Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and extend the intervals between them. In this article, we will tell you how to improve the patient's quality of life and improve his performance.
Basic principles of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main goals:
- improving well-being;
- increase in working capacity;
- minimizing the risk of complications;
- prolongation of recessions between attacks.
The key principles of successful treatment are timely compliance, compliance with clinical stage, and regularity. There are several techniques that should be used in combination to treat cervical osteochondrosis. Pharmacotherapy, folk remedies, physical therapy, massage.
They have a flexible effect on the spine and improve its condition and functions.
It is recommended to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the condition of the body, in combination with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. It is especially necessary to rule out contraindications to certain treatment methods. This applies to folk methods and physiotherapy.
An indicator 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 work ability.
It should be remembered that there are situations of osteochondrosis in which the patient presents hospitalization. This is necessary for complications, circulatory disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent 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. First, you should create comfortable conditions for the cervical spine and eliminate negative effects on the body.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis, the following groups of drugs are used:
Analgesics. They are used for severe pain in the spine, limited mobility.Sedative drugs. It is used for severe irritation 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 compression.Non-steroidal drugs. It is used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasm. It is among the cyclooxygenase inhibitors that are most suitable for this condition.local preparations. Ointments and creams are used to relieve the condition. It can be a phenylacetic acid derivative (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 oxygen supply 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 intracellular space).Medical disqualification. They are used for severe pain syndrome with high intensity. They are necessary for resuming the patient's motor activity and improving his condition.Vitamin preparations. B vitamins are used, which improve the functioning of the nervous system, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine the tablet and injection release forms.
All drugs must 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 compresses
Compresses can be used for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home. This is an effective and simple method of treatment 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. Aloe, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish root are used as active ingredients. To make a tincture, it is necessary to fill the selected element with vodka or alcohol, observing a ratio of 1: 1. Keep the finished product in the refrigerator and use it for compresses.
Teas
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, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, finish, gooseberry and blackberry leaves, dried raspberries and blackberries, butterfly, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Roses, lemon balm, mother valerian and valerian are also used for the complex treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck at home.
You can combine herbs and make concoctions, teas and infusions 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 decoctions should be regular. The fact is that the effect appears after prolonged use, when the accumulation of useful components occurs.
A person taking herbal preparations will never complain of an overdose or side effects - the plants improve their 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 broth for 1-1. 5 days, no longer. It is better to make a new batch and drink a fresh treat. Keep it in the fridge between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass dish when stored in the cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions - soothing osteochondrosis, increasing immune protection, 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 option is to replace the usual tea and coffee with decoction, which, on the contrary, worsens the condition of blood flow. You should also give up other bad habits that nullify all healing efforts.
The desired duration of the introduction 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, analgesic ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of medicated ointments has several aspects. On the one hand, this is an excellent method of treatment that does not require special skills, 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 - the vessels 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 an additional, along with tablets or injections. Therefore, do not be surprised if you expected an immediate effect from the ointment, but received a weak effect.
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 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 to clean skin, it is better to do it before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the place where the medicine was 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 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 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 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 it. In acute phases, the neck should be protected 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 on the chin in the clenched palms. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table.
- pressing the hands to the front of the head.
- bring your head to your chest and hold it overhead with your hands on the back of your head. Press lightly on the occipital area and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position.
- pressing the hands to the head from the sides.
All movements should be performed smoothly and accurately, they should not cause pain or discomfort. You can do lying movements - lift your head off the floor, bring it to your chest, make light movements with your hands with pressure on the neck and head.
With any movements that involve pressing the hands on the head, the head simultaneously makes a confrontation, as if based on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or abrupt.
Perform exercises after a light warm-up, rotational and circular movements of the neck. The exercises will easily tone the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Do not exhaust yourself with exercises - if you feel tired, then you should stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best assistant in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a person who is trained in it and will not damage the spine. The massage must be carried out in one session, each session at the appointed time. The procedures are important to be carried out in a calm, relaxed state.
Massage is not performed if the patient has oncopathology, the active phase of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysms, 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 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 warming up. Acupuncture is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, resulting in muscle tissue relaxation.
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 problematic area and pays increased attention to it. It is necessary to gently stroke the skin, you can do it with the tips of the fingers, 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 aims to ensure that the disease will 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 condition 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 prefer fresh 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 bones 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.
- normalization of 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 short walks and exercises, change the position of the body.
- limit physical activity directed at the cervical region.
- wear comfortable shoes that make the body position comfortable and convenient.
- wear corrective devices if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various braces.
- watch your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface and ideally an orthopedic mattress.
Do not postpone treatment until later - your health depends on when treatment begins. 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.