Osteochondrosis is a pathology that occurs in both men and women, young and old, and consists of degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs.The main reason is physical inactivity.Due to the lack of physical activity, the blood circulation in the tissues near the spine deteriorates;the intervertebral discs, which do not have their own blood vessels, experience a lack of nutrition and gradually begin to "shrink".Treatment of osteochondrosis is always complex.It is based on maintaining an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, normalizing the daily routine and playing sports.
Traditional medicine offers various therapeutic methods: drug treatment, physiotherapy, alternative methods - hirudotherapy and acupuncture, mud therapy and balneotherapy, as well as massage and manual therapy, movement therapy.They can recommend original therapy courses to patients.Yoga classes and exercises with a fitness ball are undoubtedly beneficial.
Ointments, tablets, injections
Osteochondrosis itself does not cause pain.As the disease progresses, from stage 2 onwards, symptoms such as pain appear.Patients first notice a slight deterioration of flexibility, and then a significant limitation of the motor activity of the spine.In advanced cases, patients are forced to turn their entire trunk to look around.
Pain relievers
Ointments are the first thing people reach for when they feel back pain.In most cases, they do not cure, but only relieve the pain.These compositions are based on:
- NSAIDs;
- heating elements;
- with bee venom;
- combined (NSAIDs + chondroprotectors).
External NSAID-based products are available orally (tablets, capsules, sachets) and in injection form.
Nutrition of the intervertebral discs
Special mention should be made of chondroprotectors, which are available in three forms:
- external;
- for oral administration;
- injections.
Patients rarely use them independently.In addition, you should consult a doctor to choose the right medicine.Chondroprotectors act directly on the cause of osteochondrosis - they nourish the cartilage.Products intended for external use are unlikely to significantly affect the situation - only a small part of the beneficial substances reaches the intervertebral discs, so doctors recommend taking such drugs orally and sometimes injections at the same time.
Muscle relaxation and stress relief
In addition, drug treatment of osteochondrosis includes:
- muscle relaxants - drugs that relax muscles, which is very important for osteochondrosis;
- sedatives (valerian tincture or motherwort) or sedatives - improve the general emotional background, allowing the patient to look at the disease from the other side and take care of himself.
Physiotherapy: at the clinic and at home
In the case of degenerative-dystrophic processes of the intervertebral discs, it is important to normalize the blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.Physiotherapy can help with this.Many procedures can only be performed in specialized medical facilities:
- laser exposure;
- EHF;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrasound;
- magnet therapy;
- vibration therapy.
The last 2 types of physiotherapy can be performed by yourself at home, using special therapeutic devices.
You can also treat the spine at home with devices based on the effect of pulse current on human skin.The efficiency of the devices is high.In the early stages of osteochondrosis, you can achieve complete recovery without taking pills.If the condition is ignored, you will have to work long and hard, leading to a stable remission and a pain-free life.Then the treatment must be repeated.
Just a note.Pregnant women should consult a doctor about home treatment of osteochondrosis with physiotherapy.
Hirudotherapy and acupuncture
Both types of treatment are effective.The effect occurs at biologically active points, resulting in:
- the flow of lymph and blood in the paravertebral tissues is normalized;
- spasmodic muscles relax;
- leeches inject a special enzyme into the wound that acts as an anticoagulant (thins the blood).
Hirudotherapy is prohibited in the case of pathologies of the hematopoietic system, leech saliva allergy, hemorrhagic diathesis, infectious diseases, tumors (benign and malignant) and mental pathologies.Acupuncture has approximately the same list, except for blood disorders and allergies.
Just a note.Both types of therapy are prohibited for pregnant women.
Mud therapy and balneotherapy
Both methods are used exclusively in sanatoriums located "on the water".Mud therapy consists of smearing yourself with medicinal mud containing many useful substances.Balneotherapy involves swallowing mineral water and bathing in it.
Both methods have proven to be excellent.As a result of mud and mineral water, pain and inflammation disappear, and the patient's metabolism and psycho-emotional state are normalized.A referral for such sanatorium treatment is issued by the attending physician, taking into account all the concurrent pathologies of the patient.
Massage and manual therapy
The main job of massage therapists and chiropractors is to relieve muscle spasms and tone muscles that are likely to atrophy.With the removal of such a clamp, the patient will most likely experience significant relief or complete cessation of pain.
During the process, the specialist's hands work both external and deep muscle groups.This improves the flow of lymph and blood, as a result of which the intervertebral discs receive adequate nutrition and moisture.
Just a note.Both massage and manual therapy have contraindications.A qualified specialist must examine the patient's medical history and only then start treatment.
Exercise therapy and original techniques
Physiotherapy is an important element in the treatment of osteochondrosis.Regular exercise allows you to maintain the flexibility of your spine.It is unlikely that the doctor at the district clinic will recommend performing them.However, the patient has the right to clarify whether he can perform exercises from these techniques with an established diagnosis.
General recommendations for practicing therapeutic exercises:
- Be sure to ventilate the room.It is better to practice with an open window or in nature.
- Exercise should not cause pain, so exercise during the period of remission.
- Start with low reps.
- Watch your breathing - it should be even.
- Exercise regularly without missing a day.
The advantage of the author's methods is that they can be used even in the acute stage.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 designed for the elderly and is available for patients with minimal physical fitness.For young people, the doctor recommends a gradual increase in the number of repetitions and approaches, which loads the spine in accordance with age and strengthens the ligaments well.
Yoga
It is a combination of spiritual, physical and mental practices.Yoga classes for osteochondrosis have a positive effect not only on the spine, but also on the psycho-emotional state of the patient.Asanas (static poses) can be performed according to the best physical abilities, gradually developing and ultimately reaching the ideal execution.
In case of osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform the following complex:
- Savasana is the pose of the dead.
- Vrikshasana – Tree Pose.
- Shalabhasana – Locust Pose.
- Marjariasana - cat pose.
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - half-bridge pose (shoulders and head lie on the floor).
- Paschimottanasana - forward bend holding the feet with the hands and fully extending the spine.
- Bhujangasana – Cobra Pose.
- Utkatasana - Mountain Pose.
- Ushtrasana – camel pose.
- Vaparita karani is a birch tree, but the hips rest on a soft cushion on the floor.
The asanas listed can be varied - some can be removed, some can be left in, or new ones can be added.Try the complex poses first "as it turns out", then when the spine becomes more flexible, try to achieve the ideal body position according to all the rules.
Fitball
The fitness ball is an excellent tool for restoring the flexibility of the spine.It is convenient and easy to work with.It is enough to lie on your back on a fitball and feel how the vertebrae fall into place and the spine lengthens.
The osteochondrosis complex includes many exercises.Here are 3 of them, the simplest:
- Lie with your stomach on the ball, your limbs on the floor.Raise your right arm and left leg at the same time.Switch limbs.Repeat at least 5 times.
- Lie on the ball with your back - smoothly, with your feet firmly planted on the floor, throw your head back and stand on an imaginary bridge.Lie in this position for a few minutes.If you feel pain, stop.
- Again, lie on your stomach on the ball.Place your limbs on the floor.Now start rolling forward, moving your hands quickly until the ball is below the knee.Roll back until the exercise ball is under your chest.
Just a note.Exercises with a fitball are considered safe for the spine.However, it is better to consult a doctor before starting the exercises.
You need to start treating osteochondrosis as soon as possible.If your back is no longer flexible, and the usual actions quickly lead to fatigue, do not self-medicate - consult a doctor and do a full examination.Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis.Aristotle also said: "Life is movement."Remember this and exercise regularly.