About 80% of people in the world sooner or later get acquainted with such a disease as cervical osteochondrosis.The symptoms and home treatment can be different in each case, so you still cannot do without your doctor's help.The disease is not fatal, but it is quite difficult to cure, so the best solution is to use all possible methods - folk and traditional medicine - in order to forget the aching pain forever.
Causes of the disease
Sad statistics show that the number of people suffering from the disease is increasing every year.The reason for this is an unhealthy lifestyle, difficult working conditions and a lack of proper attention to one's own health.Despite the high incidence, few people know how to treat cervical osteochondrosis.
If you ignore the manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis, then a general form of the disease develops, affecting the entire spine.However, more often the localization remains within the cervical and thoracic vertebrae.
If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated quickly at home, the progression can lead to complete immobilization of the patient.
In order to create an effective treatment plan, you need to pay attention to the basic anatomy of the neck.One of the most important and largest blood vessels, the vertebral artery, passes through this section of the human body.This blood flow carries vital nutrients, including oxygen, to all parts of the brain.
Osteochondrosis is the result of deformation of the intervertebral cartilages and discs, which means additional stress on the vertebral body.The disease causes degenerative changes in the disc, inhibits physiological functions and reduces its height.As the disease progresses, a reaction occurs in the endplate of the vertebra.As a result of this process, the spinal canal narrows and the spine curves.
At first, cervical osteochondrosis does not cause alarming signs.As the disease progresses, the nerve roots are pinched and the space in the spinal cord narrows.The following symptoms appear:
- stiffness in the neck, aching pain;
- tingling and numbness of the limbs;
- constant and specific headache, which intensifies with every movement and does not go away after taking painkillers;
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- emotional instability;
- memory loss;
- noise and ringing in the ears.
What else causes neck pain
The back and neck can hurt not only because of osteochondrosis.That's just one of the reasons.This symptom can be a sign of other diseases that require appropriate treatment:
- hypothermia;
- strong stress in the muscles;
- permanent emergency;
- infections;
- joint pathologies;
- vertebral fracture;
- spinal canal stenosis;
- diseases of internal organs;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- radiculopathy or nerve root compression.
Osteochondrosis has a specific feature.The presence of the disease is determined by pain in the right side of the chest, in the area of the right arm and forearm.The pain is acute and usually lasts a short time.Attacks of pressing pain may also occur, which can be relieved by taking pain relievers and NSAIDs.
Since all the symptoms can be different in each case, and other diseases are completely treatable, it is better to entrust the diagnosis of osteochondrosis to specialists.After establishing the diagnosis and prescribing the treatment, the therapy can be supplemented with traditional medicine.However, treatment with homemade ointments and tinctures alone does not bring results.
Traditional medicines
The intensity and duration of the therapy directly depends on the extent of the disease and the severity of the symptoms.Treatment should aim to maintain mobility of the spine, relieve pain, and prevent damage to the nerves and spinal cord.
Depending on the form and stage of the disease, specialists usually prescribe the following drugs for cervical osteochondrosis:
- hormonal drugs that help relieve pain and inflammation;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that relieve inflammation and relieve pain;
- muscle relaxants that quickly relieve neck muscle spasms;
- drugs that relieve spasms and dull pain from nerve damage;
- antidepressants;
- warming ointments;
- anti-inflammatory ointments.
All these drugs together help to get rid of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Home treatment also includes special exercises that warm up the muscles and affect the damaged tissues.
Home gym
During the visit to the clinic, the patient with osteochondrosis consults with the therapist.The doctor can advise which medicines are best to take and, if necessary, refer to a specialist - a neurologist or a physiotherapist.The latter teaches the patient special therapeutic exercises, which he can perform independently at home.The therapy strengthens and stretches the shoulder and neck muscles.
Regular training under the supervision of a doctor or family members quickly puts the patient back on his feet and prevents recurrence of the disease.
Special massage
Often, the patient's condition is so serious and the accompanying diseases are so serious that it is impossible to perform physiotherapy exercises.In this case, one of the relatives can perform a special relaxing massage for the patient.
During the process, it is advisable to use a pharmacy or home-made medicinal oil.You can achieve the best effect if you use a relaxant containing anti-inflammatory herbal extracts.
Basic principles of massage:
- Don't push!The neck muscles are already suffering, and further intense pressure can trigger another bout of pain.Therefore, you should work carefully with your hands so as not to cause discomfort to the patient.Only the fingers should be involved in the massage.
- Do not make sudden movements.All manipulations must be performed smoothly.
- Follow the direction!An important rule for massaging osteochondrosis is to follow the direction towards the spine, not away from it.Thus, the blood saturates the corresponding areas.
Many experts recommend using massage cups to improve blood circulation.Before the procedure, the skin should be lubricated with vaseline or massage oil.After attaching the vessel to the body, you should wait no more than 6-7 minutes.At the end of the procedure, cover the area with a warm towel so that the effect lasts longer.
Traditional medicine recommends using traditional beeswax to warm the skin and muscles.Before the procedure, you should warm up your neck with a heating pad, and then apply a tablespoon of honey to the skin.Beat the honey into a white mass directly on the affected area with light massaging movements and stroking.At the end of the procedure, the skin will be red and sensitive;it must be covered with foil and a warm towel or woolen chin.White honey is only washed off in the morning.After the first such procedure, the patient will feel significant relief.
Folk medicines
We cannot describe the simple but effective folk recipes.Alternative medicine recommends the use of various combinations of poisons, fats, essential oils and herbs for neck pain.
- Medicine with celery.Grate the root of the vegetable on a fine grater or rub it through a sieve.After that, squeeze the resulting juice.It is recommended to take this medicine every day to maintain its freshness and beneficial properties.Drink one tablespoon of fruit juice three times a day before meals.
- Bay leaf decoction.Pour 15 g of dry bay leaves into a small enameled pan and fill with 300 ml of room temperature water and boil for 5-7 minutes.After the soup has been infused for 2-3 hours, it must be filtered and cooled.Drink in small sips between meals throughout the day.You only have to drink it before going to bed.The course lasts 4 days, and it is recommended to repeat the therapy after a week break.
- A collection of herbs.Mix in equal proportions parsley, chamomile, oregano, hops, nettle and burdock root, 100 g.Pour 1.5 liters of boiling water into a thermos with the dry mixture and let it stand for 3 days.Consume a tablespoon of the filtered drink 2-3 times a day.The medicine should be stored in a refrigerator.
Effective rubbing
Special homemade rubs enhance the effect of the therapeutic massage.They contain only natural ingredients - oils and herbs.
- Red pepper remedy.Finely chop two hot red peppers and place in a tightly sealed container.Pepper should be poured with a glass of vegetable oil.The medicine should be tightly closed with a rubber cap and infused for a week in a warm, dark place.When the homemade ointment is ready, rub the collar area with light movements twice a day.It is not recommended to apply the product in large quantities, because the heating effect suddenly becomes a burning effect, and instead of improving blood circulation, you will get a burn.
- Buttercream.Mix one raw egg with one tablespoon of flour and the same amount of vinegar.Add 100 g of soft butter.After mixing all the ingredients thoroughly, the product should be left in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.A film layer appears on the surface of the medicine, which must be removed, and the treatment must be started by massaging the ointment into the skin.This homemade cream can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Burdock poultice.The mixture of horseradish and burdock is well proven in the treatment of osteochondrosis.Finely chopped roots should be poured with boiling water, wrapped in cotton cloth and applied to the sore spot 10 times a day.After a week, the disease stops bothering you.
Special recommendations
Treatment of osteochondrosis with complex therapy brings results quickly.The effect of traditional medicine and traditional medicine has a beneficial effect on the restoration of the intervertebral discs and the preservation of the integrity of the cartilage.However, the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis should only be made by a doctor.
The specialist should also tell you how to treat this disease at home, as improper treatment can lead to disease progression and even disability.
It is worth noting that not all methods of treating the disease at home show positive results.Acupuncture, apitherapy, deep massage and spinal stretching can be harmful.Even if the doctor recommends doing such procedures at home, it will only make the situation worse.Such therapies should only be performed by professionals in a clinical setting.