Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine and treatment at home are based on a self-healing method. The method consists in the correct actions of the patient and the support of the self-regulating and self-healing functions of the body to restore nervous and vascular disorders in the cervical spine.
In non-advanced and non-severe cases, the patient can naturally relieve pain in the spine, muscle spasms, dizziness and other symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis naturally without medication. However, for this it is necessary to know well the structure and natural purpose of the spine and to remember that our body is a self-healing system that exists according to certain laws of the Universe.
The role of the spine
Before considering the topic: "Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and home treatment", it is logical to dwell on the question: "What role does the spine play in our life? "
The spine is the skeleton of our skeleton. The head, torso, upper and lower limbs are supported on it. In other words, it is the spine that gives our body the shape we usually see.
Attached to the spine are powerful connective tissue ligaments and many large and small muscles that keep our body upright and internal organs vital at certain points along the spine.
The normal functions of our internal organs and all tissues of the body are provided by a huge number of nerve fibers through the transmission of nerve impulses from the lateral parts of the spinal cord.
The spinal cord is located in a flexible and well protected "sheath" of the spinal canal from external influences. The roots of the spinal nerves emerge through the intervertebral foramen of the vertebrae. In the initial part, they are covered with discs and bone structures. The intervertebral discs consist of cartilaginous plates located above and below, a fibrous ring and a pulpy nucleus. The thickness of the discs in the cervical vertebrae is very small - only 4 mm.
Causes of cervical osteochondrosis
Healthy and intact intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for various loads on the spine (compression, stretching). If, as a result of sudden movements, excessive loads, prolonged incorrect posture, spinal injuries or inflammatory processes, the discs are damaged, the vertebral artery is compressed, which passes through the openings of the vertebrae and nerve plexuses that leave the spinal cord.
The number of electrical impulses going from the spinal cord to organs and tissues decreases, metabolic processes slow down. This becomes the cause of the disease of some organs, as well as the cause of aging of the body.
Symptoms
This is what explains the many symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, which include pain in the neck, back of the head, shoulder girdle, heart, liver and stiff neck, back of the head, weakness in the arms, legs and ailments. vascular.
The manifestation of the disease depends on the location of the disc lesion and the displacement of the vertebrae, as well as the area innervated by the compressed nerve plexus.
Thus, the health of our body depends on the health of the spine.
Self-healing treatment
I just want to warn you that the diagnosis of cervical osteochondrosis is established by a neurologist or chiropractor based on the results of a full medical examination.
When the diagnosis is established and there is no acute period with edema and inflammation at the site of the intervertebral disc injury, a self-healing method can be applied.
Essence of the method:
- in the correct actions of the patient, aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptoms of osteochondrosis: compression, displacement of the nerve and vascular structures of the spinal cord in connection with destructive changes in the intervertebral discs;
- in supporting self-regulating and self-healing body functions to restore nervous and vascular disorders in the cervical spine.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, independently acting on the cause of the disease, you can read in the article of the same name.
It is impossible to eliminate the cause of the disease - deformation of the intervertebral discs, however, you can learn to relax the cervical spine and gently stretch the vertebrae of the neck to relieve pressure on the nerve roots and blood vessels, thereby relieving the symptoms of compression.
The self-healing method requires personal desire, perseverance, self-discipline and a readiness to gradually change posture, take care of the spine, relax and stretch the neck every morning and evening, and develop your own system for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
At the same time, always remember that your body is a highly organized self-healing system that lives by natural laws. Failures occur when these laws are broken, no matter why, due to their ignorance or reluctance to comply.
Principles of the method
Before proceeding to the method of self-healing with the help of therapeutic exercises, it is necessary to note several natural principles of this method.
- It is known that in order to relax a muscle well, you must first tighten it. Therefore, many of the therapeutic exercises developed by manual therapy specialists are based on the principle of tension - relaxation of spasmodic muscles.
- Another principle is the physiological model of the combination of tension - muscle relaxation with respiratory phases. Inhaling is tension and exhaling is relaxation. If these principles are observed, the exercises performed will contribute to the proper functioning of the circulatory system and will not disrupt the regulation of nervous processes.
Personal self-healing system
First, I will share my self-healing system for cervical osteochondrosis.
In addition to the "turtle" exercises and relaxation of the shoulder girdle, sit ("How to cure osteochondrosis of the cervical spine"), which not only relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders, but also awaken the healing powers of the body, normalizing the energy supply of all cells and organs, I use another pose: relaxation of the neck muscles.
However, I want to warn you of caution when performing this pose! Remember: in the cervical spine there are the vertebral artery and nerve plexuses that go to the brain!
Since in my case the discs of the 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae are deformed, in case of pain and tension in the neck, as well as headache, ringing in the ears, I resort to the following posture:
- I lie on my back, on the bed with my head towards the end of the leg (which is backless). I slowly lower my head as I exhale so that my 7th cervical vertebra is on the edge of the mattress. So, my head hangs under its weight, my neck bends and relaxes, my chin is up. This hanging position of the head should be short-term - only a few seconds from 5 to 10.
Feeling discomfort, or counting to 10, I slowly begin to "crawl" on the bed as I inhale, without lifting the back of my head from the bed, holding on to the edges.
You don't have to suddenly lift your head from such a "hanging" position!
Just a slow "crawl" of the head on the bed and at the same time stretching the neck releases pinched blood vessels and nerves, relieves pain in the neck and head.
After this pose, you need to lie down in a relaxed state for several minutes.
This stretching of the neck vertebrae helps with deformity of the lower cervical vertebrae.
Relieves headaches and other symptoms
If symptoms are dominated by a headache that arises abruptly in one half of the head, sometimes with nausea, this indicates a disorder in the joint of the skull with the 1st cervical vertebra at the exit site of the occipital nerve that innervateshalf of the head on each side. Therefore, when the occipital nerve is pinched on one side, there are pains in this particular side of the head.
Cardiovascular and respiratory disorders are observed against the background of headache due to the violation of the nerve fibers running from the spinal node of the 2nd cervical vertebra to the brain stem.
In case of disorders in the region of the first and second vertebrae, therapeutic postures for muscle relaxation are also effective. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation Anatoly Boleslavovich Sitel in his book "Solo for the Spine" suggests the following position for relieving headaches.
- You should sit in a relaxed chair. But at the same time, keep your torso straight. Tilt your head forward as you exhale so that it "hangs" under the influence of its weight. Then hold your head for about 10 seconds, then, inhaling, lift it up and rest for half a minute. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Gentle exercise
With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, symptoms and treatment at home, the following two gentle exercises can be used to relax the cervical muscles in case of spasm and pain.
You need to sit in a chair, straighten your torso. Put your hands on your knees. The legs are parallel to each other. The pose is relaxed, the breath is calm.
Inhale and lower the head, touch the breastbone with the chin, while lifting the back of the head. Hold the position for a few seconds. Then slowly exhale, lifting your head and shoulders. Do 5-7 of these therapeutic exercises.
The starting position for the second exercise is the same as for the first. From a seated position, lie down with your body standing, head on your knees. As you inhale, slowly raise your head, while exhaling lower it. Repeat 5-7 times.
During exercise, the neck muscles contract first, then relax more easily and faster.
All exercises should be done slowly and smoothly, that is, you shouldn't make sudden movements, you shouldn't be in a hurry, you shouldn't feel severe tension or pain. As soon as you feel uncomfortable, stop exercising and try to relax and unwind.
Local remedies
At home, in addition to therapeutic exercises to relax and stretch the cervical vertebrae, you can eliminate tension and slight pain in the neck with manual massage or with the help of massagers (after consulting a doctor)as well as topical means - thermal procedures (tinctures, rubbing, compresses, bath).
However, it is necessary to know that thermal procedures can be harmful in case of severe pain and inflammation in the affected area of the spine, as they increase the flow of arterial blood and slow down the venous outflow, thereby provoking exacerbation of symptoms, increasedpain and swelling of the tissues.
For local application to spasmodic muscles, the following freshly prepared solution is used: 15 ml of Dimexide, 15 ml of 0. 5-1% solution of novocaine and 4-6 ml of 50% solution of analginthey are poured into a cup, where gauze napkins are dipped, folded in 4 layers. The size of the napkins should correspond to the painful area.
The moistened napkin is applied to the appropriate area (the skin is pre-treated with alcohol), covered with cellophane and fixed. The procedure takes 1-1. 5 hours.
Tablets are carried out every day for 4-6 days. In case of redness, it is advisable to replace the compress with Dimexide with liniment or ointment Dimexide.
Adherence to a correct diet is of great importance in the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis.
Prevention
Dear readers, remember that our body is a self-regulating biological system, which, if our posture is wrong, signals pain or discomfort.
Take care of your spine! Don't jump out of bed! First, turn onto your side and, resting on your elbow, gently stand up.
Do not lift weights in front of you and do not carry weights in one hand! It is better to carry the load with a symmetrical load on both hands (for women - no more than 5 kg per hand, for men - no more than 12 kg per hand). And you need to lift the load, sitting down a little.
Don't do housework or dacha work, leaning upside down! Mopping the floor and weeding the beds can be done on your knees or with the help of long tools.