Constant headaches, heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - most likely this is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Its symptoms can be confused with those of other illnesses, such as angina or migraine.The sooner the correct picture of the disease is identified, the more effective the treatment.
Symptoms and causes
We must recognize that it is the disease of the century.Can we say that before, it was not so widespread?Maybe yes.If previously it was a disease of the elderly, now it is much younger.After all, the root cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages of the neck and back is physical inactivity - eternal sitting near a desk or at a computer in a motionless position with the head down.A person stays in the same position after work – in the car or at home in front of the TV.This results in degenerative changes to the intervertebral discs, disrupting blood supply to important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a crunch in the vertebrae when you turn your head, then shooting pains appear in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms, as well as numbness in the fingers.If an accurate diagnosis has not yet been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms may resemble an attack of angina, since the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It is not difficult to check this for yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not with the heart.Of course, health experiments are not welcome for any illness.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires comprehensive and 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, as well as physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for medications, experts certainly recommend a course of chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory medications are included.If necessary, a course of painkillers and antispasmodic injections can be administered.Physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed alongside drug treatment also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercises and massages
It appears that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment to themselves.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 massage therapist.In addition, there are deaths due to the brutal manipulations of these “farmers”.But within the framework of the article, that is, remotely, only general recommendations can be given.So, if a patient suspects that he is suffering from osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the neck, headaches, numbness of the fingers, the disease can be relieved by simple exercises.
- Sitting in a chair, with gentle, flowing movements, make circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, also gently and carefully.
- "Mill" - an exercise for the hands.Rotate your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase them), even when in 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 do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for massage, it has already been said: massage of the cervical area should only be carried out by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can permanently cure cervical osteochondrosis.The symptoms, of course, can be relieved, but on the whole one cannot do without the intervention of specialists.How to relieve neck, head and arm pain due to osteochondrosis?Compresses made from medicinal herbs are very useful.So, a juicy leaf of burdock or horseradish can be doused with boiling water and applied to the sore skin of the neck, covered with foil and wrapped with a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least a whole day.The same cannot be said about 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 in the evening, and it is indeed effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least, there is a good diet.Everyone knows that the first enemy of osteochondrosis is salt, which means that its use must be sharply limited.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich meat soups and broths, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, to start treatment at the first signs.