Constant headaches, heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - most likely this is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Its symptoms can be confused with those of other diseases, such as angina or migraine.The sooner the correct picture of the disease is identified, the more successful the treatment will be.
Symptoms and causes
We have to admit that this is the disease of the century.Can we say that it was not so widespread before?Maybe yes.If before it was a disease of older people, now it has become much younger.After all, the fundamental cause of the painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages of the neck and back is physical inactivity: eternal sitting near a desk or in front of a computer in a motionless position, with the head tilted.A person remains in the same position after work: in the car or at home in front of the TV.The result is degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, which interrupt the blood supply to important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a crunch in the vertebrae when turning the head, and then persistent pain appears in the back of the neck, neck, shoulders and forearms, and numbness in the fingers.If an accurate diagnosis has not yet been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms may resemble an angina attack, since the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It is not difficult to check for yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not in the heart.Although, of course, experiments with health are not welcome for any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires complete and comprehensive treatment, which must be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex: because the disease cannot be treated with medications or home remedies alone.You need both, plus physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for medications, experts certainly recommend treatment with so-called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of cartilage destruction between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory medications are included.If necessary, a course of pain relievers and antispasmodic injections may be administered.Physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercise and massage.
It would seem that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment himself.This is a big mistake.Everything related to cervical spine disease is the work of an experienced and trusted neurologist, osteopath or chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.In addition, there are deaths due to the harsh manipulations of these "farmers."But within the framework of the article, that is, at a distance, only general recommendations can be given.So, if a patient suspects that he has osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the neck, headaches, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting in a chair, with soft and fluid movements, make circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, also gently and carefully.
- "Windmill" - an exercise for the hands.Swing your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase this), even if you feel pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head (thumbs under your chin, rest of your fingers on the back of your neck and at the back of your head) and try to stretch your neck muscles and vertebrae.It will immediately be easier.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for massage, the following has already been said: massage of the cervical collar area should be performed only by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can definitively cure cervical osteochondrosis.The symptoms, of course, can be alleviated, but in general one cannot do without the participation of specialists.How can you relieve neck, head and arm pain due to osteochondrosis?Compresses based on medicinal herbs help a lot.Therefore, a juicy leaf of burdock or horseradish can be sprinkled with boiling water and applied to the sore area of the neck, covered with foil on top and wrapped with a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least a whole day.The same cannot be said about a compress with mustard: dilute 50 g of dry powder and aloe juice with alcohol, add a little propolis.In fact, it is recommended to apply this mixture at night, and it is really effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least is proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy of osteochondrosis is salt, so it is necessary to drastically limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended: soups and broths rich in meat, smoked meats, sorrel and spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease worsen, start treatment at the first signs.