Compresses on the neck: for osteochondrosis, types and positive effects

The article was prepared by a specialist for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.

Author of the article

Volodina Svetlana Igorevna

Cardiologist, therapist. Candidate of Medical Sciences. 11 years of experience. Place of work: City Clinical Hospital No. 63, Children's Clinical Center No. 1

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Neck compresses are a therapeutic method in traditional and folk medicine used to relieve pain and inflammation. Different types of compresses relieve swelling, improve motor activity and relieve the patient from other symptoms of osteochondrosis or muscle tension. Also, this method of treatment slows down the development of degenerative processes in the vertebrae and intervertebral joints. Warming or cooling the neck is suitable for people complaining of discomfort in this area, headaches and other symptoms.

It is better to entrust the application of a compress to the neck to a specialist so that the procedure is carried out according to all the rules. It is recommended to discuss home methods for treating cervical osteochondrosis with your doctor. It is almost always possible to combine treatment prescribed by a doctor and therapy at home.

What it is?

A compress is a special bandage treated with a medicine or other product. It is applied to the area where unpleasant sensations occur to warm, cool or supply beneficial substances to the tissue. To treat osteochondrosis and other diseases, you need to wrap the bandage around your neck. You can place the compress on individual areas for targeted treatment. General beneficial effects of the method include improving blood supply to tissues, eliminating the inflammatory response, relieving swelling and pain relief. If the compress is used for pathologies of the joints, bones or muscles of the neck, the procedure greatly facilitates movement. Pain disappears when turning the head and sudden movements.

This method of therapy has evidence-based effects. Doctors do not deny that with the help of special solutions you can improve your well-being. Also, the positive effects of thermal exposure have been proven by science. The lotions affect blood vessels, nerves, bone joints and other anatomical areas. Therefore, orthopedists and traumatologists recommend this procedure to their patients for various diseases. Compliance with the rules for applying a compress, coupled with the correct selection of materials, significantly improves the quality of life in patients suffering from chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Compresses are also indicated for diseases of the respiratory system.

Cervical osteochondrosis

This is a common pathological condition, manifested by dystrophic and degenerative changes in the area of the intervertebral disc. The mechanism of development of the disease is usually due to a deterioration in the blood supply to tissues. There is also an inflammatory process that damages cartilage tissue, connective tissue components, bone and ligaments. Osteochondrosis of the neck develops gradually. As it progresses, the patient's condition worsens significantly. Complaints are usually associated with periodic increases in pain at rest, while moving the head or staying in a certain position. Later, more serious manifestations appear that prevent a person from sleeping, working and moving around.

Carry out under the supervision of a doctor

The exact causes of the development of cervical osteochondrosis are unknown. Doctors identify many factors, including curvature of the spinal column, injury, infectious and inflammatory diseases and autoimmune reactions. The onset of the disease often occurs after hypothermia or a cold. In people with defects of the spinal column, the pathological process occurs due to the fact that the incorrect position of the bone structures disrupts the blood supply and innervation of the tissues. Therapeutic measures for osteochondrosis always depend on the identified cause of the pathology.

Degenerative and inflammatory disorders in the cervical spine have their own differences due to anatomy. This area contains a large number of nerves and blood vessels that transport nutrients and oxygen to the brain. If the bones put pressure on these structures, headaches, episodes of dizziness and weakness may occur. Therapy should always be comprehensive. Neck compresses and other home methods should be combined with procedures selected by your doctor. It is also helpful to seek the help of a chiropractor. At certain stages of the development of the disease, balanced physical therapy plays an important role in healing.

Effect of compresses

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine has its own characteristics associated with the anatomical location. There are many nerve fibers and arteries supplying the brain here, the infringement of which leads to dizziness, pain, and deterioration of well-being.

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out comprehensively. Folk remedies can complement therapy and speed up recovery. Compresses and rubbing have the best effect, providing a warming and analgesic effect. For maximum results, it is necessary to carry out daily procedures. Treatment is carried out for 2 weeks.

A compress on the neck is an effective method to alleviate the patient's condition. To do this, the medicinal composition is rubbed into the problem area or a bandage soaked in the drug is applied. To ensure the effectiveness of the procedure, the affected area is covered with cellophane and wrapped in a woolen scarf.

Compresses are made using:

medicinal solutions;
essential oils;
honey;
alcohol;
vegetables;
plants.

The effectiveness of the method lies in warming up the diseased area, improving blood supply, relieving muscle spasms and having a moderate analgesic effect.

Other indications for compress

Tension headaches. This is one of the most common violations. Every person has had this problem at least once in their life. There are many possible causes of cephalalgia. Often, pain occurs due to impaired blood flow and compression of the nerve fibers of the neck due to prolonged muscle strain. Spasmed muscles reduce the lumen of blood vessels. Compresses in this case eliminate spasms and restore blood circulation.
Curvature of the spine in the neck area. For example, with scoliosis, deformation of the spinal column occurs. Changing the shape of the location of the vertebrae and joints negatively affects the flow of blood to the brain and the condition of the muscles. The following complaints arise: headache, weakness, dizziness, aching pain in the neck, sharp pain when turning the head. Lotions are used as symptomatic therapy.
Infection or inflammation in the respiratory system. External influence on the cervical region using a bandage affects the condition of the larynx, throat, trachea and even nasopharynx. The thermal effect is transferred to neighboring tissues. For colds, sore throats and other pathologies caused by viruses or bacteria, the compress relieves inflammation and eliminates unpleasant symptoms. Recovery is accelerated. It is important to choose the right type of procedure.
Trauma or surgery in the neck area. The advisability of using a compress in this case depends on the type of injury. The procedure must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Typically, heating helps during the recovery phase, when you need to speed up tissue healing. Immediately after surgery or injury, such treatment is not used, since the condition may worsen. During rehabilitation, lotions reduce the risk of complications.

If there is any doubt about the need for such therapy, it is recommended to consult a rheumatologist or orthopedist. The specialist will perform diagnostic procedures and advise which treatment is best suited.

Contraindications

Severe pathologies of the heart and blood vessels. Especially when using certain medications that enter the bloodstream.
Damage to the integumentary tissue in the area where the compress is applied. Do not use on wounds, ulcers, skin inflammation and other dermatological problems.
Intolerance to the component used. This is an allergy to any plant extract, drug or other substance that is moistened with the bandage.

Other contraindications depend on the components used. If the lotion is wetted in the medicine, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to the use of this remedy.

Recipes for warming compresses

Compresses are also suitable to reduce pain and relax the neck:

Mustard-vodka. Pour 400 ml of vodka into a jar, add 50 g of aloe juice (available at the pharmacy), as well as 50 g of mustard seed powder. Mix all this thoroughly and store in the refrigerator. Before going to bed, heat the product in the microwave to a temperature of +40...+45 oC and soak a gauze patch in it. Put the remaining liquid back in the refrigerator, and put the gauze on the neck, cover it with cellophane and make an insulating bandage. If there is no unbearable burning sensation, then the compress can be left overnight.
Pepper. 200 g of vegetable oil (preferably camphor), take 3 tbsp. l. red pepper. Add 10 drops of citrus essential oil (orange or lemon). Mix everything and heat the mixture in a water bath or in the microwave to a comfortable temperature. Soak gauze or bandage in it and place it on your neck. Cover it with a bag and wrap it warmly. Keep it for 30-40 minutes. If it burns strongly, you can take it off earlier.
With Dimexide. Soak gauze in a warm solution of Dimexide and apply to the back of the neck. Tie it with cellophane and a warm scarf, leave it for 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Warming compresses are contraindicated for inflammation localized in the neck area. They also cannot be done if the skin is damaged.

Positive effects

Treatment of osteochondrosis and other neck diseases using compresses is considered effective for a number of reasons. Firstly, this is one of the safest procedures. Suitable for most people if neutral materials are used. Can be performed for almost any disease. Secondly, lotions have a complex effect. Warming or cooling of tissues, absorption of nutrients, calming and relaxing effect. This simple method allows you to organize therapy at home. Before doing this, it is enough to obtain permission from your doctor for such a procedure.

Medicinal ingredient

Complex therapeutic effect on blood vessels, connective tissues, bones, joints and nerve fibers. Can be performed in the presence of pathological conditions affecting different anatomical areas. It is enough to choose the right composition. Medication and other methods of treating osteochondrosis are usually not contraindications for the use of a compress. A combination of traditional therapy and lotions helps achieve better results.

The effect of a compress on the neck

Thermal effect on blood vessels. A warm compress dilates blood vessels. The brain and other tissues receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients. The muscles that compress the arteries and nerves relax. Pain caused by vasoconstriction goes away. Sufficient blood flow slows down the development of degenerative processes in cervical osteochondrosis.
Cooling for blood vessels. On the contrary, it constricts blood vessels, but when used correctly this does not lead to disruption of blood flow. Some experts recommend this type of lotion for inflammation accompanied by swelling. Reducing the vascular lumen helps eliminate edema. It also helps relieve soreness.
Anti-inflammatory effect. Cold and warm compresses have this effect, but it all depends on the appropriateness of their use for a particular problem. Elimination of the inflammatory reaction is due to changes in vascular tone, activation of the body's defense systems and irritant effects. If there is an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, such therapy accelerates the onset of remission.
Strengthening local immunity. This effect is also realized through the influence of the procedure on the vascular elements of the cervical region. If there is an infection or inflammation, immune complexes enter the tissues through capillaries. The intensity of the immune response depends on their narrowing or expansion. After hypothermia, moderate heat lotions can be used to reduce the risk of infectious and inflammatory pathology.
Analgesic effect. Aching, sharp or shooting pain in osteochondrosis and other similar diseases is formed due to the effect on nerve endings, swelling and inflammation. The intervertebral discs become deformed, causing greater stress on the nerve bundles. Tissue swelling also affects the condition of pain receptors. The procedure relieves the nerves of excess stress and soothes the tissues.
Slowing down the progression of the pathological condition. For degeneration of intervertebral joints, compresses stimulate regeneration. Anatomical structures recover faster after damage. Expansion of the vascular bed helps supply cartilage, tendons and bones with a large amount of useful substances. Also, nerve fibers are freed from excess load. In such conditions, joint destruction develops more slowly.

These are the key positive aspects of lotions. The additional benefit is usually related to the specific type of device or drug used.

Types of neck compresses

The classification of lotions is determined by the recipe of the liquid used. These are folk herbal remedies, medicines and other substances. The bandage is moistened in vodka, saline solution, honey and herbal tinctures. Drugs should be selected more carefully under the guidance of a doctor, since you need to know exactly the need to use a particular drug and take into account contraindications. Also, neck compresses are conventionally divided into warming, cold and neutral. The action of neutral lotions is largely aimed at the penetration of certain substances into the skin and underlying anatomical structures.

Warming lotions

For pain relief, improved blood flow and relief of the inflammatory response in certain diseases, including osteochondrosis. The generation of heat is usually associated with the irritating effect of certain substances. Increases vascular lumen, calms nerves and slows down the development of joint degeneration. Not suitable if there is severe swelling. The recipe should be selected taking into account the characteristics of the body. If allergic reactions are present, it is recommended to avoid medications and herbal ingredients. This type of dressing is used before bedtime.

Thermal effects are considered the most useful and universal. After therapy, you need to clean the skin at the bandage site with clean water. It is important to protect your neck from the cold while warming up. You also need to temporarily avoid exertion and sudden head movements. For best results, it is recommended to insulate the bandage with something on top. For example, you can use a scarf. If you cover the material with cellophane on top, you should not keep such a bandage for too long. The skin must breathe.

Vodka compress

It has a local irritant, analgesic and sedative effect. Relieves a person's condition within an hour. The effect lasts for a long period of time. Vodka is considered the main component. A common recipe recommends mixing one gram of propolis with one hundred and fifty milligrams of vodka and twenty-five grams of mustard powder. Moisten the bandage and wrap it around her neck. It is recommended to clean after 15-20 minutes. If a strong burning sensation occurs earlier, you need to remove the bandage.

The skin should be clean. Eliminate inflammation, irritation, infection and other pathologies affecting the integumentary tissue.

Calendula and iodine

The plant component has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, so this type is suitable for exacerbation of joint pathology. You need to add twenty drops of iodine to one hundred milliliters of plant tincture. You can also add a small amount of camphor oil to the solution. All this is diluted in two hundred milliliters of clean water. After stirring, soak the gauze bandage in the solution.

You should not keep the cold bandage on for long

With menovazine for pain relief

This is a combination drug with an analgesic effect based on menthol and anesthetics. The substances dilate blood vessels and limit the spread of the pain signal. It is used for neuralgia, muscle spasms and joint pain. You need to mix the product with water in a one to one ratio. Before the procedure, you should exclude intolerance to all components of the drug.

Honey and aloe oil

These components have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Aloe penetrates the upper layers of the skin and improves the functioning of blood vessels. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey can destroy bacterial cells, which can be useful after hypothermia to prevent the development of negative consequences. To prepare the liquid, you need to add a small amount of warm flower honey to aloe oil. Mix with warm water. Cover the lotion with a scarf on top.

Compresses with Dimexide

Medicinal-based warming compresses help relieve pain in a short period of time. Affordable and effective drugs include Dimexide.

Compresses with Dimexide relieve inflammation and reduce pain. The medicine is intended for local use. The active substances quickly penetrate the epidermal cells and have a therapeutic effect in areas of inflammation.

Properties of the drug:

activation of metabolic processes;
elimination of inflammation;
antifungal effect;
anesthesia;
regeneration of damaged areas.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the acute stage causes unbearable pain, which can be relieved with compresses from Novocaine and Dimexide.

Preparation of the solution:

Novocaine 20% - 50 ml;
Dimexide – 30 ml;
water – 50 ml.

The compress liquid must be prepared using rubber gloves, because Dimexide causes irritation. The mixture is made immediately before use. After 12 hours, chemical reactions of the active substance with water begin to occur; such a solution is not used.

Cooling compresses for the neck

They are used less frequently because there are fewer indications for such a procedure. Water is considered the safest component. It is enough to moisten a clean gauze bandage in cold water, the temperature of which is not lower than 5-7 degrees. After this, apply to the skin and hold for a short amount of time. It is important not to use during infectious processes and inflammation, when there is a risk of worsening the condition.

Most experts recommend using this method only to relieve swelling and relieve pain due to a bruise. Otherwise, you should definitely consult a doctor before applying the bandage.

Lotions on medications

These types of dressings are more suitable for treating specific diseases. Before using them, an examination is carried out. Medicines are selected by a doctor. These are topical agents that enter the body through the skin and cause a local therapeutic effect. The effectiveness of treatment measures and the risk of complications depend on the correct selection of medication. There are main groups of medications used. The doctor will recommend a suitable remedy, taking into account your medical history and contraindications.

Saline solution is useful for sore throat

Groups of medications

Local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Novocaine, lidocaine, benzocaine and other chemical compounds of this type have a predominantly analgesic effect. They stop the spread of pain sensitivity to the brain. Causes temporary loss of sensation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a complex effect. For example, nimesulide in the form of a gel.
Herbal preparations. These are liquid dosage forms based on sage, calendula, mustard, mint, aloe and other plants. Complex medicinal activity. It is important to rule out allergies before applying a bandage.
Medicines with metabolic and regenerative properties. Penetrates bone and joints, accelerates the restoration of anatomical structures. Prevents their further destruction.
Drugs that have only an anti-inflammatory effect. For example, dimexide. This is a long-discovered chemical compound that suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators. Sold in solution and gel form.
Combined medications. They immediately contain soothing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic components. Suitable for osteochondrosis. For example, menovazin.

Other folk components

Castor oil. A natural substance made from castor beans. There are amino acid complexes and unsaturated fatty acids. When applied topically, castor oil stimulates cell regeneration and normalizes metabolic processes.
Salt. Has a warming effect. Relieves inflammation. To prepare the liquid, you need to add three tablespoons of salt to a liter of boiled water. Stir thoroughly. Then bring to room temperature and use. Can be mixed with plant substances.
Birch tar. A popular natural component that provides a local irritant effect. Increases vascular lumen. Quickly relieves inflammation and prevents the development of negative consequences of hypothermia.
Wax. It is applied to the bandage if the pathological condition occurs in the superficial layers of the epidermis or dermis. The substance removes toxins from the body and softens the epithelium.

For the first time, it is better to select neutral ingredients without irritating effects.

Salt lotions

Saline solutions are an effective remedy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. They relieve swelling, eliminate pain and dizziness, lower blood pressure, and remove waste and toxins. The healing liquid is prepared from sea and table salt.

Recipe for preparing saline solution:

boil 1 liter of water;
add 3 tablespoons of fine salt;
stir until completely dissolved.

The solution is ready for use. Dampen a clean cloth and apply it to the inflamed area.

On a note. Saline dressings are applied hot, but do not provide insulation. At high temperatures and humidity, salt corrodes the epidermis.

Compresses made from essential oils will help enhance the healing effect. They have a softening and anti-inflammatory effect. Add 8-10 drops of fir, lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil to the prepared saline solution. The compress is kept for half an hour, then the lotion area is washed with warm water.

Medical recommendations

Orthopedists, rheumatologists and other doctors advise their patients not to limit themselves to the use of compresses for osteochondrosis. Complex treatment helps to get rid of the problem faster and more effectively. The initial examination helps the doctor assess the severity of the condition and determine the cause of the disease. Next, the main medicinal and therapeutic techniques are selected. Sometimes surgery is required. With the approval of a specialist, the main course of treatment can be supplemented with physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, cupping and lotions.

The result depends on carefully following the recommendations. You should also initially reduce the load on the neck and avoid excessive physical activity in this area.

Hot compress recipes

These compresses will warm the spine, relax the back and relieve pain:

Potato. Boil the potatoes with their skins (3-4 pieces). Drain and mash without peeling to a very thick puree. Add 2-3 tbsp. l. honey and make a flat cake. Place the cake on the sore spot, cover it with a plastic bag and secure it all with a scarf. Hold the compress until it gives off all the heat.
Rye. Knead the dough with water and rye flour until it turns out quite stiff. Form a flat cake and bake it in the oven (you can use a slow cooker, bread maker, or microwave). To avoid getting burned, place gauze on your neck, folded 2-3 times. Then - a flatbread. To make it cool down more slowly and not give off heat into the air, cover it with polyethylene, and then tie a scarf or warm scarf around your neck. Keep the cake until it cools.
Cabbage. Boil the cabbage leaves until they are soft but not torn. Let them cool slightly until they stop burning. Place them on your neck and cover them with a bag, then tie a warm scarf around your neck and keep the bandage on until it cools down.
Saline. Take 1 packet of sea salt and pour it into a canvas bag. Tie it and place it on a radiator or other warm object, leave for 1-2 hours. Then lie on your stomach and place it on your neck. Lie there while the salt continues to give off its heat.

Do not apply hot compresses if there are areas of inflammation in the tissues of the neck or spine.