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 illnesses, such as angina or migraine.The sooner the correct picture of the disease is identified, the greater the success of the treatment.
Symptoms and causes
We have to admit that this is the disease of the century.Can we say that it was not so widespread before?Perhaps yes.If before it was a disease of the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the root cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages of the neck and back is physical inactivity - eternally sitting near a table or in front of a computer, motionless, with your head down.A person is 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 important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a crunching sound in the vertebrae when turning the head, and then a dull pain appears 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 angina attack, as the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It's not difficult to check it yourself: if nitroglycerin doesn't help, then the problem is not in the heart.Although, of course, health experiments are not welcome for any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires complete and comprehensive treatment, which must be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex - because the disease cannot be treated with medication or folk remedies alone.You need both, plus physical therapy and massage therapy.As for medicines, experts certainly recommend a course of so-called chondroprotectors - medicines that stop the process of destruction of cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilaginous tissue.Anti-inflammatory medications are included.If necessary, a course of analgesics and antispasmodic injections may be given.Physiotherapeutic procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercise and massage
It appears that the patient can prescribe this part of the treatment for himself.This is a big mistake.Everything related to cervical spine disease is the work of an experienced and reliable neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.Furthermore, there are deaths due to the rough manipulations of such “farmers”.But within the framework of the article, that is, from a distance, only general recommendations can be given.Thus, if a patient suspects that he has osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the back of the head, headaches, numbness in the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting on a chair, with smooth and gentle 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 in pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - thumbs under your chin, the rest of your fingers on the back of your head and neck - 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 in the cervical collar area should only be carried out by a specialist.
Traditional treatment methods
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can permanently 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?Medicinal herbal compresses help a lot.So, a juicy leaf of burdock or horseradish can be doused with boiling water and applied to the back of the sore head, covered with foil on top and wrapped with a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least a whole day.The same cannot be said about a compress 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 is effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least is proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy of osteochondrosis is salt, which means that you need to drastically limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - soups and broths rich in meat, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.