Osteochondrosis is a pathology common in both men and women, young and old, consisting of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The main reason is lack of physical activity.Due to lack of physical activity, the blood circulation of the adjacent tissues of the spine deteriorates; the intervertebral disc does not have its own blood vessels, lacks nutrients, and gradually begins to "atrophy".Treatment of osteochondrosis is always complex.It is based on maintaining an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, normalization of daily life and physical activity.
Traditional medicine offers different treatments: medication, physiotherapy, alternative methods - leech therapy and acupuncture, mud therapy and balneotherapy, as well as massage and manual therapy, exercise therapy.A course of original therapy may be recommended to the patient.Yoga classes and medicine ball exercises definitely bring benefits.
Ointments, tablets, injections
Osteochondrosis itself does not cause pain.Starting from the second stage, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as pain will appear.Patients also notice first a slight decrease in flexibility and then a significant limitation in spinal movement.In advanced cases, patients are forced to turn their entire torso to look around.
painkillers
When people experience back pain, the first thing that comes to mind is ointment.In most cases, they do not cure, only relieve pain.These compositions are based on:
- NSAIDs;
- heating elements;
- Contains bee venom;
- Combination medication (NSAIDs + chondroprotectants).
Topical products based on NSAIDs are also available in oral forms (tablets, capsules, sachets) and injectables.
Intervertebral disc nutrition
Also worth mentioning are chondroprotectants, which come in three forms:
- external;
- For oral administration;
- injection.
Patients rarely use them themselves.In addition, choosing the right drug requires consulting a doctor.Chondroprotectants act directly on the cause of osteochondrosis - they nourish cartilage.Topical products are unlikely to have a significant effect on this condition - only a small fraction of the beneficial substances reach the disc, so doctors also recommend such medications by mouth and sometimes by injection.
Muscle relaxation and stress relief
Additionally, medical treatment for osteochondrosis includes taking:
- Muscle relaxants - drugs that relax muscles, which is very important in osteochondrosis;
- Sedatives (tincture of valerian or motherwort) or sedatives - they improve the overall emotional background and allow the patient to see the disease from the other side and take care of themselves.
Physical therapy: in the clinic and at home
In the case of degenerative dystrophic processes of the intervertebral disc, it is very important to normalize blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.Physical therapy can help with this.Many surgeries can only be done in specialized medical facilities:
- laser exposure;
- extremely high frequency;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrasound;
- magnet therapy;
- Vibration therapy.
The last two types of physical therapy can be performed at home using special therapy equipment.
Additionally, at home you can treat the spine using devices based on the effect of pulsed electric current on the human skin.The equipment is highly efficient.In the early stages of osteochondrosis, complete cure can be achieved without medication.If the condition is ignored, you will have to work hard for a long time, which will lead to stable remission and a pain-free life.The treatment will then need to be repeated.
Just a note.Pregnant women should talk to their doctor about using physical therapy equipment for home treatment of osteochondrosis.
Leech therapy and acupuncture
Both treatments are effective.Effects occur at biologically active points, resulting in:
- Normalization of lymph and blood flow in paravertebral tissues;
- Spasmed muscles relax;
- Leeches inject a special enzyme into the wound that acts as an anticoagulant (thinning the blood).
The use of leech therapy is prohibited in diseases of the hematopoietic system, allergy to leech saliva, bleeding diathesis, infectious diseases, tumors (benign and malignant) and mental illness.Acupuncture covers roughly the same range of treatments, with the exception of blood disorders and allergies.
Just a note.Pregnant women are prohibited from using these two treatments.
Mud therapy and balneotherapy
Both methods are used exclusively in sanatoriums located "on the water".Mud therapy involves anointing yourself with healing mud that contains many useful substances.Balneotherapy is the ingestion of mineral water and bathing in it.
Both methods have proven to be excellent.Under the influence of mud and mineral water, pain and inflammation disappear, and the patient's metabolism and psycho-emotional state return to normal.Referrals for such nursing home treatment are made by the attending physician taking into account all concomitant medical conditions of the patient.
Massage and manual therapy
The main tasks of massage therapists and chiropractors are to eliminate muscle spasms and tone muscles that may be atrophic.By removing such a clip, patients are likely to experience significant relief or complete absence of pain.
During this procedure, the expert's hands work on both external and deep muscle groups.This improves the flow of lymph and blood, allowing the discs to receive adequate nutrients and moisture.
Just a note.Both massage and manual therapy have contraindications.A qualified specialist must study the patient's medical history before starting treatment.
Sports therapy and original techniques
Physical therapy is an important part of osteochondrosis treatment.Regular exercise can maintain the flexibility of your spine.Doctors at regional clinics are unlikely to recommend this.However, the patient has the right to clarify whether, after diagnosis, he can exercise using these techniques.
General recommendations for performing therapeutic exercises:
- Be sure to ventilate the room.It's best to practice with an open window or in nature.
- Exercise should not cause pain, so do it during remission.
- Start with low reps.
- Pay attention to your breathing - it should be even.
- Exercise regularly and never miss a day.
The advantage of the author's method is that it can be practiced even in the acute phase.For example, the first complex helps relieve muscle tension and pain caused by osteochondrosis.In this case, the patient is asked to perform simple static exercises.
Another technique promotes micro-movements.It is specially designed for the elderly and suitable for patients with poor physical fitness.For young people, doctors recommend gradually increasing the number of repetitions and approaches, which loads the spine according to age and strengthens the muscle girdle well.
Yoga
It is a set of spiritual, physical and psychological exercises.Osteochondrosis yoga classes not only have a positive effect on the spine, but also on the patient's psychological and emotional state.Asanas (static postures) bring out the best in your physical abilities, gradually developing and ultimately leading to your desired execution.
For osteochondrosis, the following combination of actions is recommended:
- Savasana is the posture of the deceased.
- Vrikshasana – Tree Pose.
- Shalabhasana – Locust Pose.
- Marjarariasana - Cat Pose.
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Half bridge pose (shoulders and head lying on the floor).
- Paschimottanasana - Bend forward and grab your feet with your hands, fully extending your spine.
- Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose.
- Utkatasana – Mountain Pose.
- Ushtrasana – Camel Pose.
- Vaparita karani is a birch tree but with its hips on a soft cushion on the floor.
The poses listed can be varied - some can be removed, some kept, or new ones added.First complete the complex poses "proven", then, when the spine becomes more flexible, strive for the ideal body position according to all the rules.
exercise ball
An exercise ball is an excellent tool for restoring spinal flexibility.Working with him is convenient and easy.It is enough to lie on your back on an exercise ball and feel how your vertebrae sit into place and how your spine stretches.
The osteochondrosis complex includes a variety of exercises.Here are 3, the simplest:
- Lie down with your belly on the ball and your limbs on the floor.Lift your right arm and left leg at the same time.Swap limbs.Repeat at least 5 times.
- Lie on your back on the ball - smoothly plant your feet firmly on the floor and tilt your head back, standing on an imaginary bridge.Stay in this position for several minutes.If you feel pain, stop.
- Lie on the ball again with your belly.Place your limbs on the floor.Now start rolling forward, moving your hands quickly until the ball is below your knees.Roll back until the exercise ball is under your chest.
Just a note.Exercises using an exercise ball are safe for the spine.However, it's best to consult your doctor before starting to exercise.
You need to start treating osteochondrosis as early as possible.If your back is no longer flexible and habitual movements cause fatigue quickly, don't self-medicate - talk to your doctor and get a thorough check-up.Physical therapy plays a large role in the treatment of osteochondrosis.Aristotle also said: "Life consists in movement."Remember this and do gymnastics regularly.