Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and prolong the intervals between them. In this article we will tell you how to improve the patient's quality of life and improve their performance.
Fundamentals of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home
The treatment program has several main objectives:
- improve well-being;
- increase in working capacity;
- minimize the risk of complications;
- prolongation of remissions between attacks.
The main principles of a successful treatment are speed, respect of 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 versatile effect on the spine and improve its condition and function.
It is advisable to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the state of the body, combined with the treatment of concomitant pathology. In particular, it is necessary to exclude contraindications to certain methods of treatment. 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 working capacity.
It should be remembered that there are conditions of osteochondrosis in which the patient is hospitalized 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 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 for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Analgesics.They are used for severe pain in the spine, reduced mobility.
- Sedative drugs.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 compression.
- Nonsteroidal drugs.Used to relieve swelling, inflammation, spasms. They are among the most suitable 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 ointments based on chondroitin, which are used to improve the condition of cartilage.
- Preparations that improve microcirculation.Used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase the supply of oxygen to tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous flow.
- Diuretics.They can be used for a short time for decompression (reduction of fluid release into the intracellular space).
- Medical blockade.They are used for severe high intensity pain syndrome. They are necessary to resume the motor activity of the patient and improve his condition.
- Vitamin preparations.B vitamins are used, which improve the function of innervation, restore the structure and function of the roots. You can combine the release forms of tablets and injections.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme, depending on body weight, age and comorbidities. Improving the condition after the start of the intake is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue treatment 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 treatment method that is easy to use and can be done independently. Herbal components and other drugs are used for compresses. There are different types of compresses, depending on their effect on the tissues.
A warm compress relieves pain in the cervical region and improves the patient's condition. They are used in case of 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 for osteochondrosis:
- small grated potatoes;
- Honey;
- hop cones;
- fat of animal origin;
- 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. Store 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 they can be prepared at home. The following medicinal plants are used: calendula, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, potentilla, currant and raspberry leaves, dried raspberries and lingonberries, potentilla, coltsfoot, horsetail, Ivan tea. Rosehip, lemon balm, motherwort and 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 these drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste from the 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 the accumulation of useful components occurs.
A person who takes herbal preparations will never complain about an overdose or side effects - plants improve his condition.
Take a decoction 2 to 3 times a day, quietly, in the morning and before bedtime. It is best to do 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 kept cold.
General effects of herbal decoctions - soothing osteochondrosis, increased immune protection, antiseptic effect, improved 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, will worsen the condition of blood flow. You should also give up other bad habits that negate 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 decoction. Alternation of anti-inflammatory and soothing, analgesic ingredients.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of ointments with medication 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 should understand that the ointment does not act on the spine directly through the skin. It is absorbed into the bloodstream - the vessels located under the skin and subcutaneous tissues, 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, 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, because it really 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. This improves the condition, relieves discomfort and pain, and restores motor activity.
Apply the ointment on clean skin, it is best to do this before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, hold the area where the medicine was applied without clothing so that the ointment is not absorbed into the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams while resting, especially before bedtime or before bedtime.
You can make a compress on the basis of ointment. To do this, it is applied to a layer of gauze or bandage, applied to the painful area. On top of this, you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or scarf.
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 acute periods of osteochondrosis. Contrary to the internal belief that acute pain can be relieved with exercise or warm-ups. Forget that. 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;
- press of the chin on the joined palms. At the same time, the elbows rest on the table;
- pressing the hands to the frontal part of the head;
- bring your head up to your chest and hold it there with your hands at the back of your head. Slightly press the occipital region and at the same time try to return the head to its normal position;
- press hands to head from 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 your chest, perform light movements with your hands, pressing the neck and head.
With all movements that involve pressing the hands to the head, the head at the same time makes a confrontation, as if leaning on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or sudden.
Perform exercises after a light warm-up, rotational and circular movements of the neck. The exercises will easily stimulate the muscle layer and prepare the spine for gymnastics.
Don't overwork yourself with exercises - if you feel tired, stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best help to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by someone trained in it and who will not harm the spine. Massage should be performed in a course, each session at the specified time. It is important that the procedures take place 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? It 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 collar area is the best option for osteochondrosis. It is enough to make sure that there is no pressure on the spine, but the muscles around it simply warm up. Acupressure is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, resulting in muscle tissue relaxation.
Self-massage is the most optimal option for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home. It is convenient to do it yourself. First, the patient feels the force of pressure and control, and second, he feels the most problematic area and applies increased attention to it. It is necessary to gently stroke the skin, you can do this 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 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 condition of the body.
Prevention of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes the following:
- a complete diet that includes the necessary amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is also desirable to favor fresh quality products, without preservatives or chemical additives;
- normal drinking pattern. 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, as this leads to narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalize body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. Take breaks from your work if your activity is related to it. During the working day, try to get up from the table for some reason, take short 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;
- wear corrective devices 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.
Do not postpone treatment - your health depends on when treatment is started. If you are concerned about the symptoms, you should immediately start treatment so that osteochondrosis does not start and lead to complications.