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 mistaken for other diseases, such as angina or migraine.The earlier the correct 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 it wasn't so common before?Maybe yes.If before it was a disease of the elderly, now it has become much younger.After all, the main reason for the painful deformation of the intervertebral cartilages of the neck and back is the lack of physical activity - forever sitting at the desk or in front of the computer in a motionless position, with the head bowed.A person remains 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 crunch in the vertebrae when turning the head, then there is a nagging pain in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and forearms and numbness in the fingers.If an accurate diagnosis has not yet been made - osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, the symptoms may resemble an attack of angina, as 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 with health are not welcome for every disease.
Treatment
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine requires comprehensive, complex treatment, which must 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 remedial 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 course of pain-relieving and antispasmodic injections can be administered.Physiotherapy procedures, prescribed in parallel with drug treatment, also have a good effect.
Therapeutic exercise and massage
It appears that the patient can self-prescribe this part of the treatment.This is a huge mistake.Everything related to diseases of the cervical spine is the work of an experienced, trusted neurologist, osteopath, chiropractor, but not an amateur massage therapist.In addition, there are deaths due to the sharp manipulations of such "farmers".But within the framework of the article, that is, from a distance, only general recommendations can be given.So, if the patient suspects that he has osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and pain in the back of the neck, headache, numbness of the fingers, the condition can be alleviated with simple exercises.
- Sitting in a chair, with soft, smooth movements, make circular movements with your head, 15 times in each direction.No sudden movements, especially backwards!
- Tilt your head back and forth, also smoothly and carefully.
- "Mill" - an exercise for the hands.Swing your arms back and forth 50 times (you can increase them), even in pain.
- Wrap your hands around your head - thumbs under the chin, the remaining fingers on the back of the head and on the nape - and try to stretch the muscles of the neck and vertebrae.It will get easier right away.
If you do these simple exercises every day, the pain will decrease significantly.As for the massage, this has already been said: the massage of the cervical region should be performed only by a specialist.
Traditional methods of treatment
Unfortunately, it cannot be said that folk remedies can finally cure cervical osteochondrosis.The 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 hands due to osteochondrosis?Medicinal herb compresses help a lot.So, a juicy leaf of burdock or horseradish can be dipped in boiling water and applied to the sore part of the neck, 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 really effective, but you should not let it burn.Last but not least is proper nutrition.Everyone knows that the first enemy in osteochondrosis is salt, which means that you should sharply limit its use. Foods rich in uric acid are not recommended - rich meat soups and broths, smoked meats, sorrel, spinach.And the main advice is not to let the disease get worse, start treatment at the first signs.