Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and prolong the intervals between them. In this article, we will tell you how to improve the patient's quality of life and improve his performance.
The basics of treating cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increase in working capacity;
- minimize the risk of complications;
- prolongation of remissions between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timely, compliance with the clinical stage and regularity. There are several methods that should be used together for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Drug therapy, folk remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a versatile effect on the spine and improve its condition and functions.
It is advisable to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body along with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. In particular, it is necessary to exclude contraindications to some treatment methods. This applies to folk methods and physiotherapy.
An indication of improvement is the reduction of pain syndromes, the restoration of the range of motion, the elimination of disturbances of motor and sensory functions, and the restoration of work ability.
It should be remembered that the patient has conditions of osteochondrosis for which hospitalization is indicated. This is necessary for complications, blood circulation disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Medical treatment of pathology
If you do not eliminate the negative factors that aggravate the disease, the drugs do not make sense. To begin with, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following drug groups are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
Analgesics. It is used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used for violent awakening caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.Muscle relaxants. They resist the tension of the muscles located along the spine, eliminate the feeling of tension and compression.Non-steroidal drugs. It is used to eliminate swelling, inflammation, spasm. They are among the most suitable cyclooxygenase inhibitors for this condition.local preparations. Ointments and creams are used to alleviate the condition. They can be a derivative of phenylacetic acid (to reduce the symptoms of inflammation) or chondroitin-based ointments used to improve the condition of the cartilage.Preparations that improve microcirculation. It is used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase oxygen delivery to tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous flow.Diuretics. They can be used for a short time for decompression (reduces the release of fluid into the intracellular space).Medical blockade. They are used for severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary to restore the patient's motor activity and improve his condition.Vitamin preparations. B vitamins are used, which improve innervation function, restore the structure and function of roots. You can combine tablet and injection forms.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme, according to body weight, age, accompanying diseases. Improving the condition after starting to take it is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course until the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of cervical compresses
Compresses can be used at home for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It is an effective and simple treatment method 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 the effect on the tissue.
A warm compress relieves pain in the cervical region and improves the patient's condition. They are used for severe anxiety.
The compress consists of a bandage or gauze soaked in medicine, covered with a layer of cellophane and a warm cloth.
You can use the following components for osteochondrosis:
- small chopped potatoes;
- honey;
- hop cones;
- animal fat;
- Mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use components infused with alcohol. Aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used as active ingredients. To make a tincture, you need to fill the selected element with vodka or alcohol, observing the 1: 1 ratio. Store the finished product in the refrigerator and use it for compresses.
meek ones
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 herbs are used: calendula, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, cinquefoil, currant and raspberry leaves, dried raspberries and lingonberries, cinquefoil, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, mother and valerian are also used for the complex home treatment of neck osteochondrosis.
You can combine herbs and make preparations, teas and decoctions from them.
The action of such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulation of removal of toxins and waste from tissues;
- stimulation of venous flow and lymphatic flow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoctions should be regular. The point is that the effect occurs after long-term use, when accumulation of useful components occurs.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain of an overdose or side effects - the plants improve his condition.
Take a decoction 2-3 times a day, in a calm state, in the morning and before going to bed. It is better to do half an hour before eating. Keep the finished broth for 1-1, 5 days, no more. It is better to prepare a new portion and drink a fresh remedy. Refrigerate between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass container when it is kept cold.
General effect of herbal decoctions - soothing osteochondrosis, increasing immunity protection, antiseptic effect, improving 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 condition of blood flow. You should also give up other bad habits that nullify all treatment 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 decoction. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving agents.
Ointments for home treatment of neck osteochondrosis
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, for example, during injections. Ointments are available, easy to use. But on the other hand, the flow of drugs into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient should understand that the ointment does not directly affect the spine through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - into the veins located under the skin and subcutaneous tissue - and acts on the damaged structures like a conventional drug.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but less pronounced than any other forms of administration. The method can be used in addition to tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expect an instant action from the ointment, but get a weak result.
Local ointments are used that have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Ointments can have a warming effect. Much more effective, because it really acts locally, in the vessels located next to the spine. Ointments dilate blood vessels, which is accompanied by a feeling of warmth in the skin and muscles. It improves the condition, relieves anxiety and pain, restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment on clean skin, it is better to do this before going to bed. Make sure that it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the injection site without clothes so that the ointment does not absorb into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams at rest, especially before going to bed or going to bed.
You can compress on the basis of ointment. To do this, a gauze or bandage layer is applied to the painful area. On top, you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or necklace.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise 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 it. In acute phases, the neck should be protected and try not to load. You can practice gymnastics between periods of exacerbation.
The following exercises are used in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- bending and stretching of the head;
- circular rotation of the head;
- jaw pressure in clenched palms. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- hands pressing on the front of the head;
- bring your head to your chest and hold it from above with your hands behind your head. Lightly press the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- pressing the hands above the head from the sides.
All movements should be smooth and accurate, should not cause pain or discomfort. You can do lying movements - lift your head off the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands, putting pressure on your neck and head.
With any movement that involves pressing the hands on the head, the head creates a conflict by relying on the pressure at the same time. Movements should not be sharp or abrupt.
Perform the exercises after a light warm-up, neck rotation and circular movements. Exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spinal cord for gymnastics.
Do not exhaust yourself with exercises - if you feel tired, you should stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best assistant to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a person who is trained in this field and will not harm the spine. Massage should be done in one course, at the appointed time in each session. It is important that the procedures take place in a calm, relaxed state.
Massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, an active stage of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, or hypertension.
What is the effect of massage on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, relieves pain and anxiety. Also, the patient relaxes, relaxes and benefits the whole body during the massage.
Massage of the collar zone is the best option for osteochondrosis. It is only necessary to ensure that there is no pressure on the spine, but the muscles around it are simply warmed up. Acupressure is also used. It connects the reflex points that interact with each other, as a result, the muscle tissue relaxes.
The most optimal option for the treatment of 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, secondly, he feels the most problematic area and pays increased attention to it. You need to gently tap the skin, you can do it with the tips of the fingers, the edge of the palm. You can also grab the skin and squeeze the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is secondary, which aims to ensure that the disease does not occur at all, reducing the risk of complications and improving the patient's condition. Preventive measures act on the spine directly and indirectly with the general condition of the body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of the following components:
- a complete diet that contains the right 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, as well as alcoholic beverages in your diet;
- give up smoking, because it leads to narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalize body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. If your activity is related to them, take a break from work. During the working day, try to get up from the table for any reason, take small walks and exercises, change the position of the body;
- limit physical activity aimed at the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the position of the body comfortable and convenient;
- wear braces if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various braces;
- mind your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not delay treatment - your health depends on when you start treatment. If you are worried about the symptoms, you should start treatment immediately so that osteochondrosis does not start and cause complications.