Treatment and prevention of cervical lumbar osteochondrosis: first aid at home

A sedentary lifestyle, which is typical for most modern people, often leads to diseases of the musculoskeletal system. One of them is cervical osteochondrosis. Recently, the disease has become very young, and its symptoms often occur in people over 25 years. If left untreated, it can lead to pathologically dangerous consequences.

Causes of pathology

The main cause of cervical osteochondrosis is improper distribution of the load on the spine. The factors that cause this may be different. Suppose a person carries a heavy bag on one shoulder, lies down, or sits in the wrong position, and so on. These factors seem insignificant, but when you move for a long time, they lead to a completely logical conclusion - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of pathology are:

• overweight;
• lack of physical activity;
• transfer of spinal injuries;
• posture disorders;
• foot pathology;
• Deterioration of blood supply to the cervical spine.

These causes cause the vertebrae to misalign. The weight is unevenly distributed among the vertebrae, so some parts of the cervical spine are subjected to excessive stress. In response, changes occur in the tissues.

The following factors can also aggravate the situation:

• transfer of a serious illness or injury that causes depletion of the body;
• constant stress;
• metabolic disorders in the body;
• insufficient use of trace elements, excessive consumption or insufficient absorption by the intestine;
• occupational diseases (especially vibration disease);
• genetic predisposition to osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis and other postural disorders;
• non-compliance with the drinking regime;
• malnutrition;
• bad habits;
• pregnancy

Often SHOX is caused by a number of factors. Lifestyle, general health and background pathologies play a role in its formation.

Symptoms of the disease

Even at the initial stage, it can be recognized by the following symptoms:

1. pain in the neck, back of the head, arms, shoulders;
2. weakness of the upper extremities;
3. headache and convulsions;
4. general weakness and fatigue;
5. frequent dizziness;
6. lack of coordination;
7. speech impediment, hearing and vision impairment.

The most common symptom is dizziness. May be accompanied by:

1. ringing and noise in the ears;
2. migraine;
3. nausea and vomiting.

Patients suffer from headaches, especially in women. Sometimes it manifests itself:

1. anxiety;
2. irritation;
3. constant mood swings;
4. sleep disorders.

How is a problem in this part of the spine diagnosed?

SHOX is diagnosed by the following methods:

• Radiography. This method is not always effective, especially in the later stages of the pathology.
• MRI. Allows you to see bone structures, hernias, sizes and developmental directions.
• CT. Computed tomography is less effective than magnetic resonance imaging because it is difficult to determine the size and extent of hernias.
• Ultrasonic duplex scanning. This method is used when there is a suspicion of impaired blood flow in the arteries. Scanning allows you to assess the speed of blood flow and the presence of obstructions.

Features

The disease can go in different ways. Sometimes it compensates, sometimes flares appear.

Along with the pathological process, compensatory mechanisms are activated by prolonging the functions of the vertebrae and eliminating the symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, it causes the destruction of the fibrous ring and the formation of micro-cracks. The vertebrae lose fixation and stability.

In addition, osteochondrosis is characterized by calcium impregnation of the pulp of the space between the vertebrae. With this in mind, a kind of hernia is formed because it is compressed in the body of the person next to the affected vertebra.

Over time, the structures wear out and cause mass ossification.

Stages

The course of the disease is divided into several stages:

• Stage 1.Instability of the structures of the vertebrae and disorders of the discs.
• Stage 2.Decreased fixation of vertebral sections, disc protrusion.
• Stage 3.Rupture of ring fibrosis, obvious symptoms and pain.
• Stage 4.Difficulty moving, severe sharp pain, widespread bone tissue.

The neck is a sensitive area due to the location of blood vessels and muscles. With a long course of osteochondrosis, many complications occur, many of which pose a serious threat to human health.

How to provide first aid at home?

Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis at home includes:

1. medicines;
2. physiotherapy;
3. massage;
4. therapeutic gymnastics;
5. correcting the diet.

Therapies allow to achieve good results in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. Symptoms of the disease can cause serious concern, so you need to know how to give first aid.

Medications

Various medications are used to treat the symptoms of the disease. It should be prescribed by a doctor who specializes in the treatment of osteochondrosis - a neurologist or vertebrologist.

Medications

1. You can take painkillers for severe pain. If they do not help, NSAIDs can be taken.
2. Sometimes "distraction" techniques such as pepper patch are used. It does not heal on its own, but heats the inflamed area and relieves pain.
3. Herbal infusions and diuretics are useful for edema in the area of inflammation.

The following groups of drugs are prescribed for the treatment of SHOCK:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Help relieve pain, swelling and inflammation of the affected nerve root.
• B vitamins help improve metabolic processes in nerve tissues.
• Chondroprotectors. Promotes cartilage tissue regeneration
• Muscle relaxant. Helps reduce muscle spasms
• Drugs aimed at improving blood flow and rheological properties of blood. They help improve blood flow to the brain and the process of nourishing the affected nerve endings.

Intramuscular injection may also be indicated.

Ointments

Ointments for osteochondrosis help to eliminate unpleasant symptoms in the early stages of the pathology. They are classified according to their effect on the body:

1. Anti-inflammatory.The drugs contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help relieve pain and improve capillary permeability, reduce inflammation, swelling and redness.
2. Warming up.Such ointments have a number of contraindications, but in some cases they are very effective.
3. Complex preparations.Means of this group eliminate pain and inflammation, have anti-thrombotic and antimicrobial effects. Normalizes blood flow by immediately penetrating joint tissues
4. Herbal products.The advantage of such ointments is that the composition is natural. But you should use them for a long time.
5. Chondroprotectors.These types of tools protect cartilage tissue from adverse factors. Ointments include chondroitin, glucosamine. Activates tissue repair processes & reduces inflammationIt is recommended to use 2-3 times a day by massaging the neck area a little earlier.

Massage

Massage helps to strengthen muscle tone and relieve pain. His technique is selected depending on the stage of the disease. However, in most cases, all the methods of classical massage are used: rubbing, stroking, kneading, etc.

• If the patient's pain occurs on one side only, the massage begins in the healthy area and gradually moves to the place where the pain occurs.
• The first session should not exceed seven minutes. Then each procedure is increased by 1-2 minutes and the session time reaches 12 minutes.
• The patient should assume a prone position, place the forehead on the cysts and arms, and extend the chin toward the chest. It is important that the neck muscles are relaxed.

On its own

Massage can be done at home, but in this case you need to be very careful not to hurt yourself more. Self-massage with SHOX includes the following classic techniques:

1. Like.The massage begins by directing the neck area from the lymph to the axillary and supraclavicular nodes. Then the order is made as a straight and comb.
2. Push-ups.The hand is placed on the neck and moves down from the spine. Push-ups can also be performed on the shoulder joints at the edge of the palm.
3. Friction.It is done to warm up and relax the muscles. The massage begins at the base of the skull. Straight and circular movements are performed with the fingers. Sawing movements can also be done with the palms parallel to the ribs.
4. Kneading.The neck stretches in a circular motion.
5. Vibration.The massage ends with strokes and vibrations performed by vibrating and tapping.

Physiotherapy

Therapeutic gymnastics helps to improve the patient's condition. But it will be the safest during the recovery period. The patient should not feel pain or discomfort during the execution. The exercises are aimed at strengthening the neck muscles.

Complex exercise therapy

The gymnastics complex should be chosen by a doctor. The following exercises are helpful:

1. In a prone position, put your hands on the floor and slowly raise your head, keeping your back and torso straight. You should stand in the upper position for a few minutes, then return to the starting position in a smooth manner. Repeat 2-3 times.
2. You should take a lying position on your stomach and extend your arms across your body. The head turns first to the left, then to the right. Try to touch the ground with your ear. At least 6 repetitions are performed for each side.
3. In a sitting position, while breathing, you should bend your chin to touch your chest, then lean your back back during exhalation and throw your head back. The number of repetitions is 10-15.
4. You should press your forehead with your palms and resist with your forehead for 30 seconds. The exercise is repeated with the pressure on the back of the head with your hands. The number of repetitions is 2-3.
5. Smooth rotations of the head to the sides - 10 times each. It is important to avoid dizziness during this exercise.

Complementary therapy

Treatment can be completed with the use of various devices, such as massage, in addition to physiotherapy methods.

Massage therapists

The use of massagers helps speed healing. It should be noted that they have a number of contraindications and they can be used only with a doctor's permission. Frequently used with cervical lumbar osteochondrosis:

• applicator;
• warm-up massagers;
• neck and shoulder devices.

Applicant

The applicator is a pillow or mat with a plastic or metal spike.

It moves at certain points that respond to all biological processes in the body.

The use of the product helps to achieve the following results:

1. reduction or elimination of pain;
2. improving metabolic processes in cells;
3. elimination of joint tension and restoration of tones;
4. normalization of sleep.

The device must be used in accordance with the instructions.

Physiotherapy

The following methods of physiotherapy for SHH can be indicated:

• Electrophoresis. . . Due to the effect of electric current, it is immediately combined with drugs that enter the desired area.
• Ultrasound.Eliminates pain and inflammation, helps improve metabolic processes.
• Magnetotherapy.Eliminates tissue swelling, thus minimizing pain.
• Laser therapy.Eliminates inflammation & improves blood circulation

Folk remedies

Time-tested folk recipes can be used as an additional treatment.

Kerosene compress

Warming with wood helps to quickly relieve the pain of the compress.

1. The fabric should be moistened with a solution and applied to the affected area.
2. Put a cotton or plastic bandage on top.
3. Do not store for more than three hours.

Friction from pharmaceuticals

1. Need to crush 5 tablets analgin.
2. Spin 15 ml, add 0. 005 l of iodine and camphor each, mix everything well.
3. The composition is rubbed into the neck areas where the pain is noted.

Pine bud infusion

Candle infusion to the kidneys allows you to achieve a long-term remission for a minimum period of time in case of pain in the neck and back from osteochondrosis.

This drug should be prepared in advance and consumed long enough, but the results will give the long-awaited effect for many months.

Preparation:

1. The buds should be collected before May. Cut into circles, put in a glass jar and cover with granulated sugar in a ratio of 1: 2.
2. The drug should be infused within two weeks.
3. You need to drink 0. 0005 liters three times a day, keep it in your mouth for a while and only then swallow.

The admission course is 2-3 weeks.

Potato compress

1. Mix 50 g of grated raw potatoes with the same amount of honey.
2. The composition is applied to a piece of natural fabric and placed on the neck.

You can get rid of the pain in three days.

Radish dressing

1. Radish should be rubbed in a thin frying pan.
2. Place the bread between two thin pieces and place on the neck, wrap in foil or parchment.
3. You can save as long as you have enough time and effort.

Honey dressing

1. Mix 15 grams of honey and chopped salt.
2. The composition is applied to a natural fabric and placed on the affected area.
3. Cover with paper and wrap in something warm.

Repeat the procedure every evening.

Coniferous broth

1. 250 grams of young pine or spruce needles should be poured into a liter of water.
2. Cook for half an hour.
3. The liquid is consumed twice a day for 35 minutes after a meal.

The course of therapy lasts a month.

Dandelion juice

The most important healing properties of dandelion are associated with inulin, large amounts of amino sugars and natural rubber.

The plant is also valued for its composition of a number of mineral compounds, including the glycoside taraxacin, triterpene compounds, fatty acids, organic acids and alcohols, resin compounds, bioflavonoids, as well as essential calcium.

Preparation:

1. To prepare 15 grams of product, you need to grind dandelion roots.
2. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over it and keep in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
3. The broth should be infused for 55 minutes, then strain and add water until the original volume returns.
4. Drink 75 ml three times daily before meals.

Ginger ointment

1. Chop about 55 grams of ginger root.
2. Add 30 ml softened butter and 3 cloves garlic.
3. The agent is applied to the affected area to warm up.

Mustard egg mixture

Need to mix:

• 50 g of mustard powder;
• 3 egg whites, beaten;
• 50 ml of camphor alcohol;
• 59 ml of vodka or medical alcohol.

The product is infused for 10-12 hours in a dark place.

To prepare the second mixture, you need to mix:

• 100 q points;
• 50 qr aloe juice;
• 150 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol.

The composition is put in a dark place for 12 hours.

The product is applied twice a day, applied to the affected area and left there until dry. It is advisable to combine them until exhausted. A 12-day course will help you forget the pain for several months.

What to do in case of severe pain?

1. You can take anesthesia or NSAIDs for severe pain. Ointments give a quick result.
2. Peace must be restored to the affected department.
3. Hot or cold compresses also help. Moderation is important in this situation so that the effects of low or high temperatures do not increase pain and swelling.

It should be noted that the treatment of osteochondrosis should be comprehensive.

First of all, you need to eliminate the neck and headaches, eliminate the root causes of anxiety.

If the patient treats extremely severe pain, it will not be possible to get rid of the underlying problem.

Dizziness

1. When dizziness manifests itself, the patient should lie down or sit up to relax his neck as much as possible.
2. In case of fainting, place the patient in a horizontal position and tilt his head down.

Medications help:

• muscle relaxant;
• vasodilators;
• anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.

Gymnastics and physiotherapy are also useful in the treatment of vertigo.

Prevention of exacerbations

It is important to follow the following recommendations to prevent flare-ups:

1. Moderate exercise is helpful. Helps improve blood circulation and lymph flow in the neck area, improve vertebral mobility and prevent degenerative changes.
2. Nutrition plays an important role. No special diet is required, but it is recommended to limit the use of salty and spicy foods, sugar, artificial foods. The diet should contain enough protein, vitamins, minerals and plant fiber. It is also important to drink plenty of water.
3. It should be examined regularly by an orthopedist.
4. If you are overweight, you need to get rid of it.
5. You must distribute the load evenly while carrying the weight.
6. People who work on computers need to warm up from time to time.
7. It is important to control your posture and try to avoid stress, injury and hypothermia.

Advice from doctors and patients

Specialists and patients with cervical lumbar osteochondrosis also make the following recommendations:

• Do not self-medicate for acute pain. It is necessary to consult a doctor who will prepare a comprehensive treatment regimen, taking into account the specific situation.
• You should not try to straighten the displaced vertebra alone and take large amounts of painkillers. Self-medication can only aggravate the condition.
• An important measure for the exacerbation of osteochondrosis is the motor regime. Rest and movement should be limited in the early days, but motor activity should be expanded in the future. Special exercises help.
• It is important to quit smoking. This applies to both the treatment and prevention of the disease. As a result of exposure to cigarette smoke, blood vessels are affected, blood circulation deteriorates, metabolic processes slow down. As a result, the risk of developing degenerative processes in different parts of the spine increases.

The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are very unpleasant. If they appear suddenly and cause serious discomfort, you can use first aid measures using painkillers or folk remedies. However, it should be understood that these methods not only alleviate the situation, but also do not cure the disease. To get rid of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to visit a specialist and follow the complex treatment regimen prescribed by him.