Constant headaches, a feeling of heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - this is most likely osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The symptoms can be confused with other illnesses such as angina or migraines.The earlier the correct clinical picture is recognized, the more successful the treatment is.
Symptoms and causes
We have to admit that this is the disease of the century.Can we say that it wasn't so widespread before?Maybe yes.While it used to be a disease of older people, today it has become much younger.The cause of the painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages in the neck and back is physical inactivity - eternal sitting at a desk or in front of the computer in a motionless position, with the head down.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 that disrupt the blood supply to important arteries that lead to the brain.It all starts with a crunching sound in the vertebrae when turning the head, then excruciating pain occurs in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms, as well as numbness in the fingers.If an exact diagnosis has not yet been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the symptoms may resemble an attack of angina pectoris, as the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It is not difficult to check this yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, the problem is not in the heart.Although experiments with health are of course not desirable for any illness.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires comprehensive and comprehensive treatment, which should be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex – because the disease cannot be treated with medication or folk remedies alone.You need both, plus physiotherapy and therapeutic massage.As for medications, experts definitely recommend taking so-called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore the cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory medications are included.If necessary, painkillers and antispasmodic injections can be given.Physiotherapeutic procedures that are prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Remedial gymnastics and massage
It seems that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment himself.This is a big mistake.Everything related to the disease of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced, trusted neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.In addition, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulations of such “peasants”.However, within the framework of the article, that is, from a distance, only general recommendations can be given.So, if a patient suspects that he suffers from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the neck, headaches, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sit on a chair and, using gentle, gentle movements, make circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Also gently and carefully tilt your head back and forth.
- “Mill” – an exercise for the hands.Rotate your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase it), even if you are in pain.
- Place your hands around your head - thumb under your chin, remaining fingers behind your neck and back of head - and try to stretch the neck muscles and vertebrae.It immediately becomes easier.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will significantly decrease.It has already been said about massage: massage of the cervical collar area should only be carried out by a specialist.
Traditional treatment methods
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can definitely cure cervical osteochondrosis.Of course, the symptoms can be alleviated, but on the whole you cannot do without the involvement of specialists.How to relieve pain in the neck, head and arms due to osteochondrosis?Compresses made from medicinal herbs help a lot.So, a juicy burdock or horseradish leaf can be poured with boiling water and applied to the sore neck area, covered on top with foil and wrapped with a scarf.The compress lasts 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 indeed effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least, proper nutrition is important.Everyone knows that the first enemy in osteochondrosis is salt, which means that its use must be severely limited.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended – rich meat soups and broths, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach.And the most important advice is not to let the disease get worse and to start treatment at the first signs.