Methods of treatment for osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a pathology that occurs in 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, blood circulation in the tissues adjacent to the spine deteriorates;the intervertebral disc, having no blood vessels of its own, experiences a lack of nutrition and gradually begins to "shrink."Treatment of osteochondrosis is always complicated.It is based on maintaining an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, normalization of daily routine, and sports.

Traditional medicine offers different methods of therapy: medicine, physiotherapy, alternative methods - hirudotherapy and acupuncture, mud therapy and balneotherapy, as well as massage and manual therapy, exercise therapy.The patient may be recommended the original therapeutic course.Yoga classes and exercises with a fitness ball will bring undoubted benefits.

Ointment, tablet, injection

Osteochondrosis itself does not cause pain.Pain-like symptoms occur with the progression of the disease, starting from stage 2. Patients also note, first, a slight deterioration in flexibility, and then significant limitations in spinal motor activity.In advanced cases, patients have to turn their entire body to look around.

Painkillers

Ointment is the first thing a person takes when they feel back pain.For the most part, they do not cure, but only relieve pain.This is a composition based on:

• NSAIDs;
• heating components;
• with bee venom;
• combined (NSAIDs + chondroprotectors).

NSAID-based external products are also available in oral (tablets, capsules, sachets) and injectable forms.

Nutrition for intervertebral discs

Separately, it is necessary to mention chondroprotectors, which are available in three forms:

• exterior;
• for oral administration;
• injection.

Rarely do patients use it themselves.In addition, to choose the right medicine, you need to consult a doctor.Chondroprotectors act directly on the cause of osteochondrosis - they nourish the cartilage.Products for external use are unlikely to significantly affect the condition - only a small part of the beneficial substances will reach the intervertebral disc, so doctors at the same time recommend taking the drug orally, and sometimes giving injections.

Muscle relaxation and stress relief

Also, drug treatment of osteochondrosis includes taking:

• muscle relaxants - drugs that relax muscles, which are very important for osteochondrosis;
• sedatives (valerian or motherwort) or tranquilizers - they improve the overall emotional background, allow the patient to see the disease from the other side and take care of himself.

Physiotherapy: in the clinic and at home

In the case of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the intervertebral disc, it is important to normalize blood circulation in the paravertebral tissue.Physiotherapy can help with this.Many procedures can only be completed in specialized medical institutions:

• laser exposure;
• EHF;
• electrophoresis;
• ultrasound;
• magnetic therapy;
• vibration therapy.

The last 2 types of physiotherapy can be done at home, having special therapeutic tools.

Also, at home, you can treat the spine using a device based on the effect of pulsating current on human skin.The efficiency of the device is high.In the early stages of osteochondrosis, you can achieve a complete cure without taking pills.If the condition is neglected, you will have to work long and hard, which will lead to stable remission and a life without pain.Then the treatment should be repeated.

Just a note.Women expecting children should consult a doctor about home treatment for osteochondrosis using physiotherapy devices.

Hirudotherapy and acupuncture

Both types of treatment are effective.Effects occur at biologically active points, resulting in:

• lymph and blood flow in the paravertebral tissue is normalized;
• muscle spasms relax;
• leeches inject a special enzyme into the wound, which acts as an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

Hirudotherapy is prohibited for pathologies of the hematopoietic system, allergies to leech saliva, hemorrhagic diathesis, infectious diseases, neoplasms (benign and malignant), and mental pathologies.Acupuncture has almost the same list, except for blood diseases 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 waters".Mud therapy involves rubbing yourself with therapeutic mud that contains many useful substances.Balneotherapy is taking mineral water and bathing in it.

Both methods have proven themselves very well.Under the influence of mud and mineral water, pain and inflammation disappear, 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 concomitant pathologies of the patient.

Massage and manual therapy

The primary task of massage therapists and chiropractors is to relieve muscle spasms and muscle tone that may atrophy.By removing such a clamp, the patient will most likely experience significant relief or complete disappearance of pain.

During the process, expert hands work both external and internal muscle groups.This increases the flow of lymph and blood, as a result of which the intervertebral disc receives sufficient nutrition and moisture.

Just a note.Both massage and manual therapy have contraindications.A qualified specialist must review the patient's medical history before starting treatment.

Exercise therapy and original techniques

Physical therapy is an important component 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 would recommend doing it.However, the patient has the right to clarify whether, with the established diagnosis, he can perform exercises from this technique.

General recommendations for practicing therapeutic exercises:

1. Be sure to ventilate the room.It is best to practice with an open window or in nature.
2. Exercise should not cause pain, so exercise during the remission period.
3. Start with low reps.
4. Pay attention to your breathing - it should be even.
5. Exercise regularly, without missing a day.

The advantage of the author's method is that it can be practiced even in the acute stage.For example, the first complex helps to relieve muscle tension and pain due to osteochondrosis.In this case, the patient is asked to do simple static exercises.

Another technique encourages micro-movement.It is designed for the elderly and accessible to patients with minimal physical fitness.For young people, doctors recommend gradually increasing the number of repetitions and approaches, which will load the spine according to age and strengthen the muscle corset well.

Yoga

This is a set of spiritual, physical and mental practices.Yoga classes for osteochondrosis have a positive effect not only on the spinal column, but also on the patient's psycho-emotional state.Asanas (static poses) can be performed according to your physical capabilities, develop gradually and, finally, achieve the ideal implementation.

For osteochondrosis, it is recommended to perform the following complex:

1. Savasana is the dead man's pose.
2. Vrikshasana - tree pose.
3. Shalabhasana - grasshopper pose.
4. Marjariasana - cat pose.
5. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - half bridge pose (shoulders and head lying on the floor).
6. Paschimottanasana - bending forward with hands grasping the legs and fully extending the spine.
7. Bhujangasana - cobra pose.
8. Utkatasana - mountain pose.
9. Ushtrasana - camel pose.
10. Vaparita karani is a birch tree, but the hips rest on a soft cushion that rests on the floor.

The asanas listed can be changed - some can be removed, some can be left in, or new ones can be added.Complex poses are first performed "as it turns out", then, when the spine becomes more flexible, according to all the rules, strive for the ideal body position.

Fitball

A fitness ball is an excellent tool for restoring flexibility in the spine.Working with it is simple and easy.It is enough to lie on your back on the fitball and feel how the vertebrae fall into place and the spine stretches.

The complex for osteochondrosis includes several exercises.Here are 3 of them, the easiest:

• Lie on your stomach on the ball, with your limbs on the floor.Raise the right arm and left leg at the same time.Change body parts.Repeat at least 5 times.
• Lie on the ball with your back - smooth, put your feet firmly on the floor, throw your head and stand on an imaginary bridge.Lie in this position for a few minutes.If you feel pain, stop.
• Lie on the ball with your stomach again.Place your limbs on the floor.Now begin to roll forward, moving your hands quickly until the ball is below your knees.Roll back up until the exercise ball is under your chest.

Just a note.Exercise with a fitball can be considered safe for the spine.However, it is best to consult a doctor before starting exercise.

You need to start treating osteochondrosis as early as possible.If your back is no longer flexible, and habitual actions quickly cause fatigue, do not self-medicate - see a doctor and undergo a full examination.In the treatment of osteochondrosis, a large place is given to physical therapy.Aristotle also said: "Life is movement."Remember this and do gymnastics regularly.