Cervical osteochondrosis (SCD) is a degenerative disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs. It is difficult to diagnose at an early stage - asymptomatic. In the future, neglecting treatment may lead to a decrease in active quality of life, constant pain, and a feeling of stiffness in the head and neck.
The development of the disease is influenced by a number of factors, but the following are distinguished:
- low physical fitness and weakness of the musculoskeletal system;
- sedentary lifestyle - driving a car or computer for a long time in a situation negatively affects the cervical vertebrae and muscles;
- musculoskeletal disorders and injuries - such as flat legs and scoliosis;
- overweight or pregnant;
- metabolic disorder.
There are several causes of osteochondrosis of the neck. During diagnosis and treatment, each case is examined individually by a specialist.
Is it possible to get rid of the disease completely?
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 therapeutic method based on the patient’s complaints, visual examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Osteochondrosis of the cervix is classified according to the severity of the disease:
- In the first stage, the patient experiences acute pain reminiscent of a brief electric shock. Puffiness rarely appears - numbness of the tongue.
- The second stageis characterized by the appearance of falling head syndrome. The patient keeps his head constantly bent forward to experience a smaller amplitude of pain. Motor activity in the neck deteriorates, bags appear under the eyes. The
- third stageis the most difficult. The mobility of the neck and shoulders was impaired. The patient suffers from constant headaches and muscle aches. The hands are numb, there is noise in the ears.
Complete recovery is only possible in the first and second stages of the disease with competent diagnosis and complex treatment. But you need to understand that after therapy, you need to make your lifestyle more active, include proper nutrition in your diet, and constantly monitor your posture and the position of your neck.
The process of treatment from diagnosis to complete recovery in the first stage of SHS takes about 2 weeks. In the second stage, the treatment time increases to one and a half months. With the help of complex therapy, complete healing can be achieved, which includes taking pills, physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy, massage, healthy eating and the use of a special bandage.
How to get rid of SHOH at home?
Self-healing is dangerous. Especially if you have advanced osteochondrosis of the neck. At home you can only get rid of the first stage, the second - only under the guidance of a doctor.
In addition to the medications prescribed by a specialist, traditional medicine also helps to overcome neck pain and stiffness.
Important!It is important to consider the limitations and characteristics of the body when choosing a prescription for SHOX treatment.
Time-tested recipes for pain relief:
1. Potato and honey compaction
Grate the large potato tuber (raw) on a coarse grater. Squeeze the juice and mix with the same amount of honey. Mix everything thoroughly. Apply to the sore area of the neck for 45 minutes, covering the top twice a week with a soft cloth.
2. Paraffin application
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 dry herbs - yarrow, dandelion leaves, chamomile flowers, calendula, thyme, St. John's wort (1 tablespoon each). Mix the herbs thoroughly. Cooking requires a collection of 2 tablespoons per liter. Cook in a thermos. Take it three times a day before meals for 3 weeks.
Important!Do not treat the spine area with skin irritants. It is worth remembering that the proximity of the brain implies the careful use of various folk recipes to treat SHOX.
Gymnastics and healthy exercises to help you heal
At home, therapeutic exercises help cope with cervical osteochondrosis. Required item.
Every movement should be smooth, without jerks and sudden movements. In this case, excessive diligence will only hurt. No inventory required.
Exercises for Managing SHOC:
- alternating neck movements - forward behind the chin, backward - behind the back of the head;
- turning the neck right and left, turning the head;
- raising the shoulders to ear level;
- pulls his chin down to his chest, then his chin moves up, his chin leans back.
Each exercise should be repeated 8-10 times. Regular exercise helps reduce spinal strain, improves blood circulation and increases space between discs. Over time, the muscles tone, the frequency of pain decreases.
Tip!These exercises can also be used to prevent cervicosacral spinal diseases.
Does massage help cure the disease?
Massage is only effective in combination therapy in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. This is one of the most effective ways to relieve pain without the use of medications that do not always have a beneficial effect on the body.
The massage technique is chosen for a particular patient, taking into account their complaints about the localization of pain. As a general rule, 8-10 times a week will be needed to improve the situation. In addition, for preventive purposes, it should be done once a week.
Therapeutic massage relieves pain, strengthens neck muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves cramps.
Important!Medical massage is prohibited for people for the following reasons: cancer, high blood pressure, fever, inflammation in the body, open wounds on the neck.
What else can you do at home to speed up your recovery?
During work, rest, and sleep, checking your head, shoulders, and lower back will help get rid of cervical osteochondrosis quickly at home. You should try to keep your back straight and not overload your neck muscles with static forward bends.
It may be helpful to use a special neck brace during treatment. It completely removes the load from the intervertebral discs, allowing them to fully recover.
Sleeping and resting in a horizontal position on your back is recommended. For greater effect, you may want to purchase an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Conclusion
Cervical osteochondrosis is an unpleasant disease that negatively affects quality of life. Timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment contribute not only to the removal of painful symptoms but also to the ability to fully recover from the disease.