Constant headache, 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 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 it was not so common before?Maybe so.If it used to be a disease of the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the root cause of painful deformation of the cervical and back intervertebral cartilages is physical inactivity - perpetual sitting near the desk or in front of the computer in a motionless position with the head down.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, which disrupts the blood supply of important arteries leading to the brain.It all starts with the vertebra cracking when the head is turned, followed by a numbing pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms, and numbness in the fingers.If it has not yet been possible to make an accurate diagnosis - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, then the symptoms may resemble an angina attack, since the pain radiates to the arm and sternum.It is not difficult to check this yourself: if nitroglycerin does not help, then the problem is not in the heart.Although, of course, experiments related to health are not welcome in the case of any disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires full, comprehensive treatment, which must be prescribed by an osteopath.Complex - because the disease cannot be treated alone with drugs or folk remedies.You need both, plus physical therapy and remedial massage.As for drugs, experts certainly recommend the so-called chondroprotector course - drugs that stop the process of destruction of the cartilage between the vertebrae and restore cartilage tissue.They contain anti-inflammatory drugs.If necessary, painkillers and antispasmodic injections can be given.Physiotherapy procedures prescribed in parallel with drug treatment are also effective.
Physiotherapy and massage
It appears that the patient can self-prescribe this part of the treatment.This is a huge mistake.Everything related to the disease of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced, reliable neurologist, chiropractor, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.Moreover, there are cases of death due to the sharp manipulations of such "farmers".But within the framework of this article, that is, from a distance, only general recommendations can be given.So, if a patient suspects that he has osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms and neck pain, headache, numbness of the fingers, his condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- While sitting in a chair, make circular movements with your head in soft, smooth movements, 15 times in both directions.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, also smoothly and gently.
- "Mill" - exercise for hands.Rotate your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase), even in pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - thumbs under the chin, other fingers on the nape of the neck and back of the head - and try to stretch the neck muscles and vertebrae.It will be easier immediately.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for the massage, it has already been said: massage of the neck and collar area should only be performed by a specialist.
Traditional treatment methods
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can permanently cure cervical osteochondrosis.The symptoms can of course be alleviated, but usually you cannot do without the involvement of specialists.How can you relieve neck, head and arm pain caused by osteochondrosis?Poultices made from herbs help a lot.So, a juicy burdock or horseradish leaf can be poured with boiling water and applied to the sore neck, covered with foil and wrapped with a scarf.The poultice can last at least one whole day.The same cannot be said about the mustard poultice: dilute 50 g of dry powder and aloe juice with alcohol, add a little propolis.In fact, this mixture is recommended to be applied at night and is really effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least, proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy of osteochondrosis is salt, which means that you should sharply limit its use.Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich broths and broths, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.