Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, where the age limit decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is spinal degeneration, that is, limitation of its mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the vertebral discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, which makes it possible to delay the onset of the disease to a more advanced age.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medicine), spinal traction and physiotherapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness through many years of practice and positive results.
Medicine
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 pain relievers - to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants - to ease muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers against blockade.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of a positive treatment result 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 only possible 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 force
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 brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.A positive result must 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 abilities, which are used both as one of the methods of treating the disease and as prevention of osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a specially designed set of exercises is used in most cases as a supplement to ongoing treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medication.
The selection of exercises provides:
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Improvement of reduced blood circulation 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, which should not lead to overexertion, 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 improve blood circulation, restore mobility and strength in 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 preparedness.In addition to the simplest, it contains rather complex asanas that require correct 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 training:
- Stand straight, arms down, 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 neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue stretching, complete the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and left while looking back, fix the position achieved for up to three seconds, and then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic 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 position for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The effect of yoga is achieved by systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, which make it possible, through moderate physical activity and well-thought-out exercises, to restore lost mobility to the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have problems with the spine.It allows you to hold classes with people of all ages.
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 osteochondrosis in early stages can be overcome by doing Pilates.For problems with the spine, the following exercises will be effective:
- Rocks right and left from a standing position.
- Step into place with a high hip lift.
- Lift 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 three to five seconds.
- Bend back and forth, 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 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 gymnastic qigong (qi gong), based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aimed at healing the body through a system of motor and breathing exercises, is gaining great popularity.
Experts studying the effect of qigong on the cure for osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if the classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He chooses the practice based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In order to achieve results in the form of getting rid of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must also be met:
- You must practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First, free yourself from distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot train on an empty stomach, but even after a heavy lunch, training is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start doing exercises in a state of strong tension, regardless of whether it is pleasant or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and long-term process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis involves a large number of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organization of proper nutrition, following a diet, including in the diet vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Performing morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your state of health.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, alcohol and sitting for many hours in front of the television or at the computer, maintain a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, joyful life.It is entirely possible to protect him from injury and illness without medical intervention.You just need to remember that prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.