Constant headache, heaviness in the back of the head, numbness in the hands - this is most likely osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.The symptoms can be mistaken for 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 before it was not so widespread?Maybe yes.If before it was a disease of the elderly, now it becomes younger.After all, the main cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilage in the neck and back is physical inactivity - sitting forever near the desk or in front of the computer in a motionless position, with the head bowed.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 disc, disrupting the blood supply to important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a crunching sound in the vertebrae when turning the head, and then sucking pain appears in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms, and numbness in the fingers.If an accurate diagnosis has not been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms may resemble an angina attack, as the pain radiates to the arms and sternum.It is not difficult to check yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not in the liver.Although, of course, experiments with health are not welcome for any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires complete and comprehensive treatment, which should be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex - because this disease cannot be treated with medicines or folk remedies alone.You need both, plus physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for drugs, experts definitely recommend courses called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs are included.If necessary, a course of painkillers and antispasmodic injections can be given.Physiotherapy procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Exercise and therapeutic massage
It seems that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment for himself.This is a big mistake.Everything related to diseases of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.Moreover, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulation of such "farmers".But in the framework of the article, that is, at a long distance, only general recommendations can be given.Therefore, if the 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 on a chair, with soft and smooth movements, make circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, also smoothly and carefully.
- "Mill" - Exercise for hands.Rotate your hand back and forth 50 times (you can increase it), even through pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - thumb under the chin, the rest of your fingers behind your neck and behind your head - and try to stretch the neck muscles and vertebrae.It will be easier.
If you do this simple exercise every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for massage, this has been said: Massage of the cervical collar area can only be done by a specialist.
Traditional treatment methods
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can definitely cure cervical osteochondrosis.Symptoms, of course, can be dismissed, but on a large scale you can not do without the involvement of specialists.How can you relieve pain in the neck, head, and arms due to osteochondrosis?Compresses made from medicinal herbs help a lot.Therefore, burdock leaves or juicy radish can be poured with boiling water and used for a sore neck, covered with foil on top and wrapped with a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least a day.The same cannot be said about compresses 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 actually works, but you can't let it burn.Last but not least is proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy in osteochondrosis is salt, which means you need to sharply limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich meat soups and broths, smoked meats, scabies, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.