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 decline in 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 adversely affects the cervical vertebrae and muscles;
- disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system - for example, flat feet and scoliosis;
- being overweight or pregnant;
- metabolic disorders.
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 time of diagnosis. Only a specialist can determine the extent 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 electric shocks. Puffiness appears, rarely - numbness of the tongue.
- The second stageis characterized by the appearance of descending 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, the bags appear under the eyes.
- Phase Threeis the hardest part. The mobility of the neck and shoulders is impaired. The patient suffers from persistent headaches and muscle aches. Hands numb, tinnitus.
Complete cure 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 your diet, constantly monitor your posture and neck position.
The treatment process from diagnosis to complete recovery in the first stage of SCH takes about 2 weeks. In the second stage, the treatment time increases to a month and a half. It is possible to achieve complete recovery 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 in the first stage, in the second - only under the guidance of a doctor.
In addition to the medication prescribed by a specialist, traditional medicine will help fight neck pain and stiffness.
Important!When choosing a prescription for SHOX treatment, it is imperative to consider the limitations and characteristics of the body.
Time-tested recipes for pain relief:
1. Compression of potatoes and honey
it is necessary to grate the large (raw) potato tuber on a coarse grater. Squeeze the liquid and mix with an equal amount of honey. Mix everything thoroughly. Apply to the sore neck area for 45 minutes, covering the top 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 the affected area. Allow 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). Thoroughly mix the herbs. For drinking, you need 2 tablespoons of collection per liter of boiling water. Create a thermos. take three times daily before meals for 3 weeks.
Important!It is forbidden to treat the spinal area with compounds that irritate the skin. It is worth remembering that the proximity of the brain implies the careful use of different types of popular recipes for the treatment of SHOX.
Gymnastics and Healthy Exercises to Boost Recovery
At home, therapeutic exercises will help to cope with cervical osteochondrosis. It is a required element.
All movements should be smooth, with no movement and sudden movements. In this case, excessive zeal will only hurt. No inventory required.
Exercises for the treatment of SHOC:
- alternate movement of the neck - forward following the chin, backward - behind the back of the head;
- turning the neck 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 tilted back.
Each exercise should be repeated 8-10 times. Regular gymnastics helps reduce load on the spine, improve blood circulation and increase cross-disc space. Over time, the muscles come into tone, the frequency of pain decreases.
Tip!These exercises can also be used as a prophylaxis for diseases of the cervical spine.
Will massage help cure the disease?Massage is effective in treating 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 regarding the localization of pain. As a rule, to improve the situation, it will take 8-10 sessions, 3 per week. Further, it should be performed as a preventive measure, 1 session per week.
Therapeutic massage relieves pain, strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves spasms.
Important!Medical 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?
Controlling the position of the head, shoulders and lower back while working, resting and sleeping helps to quickly remove cervical osteochondrosis at home. It is necessary to try to keep your back straight, not to overload the neck muscles with static bends forward.
Using a special neck brace will be helpful during treatment. Completely removes the load from the intervertebral discs, allowing them to fully recover.
Sleeping and resting in a horizontal position is recommended on the back. For maximum effect, it is worth buying an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Conclusion
Cervical osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that negatively affects the quality of life. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive competent treatment contributes not only to the removal of painful symptoms, but also the ability to completely cure the disease.