Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine (Osteochondrosis) is a degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, as a result of which the discs themselves, the vertebrae and joints of the spine are damaged, and a decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is observed.
If left untreated, the disease progresses and can cause headaches, poor circulation, and even a hernia.
Many people know firsthand how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine - the disease is quite common.Women are especially susceptible to this, because due to their anatomical structure, the shoulder girdle is not as strong as men's.
Features of cervical osteochondrosis
The neck is a part of the body that is very mobile and subject to significant stress (constantly holding the head).Moreover, the size of the vertebrae here is very small compared to other parts of the spine.Large vessels feeding the brain pass through the neck, so poor blood circulation due to displacement of vertebral structures and disruption of the lumen of blood vessels can cause dizziness and headaches.In addition, there are many nerve endings, the violation of which gives strong painful sensations.
Methods of treatment of cervical osteochondrosis
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine?The main methods are the use of drugs, physical therapy, physiotherapy and massage.Each method is used at different stages of the disease, together with others or separately.
The treatment of the disease is most actively carried out with the help of drug therapy, the purpose of which is to eliminate inflammation and spasm, relieve pain, restore blood microcirculation and improve cerebral circulation.The main drugs to relieve muscle spasms and treat the inflammatory process are non-steroidal muscle relaxants.Vasodilators are used to improve blood circulation.B vitamins that improve metabolic processes and participate in the synthesis of neurotransmitters are also prescribed.
Massage is prescribed when there is no exacerbation of the disease or when the health condition improves slightly after using drugs.
Physiotherapy is also used - mainly amplipulse therapy and electrophoresis with novocaine in the cervical region.
Exercise therapy and gymnastics are prescribed both in the form of static exercises in the acute phase, and when the symptoms of the disease subside, to strengthen the muscles and restore the mobility of the cervical spine.
Is it possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home?Of course, yes, but it is better to combine folk remedies at home with medicines prescribed by a doctor.Self-treatment includes sleeping in special applicators, using warming rubs and compresses (with iodine, alcohol, mustard) and hot baths with herbs.