The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis and home treatment are based on a method of self-medication. The method consists in the correct actions of the patient and in the support of the self-regulating, self-healing functions of the body for the restoration of nervous and vascular disorders in the cervical spine.
In non-advanced and non-severe cases, the patient can naturally relieve back pain, muscle spasm, dizziness and other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis naturally without medication. However, for this it is necessary to know well the structure and the natural purpose of the spine and to remember that our body is a self-healing system that exists according to certain laws of the Universe.
The role of the spine
Before looking at the topic: "Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment at home", it makes sense to consider the question: "What role does the spine play in our lives? "
The spine is the backbone of our skeleton. The head, body, upper and lower limbs rest on it. In other words, it is the spine that gives our body the shape we usually see.
Adapted to the spine are strong connective tissue ligaments and many large and small muscles that keep our body upright, as well as vital internal organs at certain points along the spine.The normal functions of our internal organs and all tissues of the body are provided by a huge number of nerve fibers through the transmission of nerve impulses from the lateral parts of the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is located in a well-protected, flexible "shell" of the spinal canal from external influences. Through the intervertebral holes of the vertebrae, the roots of the spinal nerve appear. In the initial part, they are covered with discs and bone structures. The intervertebral discs consist of cartilaginous discs located above and below, annular fibrous and pulposus nucleus. The thickness of the discs in the cervical vertebrae is very small - only 4 mm.Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Healthy, intact intervertebral discs serve as shock absorbers for various loads on the spine (compression, stretching). If, as a result of sudden movements, excessive loads, prolonged incorrect posture, spinal injuries or inflammatory processes, the discs are damaged, the vertebral artery passes through the openings of the vertebrae and the nerve plexuses leave the muscle.
The number of electrical pulses going from the spinal cord to organs and tissues decreases, metabolic processes slow down. This becomes the cause of the disease of certain organs, as well as the cause of the aging of the body.
Symptoms
This explains the numerous symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which include pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulder girdle, heart, liver and stiff neck, back of the head, in the weakness of the arms, in the legs and in the vascular disorders.
The onset of the disease depends on the location of the disc damage and the displacement of the vertebrae, as well as the area innervated by the compressed nerve plexus.Thus, the health of our body depends on the health of the spine.
Self-medication
I just want to warn you that the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis has been documented by a neurologist or chiropractor based on the results of a comprehensive medical examination.
When the diagnosis is made and there is no acute period with swelling and inflammation at the site of intervertebral disc lesion, a self-healing method can be applied.
Substance of the method:
- in the correct actions of the patient, aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptoms of osteochondrosis - compression, displacement of the nerve and vascular structures of the spinal cord in relation to catastrophic changes in the intervertebral discs.
- in support of self-regulating, self-healing functions of the body for the rehabilitation of nervous and vascular disorders in the cervical spine.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, regardless of the cause of the disease, you can find in the article of the same name.
It is impossible to eliminate the cause of the disease - deformity of the intervertebral discs, however, you can learn to relax the cervical spine and gently stretch the neck vertebrae to relieve pressure on the nerve roots, blood vessels and blood vessels. hence the symptoms of compression.
The method of self-healing requires personal desire, perseverance, self-discipline and readiness to gradually change your posture, take good care of your spine, relax and stretch your neck every morning and night and develop your own systemfor the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
At the same time, always remember that your body is a very organized system of self-healing that lives according to the laws of nature. Failures to do so occur when you violate these laws, regardless of why, due to ignorance or reluctance to comply.
Principles of the method
Before embarking on the method of self-healing with the help of therapeutic exercises, many natural principles of this method should be noted.
- It is well known that in order to relax a muscle well, you must first stretch it. Therefore, many therapeutic exercises developed by manual therapists are based on the principle of tension - relaxation of spasmodic muscles.
- Another principle is the normal pattern of the combination of tension - muscle relaxation with respiratory phases. Inhalation is intensity and exhalation is relaxation. If these principles are followed, the exercises performed will contribute to the proper functioning of the circulatory system and will not disturb the regulation of nervous processes.
Personal self-healing system
First, I will share my own self-healing system for cervical osteochondrosis.
In addition to the "turtle" exercises and relaxation of the shoulder girdle, it sits ("How to deal with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine"), which not only relax the muscles in the neck and shoulders, but also wake up thehealing forces of the body, normalizing the energy supply of all cells and organsI use another position - relaxation of the neck muscles.
However, I want to warn you to be careful when you do this! Remember - in the cervical spine are the vertebral arteries and nerve plexuses that go to the brain!
Since in my case the discs of the 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae are deformed, in case of pain and tension in the neck, as well as headache, ringing in the ears, I resort to the following position:
- I lie on my back, on the bed with my head towards the tip of my leg (which is without back). I slowly lower my head as I exhale, so that my seventh cervical vertebra is at the edge of the mattress. So, my head hangs under its weight, my neck bends and relaxes, my chin is high. This hanging position of the head should be short - only a few seconds from 5 to 10.
I feel uncomfortable or count to 10, I slowly start "dragging" on the bed while I inhale, without lifting the back of my head from the bed, holding the ends with my hands.
You should not raise your head abruptly from such a "hanging" position!
Only a slow "scan" of the head in bed and stretching the neck at the same time releases wrinkled blood vessels and nerves, relieves pain in the neck and head.
After this position, you should lie down in a relaxed position for several minutes.
This stretch of the cervical vertebrae helps to deform the lower cervical vertebrae.
Relief from headaches and other symptoms
If the symptoms are dominated by a headache that occurs suddenly in half of the head, sometimes with nausea, it indicates a disorder of the skull joint with the 1st cervical vertebra at the exit site of the occipital nerve that ribs half of the head on each side. Therefore, when the occipital nerve is pierced on one side, there is pain on that particular side of the head.
Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders in the context of headache are observed due to violation of the nerve fibers running from the spinal node of the 2nd cervical vertebra to the brainstem.
In cases of disorders in the area of the first and second vertebrae, therapeutic postures for muscle relaxation are also effective. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Honorary Doctor of the Russian Federation Anatoly Boleslavovich Sitel in his book "Solo for the Spine" suggests the following position for the relief of headaches.
- Sit in a relaxing chair. But at the same time, keep your torso straight. Tilt your head forward while exhaling so that it "hangs" under the influence of its weight. So hold your head for about 10 seconds. Then, while inhaling, lift it and rest for half a minute. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Gentle exercise
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment at home, you can use the following two gentle exercises to relax the neck muscles in case of spasm and pain.
You need to sit in a chair, straighten your torso. Put your hands on your knees. The legs are parallel to each other. The posture is relaxed, the breathing is calm.
Inhale and lower the head, touch the sternum with the chin, pulling the back of the head upwards. Hold for a few seconds in this position. Then exhale slowly, raising your head and shoulders. Do 5-7 of these therapeutic exercises.The starting position for the second exercise is the same as the first. From a sitting position, lie with your body on your feet, head on your knees. When inhaling, slowly raise your head while exhaling, lower it. Repeat 5-7 times.
During exercise, the neck muscles first stretch and then relax more easily and more quickly.
All exercises should be performed slowly and smoothly, ie, you should not make sudden movements, you should not rush, you should not feel intense tension or pain. Once you feel uncomfortable, stop exercising and try to relax and unwind.
Topical treatments
At home, in addition to therapeutic exercises to relax and stretch the cervical vertebrae, you can eliminate tension and slight pain in the neck with manual massage or massage (after consulting a doctor), as well as local means - thermal processes (tinctures, rubbing, compressions, bath).
However, it is important to know that thermal procedures can be harmful in the event of severe pain and inflammation in the affected area of the spine, as they increase arterial blood flow and slow venous outflow, thus causing worsening of symptoms. increased pain and swelling of the tissues.
For topical application to muscle spasms, use the following freshly prepared solution: 15 ml Dimexide, 15 ml novocaine solution 0, 5-1% and 4-6 ml 50% analgin solution are poured into a cup, where napkins are folded, foldedin 4 layers. The size of the napkins should correspond to the painful area.The wet paper towel is applied to the appropriate area (the skin is pre-treated with alcohol), covered with cellophane and fixed. The process takes 1-1, 5 hours.
Compressions are done daily for 4-6 days. If redness occurs, it is recommended to replace the compress with Dimexide with linseed or Dimexide ointment.
Adherence to a proper diet is very important for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervix.
Prevention
Dear readers, remember that our body is a self-regulating biological system, which, if our posture is wrong, signals pain or discomfort.
Take care of your spine! Do not get out of bed! First, turn on your side and, leaning on your elbow, lift gently.
Do not lift weights in front of you and do not carry weights with one hand! It is better to carry the load with a symmetrical load in both hands (for women - no more than 5 kg in each hand, for men - no more than 12 kg in each hand). And you have to lift the load, sitting a little.
Do not do chores around the house or duck, bending upside down! Washing the floor and removing the beds can be done on your knees or with the help of long tools.