Cervical osteochondrosis (SCD) is a degenerative disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs. In the early stages, it is difficult to diagnose - it is asymptomatic. In the future, neglect of treatment can lead to a decrease in the quality of active life, constant pain, a feeling of stiffness in the head and neck.
The onset of the disease is influenced by many factors, but among others, the following are distinguished:
- low level of physical fitness and weakness of the musculoskeletal system;
- a sedentary lifestyle - long-term driving of a car or computer in one position negatively affects the cervical vertebrae and muscles;
- disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system - for example, flat feet and scoliosis;
- being overweight or pregnant;
- metabolic disorder.
There are many reasons for osteochondrosis in the neck. When diagnosing and treating, each case is considered by a specialist individually.
Is it possible to COMPLETELY get rid of the disease?
Important!The success of SCH treatment depends on the timeliness of the diagnosis. Only a specialist can determine the degree of the disease and prescribe a method of therapy based on patient complaints, visual examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Cervical osteochondrosis is classified according to the severity of the disease:
- In the first stage, the patient experiences acute pain, reminiscent of short electrical shocks. Puffiness appears, rarely - numbness of the tongue.
- The second stageis characterized by the appearance of the falling head syndrome. The patient, in order to experience a smaller amplitude of pain, constantly holds his head, leaning forward. The motor activity of the neck is impaired, bags appear under the eyes.
- Stage Threeis the most difficult. The mobility of the neck and shoulders is impaired. The patient suffers from constant headaches and muscle pains. Hands go numb, noise in ears.
Complete healing is possible only in the first and second stages of the disease with a competent diagnosis and complex treatment. But you need to understand that after therapy, you will need to change your lifestyle to a more active one, include proper nutrition in the diet, constantly monitor your posture and neck position.
The process of treatment from diagnosis to complete recovery in the first stage of SHS takes about 2 weeks. In the second stage, the treatment time increases to a month and a half. It is possible to achieve complete healing with the help of complex therapy, which includes taking pills, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy, massage, healthy eating, and the use of a special bandage.
How to get rid of SHOH yourself at home?
Self-medication is dangerous. Especially when it comes to cervical osteochondrosis at an advanced stage. It is possible to get rid of it at home only at the first stage, at the second - only under the guidance of a doctor.
In addition to medications prescribed by a specialist, traditional medicine will help to combat pain and stiffness in the neck.
Important!When choosing a prescription for SHOX treatment, it is imperative to take into account the limitations and characteristics of the body.
Time-tested recipes for pain relief:
1. Potato and honey compress
It is necessary to grate the large potato tuber (raw) on a coarse grater. Squeeze out the juice and mix with an equal amount of honey. Mix everything thoroughly. Apply to the painful area of the neck for 45 minutes, covering the top with a soft piece of cloth twice a week.
2. Paraffin application
Melt a small amount of paraffin or wax in a water bath. Cool to room temperature. Apply to the affected area. Leave to cool. Applications must be done twice a week.
3. Herbal collection
You will need dry herbs - yarrow, dandelion leaves, chamomile flowers, calendula, thyme, St. John's wort (1 tablespoon each). Mix the herbs thoroughly. For brewing, you need 2 tablespoons of the collection per liter of boiling water. Brew in a thermos. take three times daily before meals for 3 weeks.
Important!It is forbidden to treat the spine area with compounds that irritate the skin. It is worth remembering that the proximity of the brain implies the careful use of various kinds of folk recipes for the treatment of SHOX.
Gymnastics and Healthy Exercises to Promote Recovery
At home, therapeutic exercises will help to cope with cervical osteochondrosis. It is a required element.
All movements should be smooth, without jerks and sudden movements. In this case, excessive diligence will only hurt. No inventory required.
Exercises for treating SHOC:
- alternating neck movement - forward following the chin, backward - behind the back of the head;
- turning the neck to the right and left, rotating the head;
- raising the shoulders to ear level;
- pulling the chin down to the chest, then the chin moves up, the chin tilts back.
Each exercise must be repeated 8-10 times. Regular gymnastics helps to reduce the load on the spine, improve blood circulation, and increase the inter-disc space. Over time, the muscles come to tone, the frequency of pain decreases.
Tip!These exercises can also be used as a prophylaxis for diseases of the cervicosacral spine.
Will massage help heal an ailment?
Massage is effective in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis only in combination therapy. This is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain syndrome without the use of medications, which do not always have a beneficial effect on the body.
The massage technique is chosen for a specific patient, taking into account his complaints about the localization of pain. As a rule, to improve the situation, it will take 8-10 sessions, 3 per week. Further, it must be carried out for preventive purposes, 1 session per week.
Therapeutic massage relieves pain, strengthens the neck muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves spasms.
Important!Therapeutic massage is prohibited for people for the following reasons: cancer, hypertension, fever, inflammation in the body, open wounds in the neck.
What else can you do at home to speed up your recovery?
Control of the position of the head, shoulders and lower back during work, rest and sleep helps to quickly get rid of cervical osteochondrosis at home. It is necessary to try to keep your back straight, not to overload the neck muscles with static forward bends.
Use of a special neck brace will be helpful during treatment. It completely removes the load from the intervertebral discs, allowing them to fully recover.
Sleeping and resting in a horizontal position is recommended on your back. For greater effect, it is worth purchasing an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Conclusion
Cervical osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that negatively affects the quality of life. Timely diagnosis and competent comprehensive treatment contributes not only to the removal of painful symptoms, but also the ability to completely cure the disease.