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 performance.
Basics of cervical osteochondrosis treatment at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increasing working capacity;
- minimizing the risk of complications;
- Extending remission between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timeliness, compliance with the clinical stage and regularity. Several techniques should be used 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 advisable to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body, together with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. It is especially necessary to exclude the contraindications of some treatment methods. This applies to folk methods and physiotherapy.
A marker of improvement is reduction of pain syndrome, restoration of range of motion, elimination of motor and sensory function disorders, and restoration of work ability.
It should be remembered that there are conditions of osteochondrosis when the patient is shown hospitalization in the hospital. This is necessary for complications, blood circulation disorders in spinal tissues, constant pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Medical treatment of pathology
Medicines are useless if you do not get rid of the negative factors that aggravate the disease. To begin with, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate the negative impact on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used to treat osteochondrosis:
Analgesics. They are used for acute spinal pain, limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used for intense excitement caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.Muscle relaxants. They resist the tension of the muscles along the spinal column, eliminating the feeling of tension and compression.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 phenylacetic acid derivatives (to reduce inflammatory symptoms) or chondroitin-based ointments used to improve the condition of cartilage.Drugs that improve microcirculation. Used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase oxygen supply to tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous flow.Diuretics. They can be used for short-term decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intercellular space).medical blockade. They are used in severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary to restore the motor activity of the patient and improve his condition.Vitamin preparations. B vitamins are used, which improve the innervation function, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablets and injectable forms.
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 administration is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue to the end of the course.
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 they have on the tissue.
A warm compress relieves pain in the cervix 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 cloth.
You can use the following components to treat osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- honey;
- hop cones;
- fat of animal origin;
- mint leaves;
- Cabbage leaves.
You can use components soaked in alcohol. Aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, mustard root are used as active ingredients. To prepare the tincture, it is necessary 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.
Decoction
Decoctions for the treatment of 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: calendula, lime, chamomile, eucalyptus, cynic, currant and raspberry leaves, dry raspberries and raspberries, zinc, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian are also used for complex home treatment of neck osteochondrosis.
You can combine herbs and prepare preparations, teas and decoctions from them.
Action of such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulating the removal of toxins and harmful substances from tissues;
- Stimulation of venous flow and lymph flow.
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 medicines never complains of 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 best to do this half an hour before eating. Keep the finished broth for 1-1, 5 days, no longer. It is better to prepare a new portion and drink a new medicine. Store in the refrigerator between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass container when it is kept cold.
The general effect of herbal decoction - calming osteochondrosis, increasing immune protection, antiseptic effect, improving the tone of muscles and blood vessels. 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 decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the condition of blood flow. You must also give up other bad habits that will nullify all healing efforts.
The preferred 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 ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of neck osteochondrosis
The use of ointments with drugs 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. But, on the other hand, the flow of drugs in the blood is significantly reduced. The patient should understand that the ointment does not affect the spine directly through the skin. It is absorbed into the blood - blood vessels located under the skin and subcutaneous tissue and acts on the damaged structures like a conventional drug.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but it is much less pronounced than other forms of administration. The method can be used as a supplement, together with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expected an instant 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. It is much more effective because it really acts locally on the vessels 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, and restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment on clean skin, it is best to do it before going to bed. Make sure that it is completely absorbed into the skin, hold the area where the medicine is applied without clothing, so that the ointment does not absorb into the fabric. It is best to use gels and creams at rest, especially before going to bed or going to bed.
You can make a compress based on the ointment. For this, it is used on a layer of gauze or a bandage, applied to the painful area. You can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth on top. It is convenient to fasten 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 about it. In acute phases, the neck should be protected and try not to strain. Between periods of exacerbation, you can turn to gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- head bending and extension;
- circular rotation of the head;
- Chin pressure on clasped hands. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressing the hands on the forehead;
- Bring your head to your chest and hold the top with your hands on the back of your head. Lightly press the nape area and at the same time try to return the head to a normal position;
- Holding hands on the head from the sides.
All movements should be performed smoothly and accurately, they should not cause pain or discomfort. You can perform lying movements - raise your head from the floor, bring it to the chest, make light movements with your hands on the neck and head.
With any movement that involves holding the hands over the head, the head simultaneously makes a counterpoint, as if leaning against the pressure. Movements should not be sharp or jerky.
Perform exercises after a light warm-up of the neck, rotational and circular movements. The exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Do not get tired of the exercises - if you feel tired, then you should stop and rest your joints.
Massage during osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best helper to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a trained person and does not injure the spine. Massage should be carried out in a course, each session at the appointed time. It is important to perform the procedures 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, aneurysm, hypertension.
What effect does massage have on cervical spine osteochondrosis? Reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, relieves pain and discomfort. Also, the patient relaxes during the massage, relaxes and benefits the whole body.
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 that the muscles around it are simply warmed up. Acupressure is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, causing muscle tissue to relax.
Self-massage is the most optimal treatment option for osteochondrosis at home. It is convenient to do it yourself. Firstly, the patient feels the force of pressure and controls it, secondly, he feels the most problematic area and directs increased attention to it. It is necessary to caress the skin gently, you can do this with your fingertips, the edge of your hand. You can also hold the skin and squeeze the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, 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 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 right amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is also desirable to give preference to new 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;
- Reduce the amount of tea and coffee in your diet, as well as the amount of alcoholic beverages;
- Refuse to smoke, because it causes narrowing of arterial blood vessels;
- normalization of body weight;
- Limit the time you spend on your phone, tablet or computer. Take a break from work if your activity is related to them. During the working day, try to get up from the table for some reason, take a small walk and exercise, change your body position;
- limit physical activity aimed at the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that will make the position of the body comfortable and convenient;
- Wear corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various braces;
- Pay attention to your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Don't 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.