Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of flare-ups and extend the intervals between them. In this article, we will show 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;
- increasing work capacity;
- minimizing the risk of complications;
- prolongation of remissions between attacks.
The main principles of successful treatment are timing, compatibility 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 comprehensive effect on the spine and improve its condition and functions.
It is recommended that the treatment be coordinated with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body, combined with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. It is especially necessary to exclude contraindications for some treatment methods. This applies to folk methods and physiotherapy.
A marker of improvement is the reduction of pain syndromes, the restoration of 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 conditions of osteochondrosis in which hospitalization is indicated for the patient. This is necessary for complications, blood circulation disorders in the tissues of the spine, constant 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. To begin with, you need to create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used to treat osteochondrosis:
Analgesics. They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used for severe arousal caused by a painful attack. Apply at night.Muscle relaxants. They resist the tension of the muscles located along the spine, eliminate the feeling of tension and squeezing.Nonsteroidal drugs. It is used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasm. They are among the cyclooxygenase inhibitors that are most suitable for this condition.local preparations. Ointments and creams are used to alleviate the condition. They can be a derivative of phenylacetic acid (to reduce inflammatory symptoms) or ointments based on chondroitin, 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 tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous outflow.Diuretics. They can be used for a short time for decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intercellular space).Medical blockade. They are used for severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary to resume the patient's motor activity 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 injection forms.
All drugs must be used strictly according to the scheme, in accordance with body weight, age, concomitant diseases. Improvement of the condition after the start of taking is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course until the end.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of cervical compresses
Compresses can be used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home. This is an effective and simple treatment method that is easy to use and can be done independently. Herbal and other medicinal ingredients are used for compresses. There are different types of compresses, depending 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.
You can use the following ingredients for osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- honey;
- hop cones;
- fat of animal origin;
- mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use ingredients infused with alcohol. As an active ingredient, aloe, mustard powder, propolis, blackberry, horseradish root are used. To make a solution, it is necessary to fill the selected element with vodka or alcohol, respecting a ratio of 1: 1. Keep the finished product in the refrigerator and use it for compresses.
decoction
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 medicinal plants are used: calendula, sturgeon, chamomile, eucalyptus, wool, currant and raspberry leaves, dried raspberries and dried berries, mullein, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, valerian and valerian are also used for complex home treatment of neck osteochondrosis.
You can combine herbs and make concoctions, teas and decoctions from them.
The action of such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulating the elimination of toxins and waste substances from the tissues;
- stimulation of venous outflow and lymph outflow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoction should be regular. The fact of the matter is that the effect occurs after prolonged use, when the accumulation of beneficial components occurs.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain of an overdose or side effects - the herbs improve his condition.
Take a decoction 2-3 times a day, in a calm state, in the morning and before bed. It is better to do it half an hour before the meal. Store the finished soup for 1-1, 5 days, no more. It is better to make a new batch and drink a fresh potion. Keep refrigerated between meals. Broth is best poured into a clean glass container when refrigerated.
General effects of herbal decoctions - soothing of osteochondrosis, increase of immune protection, antiseptic effect, improvement of muscle tone 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 a decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the condition of blood flow. You must also abandon other bad habits that nullify all healing efforts.
The desired 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 brew. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredient.
Ointment for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of medicated ointments has several aspects. On the one hand, this is an excellent treatment method that does not require special skills, such as when injecting drugs. Ointments are readily available, easy to use. But, on the other hand, the flow of drugs into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient should understand that the ointment does not act on the spine directly through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - vessels located under the skin and subcutaneous tissue and acts on damaged structures like a conventional drug.
Ointments and gels have an effect, but it is much less pronounced than any other form of administration. The method can be used as a supplement, together with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expect immediate action from the oil, but received a poor result.
Local ointments are used, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce pain and reduce tissue swelling.
Ointments can have a warming effect. Much more effective, as it really acts locally, on the vessels located near 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 better to do this before going to bed. Make sure that it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the place where the medicine is applied without clothes so that the ointment is not absorbed into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams when you are at rest, especially at bedtime or before bed.
You can make a compress on the basis of the oil. To do this, it is applied to a layer of gauze or bandage, applied to the painful area. On top, you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or handkerchief.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercises are 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 heating. Leave it alone. In acute stages, the neck should be protected and try not to load. Between periods of irritation, you can apply gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- bending and stretching of the head;
- circular rotation of the head;
- chin pressure on clasped palms. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressing the hands on the front of the head;
- bring your head to your chest and hold it with your hands on the back of your head. Press lightly on the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- pressing the 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 - lift your head from the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands with pressure on the neck and head.
With every movement that involves pressing the hands on the head, the head at the same time makes a confrontation, as if resting on the pressure. The movements should not be sharp or sharp.
Perform exercises after a light warm-up, rotating and circular movements of the neck. The exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Don't tire yourself with exercise - if you feel tired, then you should stop and give your joints a break.
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 trained for this and will not damage the spine. The massage should be performed in one course, each session at the appointed time. The procedures are important to take place in a calm and relaxed state.
The massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, active stage of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysm, hypertension.
What effect does massage have on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, eliminates pain and discomfort. Also, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and benefits the whole body.
Massage of the collar area 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, resulting in relaxation of muscle tissue.
The most optimal option for treating osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It is convenient to do it yourself. First, the patient feels the force of pressure and controls it, and secondly, he feels the most problematic area and pays extra attention to it. It is necessary to gently hit the skin, you can do it with the tips of the fingers, the edge of the palm. You can also grab the skin and tighten the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, which aims to ensure that the disease does not appear at all, and secondary, which reduces the risk of complications and improves the patient's condition. Preventive measures act on the spine directly and indirectly, through the general state of the body.
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. A sufficient amount of water maintains a balance of mineral metabolism, improves the condition of bones and cartilage tissue;
- Minimize the amount of tea and coffee in your diet, as well as alcoholic beverages;
- quit smoking, because it leads to the narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalization of body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. Take vacations if your activity is related to them. During the working day, try to get up from the table for any reason, take small walks and exercises, change your body position;
- limit physical activity directed at the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the position of the body comfortable and comfortable;
- wear corrective equipment if recommended by your doctor. Various corsets or braces;
- pay attention to your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Don't put off treatment - your health depends on starting treatment. If you are concerned about the symptoms, you should immediately start treatment so that osteochondrosis does not start and does not lead to complications.