Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and extend the intervals between them. In this article we tell you how to improve the patient's quality of life and improve their performance.
Basics of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home.
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improve well-being;
- increased work capacity;
- minimize the risk of complications;
- prolongation of remissions between attacks.
The fundamental principles of successful treatment are punctuality, 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, home remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a versatile effect on the spine and improve its condition and functions.
It is advisable to coordinate treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the state of the body, combined with the treatment of concomitant pathology. Especially it is necessary to exclude contraindications to some methods of treatment. 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 working capacity.
It must be remembered that there are conditions of osteochondrosis in which the hospitalized patient is shown in a hospital. This is necessary for complications, circulatory disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Medical treatment of pathology.
Medicines are meaningless if they do not eliminate 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 for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Analgesics.They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.
- sedative drugs.It is used for severe excitement 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 tightness.
- Non-steroidal drugs.It is used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasm. They are among the most appropriate cyclooxygenase inhibitors for this condition.
- local preparations.Ointments and creams are used to relieve the condition. They can be a derivative of phenylacetic acid (to reduce inflammatory symptoms) or chondroitin-based ointments, which are used to improve the condition of cartilage.
- Preparations that improve microcirculation.It is used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase the supply of oxygen to the tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous outflow.
- diureticsThey can be used for a short time for decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intracellular space).
- Medical lockdown.They are used for severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary to resume the patient's motor activity and improve her condition.
- Vitamin preparations.B vitamins are used, which improve the function of innervation, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine tablet and injection forms of release.
All drugs must be used strictly according to the scheme, according to body weight, age and comorbidities. Improving 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 the 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. Herbs and other medicinal components are used for compresses. There are different types of compresses, depending on their effect on the tissue.
A hot compress relieves pain in the cervical region and improves the patient's condition. They are used for serious 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 for osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- honey;
- hop cones;
- animal fat;
- mint leaves;
- cabbage leaves.
You can use alcohol-infused components. As an active ingredient, aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used. To make a tincture, it is necessary to fill the selected item with vodka or alcohol, observing a 1: 1 ratio. Keep the finished product in the refrigerator and use it for compresses.
decoctions
Medicinal decoctions for osteochondrosis are good because they have a complex effect on the body and improve the patient's condition, and 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, valerian are also used for complex home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
You can combine herbs and make preparations, teas, and decoctions from them.
The action of such drugs:
- reduction of inflammation;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste substances from the tissues;
- stimulation of venous outflow and lymph outflow.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis with decoctions should be regular. The fact is that the effect occurs after prolonged use, when the accumulation of useful components occurs.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain about an overdose or side effects - plants improve her condition.
Take a decoction 2-3 times a day, in a calm state, in the morning and before bedtime. It is better to do it half an hour before a meal. Store the finished broth for 1-1, 5 days, no more. It is better to make a new portion and drink a fresh remedy. Store it in the refrigerator between meals. Broth is best poured into a clean glass dish when stored cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions: soothing osteochondrosis, increased immune protection, antiseptic effect, improvement of 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 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 drink another decoction. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, which relieve pain.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck.
The use of medicinal ointments has several aspects. On the one hand, this is an excellent method of treatment 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 on the spine directly through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream, vessels under the skin, and subcutaneous tissue, acting 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, along with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expected instant action 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. Much more effective, since it actually acts locally, on the vessels located next to the spine. Ointments dilate blood vessels, which is accompanied by a feeling of heat in the skin and muscles. This improves the condition, relieves discomfort and pain, and restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment to clean skin, it is better to do it before going to bed. Make sure that it is completely absorbed by the skin, keep the place where the medicine was applied without clothing so that the ointment does not absorb into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams when you are at rest, especially before bed or before going to bed.
You can make a compress based on the ointment. To do this, it is applied on 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 kerchief around the neck.
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 exercises. Forget it. In acute phases you have to protect the neck and try not to load. Between periods of exacerbations, you can apply gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- flexion and extension of the head;
- circular rotation of the head;
- pressure of the chin on the palms together. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressing your hands to the front of your head;
- bring your head to your chest and support it with your hands on the back of your head. Lightly press on the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- pressing your hands on your head from the sides.
All movements should be performed smoothly and accurately, they should not cause pain and discomfort. You can perform movements lying down: raise your head from the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands with pressure on your neck and head.
With any movement that involves pressing the hands on the head, the head at the same time makes a confrontation, as if relying on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or jerky.
Perform exercises after a slight warm-up, rotary and circular movements of the neck. The exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Do not exhaust yourself with the exercises: if you feel tired, you should 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 trained in this and that it does not damage the spine. Massage should be done in one course, each session at the designated time. It is important that the procedures are carried out in a calm and relaxed state.
Massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, the active phase of the infectious process, the pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, hypertension.
What effect does massage have on osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? Reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, eliminates pain and discomfort. In addition, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and benefits the whole body.
Massage of the neck 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 the treatment of osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It is convenient to do it yourself. Firstly, the patient feels the force of pressure and controls it, and secondly, he feels the most problem area and pays increased attention to it. It is necessary to gently stroke the skin, you can do it with your fingertips, the edge of the palm. You can also grab the skin and pinch the muscles, this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
Prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is primary, which is 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 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 quality fresh products, without preservatives and chemical additives;
- Normal drinking regimen. A sufficient 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 your diet, as well as alcoholic beverages;
- stop smoking, because it leads to 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 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 to the cervical region;
- wear comfortable shoes that make the position of the body comfortable and comfortable;
- use corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Miscellaneous corsets or orthopedic appliances;
- pay attention to your dream. It should be a flat, comfortable surface, and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not postpone treatment until later; 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.