Regular home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis 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 performance.
Basics of home treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increase in working capacity;
- minimizing the risk of complications;
- prolonging remission between attacks.
The main principle of successful treatment is timeliness, compliance with the clinical stage and regularity. Several techniques must be combined to treat cervical osteochondrosis. Medicinal therapy, folk remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a versatile effect on the spine, improving its condition and functions.
It is advisable to discuss the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body, combined with the treatment of the concomitant pathology. In particular, contraindications to certain treatment methods must be excluded. 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 violations of motor and sensory functions, and the restoration of work ability.
It should be remembered that there are osteochondrosis conditions in which the patient presents hospitalization. These are necessary complications, circulatory disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent 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 of all, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following drug groups are used to treat osteochondrosis:
Pain relievers. It is used for severe spinal pain and limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used for strong excitement caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.Muscle relaxants. They resist the tension of the muscles located along the spine, eliminating the feeling of tension and tightness.Non-steroidal drugs. It is used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasm. These are among the cyclooxygenase inhibitors that are 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 chondroitin-based ointments, which are used to improve the condition of the cartilage.Preparations that improve microcirculation. It is used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase the delivery of oxygen to the tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous outflow.Diuretics. They can be used for short periods of time for decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intracellular space).Medical blockade. It is 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 the functioning of the innervation and restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablet and injection forms.
All medications must be used strictly according to the schedule, according to body weight, age, and co-morbidities. The improvement of the condition after the start of taking the drug is not a reason to withdraw the drug, the course must be continued until the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical compress
The poultice can be used at home in 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 poultices. There are different types of poultices, depending on their effect on the tissue.
A warm compress relieves pain in the neck region and improves the patient's condition. They are used in case of severe discomfort.
The poultice consists of a bandage or gauze soaked in medicine, covered with a layer of cellophane and a warm cloth.
For osteochondrosis, you can use the following ingredients:
- small grated potatoes;
- Honey;
- Hop cones;
- animal fat;
- mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use components soaked in alcohol. Aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish are used as active ingredients. To prepare the tincture, you need to fill the selected element with vodka or alcohol in a 1: 1 ratio. Keep the finished product in the refrigerator and use it as a poultice.
I cook
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, cincefoil, currant and raspberry leaves, dry raspberry and cranberry, cinnabar, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemongrass, motherwort 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 effect of such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulating the removal of toxins and waste from tissues;
- stimulation of venous outflow and lymph outflow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoctions should be regular. The fact is that the effect appears after long-term use, when the useful components accumulate.
A person taking herbal preparations will never complain of overdose or side effects - the plants improve their 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 it half an hour before a meal. Store the finished broth for 1-1. 5 days, no longer. It is better to prepare a new dose and drink a fresh remedy. Store in the refrigerator between meals. It is best to pour the broth into a clean glass container if it is stored cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions - calming osteochondrosis, enhancing immune protection, disinfecting 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 the usual tea and coffee with a decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the state of blood flow. You must also give up other bad habits that nullify any healing efforts.
The desired length of the enrollment course is 20-30 days. You can take a break for a few weeks, then change the composition and take another potion. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of ointments with medicines has several aspects. On the one hand, it is an excellent treatment method that does not require special skills, for example, when injecting drugs. Ointments are available, easy to use. On the other hand, however, the penetration of drugs into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient must understand that the ointment does not directly affect the spine through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - into the blood vessels located under the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and acts on the damaged structures like a traditional medicine.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but it is much less pronounced than any other dosage form. The method can be used as a supplement, together with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expected an immediate effect from the ointment, but received a weak result.
Topical ointments are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Ointments can have a warming effect. It is much more effective, as it really acts locally, on the blood vessels located next to the spine. The ointments dilate the blood vessels, which is accompanied by a feeling of warmth in the skin and muscles. This improves the condition, relieves discomfort and pain, and restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment to clean skin, preferably before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the area where you applied the medicine without clothes to prevent the ointment from being absorbed into the tissue. Gels and creams are best applied when you are at rest, especially before or at bedtime.
You can make a poultice based on the ointment. To do this, apply a layer of gauze or bandage and apply to the painful area. You can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth on top. It is convenient to secure the poultice with a scarf or tie.
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 strain it. You can use gymnastics between periods of exacerbations.
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, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressure of hands on front of head;
- fold your head to your chest and hold it on top 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;
- hand pressing on the head from the side.
All movements must be performed smoothly and accurately, without causing 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 movement that involves pressing the hands on the head, the head is simultaneously confronted, as if leaning on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or sudden.
Perform exercises after a slight warm-up, after rotating and circular movements of the neck. The exercises easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Do not tire yourself with exercises - if you feel tired, stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best helper in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a person who is trained for it and does not damage the spine. The massage must be done in one course, each session at the appointed time. It is important that the procedures take place in a calm, relaxed state.
The massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, the active phase of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, high blood pressure.
What is the effect of massage on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, eliminates pain and discomfort. In addition, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and has a beneficial effect on the whole body.
Massage of the collar zone is the best solution for osteochondrosis. It is only necessary to ensure that there is no pressure on the spine, but that 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 way to treat osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It is convenient to make it yourself. On the one hand, the patient feels the power of the pressure and controls it, on the other hand, he feels the most problematic area and pays extra attention to it. You have to gently caress the skin, you can do it with your fingertips or the edge of your palm. You can also grab the skin and squeeze 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 affect 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 contains the required amount of fat, protein and carbohydrates. It is also desirable to prefer fresh quality products, without preservatives and chemical additives;
- normal drinking regime. The right 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 the diet, as well as alcoholic beverages;
- stop smoking, because it leads to the narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalization of body weight;
- limit the time you spend on your phone, tablet or computer. Take a break from work if your activities are related to them. 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 directed at the neck region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the position of the body comfortable and convenient;
- wear corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Laces or braces of various kinds;
- watch your sleep. It should be a smooth, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Don't put off treatment - your health depends on when you start treatment. If you are worried about the symptoms, you need to start treatment immediately so that osteochondrosis does not start and does not lead to complications.