Regular treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home can reduce the number of exacerbations and lengthen the interval between them. In this article, we will tell you how to improve your patient's quality of life and improve his performance.
The Basics of Home Treatment for Cervical Osteochondrosis
The treatment plan has several main goals:
- improve well-being;
- increase work capacity;
- Minimize the risk of complications;
- Extend the period of remission between episodes.
The main principles for successful treatment are timeliness, clinical staging and regularity. Several techniques must be used in combination to treat cervical osteochondrosis. Medications, folk remedies, physical education, massage.
They have a variety of effects on the spine, improving its condition and function.
It is advisable to coordinate the treatment with the doctor so that it corresponds to the physical state, combined with the treatment of the accompanying pathology. In particular, it is necessary to exclude contraindications to certain treatments. This applies to folk methods and physical therapy.
The hallmarks of improvement are a reduction in pain syndrome, restoration of range of motion, elimination of motor and sensory impairments, and restoration of work ability.
It should be remembered that, in some cases, patients require hospitalization. This is necessary for complications, circulatory disturbances in the spinal tissue, persistent pain, ineffectiveness of conservative approaches.
medical treatment of pathology
Medications are meaningless without removing the negative factors that exacerbate the condition. First, you should create a comfortable environment for the cervical spine and eliminate the negative impact on the body.
The following groups of drugs are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- Painkillers.They are used for severe pain in the spine with limited mobility.
- Sedative drugs.For severe arousal due to painful episodes. Apply at night.
- Muscle relaxant.They counteract tension in the muscles located in the spine, eliminating tension and squeezing sensations.
- nonsteroidal drugs.For swelling, inflammation, spasm. They are one of the best cyclooxygenase inhibitors for this situation.
- local preparations.Ointments and creams are used to relieve the condition. They can be derivatives of phenylacetic acid (to reduce symptoms of inflammation) or chondroitin-based ointments to improve the condition of cartilage.
- Preparations to improve microcirculation.Used to stimulate blood circulation. They increase oxygen delivery to tissues, restore metabolism, and improve venous outflow.
- Diuretics.They can be used for short periods of time for decompression (reducing the release of fluid into the intracellular space).
- Medical blockade.They are used for severe pain syndromes of high intensity. They are necessary in order to restore the patient's motor activity and improve his condition.
- Vitamin preparations.Use B vitamins to improve innervation and restore root structure and function. You can combine tablet and injectable release forms.
All medications should be used strictly as planned, based on weight, age, and comorbidities. Improvement of the condition after starting taking it is not a reason to cancel the drug, it is necessary to continue the course of treatment to the end.
Treatment of cervical vertebral compression osteochondrosis
Compression can be used to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home. This is an effective and simple treatment that is easy to use and can be done independently. Herbs and other medicinal ingredients are used for compresses. There are different types of compressions, depending on how they affect the tissue.
Warm compresses relieve neck pain and improve the patient's condition. They are used for severe discomfort.
A compress consists of a medicated bandage or gauze covered with a layer of cellophane and a warm cloth.
You can treat osteochondrosis with the following components:
- small grated potatoes;
- Honey;
- jump cone;
- Fats of animal origin;
- Mint leaf;
- Cabbage leaves.
You can use alcohol-infused components. As active ingredients, aloe vera, mustard powder, propolis, elderberry, horseradish are used. To make a tincture, vodka or alcohol must be added to the chosen element, adhering to a 1: 1 ratio. Store the finished product in the refrigerator and use for compression.
decoction
Decoctions for osteochondrosis are good because they have complex effects on the body, improve the patient's condition, and can be prepared at home. Use the following medicinal plants: calendula, linden, chamomile, eucalyptus, clover, gooseberry and raspberry leaves, dried raspberries and bilberries, clover, coltsfoot, horsetail, ivan tea. Rose hips, lemon balm, motherwort, and valerian are also used in complex home remedies for osteochondrosis of the neck.
You can mix herbs and make preparations, teas and decoctions from them.
What these drugs do:
- reduce inflammation;
- Stimulates the elimination of toxins and wastes from tissues;
- Stimulates venous outflow and lymphatic outflow.
Cervical osteochondrosis should be treated regularly with decoction. The truth is that after prolonged use, the effect occurs when the accumulation of useful ingredients occurs.
A person who takes herbal preparations never complains of overdose or side effects - the plant can improve his condition.
Take 2-3 times a day in the morning and at bedtime in a calm state. It is best to do it half an hour before meals. Store the finished broth for 1-1. 5 days, no more. Better to make a new one and drink a fresh medicine. Keep it in the refrigerator between meals. The broth is best poured into a clean glass dish when refrigerated.
General effects of herbal soup - soothes osteochondrosis, increases immune protection, antiseptic effect, improves muscle and vascular tone. Improved general condition has a positive effect on appetite, sleep and the work of all organs. A good option is to replace the usual tea and coffee with decoctions, which, on the contrary, can worsen the state of blood flow. You should also give up other bad habits that make all your healing efforts ineffective.
The ideal length of the entry course is 20-30 days. You can take a few weeks off, then change the ingredients and take it again. Replaces anti-inflammatory and soothing, pain-relieving ingredients.
Ointment for home treatment of osteochondrosis of the neck
There are several aspects to the use of ointments and medicines. On the one hand, it is an excellent treatment that does not require special skills, such as when injecting drugs. Ointments are available and easy to use. But, on the other hand, the flow of the drug into the blood is significantly reduced. The patient must understand that the ointment does not act directly on the spine through the skin. It is absorbed into the blood-vessels that lie beneath the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and acts on damaged structures like traditional medicine.
Ointments and gels are effective, but much less effective than any other form of administration. This method can be used as an additional method with tablets or injections. So don't be surprised if you expect the ointment to work right away and receive weak results.
Use a topical ointment, which is anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, and reduces tissue swelling.
Ointment may have a warming effect. More effective because it does act locally on the blood vessels located next to the spine. The ointment dilates blood vessels, 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 cleansed skin, preferably at bedtime. Make sure it's fully absorbed into the skin, don't wear clothes, and hold the area where the medication is applied to prevent the ointment from absorbing into the fabric. It's best to apply gels and creams at rest, especially before or before bed.
You can compress according to the ointment. To do this, apply it to a layer of gauze or bandage on the painful area. On top, you can use a layer of polyethylene film and a warm cloth. It is convenient to secure the compress with a scarf or scarf.
exercise therapy
Therapeutic exercise is the patient's ally against cervical osteochondrosis. But one important thing: gymnastics is contraindicated in the acute phase of osteochondrosis. Contrary to the internal belief that exercising or warming up can relieve acute pain. Forget it. During the acute phase, the neck must be protected and weight bearing should be avoided as much as possible. During an episode, you can apply gymnastics.
The following exercises are used to treat osteochondrosis:
- flexion and extension of the head;
- Circumferential rotation of the head;
- Chin pressure on clenched palms. Meanwhile, rest your elbows on the table;
- Press the hand to the front of the head;
- Rest your head on your chest and place your hands behind your head. Gently press the occiput while trying to return the head to its normal position;
- Press your hands on your head from the sides.
All movements must be performed smoothly and accurately without pain or discomfort. You can do the lying motion - lift your head off the floor, put it on your chest, do some light movements with your hands, and press your neck and head hard.
Any movement that involves pressing the hand to the head, the head simultaneously counteracts, as if relying on pressure. Movements should not be jerky or sudden.
Do the exercise after a light warm-up, neck rotations, and circular motions. Exercise easily stimulates the muscle layers in preparation for gymnastics.
Don't burn out during exercise -- if you're tired, then you should stop and give your joints a break.
Osteochondrosis Massage
A quality therapeutic massage is the best way to reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis. It is important that the massage is done by someone who is trained and does not harm the spine. Massages must be performed in one session, each session at a designated time. It is important to perform the procedure in a calm, relaxed state.
Massage is not performed if the patient suffers from tumor pathology, active phase of the infectious process, pathology of the cardiovascular system, aneurysm, hypertension.
How does massage affect cervical osteochondrosis? It reduces muscle tone, relieves spasms, improves microcirculation, and eliminates pain and discomfort. In addition, the patient rests during the massage, relaxes and benefits the entire body.
Massage the collar area is the best choice for osteochondrosis. Just make sure there is no pressure on the spine and the surrounding muscles are simply warming up. Shiatsu is also used. It connects reflex points that interact with each other, causing muscle tissue to relax.
The best option for treating osteochondrosis at home is self-massage. It's easy to do it yourself. First, the patient feels the pressure and controls it, and second, he feels the most problematic area and pays more attention to it. Gently stroking the skin, you can use your fingertips, the edge of your palm. You can also grab the skin and pinch the muscles - this stimulates them and improves microcirculation.
prevention
Prevention of osteochondrosis is first and foremost aimed at ensuring that the disease does not occur at all, followed by reducing the risk of complications and improving the patient's condition. Preventive measures act directly or indirectly on the spine through the general condition of the body.
Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis includes the following components:
- A complete diet that includes the necessary amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Also want to prioritize fresh, high-quality products that are free of preservatives and chemical additives;
- normal drinking patterns. Adequate water maintains the balance of mineral metabolism and improves the condition of bone and cartilage tissue;
- Minimize tea and coffee and alcoholic beverages in your diet;
- Quit smoking, as it narrows the arteries;
- normalize body weight;
- Limit time spent on your phone, tablet or computer. If your activity is work-related, take a break. During the workday, try to get up from the table, take a walk and exercise, and change your body position;
- Limit physical activity to the neck;
- Wear comfortable shoes that position your body comfortably;
- Wear orthodontic devices if recommended by your doctor. Corsets or various harnesses;
- Pay attention to your sleep. It should be a flat, comfortable surface, preferably an orthopedic mattress.
Don't delay treatment - your health depends on when treatment begins. If you are concerned about symptoms, treatment must be started immediately before osteochondrosis starts and complications do not occur.