One of the most common pathologies of the spine is osteochondrosis. It occurs in 60% of all inhabitants of the planet Earth, and can develop even in young people under the age of 30-35 years. This disease is a disorder of the intervertebral disc and its systemic destruction, which leads to the inability of the spine to perform musculoskeletal functions. To combat pathology, doctors recommend surgical intervention or drug therapy, but in some cases, osteochondrosis can be treated at home.
A brief description of the disease
Osteochondrosis manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of pain in the spine, body pain and numbness in the arms or legs for no reason. In some cases, even loss of consciousness or frequent dizziness is possible. If the disease is not treated, it gradually leads to muscle tissue atrophy, nerve impulse disorders, and dysfunction of several internal organs. Protrusions, intervertebral hernias and radiculitis are considered serious complications of this disease. Therefore, it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible, when the first signs of pain appear.
The cause of the disease is hidden in a passive lifestyle, lack of sufficient load on the spine and a developed muscular skeleton. Concomitant factors also include poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, problems with posture, insufficient fluid intake, hereditary predisposition, infectious diseases, obesity and bad habits.
Features of fighting this disease
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible if the patient does not use folk remedies as the only therapy, and has consulted a doctor about the complex effects on the pathology. The main ways to get rid of the problem are:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage and physiotherapy.
- Gymnastics.
- Ethnoscience.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly, because the affected cartilage tissue is restored slowly. It will take at least three months to complete the complex steps, and about a year will be spent on the recovery period. The treatment results obtained largely depend on the patient himself, his diligence in following the instructions, as well as the stage of the disease.
Medicines
Chondrosis can be treated at home only after the doctor prescribes a course of medication. They aim to relieve back pain, eliminate the inflammatory process, and restore the mobility of cartilage tissue. After examination and diagnostics, the specialist prescribes the following group of drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Painkillers.
- Vasodilators.
- Relax the muscles.
- Sedative (valerian extract, motherwort decoction).
- Multivitamins.
They must be taken according to strict instructions. The medicine improves the patient's well-being and restores metabolism. Therefore, after a few weeks the patient feels better, but we must not forget that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease, and it must be treated only comprehensively. Pills alone cannot solve the problem.
Therapeutic massages and baths
Self-massage sessions are very helpful in the treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis. You can do it at home without the involvement of a specialist. Due to the continuous exposure to gentle compression of soft tissue in the area of pathological development, blood circulation is activated, the supply of oxygen and beneficial microelements to disc tissue and other cartilage improves. This complex is done as follows:
- The process should begin with a light and gentle application on the problem area. It is better not to take additional devices; your palm and finger prints will suffice.
- After rubbing, they move on to increase the effect on the area. You can take the folds of skin with your fingers and squeeze gently.
- Kneading the muscles and soft tissues should occur in the paravertebral area; the ridge itself should not be affected. The movement can be patting, circular, or with pressure.
- The session should be completed by tapping, vibrating and stroking.
This self-massage of the back can be done even without special knowledge and skills every day. The effect on the muscles of the chest, hips, shoulders, and lower back has a good effect on the treatment of osteochondrosis in general.
In addition to massage, medicated baths also help to overcome this disease. They are contraindicated during the exacerbation period, but become indispensable during the remission stage. Proper and regular exercise allows you to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve your mood and well-being. You can only use warm water in the process (hot water will only harm), to which a decoction of medicinal herbs is added. Thyme, string, thyme, lemon balm, and chamomile have proven themselves well. You need to take a medicated bath 20 minutes before going to bed.
Physiotherapy
Simple exercises are useful for the spine in case of cartilage tissue dysfunction. The doctor chooses it for each patient individually, taking into account the general condition, physical fitness, and age. They are done every day and are part of therapy. The simplest activity is reminiscent of school exercises, but its importance for the body during the treatment period cannot be underestimated. They aim to warm up the muscles, increase blood circulation, stretch and relax the muscles where there is a block.
During the implementation process, the following recommendations should be followed:
- Do not exercise quickly, putting a lot of stress on bone and muscle tissue.
- Everything is done smoothly, thoughtfully, with control of sensations in the body.
- The class is stopped completely if the patient feels sick and cannot stand up.
- The strength complex always alternates with breathing exercises so that the tissues receive a sufficient amount of oxygen.
- Classes can only be conducted in a room with good ventilation or in the fresh air.
Keep in mind that the attending physician prescribes training; some effects on the spine are dangerous in the event of diseases such as osteoporosis. They can cause serious complications. Exercise therapy is an excellent tool to combat back pathology and is often used as a preventive measure for some problems with increased risk. The complex includes exercises from yoga or oriental techniques. You need to do it regularly, at least 3 times a week.
ethnoscience
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis or other localization at home is possible in a way that is widely known among the public. They are very effective and safe for human health. Finding a large number of recipes for decoctions, ointments, infusions and compresses using medicinal herbs is not difficult. They are easy to prepare independently and at the same time weave the body with useful substances, providing a general strengthening effect. It is advisable to use this technique under the supervision of an attending physician, and use it only in combination with traditional approaches.
Decoction and infusion
It is better to treat lumbosacral osteochondrosis from the inside, influencing the body with healing drinks. It is prepared from plants collected in environmentally friendly places, or purchased at a pharmacy. Parsley seeds, pine cones or spruce cones, thyme, and cinquefoil have proven themselves well. Easy recipe to cook:
- Take 200 g of cinquefoil root, cut it carefully, mix it with 100 g of Potentilla erecta and pour 1 liter of vodka. Leave for 2-3 weeks in a cool and dark place. After this, strain the infusion through cheesecloth. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day for a month.
- Take 30 fir cones, wash them from dirt and pour boiling water over them. Strain and drink the resulting decoction in two steps. One portion is taken in the morning, the second in the evening. This is repeated every day for a month.
- 5 g of dried laurel leaves are poured with boiling water and left for 5 minutes. It is better to do this in a thermos. You should drink it within three days.
A decoction can be prepared from pear branches, nettle leaves, lemon and celery. It is very important to follow the recommendations and dosages specified in the recipe. For women, the amount may be reduced depending on age and weight.
Compress and application
To relieve pain, relieve inflammation and treat back pain, lotions with various components are widely used. Their regular implementation allows you to normalize the movement of biological fluids in the body, remove muscle spasms, improve your condition, and warm soft tissues. Compression is done as follows:
- Chop fresh horseradish roots and apples of any variety.
- Squeeze the resulting mass a little from the juice.
- Solid lumps.
- Apply to the affected area.
- Cover with a clean towel or cloth.
- Leave it in place until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
The procedure is repeated every day. In addition to compressing, applications are also used. With their help, the functionality of nerve endings and normal joint mobility is restored. Aloe juice, natural honey and vodka are used for the lotion. They are mixed in the proportion of 50 g: 100 g: 100 ml, respectively. And after infusion for 5 days, the mixture is applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene. It is better to do the procedure several times a day.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is carried out carefully. Patients should not voluntarily change the course of prescribed medication or add strength training without the knowledge of the doctor. An integrated approach and compliance with expert recommendations is the key to successfully combating pathology. Traditional recipes give better results if supported by physical exercise, massage and application.