Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral disc, which, alas, is fraught with many sad consequences. It is rapidly progressing, and if you do not pay attention to the symptoms in time, the process will go many times faster. Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? What are the most effective therapies? This should now be described in detail.
Briefly about the disease
Before you understand the question regarding whether it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it is necessary to discuss the features of this disease. It manifests itself in degenerative-dystrophic changes occurring in the joints and intervertebral discs. Because of them, the mobility of the neck decreases, a pronounced pain syndrome appears.
The main reason is a disturbed mineral metabolism, leading to brittleness and fragility of bones. This leads to a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, malnutrition, vegetovascular dystonia, flat feet, rheumatism, scoliosis and impaired posture.
Of the provoking factors, bruises, injuries, stresses and excessive physical exertion can be noted. Women can lead to osteochondrosis pregnancy or hormonal changes that occur against the background of menopause.
Symptoms are usually as follows:
- Radicular syndrome. It manifests itself against the background of compression of nerve endings. There is severe pain spreading from the neck to the shoulder blades and forearms, as well as covering the front wall of the chest.
- Swelling of the neck and muscle weakness in the arms.
- A characteristic crunch that occurs when the head moves.
- Lack of coordination.
- Chronic fatigue and weakness, changes in blood pressure.
- Ringing and tinnitus, hearing and vision impairment.
- Frequent dizziness. If such an attack occurs, then it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Numbness of the tongue and limbs.
- Frequent migraines.
- Numbness, tingling, and pain in the upper limbs. Such attacks more often occur in women aged 45 to 65 years, and at night.
In addition to all of the above, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems and mood swings can occur. The cause of neurotic disorders is a violation of the blood supply and nutrition in the brain.
Principles of Therapy
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine? Unfortunately, no. Especially if the ailment is in a state of neglect. After all, we are still talking about dystrophic changes.
But this does not mean that therapy does not need to be carried out. On the contrary, its timely onset will help slow down the progression of the disease, or even completely stop it. Therapy has three goals:
- Eliminate the pain.
- Relieve swelling and inflammation in a painful place.
- Slow down the process of destruction of the intervertebral discs.
If, for example, treatment is started at the first stage of osteochondrosis, then the result will not be long in coming. Minor, rare pains can be quickly eliminated, and the back muscles will stop getting tired too quickly.
At the second stage, it will also be possible to achieve a result. Although at this stage of development, the vertebrae already become less stable, pinch the nerve, and the discomfort felt in the neck becomes pronounced, and gives it to the hand.
Treatment of the 2nd stage has additional goals, which are to eliminate increased fatigue, relieve headaches in the back of the head and increase concentration.
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at the 3rd or 4th stage of its development? No, because these are already running stages. They are characterized by numbness of the extremities, the development of an intervertebral hernia, the replacement of damaged disks with connective tissue, and many other complications. Here, simple therapy will not be enough; surgery may be necessary.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Now you can go directly to the question regarding how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. To reduce swelling of the tissues, it is necessary to start taking anti-inflammatory non-steroid medications (NSAIDs). They have such actions:
- Antipyretic.
- Anesthetic (analgesic).
- Anti-inflammatory.
NSAIDs cannot be taken with erosive and ulcerative pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired renal and hepatic function, individual intolerance, cytopenia and pregnancy. With great care, they are prescribed to people with bronchial asthma.
In cervical osteochondrosis, drugs such as Naproxen, Diclofenac Sodium, Indomethacin and Ibuprofen are usually indicated. Taking these drugs helps to achieve the following effects:
- Reducing the severity of pain.
- Elimination of morning stiffness.
- Minimizing swelling of the joints.
- Increased range of motion.
The mechanism of action of these drugs is associated with inhibition of the activity of enzymes that play a decisive role in the pathogenesis of fever, pain and inflammation.
Muscle relaxants
Continuing to talk about how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home, we need to discuss another type of medication prescribed by doctors to eliminate pain and muscle spasm.
We are talking about muscle relaxants - these are drugs that reduce the tone of skeletal muscle, thereby relaxing it. It is impossible to do without their use, especially in severe forms of the disease.
Muscle relaxants are also required before manual therapy or massage. Because first you need to warm up the muscles and relax, and only then proceed to these procedures. If muscle relaxants are not taken, then neither massage nor manual therapy will be possible, because the cramps and pains are too strong.
It is only necessary to use drugs of this group under the strict supervision of a doctor, since an incorrectly calculated dosage often causes a negative effect on the diaphragm. Because of this, breathing may even stop.
And yet, since muscle relaxants inhibit the activity of the central nervous system and have a relaxing, sedative effect, it will be necessary to abandon driving for some time.
The best drug is Midokalm. Over the years, it has proved its effectiveness. This tool helps to quickly eliminate discomfort in skeletal muscles, and this action is long-lasting. Thanks to Midokalm, the body maintains a delayed effect, which reduces unpleasant sensations and excessive excitability. Plus, the drug has a local anesthetic effect.
Analgesics
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home if you take drugs of only one group. In this case, an integrated approach is very important. And, since the main companion of this disease is pain that pervades the whole body, there is no way to do without analgesics.
Teraflex has proven itself very well. This pain medication combines the action of a chondroprotector and painkiller. It includes meloxicam and chondroitin sodium sulfate - substances of natural origin contained in the vertebral cartilage.
Taking "Teraflex", it is possible to block the production of enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of cartilage, as well as prevent bone breaks. And all this is complemented by an analgesic effect due to meloxicam.
Side effects are possible - in particular, rashes, irritation and dryness. Of the contraindications, only personal intolerance. With caution, it is necessary to take the remedy for people with pathologies related to the circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys.
Also effective analgesics are drugs such as Baralgin, Analgin and Amidopyrine. In the event that the pain is so strong that it becomes impossible to tolerate it, you will need to take drugs. The most effective is Tramal. But this remedy is only available on prescription, of course. And you can take it strictly under the supervision of a doctor.
Medicines to improve blood circulation
Every person puzzled by the question of how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home, you need to know that he can not do without drugs of this group.
It is very important to take funds that improve the functioning of the central nervous system, improve the nutrition of the spinal column, and alleviate the symptoms of pain and dizziness.
The best drugs are Trental and Actovegin. They have neuroprotective, metabolic and microcirculatory effects. Thanks to taking medications, absorption and further utilization of oxygen increases, and glucose transport improves. This leads to an improvement in the energy metabolism of cells. Blood viscosity also decreases, its rheological properties improve.
Talking about whether it is possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine completely, it is necessary to mention the need for venotonics. Preparations of this group restore the tone of the vascular walls, remove excess fluid and improve blood flow.
In simple terms, these tools comprehensively solve the problem of vascular changes that always accompany osteochondrosis. Such medicines as Phlebodia and Diosmin have proven themselves well.
Chondroprotectors
Studying the question of how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home, it is necessary to discuss drugs in this category. They include glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfates. And they are in our vertebrae. It is from their action that the tissues begin to recover, even if they have already been struck by destruction.
Of course, these drugs passively treat the disease, and you should not expect a quick result. However, prolonged use will eventually lead to the beginning of the regeneration process. Chondroprotectors also stop the growth of cracks in the vertebrae, and still do not allow the development of a hernia.
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with drugs of this group? If at the first stage you start taking chondroprotectors, then the result will not be long in coming. Here, by the way, which drugs are prescribed most often:
- Medications with chondroitin. These include Chondrolone, Structum and Chondroxide.
- Preparations with mucopolysaccharides. Usually, "Attrtreparon" is prescribed. It is effective, but is prohibited for use by people with a stomach ulcer or diabetes.
- Means made from animal bone tissue. These are Rumalon and Aflutol. They include the tissue of calves and marine life.
- Drugs with glucosamine. Good are Arthron Flex and Don. Means stimulate the regeneration of articular tissue, improve the quality of synovial fluid, normalize its formation, and also eliminate pain.
- Combined medicines. It is better to opt for the drug "Artron Complex", which has a prolonged effect. The effect persists even after stopping the intake.
In severe cases, chondroprotectors are injected. The injection is much faster. However, injections cannot be made for longer than 3 weeks. If we talk about the names, then they usually appoint “Hialubriks”, “Alflutop”, “Adgelon”, “Adant” and “Gialgan”.
Vitamin Complexes
Since it is a question of whether osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be cured, it should also be noted that the body of a person suffering from this ailment experiences a severe deficiency of minerals and vitamins. Of course, it must be eliminated. In this case, the doctor also selects the tablets, based on the entire clinical picture of the patient.
As a rule, such vitamin preparations are prescribed, which in their composition contain such elements:
- Retinol It is necessary to strengthen the spinal tissue.
- Thiamine. Stimulates regenerative processes in cartilage and bones.
- Pyridoxine. Improves the nutrition of all organs that are vital.
- Cyanocobalamin. Helps restore damaged cells and tissues, and also relieves inflammation.
- Vitamin C. Normalizes brain function.
- Riboflavin. Improves the elasticity of cartilage.
- A nicotinic acid. Improves metabolic processes.
- Calciferol. Promotes the accumulation of the necessary amount of calcium in bones and cartilage.
- Tocopherol. It is an excellent antioxidant.
The list of fortified drugs is very wide. The most popular can be identified in the following list:
- Medicines with vitamin B: Milgamma Compositum, Binavit, Vitagamma, Vitaxone, Compligam B, Neurobion, Trigamma, Neuromultivit, Neurovitan.
- Preparations with calciferol: "Alfacalcidol" and "Calcium D3."
- Complex medicines: Combiben, Undevit, Complivit, Vitrum, Supradin, Decamevit, Pentovit, Pikovit, Oligovit, Unicap, Centrum, Duovit , "Alphabet."
By the way, talking about how to independently cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, it must be noted that many of the substances that the human body needs are contained in products. Therefore, it is highly recommended not only to drink vitamin complexes, but also to review your diet.
Diet
Each person will have to change his diet, puzzled by the question as to whether osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can be cured. It is necessary to observe a physiologically complete diet that meets the key principles of good nutrition. It is also important to enrich it with minerals and vitamins.
If a person is not overweight, then diet No. 15 is recommended. Its energy value varies between 2600-2700 calories.
It is also necessary to drink up to 2 liters of free fluid every day. If the body does not receive enough moisture, this will lead to drying of the intervertebral discs and further loss of elasticity. All this is fraught with their destruction. Salt is allowed, but up to 5-8 g / day.
You need to refuse salty and fatty meat products, margarine, fruits and vegetables with rough peels, as well as products with essential oils (radishes, garlic, basil, turnips, radishes, celery, tarragon, parsley, marjoram) and fiber (chickpeas, beans, soy crops, corn, lentils and beans). Still have to stop drinking alcohol, black tea and coffee.
Enriching the diet is worth sesame seeds, dairy products, cheeses, almonds, rose hips, watercress, egg yolks, avocados, nuts, cucumbers, spinach and sunflower seeds. Cauliflower and white cabbage, bran, lettuce, fish, gooseberries, plums, pears, apples, citruses, currants, garden greens will also benefit.
It is highly recommended to eat red fish (salmon, trout, salmon), cartilage and tendons of animals. You can make jelly, jelly, jelly, aspic from these products.
In addition to the diet, it is important to comply with the regimen. Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine completely with a diet? It is quite possible to significantly alleviate the condition, if you switch to fractional mode, eat 5-6 times a day in small portions. So it will be possible to rid the gastrointestinal tract (and therefore the whole body) from overloads. And a person will always feel full. This is important, as the feeling of hunger never leads to anything good.
Exercise therapy
Much has been said above about how to quickly cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. It is necessary to talk about the benefits of physiotherapy exercises. Regular gymnastics is a method by which you can reduce the intensity of chronic pain and the risk of repeated exacerbations, as well as restore the strength and sensitivity of the joints.
Here are some simple exercises:
- The palm of the hand should be pressed on the cheekbone and temple on one side. Then tighten your neck, and resist. Repeat, changing sides.
- Connect your fingers to the lock. Turning your palms, push them on the forehead. Tighten the neck, also counteract.
- Place your hands under the chin, closing them into fists. In the direction from bottom to top, press on the chin. To counter, without moving the head in space.
- Grab your fingers behind the head into the lock. Press with your hands on the occipital-parietal region, as if trying to lower the head to the chest. Also provide opposition at this point.
- Place the palm of the right hand on the left cheek, press on it, as if trying to turn in the opposite direction. At the same time, resist using the cervical muscles.
- Lower your head to the chest, cross your arms at the back of the head. Start pushing them into this area.At the same time, counter the muscles of the neck. This must be done so that it turns out to slowly return the head to its original vertical position.
This simple exercise therapy complex receives pretty good reviews. How to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with the help of such exercises? As mentioned earlier, it will not be possible to completely get rid of the ailment, but physical education will have a beneficial effect on the state of health.
Massage
Without it, there is no way to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. Where they do a good therapeutic massage - you should definitely ask your doctor. Because in this regard, the competent choice of a specialist is very important.
Many people think massage is even better than exercise therapy. It quickly reduces pain, relieves muscle cramps, improves blood circulation, strengthens the neck muscles, normalizes tone, eliminates pinching of nerves. Also, as a result of the massage, the muscle corset becomes much stronger.
How to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic region using this method, what techniques are used? In fact, the same as with other massage procedures. However, the intensity and amplitude are different. And, of course, the session is supplemented by the use of techniques included in the massage complex of the neck with such an ailment as osteochondrosis.
The approach itself combines classic massage with segmental. The specialist always starts the procedure with healthy areas, and then switches to painful areas.
These procedures are short-lived. The first session should not last more than 7 minutes. Gradually, the duration increases. You need to reach 12 minutes.
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with a massage? With its help, it is quite realistic to stop the acute form and relieve pain. The main thing is for the specialist to do the procedure.
How to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine folk remedies?
And this issue needs a little attention. If you want to supplement the complex treatment with alternative medicine methods, then you should pay attention to compresses. Here are the most popular recipes:
- Sprinkle fresh horseradish leaves with boiling water. To sustain 1-2 hours. Moisten cotton cloth with a cooled infusion and apply to the affected area (recommended all night).
- Mash the cottage cheese thoroughly and add a few tablespoons of vinegar. Mix everything and apply the resulting composition to the neck. Then wrap with a film and a scarf. Hold for 12 hours.
- Take 200 grams of rye flour and knead a cool dough on the water. Let the dough stand for 2 days. Before use, cleanse the skin, grease with turpentine, then apply the dough and wrap it with cellophane, then a scarf. Hold until it bakes a lot.
Is it possible to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine with such compresses? Experts are skeptical of these methods. Compresses cannot be called the main treatment method, but they can be used as prophylaxis.
You can also prepare tools for grinding. Mix butter (150 g), flour (1 tablespoon), egg (1 pc.), Vinegar (1 tablespoon). Maintain this mass for 2 days in the dark. Then remove the film formed on top, and rub the finished mixture into a sore spot.
Talking about how to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine by folk methods, it should be noted that it is very important to monitor how the skin responds to them. In case of rash or irritation, you need to change the tool.