Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and increase the interval 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 treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increase in working capacity;
- reducing the risk of complications;
- Extending relaxation between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timeliness, compliance with the clinical stage and regularity. There are several techniques that should be used in combination for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. drug therapy, folk remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a multifaceted effect on the spine and improve its position and functions.
It is advisable to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body combined with the treatment of concomitant pathologies. It is especially necessary to exclude contraindications for some methods of treatment. This is folk methods and physiotherapyapplies to.
A marker of improvement is a reduction in pain syndrome, restoration of range of motion, elimination of violations of motor and sensory functions, and restoration of working capacity.
It should be remembered that there are conditions of osteochondrosis in which the patient is shown hospitalization in the hospital. It is necessary for complications, circulatory disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
medical treatment of pathology
Medicines are of no use if you do not remove the negative factors that aggravate the disease. To begin with, you should create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Painkillers.They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.
- Sedative drugs.Used for severe excitement caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.
- Muscle relaxants.They counteract the tension of the muscles located along the spine, eliminating the feeling of tension and squeezing.
- Non steroidal drugs.Used to relieve swelling, inflammation, cramps. They are among the cyclooxygenase inhibitors best suited for this condition.
- local preparation.Ointments and creams are used to alleviate the condition. They may be derivatives of phenylacetic acid (to reduce the symptoms of inflammation) or ointments based on chondroitin, which are used to improve the condition of cartilage. goes.
- Preparations that improve microcirculation.Used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase oxygen delivery to tissues, restore metabolism, and improve venous outflow.
- Diuretic.They can be used for short-term dissolution (reducing the release of fluid into the intercellular space).
- Medical blockade. They are used for severe pain syndrome of high intensity. They are necessary to resume motor activity of the patient and improve his condition.
- Vitamin preparations.B vitamins are used, which improve the function of protection, restoring the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablet and injectable forms of release.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme according to body weight, age, comorbidities. The improvement of the condition after the start of taking is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course to the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of cervical compression
Compresses for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home can be used. It is an effective and simple treatment method that is easy to use and can be done independently. For compresses used herbal and other medicinal componentsThere are different types of compression based on their effect on the tissue.
A warm compress relieves pain in the cervical region 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.
For osteochondrosis you can use the following components:
- small grated potatoes;
- Honey;
- hop cones;
- fats of animal origin;
- Mint leaves;
- Cabbage leaves.
You can use components associated with alcohol. As an active ingredient, aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used. To make tinctures, filling the selected element with vodka or alcoholRequired, observing the ratio of 1: 1. Keep the finished product in the refrigerator and use for compresses.
decoction
Medicinal decoctions are good for osteochondrosis 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, linden, chamomile, Eucalyptus, cinquefoil, currant and raspberry leaves, dried raspberries and lingonberries, cinquefoil, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian are also used for complex home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
You can mix herbs and make preparations, teas and decoctions from them.
The action of such drugs:
- less swelling;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste products from tissues;
- Stimulation of venous outflow and outflow of lymph.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoctions should be regular. The fact is that the effect occurs after prolonged use, when there is an accumulation of useful components.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain of an overdose or side effects - plants improve his condition.
Take the decoction 2-3 times a day, in a calm state, in the morning and before bedtime. It is better to do half an hour before meals. Prepare the broth 1-1. Store for 5 days, no longer. It is better to drink the drug fresh by making a new portion. Keep it in the refrigerator between meals. It is best to pour the broth into a clean glass vessel when it is stored in the cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions - soothing osteochondrosis, increasing immune defense, 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 substitute for ordinary tea and coffee. You should also give up other bad habits that thwart all treatment efforts.
The desired length of the course of admission is 20-30 days. You can take a break for a couple of weeks, then change the composition and take another decoction. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
There are many aspects to the use of ointments with drugs. On the one hand, it is an excellent treatment method that does not require special skills, such as when injecting drugs. Ointments are available, easy to use. But, on the other hand, The flow of drugs into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient must understand that the ointment does not act directly on the spine through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - the vessels that lie under the skin and subcutaneous tissueand act on damaged structures like a traditional medicine.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but it is much less pronounced than with any other form of administration. As with tablets or injections, the method can be used as an addition. Therefore, do not be surprised ifYou expect quick action from the ointment, but a weak result is obtained.
Local ointments are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain, and reduce tissue swelling.
Ointment can have a warming effect. Much more effective, as it actually acts locally on 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 condition, relieves discomfort and pain, and restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment to clean skin, preferably before you go to sleep. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, hold the place where the medicine was applied without clothing so that the ointment is not absorbed into the cloth. It is best to apply gels and creams when you are resting, especially before bedtime or before bedtime.
You can make a compress based on the ointment. To do this, it is applied to a layer of gauze or bandage, which is applied to the painful area. On top, you apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm clothCan. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or neckerchief.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the patient's ally in the fight against cervical osteochondrosis. But there is an important point: gymnastics is contraindicated in the acute period of osteochondrosis. Contrary to the internal belief that acute pain can be relieved by exercise or warm-up. ItsForget about. In the acute stages, the neck should be protected and try not to load. Between periods of exacerbations, you can do gymnastics.
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, elbows rest on the table;
- pressing hands on the frontal part of the head;
- bring your head to your chest and hold it with your hands behind your head. Press lightly on the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- Clasp the hands on the head by the sides.
All movements should be performed smoothly and accurately, they should not bring pain or discomfort. You can perform the movements lying down - lift your head off the floor, bring it to your chest, neck and head with your handsBut do light movements with pressure.
As with any movement that presses the hands to the head, the head collides at the same time, as if dependent on pressure. The movements should not be jerky or sudden.
Perform the exercise after a light warm-up, rotational and circular movements of the neck. Exercise will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Don't exhaust yourself with exercise - if you're feeling tired you should stop and give your joints a rest.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High quality therapeutic massage is the best helper to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is done by a person who is trained in it and will not cause any damage to the spinal cord. Each session should be performed at a set time. Procedures that take place in a calm, relaxed state are important.
Massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, an active stage of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysm, hypertension.
What is the effect of massage on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? It lowers muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, eliminates pain and discomfort. Also, the patient relaxes, relaxes and benefits the whole body during the massage. .
Collar zone massage 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 simply warm up. Acupressure is also used. This reflex pointsthat interact with each other, resulting in the relaxation of muscle tissue.
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 and controls the force of the pressure, and secondly, he feels the most problematic area. and pays more attention to it. It is necessary to gently caress the skin, you can do this with fingers, the edge of the palm. You can also grab the skin and pinch the muscles - it stimulates them andImproves microcirculation.
Redressal
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, aimed at ensuring that the disease does not occur at all, and secondary, which reduces the risk of complications and improves the patient's condition. Preventive measures are direct and through the general condition of the body. Indirectly act on the spine.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine consists of the following components:
- a complete diet that includes the necessary 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. water in sufficient quantities 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 alcoholic beverages;
- Quit smoking, as it causes narrowing of the arterial vessels;
- normalize body weight;
- Limit the time you spend on your phone, tablet or computer. Take breaks from work if your activity is related to them. During the work day, try to get up from the table for any reason, take short walks and exercise, bodychange the position of;
- limit physical activity that is directed to the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the body position comfortable and comfortable;
- Wear corrective equipment if recommended by your doctor. Corset or various braces;
- Pay attention to your sleep. This should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not stop treatment until later - your health depends on when treatment is started. If you are concerned about symptoms, you should start treatment immediately so that osteochondrosis does not start and complications do not occur.