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 their performance.
Fundamentals of cervical osteochondrosis treatment 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 fundamental principles of a successful treatment are timeliness, respect for the clinical phase and regularity. There are several techniques that must 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 recommended to coordinate treatment with the doctor to match 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.
An indicator 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. This is necessary for complications, circulatory disorders in the tissues of the spine, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative methods.
Medical treatment of the pathology
Medicines are meaningless 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 the 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.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 crushing.
- Non-steroidal drugs.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 ointments based on chondroitin, which are used to improve the condition of the cartilage.
- Preparations that improve microcirculation.Used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase the oxygen supply to the tissues, restore metabolism and improve venous outflow.
- Diuretics.They can be used for a short period of decompression (reducing the release of liquids into the intracellular space).
- Medical block.They are used for severe high intensity pain syndrome. They are necessary to resume the patient's motor activity and improve her condition.
- Vitamin preparations.B vitamins are used, which improve the innervation function, restore the structure and function of the roots. It is possible to combine tablets and release injection forms.
All drugs should be used strictly according to the scheme, based on body weight, age, comorbidities. 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
Tablets 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 medicines are used for compresses. There are different types of wraps, depending on their effect on the fabric.
A warm compress relieves pain in the cervical region and improves the patient's condition. They are used for severe inconvenience.
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, you need 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 wraps.
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 cranberries, cinquefoil, 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 such drugs:
- reduced inflammation;
- stimulation of the elimination of toxins and waste substances from the tissues;
- stimulation of venous outflow and lymphatic 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 of 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 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. Keep it in the refrigerator away from meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass dish when stored in the 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, worsens the state of blood flow. You should 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 take another decoction. Alternative anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, pain relievers.
Ointments for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
The use of ointments with drugs 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 in the blood is greatly 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 that are 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, 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 swelling of tissues.
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 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 best to do this before going to bed. Make sure it is completely absorbed into the skin, keep the place where the drug was applied without clothes so that the ointment is not absorbed by the fabric. It is best to apply gels and creams at rest, 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, applied to the sore area. Above, you can apply a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is convenient to fix the compress with a scarf or neckerchief.
physical 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-up. Forget about it. In the acute phases, the neck must be protected and try not to load. Between the periods of exacerbation, you can apply gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- flexion and extension of the head;
- circular rotation of the head;
- chin pressure on closed 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 up 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;
- pressing the hands to the head from the sides.
All movements must be performed smoothly and accurately, they must not cause pain or 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 the neck and head.
With any movement that involves the pressure of the hands on the head, the head at the same time makes a comparison, as if relying on the pressure. The movements should not be jerky or abrupt.
Perform the 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.
Do not exhaust yourself with exercises: if you feel tired, you should stop and rest your joints.
Massage for osteochondrosis
High-quality therapeutic massage is the best help in reducing the unpleasant symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is performed by a person trained in this and does not damage the spine. The massage must be done in one course, each session at the designated 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? 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 only necessary to make sure that there is no pressure on the spine, but that the muscles around it simply warm 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. First, the patient feels the force of the pressure and controls it, and secondly, he feels the most problematic area and pays more 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 manifest itself 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 favor fresh quality products, without preservatives and chemical additives;
- normal consumption regime. A sufficient amount of water maintains a 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;
- quitting smoking, because it leads to narrowing of arterial vessels;
- normalize body weight;
- limit the time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. Take breaks from work if your business is related to them. During the working day try for any reason to get up from the table, 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 body position 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 until later - your health depends on when treatment is started. If you are concerned about the symptoms, you need to start treatment immediately so that osteochondrosis does not start and does not lead to complications.