Regular home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis can reduce the number of exacerbations and prolong the interval between them. In this article, we will tell you how to improve a patient's quality of life and improve their performance.
The basics of treating cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improve well-being;
- increasing work capacity;
- minimize the risk of complications;
- prolongation of remission between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timeliness, adherence to clinical staging, and regularity. There are several techniques that should be used in combination for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Drug therapy, traditional medicine, physical education, massage.
They have a versatile effect on the spine and improve its condition and function.
It is advisable to coordinate treatment with a doctor to suit the state of the body, in combination with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. It is especially necessary to exclude contraindications to some methods of treatment. This applies to both traditional methods and physiotherapy.
Markers of improvement are reduction of pain syndrome, restoration of range of motion, elimination of violations of motor and sensory functions, and restoration of work capacity.
It should be borne in mind that there is a condition of osteochondrosis in which the patient is shown to be hospitalized. It is necessary for complications, circulatory disorders in the spinal tissue, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Pathology medical treatment
Medicines make no sense if you do not eliminate the negative factors that exacerbate the disease. To begin with, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Analgesic.They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.
- Sedative.Used for severe arousal caused by painful attacks. Apply at night.
- Muscle relaxant.They hold the tension of the muscles located along the spine, relieving tension and squeezing.
- Nonsteroidal drugs.Used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasms. They are one of the most appropriate cyclooxygenase inhibitors for this condition.
- local preparation.Ointments and creams are used to relieve the condition. They can be derivatives of phenylacetic acid (to reduce inflammatory symptoms) or ointments based on chondroitin, which are used to improve the condition of cartilage.
- Preparations that improve microcirculation.Used to improve blood circulation. They increase oxygen delivery to tissues, restore metabolism, and increase venous flow.
- diuretic.They can be used for a short time to decompress (reduce the release of fluid into the intracellular space).
- Medical blockade.They are used for severe pain syndrome of high intensity. They are necessary to continue the patient's motor activity and improve his condition.
- Vitamin preparation.B vitamins are used, which improve the innervation function, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablet and injectable release forms.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme, according to weight, age, comorbidities. Improving the condition after starting to drink is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course to the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis from cervical compress
Compresses can be used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home. It is an effective and simple method of treatment that is easy to use and can be performed independently. Herbs and other medicinal components are used for compresses. There are different types of compresses, depending on their effect on the tissue.
Warm compresses relieve pain in the cervical area and improve the patient's condition. They are used for severe discomfort.
The compress consists of a bandage or gauze soaked in the drug, covered with a layer of plastic and a warm cloth.
You can use the following components for osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- Dear;
- jump cone;
- animal origin fat;
- mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use components impregnated with alcohol. As active ingredients, aloe vera, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used. To make a tincture, it is necessary to fill the selected elements with vodka or alcohol, observing the ratio 1: 1. Store the finished product in the refrigerator and use it for compresses.
Decoctions
Medicinal decoctions for osteochondrosis are good in that they have a complex effect on the body and improve the patient's condition, and can be prepared at home. The following medicinal plants are used: calendula, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, cinquefoil, currant and raspberry leaf, dried raspberry and lingonberry, cinquefoil, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan's tea. Rose hip, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian are also used for complex home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
You can combine herbs and make preparations, teas and decoctions from them.
Actions of these drugs:
- reduce inflammation;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste substances from tissues;
- stimulation of venous outflow and lymph outflow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoctions should be regular. The fact is that the effect occurs after prolonged use, when the accumulation of useful components occurs.
A person who uses herbal remedies will never complain about an overdose or side effects - plants improve the condition.
Take the decoction 2-3 times a day, in a calm state, in the morning and before going to bed. It is better to do it half an hour before eating. Store the finished broth for 1-1, 5 days, no longer. It is better to make new portions and drink fresh medicine. Store in the refrigerator between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass dish when kept chilled.
The general effect of herbal decoctions - soothing osteochondrosis, increases immune protection, antiseptic effect, increases muscle and vascular tone. Improving the general condition has a positive effect on appetite, sleep and the work of all organs. An excellent option is to replace ordinary tea and coffee with a decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the state of blood flow. You should also give up other bad habits that nullify all attempts at healing.
The desired entry course duration is 20-30 days. You can rest for a few weeks, then change the composition and take the decoction again. An alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredient.
Ointment for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of ointments with drugs has several aspects. On the one hand, this is an excellent method of treatment that does not require special skills, as when injecting drugs. Ointment is available, easy to use. But, on the other hand, the flow of the drug into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient should understand that the ointment does not act on the spine directly through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - vessels located under the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and acts on damaged structures like conventional drugs.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but are much less pronounced than other forms of administration. This method can be used as an adjunct, along with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expect instant action from the ointment, but receive weak results.
Local ointments are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, relieve pain and reduce swelling of tissues.
The ointment may have a warming effect. It is much more effective, because it actually acts locally, on the vessels located next to the spine. The ointment dilates blood vessels, which is accompanied by a warm feeling in the skin and muscles. It improves the condition, reduces discomfort and pain, and restores motor activity.
Apply ointment to clean the skin, it is better to do this before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, holding the place where the medicine is applied without clothes so that the ointment does not seep into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams while you are resting, especially before bed or at bedtime.
You can make a compress based on the ointment. To do this, it is applied to a layer of gauze or a bandage, applied to the affected area. On top, you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is easier to fix the compress with a scarf or scarf.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises are the patient's ally in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis. But there is one important point: gymnastics is contraindicated in the acute period of osteochondrosis. Contrary to the internal belief that acute pain can be relieved by exercise or warming up. Just forget it. In the acute phase, the neck should be protected and try not to load. Between periods of exacerbation, you can apply gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- flexion and extension of the head;
- circular rotation of the head;
- chin pressure on clasped palms. At the same time, elbows rest on the table;
- pressing hands on the front of the head;
- Bring your head to your chest and hold it above with your hands behind your head. Lightly press the occipital area and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- pressing the hand on the head from the side.
All movements must be performed smoothly and accurately, without causing pain or discomfort. You can perform the movement lying down - lift your head off the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands with pressure on your neck and head.
With any movement that involves pressing the hands on the head, the head at the same time makes a confrontation, as if relying on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or sudden.
Perform the exercise after a light warm-up, twisting and twisting movements of the neck. Exercise will easily stimulate the muscle layers and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Don't tire yourself out with exercise - if you feel tired, then you should stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best helper to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a person who is trained in this matter and will not harm the spine. Massage should be carried out in courses, each session at the appointed time. Important procedures are performed in a calm and relaxed state.
Massage is not carried out if the patient has oncopathology, the active phase of the infectious process, pathologies of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, hypertension.
What is the effect of massage on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, relieves pain and discomfort. Also, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and benefits the whole body.
Collar zone massage is the best option for osteochondrosis. You just need to make sure that there is no pressure on the spine, but that the surrounding muscles are warm enough. Acupressure is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, resulting in relaxation of muscle tissue.
The most optimal option for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It's easier to do it yourself. Firstly, the patient feels the force of pressure and controls it, and secondly, he feels the most problematic areas and increases attention to them. You need to gently caress the skin, you can do this with the tips of the fingers, the tips of the palms. You can also reach for the skin and pinch the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, which aims to ensure that the disease does not occur at all, and secondary, which reduces the risk of complications and improves the patient's condition. Preventive measures act on the spine directly and indirectly, through the general condition of the body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of the following components:
- a complete diet that includes the required amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It is also desirable to give preference to fresh quality products, without preservatives and chemical additives;
- normal drinking regime. A sufficient amount of water maintains the balance of mineral metabolism, improves the condition of bones and cartilage tissue;
- Minimize the amount of tea and coffee in your diet, as well as alcoholic beverages;
- quit smoking, because it causes narrowing of the arteries;
- normalize body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. Take a break from work if your activity is related to it. During the working day, try to get up from the desk for any reason, take small walks and sports, change body position;
- limiting physical activity directed to the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the body position comfortable and comfortable;
- wear corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various braces;
- pay attention to your sleep. It should be a flat and comfortable surface, and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not delay treatment until later - your health depends on when treatment is started. If you are concerned about the symptoms, you should start treatment immediately so that osteochondrosis does not start and does not cause complications.