One of the varieties of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the intervertebral discs is cervical osteochondrosis, which can be treated at home. The main goal is to complete and improve the work of classical methods of treatment (drugs, physiotherapy).
Description of the disease
The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will affect several organs and systems at the same time due to the peculiarities of the blood supply and innervation:
- Reduced motor activity of the upper limbs.
- Severe pain syndrome (especially in the acute phase).
- Violation of the visual and auditory system. Tinnitus can occur. A pathological change in blood circulation (vertebral artery syndrome) leads to the appearance of "flies" in front of the eyes, loss of the visual field.
- Sensory impairment (numbness in the limbs).
- Headache (due to hypoxia).
Different stages of the development of the disease can be distinguished:
- Acute (first 2-3 weeks). Pronounced clinical picture, but small changes in the osteochondral apparatus.
- Subacute (3-6 weeks). In the clinic, pain remains the main symptom, and signs of bone destruction appear on the images.
- Chronic (more than 6 weeks). The clinic manifests rarely and mildly expressed syndromes (aching pain, limitation of movements). The images show pronounced changes in the joint surfaces. Intervertebral hernias often occur (bone structures become fragile).
Home care
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is allowed at home, along with other methods of therapy (pills, physiotherapy). As a rule, the effectiveness of alternative treatment is much lower, but numerous repetitions of such courses of treatment are allowed (after 3-4 courses, patients begin to feel relief).
It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home, but only if the following conditions are met:
- Compensation or undercompensation phase (no clinical or minor manifestations).
- Consultation with a doctor (rheumatologist, therapist).
- No allergic reactions to treatment components.
Benefits of home treatment:
- Availability at any time.
- Convenient.
Disadvantages of therapy:
- Incorrect selection of funds and, as a result, lack of effect, possible deterioration of the condition.
- Incorrect exercise.
- Possible exacerbation of concomitant diseases caused by incorrect self-medication tactics.
Complex physical therapy
When performing exercises with cervical osteochondrosis, severe pain should not be allowed. Perform the course exclusively according to the individual capabilities of the body, from any position (standing, sitting, lying down).
The set of exercises is selected by a specialist.
Example of exercise:
- flexion / extension of the head;
- circular movements of the head;
- folds forward / backward, right / left.
Self-massage
Physical therapy, physiotherapy and massage of the cervical neck area are performed overall over a course of several weeks.
Massage options:
- dotted;
- self-massage;
- empty;
- classic.
Needle applicator
One of the options for reflexology using a special plate. It is based on the mechanical action on the innervation areas.
This device can be purchased in specialized pharmacies and used independently as a massager.
Rubbing from pharmaceutical products
There are currently a large number of pharmaceutical infusions and lotions, which eliminates the need for self-preparation.
These grits include the following elements:
- Essential oils (sage, mint, lemon balm, aloe, tea tree).
- Analgesics for pain relief.
- Irritants (pepper, mustard).
- Antiseptic (alcohol, menthol).
Apply each according to the attached instructions.
Folk remedies and recipes
Recipes for folk remedies in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis have long been known for their effectiveness and simplicity. How and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home - these are the most famous and effective methods of traditional medicine used in patients with pathology of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Herbal infusions
Herbs in the treatment of osteochondrosis at home are the most popular among the population. Medicines are available at any pharmacy in the city.
The application has no significant consequences and repeated courses of treatment with a slight interruption are possible. Age limits are also conditioned (admission is allowed for children in the absence of contraindications).
You should know that all infusions, lotions, compresses are not recommended to be used hot. The reason is that the heating of the affected area can provoke the onset of a diffuse purulent infection (phlegmon, abscess), especially if there have been microdamages in this area. Hot substances have a negative effect on people with hypertension associated with osteochondrosis.
Sunflower decoction
In this treatment option, the root of this plant is used (you can prepare it yourself or buy it at the pharmacy).
Root or 2 teaspoons of dry matter pour 1 cup of boiling water. Insist for 24 hours, then moisten the gauze and apply to the collar area. The course of treatment is 7 days.
Coniferous broth
The needles have pronounced tanning properties. There are several ways to apply it:
- In fortifying baths. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over several pine legs and leave for 2 hours. Then pour the resulting solution into a bath at a temperature of 38 ° C. The duration of the bath is 30 minutes. 7 days course.
- In infusions. Pour 2 teaspoons of dry matter with a 70% alcohol solution and leave for 3 days. Rub the affected area 2 times a day. The completion deadline is 14 days.
- Boil the pine legs for 5 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and rub for 20 minutes.
Dandelion broth
It has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Improves metabolic processes in tissues. Use cases:
- Take 2-3 teaspoons of dry matter and pour boiling water (300 ml). Insist for an hour and rub into the cervical area until a slight redness appears. 7 day course.
- Pour 3 teaspoons of dandelion flowers and medicinal chamomile (1: 1) with a 70% alcohol solution. Insist for 24 hours, then apply 2 times a day.
Infusion of pine buds
Method of preparation: pour 2-3 tablespoons of kidney with boiling water and, after complete cooling, use on the affected area. 8 day course.
Compresses and Applications
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis by folk methods includes multiple compresses and lotions, but you need to remember some basic rules when using:
- Frequent repetitions of the course of treatment (usually 2-3). The reason is that the effectiveness of the therapy is extremely low in one cycle.
- The treatment effect is most pronounced if you wrap a scarf / towel around the damaged area. The reason is the additional thermal effect in addition to the action of drugs.
With kerosene
Kerosene 50 ml, mix with 2-3 teaspoons of sunflower oil and 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. Rub the resulting mixture into the neck-collar area for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 15 days.
The mixture is irritating and should be used with caution.
Potato
Tablets, infusions, lotions and potatoes are the most common treatment. There are several reasons for this:
- availability;
- efficiency;
- lack of strict contraindications (except for starch allergy).
Usage examples:
- Finely grate the potatoes and strain. Form the resulting dry mixture into a cake and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
- Boil the potatoes (3-4) in their skins. Then crush and wrap in gauze. Apply the hot potatoes to the neck-neck area for 20 minutes (avoid burns). The course of therapy is 7 days.
With radish
Radish is an irritant, so exposure time should be reduced according to individual tolerance.
Examples of using radish:
- Grate the radish on a fine grater and filter through a sieve. Apply the resulting dry mixture to the cervical spine for 10-20 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
- Grate the radish and strain. Mix the resulting juice with honey in a 1: 3 ratio. Pour the solution with alcohol and leave in a dark room for 3 days. Then moisten the gauze with the infusion and apply for 10-20 minutes on the affected area. The course of therapy is 7 days.
Sour cream and comfrey
Comfrey has a strong astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. The root of the plant is rubbed on a fine grater and mixed with sour cream until a suspension is obtained (usually a 1: 1 ratio). On the cervical area for 2 minutes and a 7-day course.
Recipes with honey
Honey has an almost immense list of useful properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiseptic;
- tan;
- regenerating.
The only contraindication are allergic reactions or individual intolerance.
Most Popular Honey Recipes:
- Pure honey. Rub the honey (50-100g) on the affected area for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 15 days.
- Mix 50 g of honey and 2 teaspoons of mustard and rub the creamy mixture on the neck for 20-30 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
- Mix honey (20–40 mg), aloe juice (5 ml) and tea tree oil (2-4 drops). Mix well and apply for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 9 days.
Rubbing
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible at home by rubbing the affected area with infusions and decoctions.
This method is based on two mechanisms:
- mechanical pressure;
- medicinal effects of herbs.
Mother and stepmother
Both the flowers and the stems of the plants can be used in the preparation of the infusion. When cooking, pour 70% alcohol and leave for 4 weeks in a dark room. Next, strain the solution through gauze and store in a glass container out of the reach of children.
Method of application: rub with light massage movements on the affected area 2 times a day for 10-15 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
Horseradish and elderberry
Horseradish and elderberries can be used both separately and in combination. The combined treatment is presented below.
Method of preparation: separately from each other pour boiling water (1 cup) leaves of horseradish and elderberries (with leaves). Insist during the day. Then filter both solutions and mix in a 1: 1 ratio. Rub the cervical spine and adjacent area once a day for 10 minutes. The course of therapy is 7 days.
Ointments
Forms of ointment drugs provide quick pain relief in cervical osteochondrosis.
The effectiveness is reduced if this form of treatment is used exclusively.
Egg with butter
Mix the egg whites (2-3) with the butter in a 1: 2 ratio until you get a creamy gruel. Apply to the joint area once a day for 30 minutes and wrap with a terry towel.
Ginger ointment
Has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. There are several ways to use ginger:
- Pour 2-3 plant roots with olive oil and leave for 24 hours. Lubricate the neck with the resulting mixture once a day at night. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
- Grind the ginger root, add the nutmeg and linseed oil. Cover the resulting gruel mixture with a towel and leave in a dark room for 8 hours. Rub on the joint for 20 minutes for 7 days.
Egg and mustard
Egg whites are rich in proteins and mustard has a marked irritating effect (improves local microcirculation): these are the main reasons for using these components in the treatment of osteochondrosis.
Method of preparation: mix the proteins of 2 eggs and 1-1. 5 tbsp. L. spoons of mustard until creamy. Apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. 7 day course.
Mustard can cause severe irritation of local tissues. In case of severe pain syndrome, the procedure is not recommended.
Heating with ozokerite
Ozokerite is a natural wax. Often this procedure is carried out in sanatoriums along with paraffin heat treatment.
Pronounced effects:
- analgesic;
- antispasmodic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- regenerative.
Method of application: the wax is heated in a special container until it turns into a liquid state. Then it is carefully poured into a container with sides (you can use a baking sheet) and wait for it to cool down to a temperature of 50 C. Then the resulting mass is separated from the container and applied to the affected area for local heating of thefabrics.
Carefully monitor the temperature of the wax and avoid burns.
Prevention of Exacerbations
Recommendations on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis are generally known, as they are applicable to all rheumatological diseases.
For effective prevention of the development of the disease, it is advisable to follow some simple but useful tips:
- physical activity (moderate);
- healthy eating (moderate salt intake);
- shoes of the correct size (suitable size, 4-6 cm heel, padded insoles).
Compliance with these rules is a guarantee for the health of the spine!