapes, broth. Eliminate salty and smoked foods, flour products, and spicy condiments from your diet.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

Proper prophylaxis in the usual way helps to avoid osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but of course all physical exercises should be used regularly, otherwise there will be little benefit from "periodic" exercises.

Remember the simple rules:

• Exercises regularly, especially swimming, water aerobics, stretching exercises, and vertebral flexibility are also suitable for preventing osteochondrosis at home;
• Eat more foods that are high in calcium and magnesium. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to refrain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy;
• Choose a good orthopedic mattress and a pillow that is ideal for the neck, keeping your head in the right anatomical position while sleeping (yes, your favorite huge down pillow won’t go away with spinal problems! ).
• Perform a special physiotherapy kit at least a few times a day while sitting.