Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold of which is decreasing 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 you to delay the onset of the disease to 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 treatment:
- Non-steroidal painkillers: 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 used in the absence of a positive result of treatment when using other drugs.
- Chondroprotectors – for the restoration of cartilaginous tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Prepare 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 drugs are selected by the attending physician.This method gives positive results, but is used in more severe cases;prevention of osteochondrosis by special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Traction
Spinal traction is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to lengthen 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 must be consolidated by strengthening the muscle corset around the spine.Loads on the back after the procedure are unacceptable.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy has truly magical abilities, which are 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 it can completely replace medications.
The selection of exercises includes:
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Improvement of impaired blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.
- Elimination of pain.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease and the dosage of physical activity, which should not lead to excessive effort.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 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 rather complex asanas that require correct 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 workout:
- Stand straight, with your arms lowered and your feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head left and right, 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 neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue the stretching, complete the exercise by rotating your head to the right and left as much as possible while looking back, fixing the position reached for a maximum of three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, take the following starting position: kneel down, 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 alongside your body, palms facing up, and shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have the strength to resist.
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 studied exercises, to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those with spinal problems.It allows you to hold lessons 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 spinal problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- It tilts left and right from a standing position.
- Get into position with a high hip lift.
- Raise 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, then the left leg - fix the position for 3-5 seconds.
- Bend forward and backward, on your knees, reaching the floor with your hands.
Experts say that doing Pilates 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 according to 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 breathing exercises, is gaining wide popularity.
Experts studying the effect of qigong on the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are carried out only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.Select 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 achieve results in the form of elimination of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First you need to free yourself from distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- It is not possible to 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 joyful or not.
Prevention
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 spinal osteochondrosis involves a whole series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organize proper nutrition, following a diet, including vitamin salads, low GI (glycemic index) foods, as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet.
- Performing morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, jogging or walking daily, depending on your health condition.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, drinking alcohol and spending many hours in front of the TV or computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full and joyful life.It is quite possible to protect it from injuries and illnesses without medical intervention.You just need to remember that preventing osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.