Cervical osteochondrosis (SCO) is a degenerative disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs. It is difficult to diagnose in the early stages - 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 there are the following:
- low level of physical training and weakness of the musculoskeletal system;
- sedentary lifestyle - prolonged driving a car or computer in one position negatively affects the cervical spine and muscles;
- disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system - such as flat feet and scoliosis;
- overweight or pregnancy;
- metabolic disorders.
There are many causes of osteochondrosis of 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 extent of the disease and prescribe a method of 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 experiences sharp pain resembling short electric shocks. Swelling occurs, rarely - numbness of the tongue.
- The second stageis characterized by the appearance of falling head syndrome. The patient constantly keeps his head tilted forward to experience a smaller amplitude of pain. The motor activity of the neck is impaired, bags appear under the eyes.
- The third stageis the most difficult. The mobility of the neck and shoulders is impaired. The patient suffers from constant headaches and muscle aches. Hands tingle, tinnitus.
Complete cure is possible only in the first and second stages of the disease with competent diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. But you need to understand that after the therapy you will have to change your lifestyle to a more active one, include proper nutrition in your diet, constantly monitor your posture and neck position.
The process of treatment from diagnosis to complete recovery in the first stage of SCH takes about 2 weeks. In the second stage, the treatment time is increased to a month and a half. It is possible to achieve a complete cure 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 advanced cervical osteochondrosis. 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 medications prescribed by a specialist, traditional medicine will help combat pain and stiffness in the neck.
Important!When choosing a prescription for treatment with SHOX, it is mandatory to take into account the limitations and characteristics of the body.
Time-proven recipes for pain relief:
1. Compress of potatoes and honey
You need to grate the large potato tuber (raw) on a coarse grater. Squeeze the juice and mix with an equal amount of honey. Mix everything well. Apply on the painful area of the neck for 45 minutes, covering the top with a soft piece of 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 tbsp). Mix the herbs well. For cooking you need 2 tablespoons of the collection per liter of boiling water. Cook in a thermos. take three times daily before meals for 3 weeks.
Important!It is forbidden to treat the spine with compounds that irritate the skin. It is worth remembering that the proximity of the brain suggests careful use of various types of folk recipes for the treatment of SHOX.
Gymnastics and Health Exercises to Promote Recovery
At home, therapeutic exercises will help deal with cervical osteochondrosis. This is a mandatory element.
All movements must be smooth, without sharp movements and sharp movements. In this case, excessive diligence will only hurt. No inventory required.
Exercises to treat SHOC:
- alternating movements of the neck - forward, following the chin, back - behind the nape;
- turning the neck to the right and left, turning the head;
- raising the shoulders to ear level;
- pull the chin down to the chest down, then the chin moves up, the chin tilts back.
Each exercise should be repeated 8-10 times. Regular exercise helps to reduce the load on the spine, improve blood circulation and increase interdiscal space. Over time, the muscles become toned, the frequency of pain decreases.
Tip!These exercises can also be used as a prophylaxis in diseases of the cervical sacral spine.
Will massage help cure 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 without the use of drugs, 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 location of the pain. As a rule, to improve the situation will need 8-10 sessions, 3 per week. In addition, it should be carried out for preventive purposes, 1 session per week.
Therapeutic massage relieves pain, strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves spasms.
Important!Medical massage is prohibited for people due to the following reasons: cancer, hypertension, fever, inflammation in the body, open wounds on the neck.
What else can you do at home to speed up your recovery?
Controlling the position of the head, shoulders and waist 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 bends forward.
Using a special neck brace will be helpful during treatment. It completely removes the load from the intervertebral discs, allowing them to fully recover.
It is recommended to sleep and rest in a horizontal position on your back. For greater effect it is worth buying an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Conclusion
Osteochondrosis of the cervix is an unpleasant disease that negatively affects the quality of life. Timely diagnosis and competent comprehensive treatment contributes not only to the elimination of painful symptoms, but also the ability to completely cure the disease.