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 migraine.The sooner the correct picture of the disease is identified, the more successful the treatment.
Symptoms and causes
We must 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 the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the main cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilage 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 bent.A person stays 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, cutting off the blood supply to the important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a cracking noise in the vertebrae when you turn your head, and then there are nagging pains 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 check this 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 full, comprehensive treatment, which must be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex - because the disease cannot be treated only with medications or folk remedies.You need both, plus physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for drugs, experts certainly recommend a course of so-called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of cartilage destruction between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs are included.If necessary, a course of sedatives and antispasmodic injections can be given.Physiotherapy procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercises and massage
It seems that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment for himself.This is a big mistake.Everything related to the disease of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, trusted, but not an amateur massage therapist.Moreover, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulations of such "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 back of the neck, headache, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting in a chair, with soft and smooth movements, make circular movements with the head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Turn your head back and forth, also smoothly and carefully.
- "Mill" - an exercise for the hands.Swing your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase them), even when you are in pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - the thumbs under the chin, the rest of the fingers on the back of the neck and the back of the head - and try to stretch the neck muscles and vertebrae.It will get easier in no time.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.Regarding massage, this has already been said: massage of the cervical area should be performed only by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can finally cure cervical osteochondrosis.Symptoms, of course, can be alleviated, but in general you cannot do without the involvement of specialists.How can you relieve pain in the neck, head and arms due to osteochondrosis?Compresses made from medicinal plants help a lot.So, a leaf with burdock or horseradish juice can be dipped in boiling water and applied to the sore neck, 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 for a 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 in osteochondrosis is salt, which means that you should severely limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich soups and broths, smoked meat, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.