Exercises
Whether and to what extent special exercises are useful in cervicobrachialgia depends primarily on the underlying cause of the symptoms. If the cause lies in a degeneration of the spinal column in the cervical area, exercises can only achieve a limited improvement. Acutely occurring complaints due to muscle tension, or the blocking of individual joints can be improved with the help of certain exercises.
Besides a relaxing massage, which is best carried out by a physiotherapist, exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in the affected area. In consultation with the attending doctor or physiotherapist, the following exercises can help to relieve the symptoms: In prone position, the arms are held in a 90° position by the body, while the palms of the hands are pointing towards the floor. The face also points to the floor.
Now the head is lifted off the floor and the arms are also raised for a few seconds. In the second exercise you sit on a chair and place your head in the neck. Now the chin is stretched towards the ceiling by your own muscle power. This exercise can be repeated several times. Stretching the individual muscle groups in the neck and shoulder can also provide relief from the symptoms of cervicobrachialgia.
Homeopathy
As with many other clinical pictures, the use of homeopathic remedies is becoming increasingly popular in cervicobrachialgia. Examples of possible remedies that are supposed to help with cervicobrachialgia are for example Cimicifuga, Nux vomica, Bryonia, Ledum or Arnica. It should be noted, however, that there is no scientific evidence that homeopathic remedies help to improve the symptoms of cervicobrachialgia. The use of homeopathic remedies should therefore always be undertaken in consultation with the treating physician and in addition to conventional therapy.
Cervicobrachialgia and osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a chronic wear and tear disease of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral joints. The probability of developing osteochondrosis increases with age, since the natural process of wear and tear over the years can also damage the intervertebral joints. Anything that strongly compresses and stresses the elastic intervertebral discs increases the risk of wear and tear, be it through long periods of sitting and little movement or through hard physical work.
The intervertebral discs lose their elasticity in the long run and can no longer optimally cushion the movement between the vertebral bodies. The bone adapts to the situation and forms small bony extensions, so-called “spondylophytes”. The bones of the individual vertebral bodies, which are now closer together, cause bony wear and tear, an arthrotic change.
The development process takes months to years. The pain also occurs only sporadically at the beginning, but in the case of long-term osteochondrosis, there is persistent back pain which can spread to the arms and legs. The earlier the therapy of osteochondrosis is started, the sooner further degenerative changes in the spine can be prevented.
