Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age limit for which is decreasing every year.The most characteristic symptom is degeneration of the spine, 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, making it possible to delay the onset of the disease at a later 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 their effectiveness through many years of practice and positive results.
Medicines
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 neglect and the severity of the condition, the following are used for drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal pain relievers - to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants - to reduce muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for exclusion.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of a positive treatment effect when using other drugs.
- Cartilage protectors – for the restoration of cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations for improving blood microcirculation and restoring metabolic processes.
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals - to improve the general condition of the patient.
Effective drug treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only if the drugs are selected by the attending physician.This method gives positive results, but is used in severe cases.the prevention of osteochondrosis using special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Traction
Traction of the spine is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to stretch the spine.The aim of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.A positive result must be established by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.Loads on the back after the procedure are unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physiotherapy has truly magical potential, which is used both as one of the methods of treating the disease and as a prevention of osteochondrosis.The skillful use of a specially designed set of exercises in most cases is used as an addition to ongoing treatment and in some cases can completely replace medication.
The choice of exercises provides for:
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Improvement of weakened blood circulation in the paraspinal tissues.
- Eliminate 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 overstrain, must be taken into account.In addition to specially designed exercises recommended to 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 in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help to improve blood circulation, restore the mobility and strength of the spinal muscles.A positive result 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, it contains several complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a specific rhythm of movements.So it is better 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, hands down, feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head left and right, three in each direction, while pressing the opposite hand lightly against your neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds and then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps in gently stretching and strengthening the muscles of the neck and spine.To continue the stretches, complete the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and to the left while looking back, holding the position achieved for up to three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervical spine, take the following starting position - kneel, then sit on your heels, connecting your big toes, knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower yourself forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms along your body, palms up, shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The result of yoga is achieved during systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most accepted of the non-traditional methods, which allows, through moderate physical activity and carefully designed exercises, to restore the lost mobility in the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have problems with the spine.It allows you to conduct classes with people of any age.
During the exercises the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spine is developed and the body posture is improved.Systematic exercises allow you to normalize the body's metabolic processes and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that early stage osteochondrosis can be overcome by doing Pilates.For problems with the spine, the following exercises will be effective:
- Tilts right and left from a standing position.
- Step into place with a high hip lift.
- Lifting the body with tension from a lying position, arms forward.
- Initial 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 - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and back, kneeling, reaching your hands to the floor.
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 after a doctor's recommendations.
Qigong
Today, Chinese fitness qigong (qi gong), which is based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aims to heal the body through a system of movement and breathing exercises, is gaining great popularity.
Experts who study the effect of qigong on the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if the classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced instructor.He selects practices based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, in order to obtain results in the form of relief from osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You must practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First you need to get rid of distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a heavy meal, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start doing exercises in a state of intense excitement, regardless of whether it is happy or not.
Prevention
The treatment of any disease is always a complex and time-consuming process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.The prevention of vertebral osteochondrosis includes a whole series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organization of proper nutrition, following a diet, including a diet of vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Do morning exercises with simple spinal stretching exercises, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health condition.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: stopping smoking, alcohol and sitting for long hours in front of the TV or computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, happy life.It is very possible to protect him from injury and illness without medical intervention.You just have to remember that the prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than its treatment.