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 diseases, such as angina or migraine.The sooner an accurate picture of the disease is established, the more successful the treatment.
Symptoms and causes
We must admit that this is the disease of the century.Can we say that it was not so widespread before?Maybe yes.If earlier it was a disease of the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the main cause of painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages in the neck and back is physical inactivity - eternally sitting at the desk or in front of the computer in a motionless position, 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 discs, disrupting the blood supply of important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with a creaking in the vertebrae when turning the head, and then there is excruciating pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms, and numbness in the fingers.If the correct 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 is not difficult to check it yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not in the heart.Although, of course, experiments with health are not welcome for any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires complete, comprehensive treatment, which should be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex - because the disease cannot be treated only with drugs or folk remedies.You need both, plus physical therapy and therapeutic massage.As for drugs, experts certainly recommend a course of so-called chondroprotectors - drugs that stop the process of destruction of the cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.Anti-inflammatory drugs are included.If necessary, a range of painkillers and antispasmodic injections can be administered.Physiotherapy procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercises and massage
It appears that the patient can self-prescribe this part of the treatment.This is a big mistake.Everything related to cervical spine disease is the work of an experienced, proven neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.Moreover, there are deaths due to the harsh manipulations of such "farmers".But within the article, that is, at a 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, headaches, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting on a chair, make soft, smooth movements with your head in circular motions, 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 arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase them), even through pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head – thumbs under your chin, the rest of your fingers on the nape of your neck and back of your head – and try to stretch your neck muscles and vertebrae.It will get easier right away.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for massage, this has already been said: massage of the cervical and neck area should be performed only by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can definitively cure cervical osteochondrosis.The symptoms can be alleviated, of course, but mostly you can't without the involvement of a specialist.How can you relieve pain in the neck, head and hands due to osteochondrosis?Herbal compresses help a lot.So, a juicy leaf of thistle or horseradish can be poured with boiling water and applied to the inflammation of the neck, covered with foil from above and wrapped in a scarf.The compress can be kept for at least the whole day.The same cannot be said for a poultice 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 actually effective, but it should not be allowed to burn.Last but not least is proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy of osteochondrosis is salt, which means that you must strictly limit its use.Food rich in uric acid is not recommended - rich meat broths and broths, dried meat, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.