Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine: symptoms and treatment

Constant headaches, heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - this is most likely osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Symptoms of it can be taken as a manifestation of other diseases, for example, angina pectoris or migraine. The sooner the correct picture of the disease is revealed, the more successful the treatment.

We have to admit that this is a disease of the century. Is it possible to say that before it was not so widespread? Perhaps yes. If earlier it was a disease of the elderly, now it is much younger. After all, the root cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilage in the neck and back is physical inactivity - perpetual sitting near a desk or in front of a computer in a fixed position, with his head bowed. In the same position, a person stays after work - in the car or at home in front of the TV. The result is dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs that disrupt the blood supply to important arteries leading to the brain. It all starts with a crunch of the vertebrae when turning the head, and then pulling pains appear in the neck, neck, shoulders and forearms, numbness of the fingers. If an accurate diagnosis has not yet been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms may resemble an attack of angina pectoris, since the pain radiates to the arm and sternum. It is not difficult to independently verify this: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not in the heart. Although, of course, experiments with health are not welcome for any disease.

With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine , a full-fledged, comprehensive treatment is needed, which should be prescribed by an osteopathic doctor. Comprehensive - because only with medicines or only folk remedies can not cope with the disease. Both one and the other are needed, plus physiotherapy exercises and therapeutic massage. Of the medicines, experts will certainly recommend a course of so-called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue. Anti-inflammatory drugs are connected - Indomethacin, Voltaren, Chondroxide. If necessary, a course of painkillers and spasmodic injections, for example, the drug "Diclofenac", "Papaverine." A good effect is also given by physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment.

Physiotherapy exercises and massage

It would seem that this part of the treatment the patient can prescribe for himself. This is a huge mistake. Everything related to the disease of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced, trusted neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist. Moreover, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulations of such “horsemen”. And within the framework of the article, that is, at a distance, only general recommendations can be given. So, if the patient suspected that he had osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the back of the neck, headaches, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be relieved by simple exercises.

1. Sitting on a chair, with soft, smooth movements, perform circular head movements, 15 times in each direction. No sudden movements, especially backwards!
2. Head tilts back and forth, also smoothly and carefully.
3. "Mill" is an exercise for the hands. 50 times (you can increase) to twist your hands back and forth, even through pain.
4. Wrap your arms around your head - the thumbs under the chin, the remaining fingers on the back of the neck and on the back of the head - and try to stretch the muscles of the neck and vertebrae. It will become easier right away.

If these simple exercises are performed daily, the pain will be significantly reduced. As for massage - this has already been said: massage of the cervical-collar zone should be performed only by a specialist.

Alternative methods of treatment

Unfortunately, it cannot be argued that folk remedies can finally cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Symptoms, of course, can be removed, but by and large without the involvement of specialists can not do. How can pain in the neck, head, hands with osteochondrosis be relieved? Herbs compresses work well. So, a juicy leaf of burdock or horseradish can be poured with boiling water and applied to the patient with a scruff, close with a film on top and wind up with a scarf. You can hold the compress for at least a whole day. You can not say about the compress with mustard: dilute 50 g of dry powder and aloe juice with alcohol, add a little propolis. In fact, it is recommended to apply this mixture at night, and it is actually effective, but should not be brought to a burn. Not in the last place is proper nutrition. Everyone knows that the first enemy in osteochondrosis is salt, which means that its use should be sharply limited. Products rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich meat soups and broths, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach. And the main advice is not to start the disease, start treatment at the first sign of it.