Cervical osteochondrosis (SCD) is a degenerative disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs. It is difficult to diagnose in the early stages - it is asymptomatic. Neglecting treatment in the future can lead to a decrease in the quality of active life, constant pain, and a feeling of stiffness in the head and neck.
Many factors affect the onset of the disease, but the following differ from others:
- low level of physical fitness and weakness of the musculoskeletal system;
- sedentary lifestyle - prolonged driving of a car or computer in one position has a negative effect on the cervical spine and muscles;
- Disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system - for example, flat feet and scoliosis;
- being overweight or pregnant;
- metabolic diseases.
There are many causes of osteochondrosis in the neck. When diagnosing and treating each condition, each condition is examined individually by a specialist.
Is it possible to get rid of the disease completely?
Important!The success of SCH treatment depends on timely diagnosis. Only a specialist can determine the extent of the disease and prescribe a therapy based on the patient's complaints, visual examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Cervical osteochondrosis is classified according to the severity of the disease:
- In the first stagethe patient has sharp pain reminiscent of short electric shocks. Swelling, rarely - tongue tingling appears.
- The second stageis characterized by the appearance of falling head syndrome. The patient constantly leans forward and holds his head to experience a smaller pain amplitude. Motor activity in the neck is impaired, bags under the eyes are visible.
- The third stageis the most difficult. Neck and shoulder mobility is impaired. The patient suffers from constant headaches and muscle aches. Hands are silent, noise in the ears.
Complete recovery is possible only in the first and second stages of the disease with a competent diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. But you need to understand that after therapy, you need to change your lifestyle more actively, include proper nutrition in your diet, and constantly monitor your posture and neck condition.
In the first stage of SCH, the treatment process takes about 2 weeks from diagnosis to full recovery. In the second stage, the duration of treatment increases to a month and a half. Complete recovery is possible with the help of complex therapy, which includes taking pills, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy, massage, healthy eating and the use of a special dressing.
How to get rid of SHOH at home?
Self-medication is dangerous. Especially when talking about cervical osteochondrosis at an advanced stage. At home it is possible to get rid of only in the first stage, in the second stage - only under the guidance of a doctor.
In addition to medications prescribed by a specialist, traditional medicine can help combat neck pain and stiffness.
Important!When choosing a prescription for the treatment of SHOX, it is important to take into account the limitations and characteristics of the body.
Time-tested recipes for painkillers:
1. Potato and honey compress
Large potato tubers (raw) should be passed through a coarse grater. Squeeze the juice and mix with an equal amount of honey. Mix everything thoroughly. Apply to the painful part of the neck for 45 minutes, cover with a soft cloth twice a week.
2. Application of paraffin
Melt a small amount of paraffin or wax in a water bath. Cool to room temperature. Apply to affected area. Leave to cool. Applications must be made twice a week.
3. Herbal collection
You will need dried herbs - yarrow, dandelion leaves, chamomile flowers, calendula, thyme, St. John's wort (1 tablespoon each). Mix the herbs thoroughly. To brew, you need a collection of 2 tablespoons per liter of boiling water. Infuse in a thermos. Take three times daily before meals for 3 weeks.
Important!It is forbidden to treat the spinal area with irritating compounds. It should be noted that the proximity of the brain implies the careful use of various folk recipes for the treatment of SHOX.
Gymnastics and Sports Promoting Health
Therapeutic exercises at home will help to cope with cervical osteochondrosis. This is a required element.
All movements should be smooth and smooth without sudden movements. In this case, excessive diligence will only hurt. No inventory required.
Exercises for the treatment of SHOC:
- Alternate neck movement - forward after the chin, back - behind the head;
- turn the neck to the right and left, turn the head;
- raise your shoulders to ear level;
- Pull the chin down to the chest, then move the chin up, bend the chin back.
Each exercise should be repeated 8-10 times. Regular gymnastics helps to reduce the load on the spine, improve blood circulation and increase the intervertebral space. Over time, the muscles tone and the frequency of pain decreases.
Tip!These exercises can also be used as a prophylaxis against cervical-sacral spine diseases.
Will massage help cure a disease?
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 drugs that do not always have a beneficial effect on the body.
Massage technique is chosen for a particular patient, taking into account the complaints about the localization of pain. As a rule, it will take 8-10 sessions 3 times a week to improve the situation. In addition, 1 session per week should be performed as a preventive measure.
Therapeutic massage relieves pain, strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation, eliminates spasms.
Important!Therapeutic massage is prohibited for people for the following reasons: cancer, hypertension, fever, inflammation in the body, open wounds on the neck.
What else can you do at home to speed recovery?
Monitoring the condition of the head, shoulders and back during work, rest and sleep can help you get rid of cervical osteochondrosis quickly at home. You should try to keep your back straight so as not to overload the neck muscles with static forward bends.
It will be useful to use a special neck brake during treatment. It completely clears the load from the intervertebral discs and allows them to fully recover.
It is recommended to sleep and rest in bed on your back. It is worth buying an orthopedic mattress and pillow for more impact.
Result
Cervical osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that adversely affects the quality of life. Timely diagnosis and competent comprehensive treatment not only helps to eliminate the painful symptoms, but also the ability to completely cure the disease.