Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and lengthen the intervals between them. In this article, we will tell you how to improve the patient's quality of life and improve his work.
Basics of treating cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increasing working capacity;
- minimizing the risk of complications;
- prolonging remissions between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timeliness, compliance with the clinical stage and regularity. There are several techniques that should be used in combination to treat cervical osteochondrosis. Drug therapy, folk remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a multifaceted effect on the spine and improve its condition and functions.
It is recommended that the treatment be coordinated with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body combined with the treatment of concomitant pathology. It is especially necessary to rule out contraindications for some treatment methods. This applies to folk methods and physiotherapy.
A marker of improvement is the reduction of pain syndromes, the restoration of the range of motion, the elimination of motor and sensory function disorders, and the restoration of working capacity.
It should be remembered that there are conditions of osteochondrosis in which the patient is indicated for hospitalization in a hospital. This is necessary for complications, blood circulation disorders in the tissues of the spine, constant pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Medical treatment of pathology
Medicines do not make sense if you do not remove the negative factors that aggravate the disease. First, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used to treat osteochondrosis:
Analgesics. They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used in severe agitation caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.Muscle relaxants. They resist the tension of the muscles located along the spine, remove the feeling of tension and pressure.Nonsteroidal drugs. It is used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasm. They are among the cyclooxygenase inhibitors most suitable for this condition.local preparations. 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 improving microcirculation. It is used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase the supply of oxygen to tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous outflow.Diuretics. They can be used for a short time for decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intracellular space).Medical blockade. They are used for severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary to resume the motor activity of the patient and improve his condition.Vitamin preparations. B vitamins are used, which improve the function of the innervation, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablet and injectable forms of release.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme, in accordance with body weight, age, concomitant diseases. Improvement of the condition after the start of taking is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course until the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck compresses
With osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae, compresses can be used at home. It is an effective and simple method of treatment that is easy to use and can be done independently. Herbal and other medicinal components are used for compresses. There are different types of compresses depending on their effect on the tissue.
The warm compress relieves pain in the cervical region and improves the patient's condition. They are used for severe discomfort.
The compress consists of a bandage or gauze soaked in medicine, covered with a layer of cellophane and a warm towel.
You can use the following components for osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- honey;
- hop cones;
- fats of animal origin;
- mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use components soaked in alcohol. Aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used as active ingredients. To make a tincture, it is necessary to fill the selected element with vodka or alcohol, observing a ratio of 1: 1. Store the finished product in the refrigerator and use for compresses.
potions
Medicinal decoctions for osteochondrosis are good because they have a complex effect on the body and improve the patient's condition, and they can be prepared at home. The following medicinal plants are used: marigold, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, gentian, blackcurrant and raspberry leaves, dry raspberries and lingonberries, gentian, gorse, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, lemon balm and valerian are also used for complex home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
You can combine herbs and make preparations, teas and potions from them.
The action of such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste substances from the 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 long-term use, when useful components accumulate.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain of an overdose or side effects - the plants improve his 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 a meal. Store the finished broth for 1-1. 5 days, no more. It is better to make a new portion and drink fresh medicine. Keep it in the fridge between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass container when stored cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions - relief of osteochondrosis, increase of immune protection, antiseptic effect, improvement of 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 the usual tea and coffee with a decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the condition of blood flow. You must also abandon other bad habits that nullify all healing efforts.
The desired duration of the admission course is 20-30 days. You can take a break for a few weeks, then change the composition and take another potion. Alternate anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of neck osteochondrosis
The use of medicated ointments has several aspects. On the one hand, it is an excellent method of treatment that does not require special skills, such as when injecting drugs. Easy-to-use ointments are available. But, on the other hand, the flow of drugs 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 - the vessels that lie under the skin and subcutaneous tissue - and acts on the damaged structures like conventional medicine.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but it is much less pronounced than any other form of application. The method can be used as an additional, along with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expected an immediate effect from the ointment, but received a weak result.
Local ointments are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Ointments can have a warming effect. Much more effective, as it really works locally, on the vessels located next to the spine. Ointments dilate blood vessels, which is accompanied by a feeling of warmth in the skin and muscles. This improves the condition, relieves discomfort and pain, restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment on clean skin, it is better to do this before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the area where the medicine was applied without clothes so that the ointment does not absorb into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams when you are at rest, especially before bed or before sleep.
You can make a compress based on the ointment. To do this, it is applied to a layer of gauze or bandage applied to the painful area. On top you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm towel. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or towel.
exercise therapy
Physical therapy is the patient's ally in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis. But there is one important point: gymnastics is contraindicated in acute periods of osteochondrosis. Contrary to the internal belief that acute pain can be relieved by exercise or warm-up. Forget about it. In acute phases, the neck must be protected and not strained. 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 clenched palms. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressing the hands on the front of the head;
- bring your head to your chest and hold it above with your hands on the back of your head. Lightly press the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- pressing the hands on the head from the sides.
All movements should be performed smoothly and accurately, should not cause pain or discomfort. You can perform lying movements - raise your head from the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands with pressure on the neck and head.
With any movements that involve pressing the hands on the head, the head at the same time makes a confrontation, as if relying on pressure. Movements should not be sudden or jerky.
Perform exercises after a slight warm-up, rotational and circular movements of the neck. The exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Do not exhaust yourself with exercise - if you feel tired, then you should stop and give your joints a break.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best assistant in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is done by a person who is trained for it and will not harm the spine. The massage should be done on a course, each session at the appointed time. It is important that the procedures are carried out in a calm, relaxed state.
Massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, an active phase of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, hypertension.
What is the effect of massage in osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, removes pain and discomfort. Also, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and benefits the whole body.
Massage of the collar area is the best option for osteochondrosis. It is only necessary to ensure that there is no pressure on the spine, and the muscles around it are simply warmed up. Acupressure is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, resulting in muscle tissue relaxation.
The most optimal option for treating osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It is convenient to do it yourself. Firstly, the patient feels the force of the pressure and controls it, and secondly, he feels the most problematic area and pays increased attention to it. It is necessary to gently stroke the skin, you can do it with the tips of the fingers, the edge of the palm. You can also grab the skin and pinch the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, which is aimed at preventing the disease from occurring 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 state of the body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of the following components:
- a complete diet that includes the necessary amount of fats, proteins 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 bone and cartilage tissue;
- Minimize the amount of tea and coffee in your diet, as well as alcoholic beverages;
- give up smoking, as it leads to narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalization of body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. Take breaks at work if your activity is related to them. During the working day, try to get up from the table on any occasion, take small walks and exercises, change the position of the body;
- limiting physical activity that targets the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the body position comfortable and convenient;
- wear corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various straps;
- pay attention to your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not postpone treatment until later - your health depends on when treatment is started. If you are concerned about the symptoms, you should immediately start treatment so that osteochondrosis does not start and does not lead to complications.