Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold of which decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is spinal degeneration, that is, the limitation of its mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the vertebral discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, allowing the onset of the disease to be delayed until an older age.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medicines), spinal traction, and physical therapy.These methods have proven effective through many years of practice and positive results.
Medications
The main goal of treating the disease with tablets, injections and ointments is to relieve the symptoms of the disease during its exacerbation.Depending on the degree of negligence and severity of the condition, the following are used for drug treatment:
- Non-steroidal analgesics: to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants: to relieve muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for blockage.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of a positive result of treatment when using other drugs.
- Chondroprotectors: for the restoration of cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations to improve blood microcirculation and restore metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complexes: to improve the general condition of the patient.
Effective drug treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only if the medications are selected by the treating doctor.This method gives positive results, but is used in serious cases;Prevention of osteochondrosis by special exercises no longer produces any effect.
traction
Spinal traction is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to stretch the spine.The goal of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae.The procedure provides relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.A positive result should be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.Loads on the back after the procedure are unacceptable.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy has truly magical capabilities, which are used as one of the methods of treating the disease and as prevention of osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a series of specially designed exercises in most cases is used as an adjunct to ongoing treatment and, in some cases, can completely replace medication.
The selection of exercises provides:
- Restore spinal mobility.
- Improvement of altered blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.
- Elimination of pain.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease and the dose of physical activity, which should not lead to excessive exertion, should be taken into account.In addition to exercises specially designed and recommended for the patient, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, hiking and walking.
Among the techniques used by traditional healers to treat osteochondrosis, the following are widely used:
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- Qigong.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to achieve a therapeutic effect.
yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore mobility and strength of the spinal muscles.A positive effect can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and gently stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of preparation.In addition to the simplest ones, it contains quite complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movements.Therefore, it is best to start under the guidance of an experienced mentor.The following simple movements can be used as preparatory movements before the main training:
- Stand straight, arms down and feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three in each direction, while lightly pressing the opposite hand on your neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps to gently stretch and strengthen the muscles and vertebrae of the neck.To continue the stretch, complete the exercise with maximum head turns to the right and left while looking back, fixing the achieved position for up to three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, adopt the following starting position: kneel, then sit on your heels, connecting your big toes and with your knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower yourself forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms along your body, palms up, and shoulders relaxed.Hold the position for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The effect of yoga is achieved through systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
pilates
The most acceptable of non-traditional methods, which allows, through moderate physical activity and carefully designed exercises, to return lost mobility to the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have spinal problems.It allows you to take classes with people of any age.
During the exercises, the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spine is developed, and posture is improved.Systematic exercises allow you to normalize the body's metabolic processes and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that osteochondrosis in its early stages can be overcome by doing Pilates.For spinal problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- Tilts to the right and left from a standing position.
- Get into place with a high hip lift.
- Raising the body with tension from a lying position, arms forward.
- Starting position: standing, hands in the "lock" in front of the chest, then alternately bend the right knee in front of you, and then the left leg;Hold the position for three to five seconds.
- Lean forward and backward, kneeling and reaching the floor with your hands.
Experts say that by doing Pilates you can achieve good results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but this method should not be considered a panacea.And although it has practically no contraindications, it is better to use it following the recommendations of a doctor.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics qigong (qi gong), based on Taoist and Tibetan therapeutic psychological practices and aimed at healing the body through a system of motor and respiratory exercises, is gaining great popularity.
Experts studying the effect of qigong on the cure of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are carried out only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.Selects practices based on the patient's individual characteristics and physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the treating physician.Additionally, to obtain results in how to get rid of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First you must free yourself from distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a hearty lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start exercising in a state of strong excitement, regardless of whether it is joyful or not.
Prevention
The treatment of any disease is always a long and complex process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis involves a wide range of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organize proper nutrition, follow a diet that includes vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Performing morning exercises with simple spinal stretching exercises, jogging or daily walking, depending on your health status.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting for many hours in front of the television or computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full and happy life.It is quite possible to protect you from injury and illness without medical intervention.You just have to remember that preventing osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.