Cervical osteochondrosis: how to treat at home?

16 January 2021

One of the varieties of degenerative dystrophic diseases of intervertebral discs is cervical osteochondrosis, which can be treated at home. The main objective is to complement and enhance the work of classic treatment methods (drugs, physiotherapy).

Description of the pathology

The symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine will affect several organs and systems at the same time due to the peculiarities of the blood supply and innervation:

Impaired motor activity in the upper limbs.
Severe pain syndrome (especially in the acute phase).
Violation of the visual and auditory system. Tinnitus may occur. A pathological change in blood circulation (vertebral artery syndrome) leads to the appearance of "flies" before the eyes, loss of visual fields.
Sensory insufficiency (limb numbness).
Headaches (due to hypoxia).

Several stages of development of the disease can be distinguished:

Acute (first 2-3 weeks). Pronounced clinical picture, but minor changes in the osteochondral apparatus.
Subacute (3-6 weeks). At the clinic, pain remains the main symptom, and signs of bone destruction appear in the images.
Chronic (more than 6 weeks). The clinic manifests itself rarely and in moderately expressed syndromes (painful pain, restricted movement). The photos show pronounced changes in the articular surfaces. Intervertebral hernias often occur (bone structures become fragile).

Neck compress to relieve symptoms of osteochondrosis

Home treatment

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is allowed at home, along with other methods of therapy (pills, physical therapy). As a rule, the effectiveness of alternative treatment is much less, but multiple repetitions of such treatment cycles are allowed (after 3-4 cycles, patients begin to experience relief).

It is possible to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home, but only if the following conditions are met:

Compensation or subcompensation stage (without clinical or minor manifestations).
Consultation with a doctor (rheumatologist, therapist).
No allergic reactions to treatment components.

Benefits of home treatment:

Availability at any time.
Economical.

Disadvantages of therapy:

Incorrect selection of funds and, consequently, lack of effect, possible deterioration of the state.
Incorrect exercise.
Possible exacerbation of concomitant illnesses caused by incorrect self-medication tactics.

Complex exercise therapy

When performing exercises with cervical osteochondrosis, severe pain should not be allowed. Perform the course exclusively according to the individual body's capabilities, in any position (standing, sitting, lying down).

The set of exercises is selected by an expert.

Example exercise:

head flexion / extension;
circular movements of the head;
folds forward / backward, right / left.

Self-massage

Exercise therapy, physiotherapy and massage of the cervical collar area are carried out in the complex over several weeks.

Massage options:

dotted;
self-massage;

classic.

Needle Applicator

One of the options for reflexology using a special plate. Based on the mechanical action in the innervation zones.

This device can be purchased at specialized pharmacies and used independently as a massager.

Scrub pharmacy products

At the moment there are a large number of infusions and lotions from the pharmacy, which does not require self-preparation.

These grains include the following elements:

Essential oils (sage, mint, lemon balm, aloe, tea tree).
Analgesics for pain relief.
Irritants (pepper, mustard).
Antiseptic (alcohol, menthol).

Apply each according to the attached instructions.

Folk remedies and recipes

The recipes for folk remedies for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis have long been known for their effectiveness and simplicity. How and how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home - these are the most famous and effective methods of traditional medicine used in patients with pathology of the musculoskeletal system, in particular, osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Herbal infusions

Herbs for treating osteochondrosis at home are the most popular among the population. The drugs are available at any pharmacy in the city.

The application does not have significant consequences and repeated treatment cycles with a slight interruption are possible. Age restrictions are also conditional (admission is permitted for children in the absence of contraindications).

You should know that not all infusions, lotions and compresses are recommended for warm use. The reason is that the heating of the affected area can cause a diffuse purulent infection (phlegmon, abscess), especially if there are some micro-damages in this area. Hot substances have a negative effect on people with hypertension associated with osteochondrosis.

Sunflower decoction

In this treatment option, the root of this plant is used (you can prepare it yourself or purchase it at the pharmacy).

Root or 2 teaspoons of dry matter pour 1 cup of boiling water. Insist for 24 hours, then moisten the gauze and apply to the collar area. The course of treatment is 7 days.

Coniferous broth

The needles have pronounced tanning properties. There are several ways to apply it:

In fortifying baths. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over several pine legs and leave for 2 hours. Then, pour the resulting solution into a bath at a temperature of 38C. The duration of the bath is 30 minutes. Course 7 days.
In infusions. Pour 2 teaspoons of dry matter with 70% alcohol solution and leave for 3 days. Rub the affected area 2 times a day. The deadline for completion is 14 days.
Boil the pine legs for 5 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and rub for 20 minutes.

Dandelion broth

It has slightly pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. Improves metabolic processes in tissues. Use cases:

Take 2-3 teaspoons of dry matter and pour boiling water (300 ml). Insist an hour and rub on the cervical area until a slight redness appears. Course 7 days.
Pour 3 teaspoons of dandelion flowers and medicinal chamomile (1: 1) with 70% alcohol solution. Insist for 24 hours, then apply 2 times a day.

Infusion of pine buds

Method of preparation: pour 2-3 tablespoons of kidneys with boiling water and, after complete cooling, apply to the affected area. Course 8 days.

Compressions and applications

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis by traditional methods includes several compresses and lotions, but you must remember some basic rules when using:

Frequent repetitions of the course of treatment (usually 2–3). The reason is that the effectiveness of the therapy is extremely low in one course.
The effect of the treatment is more pronounced if you wrap a tissue / towel around the damaged area. The reason is the additional thermal effect in addition to the effect of drugs.

With kerosene

Kerosene 50 ml, mix with 2-3 teaspoons of sunflower oil and 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda. Rub the resulting mixture in the collar area for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 15 days.

The mixture is irritating and should be used with caution.

Potato

Compresses, infusions and lotions and potatoes are the most common treatment. There are several reasons for this:

;
efficiency;
absence of strict contraindications (with the exception of starch allergy).

Context sentences:

Grate the potatoes well and strain. Turn the resulting dry mixture into a cake and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
Boil the potatoes (3-4) with the skin. Then knead and wrap in gauze. Apply hot potatoes to the collar for 20 minutes (avoid the formation of burns). The course of therapy is 7 days.

With radish

The radish is irritating, therefore, the exposure time should be reduced according to individual tolerance.

Examples of using radish:

Grate the radish on a fine grater and pass through a sieve. Apply the resulting dry mixture to the cervical spine for 10 to 20 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
Grate the radish and strain. Mix the resulting juice with honey in a 1: 3 ratio. Pour the solution with alcohol and leave in a dark room for 3 days. Then, moisten the gauze with an infusion and apply for 10 to 20 minutes on the affected area. The course of therapy is 7 days.

Sour cream and comfrey

Comfrey has a strong astringent and anti-inflammatory effect. The root of the plant is rubbed on a fine grater and mixed with sour cream until a porridge is obtained (usually a 1: 1 ratio). In the cervical region for 2 minutes and a course of 7 days.

Recipes with honey

Honey has an almost immense list of useful properties:

anti-inflammatory;
;
tanning;
regenerating.

The only contraindication is allergic reactions or individual intolerance.

Scrub

The treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is possible at home by rubbing the affected area with infusions and decoctions.

This method is based on two mechanisms:

mechanical pressure;
medicinal effects of herbs.

Mother and Stepmother

Both flowers and plant stems can be used to prepare the infusion. When cooking, pour 70% alcohol and leave for 4 weeks in a dark room. Then, strain the solution on a cotton cloth and store in a glass container out of the reach of children.

Application method: rub with light massage movements on the affected area twice a day for 10-15 minutes. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.

Horseradish and elderberry

Horseradish and elderflower can be used separately or in combination. The combined treatment is presented below.

Method of preparation: separately, pour boiling water (1 cup) into horseradish and elderberry leaves (with leaves). Insist during the day. Then strain both solutions and mix in a 1: 1 ratio. Rub the cervical spine and the surrounding area once a day for 10 minutes. The course of therapy is 7 days.

Polishes

Ointment forms in medications provide rapid pain relief in cervical osteochondrosis.

Effectiveness is reduced if this form of treatment is used exclusively.

Eggs with oil for preparation of healing ointment

Egg with butter

Mix the egg whites (2-3) with the butter in a 1: 2 ratio until you get a creamy porridge. Apply to the joint area once a day for 30 minutes and wrap with a fluffy towel.

Ginger ointment

It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. There are several ways to use ginger:

Pour 2-3 plant roots with olive oil and leave for 24 hours. Lubricate the neck with the resulting mixture once a day at night. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.
Grind the ginger root, add nutmeg and flaxseed oil. Cover the resulting porridge mixture with a towel and leave in a dark room for 8 hours. Rub in the joint for 20 minutes for 7 days.

Egg and mustard

Egg white is rich in protein and mustard has a pronounced irritating effect (increases local microcirculation) - these are the main reasons for using these components in the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Method of preparation: mix the protein of 2 eggs and 1-1, 5 tablespoons. I. tablespoons of mustard until creamy. Apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Course 7 days.

Mustard can cause severe irritation to local tissue. In case of severe pain syndrome, the procedure is not recommended.

Heating with ozokerite

Ozokerite is a naturally occurring wax. This procedure is often performed in sanatoriums along with paraffin heat treatment.

Pronounced effects:

analgesic;
;
;
.

Method of application: the wax is heated in a special container until it enters the liquid state. Then, it is carefully poured into a container with the sides (you can use a baking sheet) and wait for it to cool to a temperature of 50 C. Then, the resulting mass is separated from the container and applied to the affected area for local heating of thetissues.

Carefully monitor the temperature of the wax and avoid scalding.

Preventing exacerbations

Recommendations on how to treat cervical osteochondrosis are generally known, as they are applicable to all rheumatological diseases.

For an effective prevention of the development of the disease, it is recommended to follow some simple but useful tips:

physical activity (moderate);
healthy eating (moderate salt intake);
the appropriate footwear (suitable size, heel 4–6 cm, cushioned insoles).

Compliance with these rules is a guarantee of health for your spine!