Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age limit of which decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is degeneration of the spine, i.e. limitation of mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the spinal discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, which makes it possible to postpone the onset of the disease until an older age.
traditional treatment
These are classical medicine methods.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medications), spinal traction and physical therapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness with many years of practice and positive results.
Medicines
The main goal of treating the disease with tablets, injections and ointments is to alleviate the symptoms of the disease during its exacerbation.Depending on the degree of neglect and the severity of the condition, the following drugs are used for treatment:
- Non-steroidal pain relievers - to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants - to relieve muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for blockade.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of positive treatment results when other drugs are used.
- Chondroprotectors – for the restoration of cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Medicines to improve blood microcirculation and restore 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;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 goal 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 should be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.After the procedure, loading on the back is unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physiotherapy has truly magical abilities, which is used as one of the methods of treatment of the disease, as well as prevention of osteochondrosis.The skillful use of a set of specially designed exercises is used in most cases as an addition to the current treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medication.
Selection of exercises includes:
- Restoring the mobility of the spine.
- Improves blood circulation disorders in 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 dosage of physical activity should be taken into account, which should not cause excessive strain.In addition to specially designed exercises that are recommended for the patient, doctors positively evaluate the results 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 with stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore back muscle mobility and strength.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 movement.Therefore, 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 exercise:
- Stand straight, hands down, feet shoulder width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, in three directions, and lightly press the opposite hand on the neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps to gently stretch and strengthen the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue the stretch, complete the exercise by turning your head to the right and left as much as possible while looking back, hold the position for 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, connect 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 strength.
The effect of yoga is achieved during systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
Among the non-traditional methods, it is the most acceptable, which allows moderate physical activity and thoughtful exercises to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.Pilates techniques are specially designed for people with spine problems.It allows you to conduct lessons with people of any age.
During training, the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spine develops, and the posture improves.Systematic exercises allow you to normalize metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that early stage osteochondrosis can be overcome with Pilates.The following exercises will be effective for spine problems:
- Leans to the right and left from a standing position.
- Stand on the ground with a high hip lift.
- Stretching the body from a lying position, hands in front.
- Starting position - standing, hands in front of the chest in a "lock", then alternately bend the right knee in front of you, then the left leg - fix the position in three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and back, kneeling, hands reaching the floor.
Experts say that you have achieved good results in the treatment of osteochondrosis with Pilates, but this method should not be considered a panacea.And although it has practically no contraindications, it is better to use it after the doctor's recommendations.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics qigong (qi gong), which is based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aims to heal the body through a system of motor and breathing exercises, is gaining wide popularity.
Experts who study the effect of qigong in the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if the lessons are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He chooses the practice taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to get results in the form of getting rid of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be observed:
- You should practice in the morning or in the evening in silence.
- First of all, you need to get rid of distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You can not exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a heavy lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start doing exercises in a state of strong excitement, regardless of whether it is pleasant or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a difficult and long process.However, there are methods and techniques that prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis includes a number of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized as:
- Organizing proper nutrition, following a diet, including vitamin salads in the diet, foods with a low glycemic index, as well as foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Carrying out morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health condition.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: not smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting in front of the TV or computer for many hours, following a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, joyful life.It is quite possible to protect him from injuries and diseases without medical intervention.You just have to remember that prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than its treatment.