Constant headaches, heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - this is most likely osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Its symptoms can be confused with other diseases, such as angina or migraines.The earlier the correct picture of the disease is identified, the more successful the treatment will be.
Symptoms and causes
We must admit that this is the disease of the century.Can we say that it wasn't so widespread before?Maybe yes.If before it was a disease of the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the main cause of the painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages in the neck and back is physical inactivity: the eternal sitting near a desk or in front of a computer in a motionless position, with the head bowed.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, then a nagging pain appears in the back of the head, 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, as the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It is not difficult to verify this yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, the problem is not in the heart.Although, of course, health experiments are not welcome for any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires comprehensive and comprehensive treatment, which should be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex: because the disease cannot be cured only with drugs or folk remedies.You need both, in addition to physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for drugs, experts definitely recommend a course of so-called chondroprotectors, drugs that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.This includes anti-inflammatory drugs.If necessary, a course of painkillers 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 huge mistake.Everything related to cervical spine disease is the work of an experienced and trusted neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur masseur.Furthermore, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulations of such “farmers”.But within the scope 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 back of the neck, headache, numbness in the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting on a chair, with soft and fluid movements, perform circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, even smoothly and carefully.
- "Mill" - an exercise for the hands.Rotate your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase), even if you feel pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - thumbs under your chin, the rest of your fingers on the back of your neck and the back of your head - and try to stretch your neck muscles and vertebrae.It will immediately become easier.
If you perform these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for massage, this has already been said: massage of the cervico-collar area should be performed only by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can permanently cure cervical osteochondrosis.Symptoms, of course, can be alleviated, but in general one cannot do without the involvement of specialists.How can you relieve neck, head and arm pain due to osteochondrosis?Compresses made from medicinal herbs help a lot.So, a juicy burdock or horseradish leaf can be doused with boiling water and applied to the sore scruff, covered with foil on top and wrapped in a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least a whole day.The same cannot be said about the mustard compress: 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 actually 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, which means that it is necessary to drastically limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended: soups and broths rich in meat, smoked meat, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease worsen, to start treatment at the first signs.