Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold for which is decreasing every year.Its most characteristic symptom is the 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 postpone the onset of the disease at a more advanced age.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medications), 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 alleviate 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 treatment:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - 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 a positive treatment result during the use of other drugs.
- Chondroprotectors - 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;prevention of osteochondrosis using special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Withdrawal
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.Loads on the back after the procedure are unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy has truly magical abilities, which is used as one of the methods of treatment of the disease and as prevention of osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a set of specially designed exercises is in most cases used as an addition to ongoing treatment and in some cases can completely replace medication.
The selection of exercises ensures:
- Restoring the mobility of the spine.
- Improvement of impaired blood circulation in paravertebral tissues.
- Pain relief.
During the formation of 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 overload, should be taken into account.In addition to specially designed exercises that are recommended for the patient, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, walking and walking.
Among the techniques used by traditional healers for the treatment of 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 the mobility and strength of the spine muscles.A positive effect can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and gently stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of fitness.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 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, arms down, feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three in each direction, while gently pressing the opposite hand to your neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps in gently stretching and strengthening the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue the stretch, complete the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and left while looking back, adjusting the position reached for up to three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, take the following starting position - kneel, then sit on the heels, connecting the thumbs, 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.
The effect of yoga is achieved during systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, which allows, through moderate physical activity and carefully designed exercises, to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have problems with the spine.This allows you to hold 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 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.
- Get into position with a high hip lifter.
- Lifting the body with tension from a lying position, arms forward.
- Starting position - standing, hands in "lock" in front of the chest, then alternately bend the right knee in front of you, then the left leg - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and back, kneeling, 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 as a medicine.And although there are practically no contraindications, it is better to use it after the doctor's recommendations.
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 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 classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He chooses practices based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to obtain results in the form of removal of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You should practice in the morning or in the 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 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.
Preventing
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and long process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine includes a number of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are known:
- Organizing the right food, following a diet, including in the diet salads with vitamins, foods with low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing unsaturated fatty acids.
- Doing morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health condition.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, alcohol and sitting for many hours in front of the TV or computer, keeping a daily routine.
A healthy back is the key to a full and 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.