Cervical osteochondrosis symptoms of home treatment

Cervical osteochondrosis is a progressive disease characterized by deformities and structural changes of the intervertebral disc.

Cervical osteochondrosis has become more common lately, which can be explained by the spread of a sedentary lifestyle (driving, sitting at a computer).

Unlike thoracic and lumbar, cervical osteochondrosis is manifested much more often, which is a consequence of the anatomy of the cervical spine. The fact is that in the neck area the vertebrae are close enough to each other and the muscular framework is poorly developed, which leads to movement of the vertebrae even with small loads in the neck area, and, as a consequence, to compression of blood vessels and nerves.

Causes of cervical osteochondrosis

Relationship - cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness, fears, tension and depression.

No less relevant cause of manifestation and worsening of cervical and vertebral osteochondrosis is the human mental factor - these are frequent or constant stress, fears, anxieties, a state of depression, which always accompanies the resulting internal stress.

Our spine, including the cervical spine, consists of 24 vertebrae and intervertebral discs (cartilage), and to make this whole structure firm and strong, the spine is connected by many muscles and ligaments that form a kind of corset. A very important role in this design is played by the intervertebral discs, which allow the vertebrae to move towards each other, thanks to which amortization occurs.

When these discs or vertebrae are damaged (change in structure due to metabolic disorders), osteochondrosis occurs, which is named after the affected area: cervical osteochondrosis, thoracic and lumbar.

In cervical osteochondrosis, the roots of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord constrict and the vessels constrict, disrupting blood flow. because within tense muscles the blood is difficult to move. Of course, the blood supply to the brain is also disrupted, resulting in oxygen starvation.

In addition, all these nerves coming out of the spinal cord are connected to our internal organs, so their work is disrupted.

Cervical osteochondrosis can also be caused by:

• intervertebral disc injuries;
• weightlifting;
• incorrect posture;
• hypothermia, draft;
• incorrectly performed procedures, for example, massage and others.
• overeating, overweight - excessive stress on the spine;
• use of spicy, salty aggravates osteochondrosis;
• congenital or acquired scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis;
• long-term exposure to vibrations - working with construction machines, driving a car, etc.
• uncomfortable bed, featherbeds, large pillows, so the position of the neck in sleep is wrong;
• hereditary predisposition;
• loads on the spine, not only strong, but, for example, monotonous;
• pathology of the musculoskeletal system;
• asymmetry of the temporomandibular joint, its injuries, chewing habits, malocclusion;
• narrow uncomfortable bra straps, narrow collars;
• work with strenuous movements of the same type (especially when you are half-bending forward): sawing-splitting firewood, gardening with a shovel, hoe, washing on a board, vacuuming and the like.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

The symptoms of cervicothoracic osteochondrosis are directly dependent on the target. In this regard, there is a group of syndromes that accompany this disease:

• Radicular syndromes.Radicular syndrome occurs when nerve roots in the cervical region are compressed (pinched nerve). It is also called cervical radiculitis. The pain that occurs in the neck is transmitted downwards and can descend to the shoulder blade and even to the outer part of the forearm to the fingers. Among the symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis, in some cases there are tingling in the forearm, hands or fingers, pastiness, the effect of running a goose.
• Irial reflex syndromes.In the case of reflex-reflex syndrome, symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis may include acute burning pain in the neck or nape of the neck, which occurs when moving after a static state (with a sharp turn of the head, when sneezing, after sleeping). The pain may radiate to the shoulder and chest.
• Heart syndrome.The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis in this syndrome generally coincide with the symptoms of angina pectoris. In this case, it is very important not to make a mistake in the diagnosis. In cardinal syndrome, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal and long-lasting (up to several hours). Increased pain occurs with sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing and sudden turning of the head. There is often the appearance of tachycardia and extrasystole in the background of the complete absence of signs of circulatory disorders.
• Spinal artery syndrome.In this case, cervical osteochondrosis is accompanied by such a symptom as a pulsating or burning headache that most often affects the adrenal region, occiput, temple, dark. The pain, as a rule, practically does not cease, and only in some cases has a paroxysmal character. Increased pain occurs when moving or after a long stay in an uncomfortable position.

There is a possibility of hearing and vision impairment (decreased hearing and vision acuity, tinnitus, vestibular disorders, eye pain). Nausea or loss of consciousness is possible in the background of general weakness of the body.

Summarizing the above, we can distinguish a number of symptoms that are most characteristic of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine:

• constant pains in the neck that extend to the shoulder girdle, ears and eyes, nape of the neck and do not stop even at night;
• pain in the arms, forearm, shoulder, worsens even with a small load;
• weakening of muscle strength and decreased sensitivity of hands, arms, fingers, as well as difficulties in their movements;
• neck pain when turning and tilting the head;
• neck muscle tension, feeling of lying down in the morning;
• tingling, numbness, tingling in the legs or arms;
• extensive headache with primary localization in the occiput;
• darkening of the eyes, tinnitus, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, with a sharp turn of the head - fainting,
• decreased visual and hearing acuity;
• proliferation of connective tissue in the cervical spine;
• pain in the heart area.

Remedy for cervical osteochondrosis

Cervical osteochondrosis is a complex disease that requires long-term, systematic and gradual treatment. Therapy is aimed at removing pain and suppressing the inflammatory process in the affected area.

Patients are prescribed analgesics. Recently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which effectively eliminate the pain syndrome and help reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, are becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.

In the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, the appointment of chondroprotectors is indicated - drugs that slow down the destruction of cartilage tissue. Many doctors believe that the use of these drugs also promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue.

The use of topical ointments and gels containing irritants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is ineffective. The medicinal substance that is part of them will probably not reach the affected area due to the barrier of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. However, it makes sense to use these external agents, because when they are rubbed into the skin, the neck is massaged.

To improve the regenerative and metabolic processes in the affected nerve root, patients are prescribed B vitamins. Very often doctors recommend combined vitamin preparations that are given intramuscularly.

Traditional methods of treating cervical osteochondrosis

Folk remedies can definitely not be written off - cervical osteochondrosis with its symptoms can be treated at home with essential oils, herbs, fats and poisons. They combine with alcohols, iodine and turpentine and obtain quite effective anti-inflammatory and warming agents for external and internal use.

Phytotherapy of cervical osteochondrosis

Celery medicine. Grate celery root on the finest grater, squeeze the juice. Take celery juice for cervical osteochondrosis, symptoms and treatment at home three times a day per tablespoon before meals.

Less concentrated version of the drug - for 1 tablespoon of juice 100 ml of boiling water leave for a couple of hours and take a tablespoon of solution an hour before meals 4 times a day.

You can also use the root itself instead of juice - pour 3 grams of root 0. 5 liters of boiling water, leave for a couple of hours until completely cooled and drink 20 ml before each meal.

Bay leaf medicine. Pour 12 grams of bay leaf with 300 ml of cold water into an enameled sherpa, cook for five minutes. Let it cook for three hours, drain. During the day, between meals, drink the infusion in small sips. Drink the rest before bed. Continue to take the medicine for four days, take a break for a week and repeat the course. To prevent this, repeat the course every spring.

Herbal collection of cervical osteochondrosis. Grind and mix 100 grams of chamomile, parsley, hops and oregano, add 100 grams of nettle leaves and 200 grams of burdock root. Cook in a thermos, pour 1. 5 liters of boiling water. Leave for three days. Drink the strained solution per tablespoon twice a day - morning and evening. Store in a cool and dark place.

Rubbing

Red pepper remedy.Finely chop two hot red chili peppers, pour them into a container that closes well and add 200 ml of vegetable oil. Close tightly with a non-metallic lid. Leave in a dark, warm place for five days. Rub into the affected area with gentle movements twice a day. You don’t need to take a lot of funds right away, as this can burn out badly. The effect of the product warms up, blood circulation improves.

Butter based.Mix the egg with a tablespoon of vinegar, add a tablespoon of flour and 100 grams of softened butter. Leave the product in a dark place for a few days, remove the film formed on the surface of the mixture and rub it into the skin in the area of ​​cervical osteochondrosis during the massage. Store the prepared mixture for no longer than 3 days.

Compresses

Burdock and horseradish leaves have proven to be compresses. Bring to the boil with boiling water, apply to the damaged area and keep for several hours, wrapped in a cotton cloth. Repeat 10 times each day. Repeat 2-4 times a year.

Therapeutic exercises for cervical osteochondrosis

These exercises will help with existing osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as prophylaxis. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis for preventive purposes can be performed in the evening at home, but it is better to use short breaks in work (this is a recommendation for those who have an inactive job). Gymnastics with cervical osteochondrosis does not take much time, but gives a positive result very quickly.

• Exercise 1.Sit upright, tilt your head back and try to reach your right shoulder with your right ear, then return to the starting position. The exercise is performed slowly and smoothly, the muscles are not tense. Do five reps for each side.
• Exercise 2.Sit upright, face forward, with your chin slightly raised. Slowly and smoothly turn your head to the right - as much as possible. Return to the starting position and turn the same to the left. Repeat 5 times in each direction.
• Exercise 3.Place your palm on your forehead and press your head on it, while your palm should remain in the same place, that is, resist the pressure. You need to strain your neck muscles while pressing your head. Slowly count to 5 and relax. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 4.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, only the palm (or two palms) should be placed on the back of the head and they should be pressed against the palm. The tension must be maintained, counting to yourself 5. Repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 5.Exercise is similar to Exercise 3, but in this case place your right palm on your right temple and press your head against your palm. The tension must be maintained, counting to yourself 5. Repeat 3 times. Then do the same, placing your left palm on your left temple - repeat 3 times.
• Exercise 6.Sit upright, tilt your head back slightly, and then slowly, with tension, as if overcoming resistance, lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest. Repeat 5 times.
• Exercise 7.Sitting upright, lower your head down and slowly turn your head to the right and left - 5 times in each direction. In this case, the head remains lowered.

Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis should not involve head rotations without arm support, especially when the neck is tense and sore.

Self-massage for cervical osteochondrosis

Self-massage never hurts, it is a key treatment at home. The main requirement is a frugal mode. You cannot use excessive force, the procedure is performed exclusively with your fingers. You can do this at least all day. During exercise, it is advisable not to bend or tilt the neck to the side.

It is necessary to start from the upper cervical spine and gradually lower the massaged area. The movements should be smooth spiral or circular, from the center to the periphery, from top to bottom. If the muscle in the cervical zone is stiff, it can be kneaded separately. Remember symmetrical loading. The massage time of the right and left part is approximately equal. It will not be possible to completely cure the disease with self-massage, but it is quite possible to slow down the disease and speed up recovery.

Diet for cervical osteochondrosis

In osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, doctors advise eating in small meals at least 5 times a day. Eat cooked or steamed meals. Drink at least 1. 5 liters of water a day. Season salads with olive oil. Avoid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

Include the following products in the menu:

• lean meat: beef, rabbit, chicken;
• vegetables and fruits: cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, beets, cabbage, broccoli, celery, eggplant, avocado, spinach, watercress;
• dairy products: cheese, cottage cheese, milk;
• seafood: fish, lobster, oysters, crabs;
• dishes with gelatin: jellies, meat jellies, fish;
• nuts and seeds: almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds;
• mushrooms, eggs, cereals.

Try to eat less sugar, grapes, soups. Eliminate salty and smoked foods, flour products, hot spices from your diet.

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis

As usual, proper prophylaxis will help avoid osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, but of course all physical exercise must be used regularly, as otherwise there will be no benefit from “periodic” exercises.

Simple rules to remember:

• regularly engages in sports, especially swimming, water aerobics, stretching gymnastics and vertebral flexibility is also suitable for the prevention of osteochondrosis, which can be exercised at home;
• Eat more foods high in calcium and magnesium. These are fish, peas, legumes, nuts, cheese, herbs, but it is better to refrain from sugar, flour, smoked, spicy;
• choose a good orthopedic mattress and pillow that is ideal for the neck, supporting your head in the correct anatomical position during sleep (yes, your favorite huge lower pillows won’t go away with spine problems! ).
• During sedentary work, at least a few times a day, perform a special set of medical gymnastics exercises.