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 degeneration of the spine, that is, a limitation of its mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the spinal discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, allowing you to delay the onset of the disease until an older 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.
Drugs
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 disease, the following are used for drug treatment:
- Non-steroidal analgesics - to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle Relaxants – to relieve muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Analgesics for blockade.
- 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.
- 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 possible only if drugs are selected by the attending physician.This method gives positive results, but is used in severe cases;prevention of osteochondrosis with the help of special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Traction
Spinal traction is quite effective and relies 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 provides relief and helps 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 in most cases used as an addition to the current treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medications.
The selection of exercises offers:
- Restore spinal mobility.
- Improve impaired blood circulation in 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 overwork.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.
- Pilate.
- 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 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 preparation.In addition to the simplest ones, it contains quite complex asanas that require good breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movements.So 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 down, feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three in each direction, while lightly resting 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 stretching, finish the exercise by turning your head to the right and left as much as possible while looking back, fixing the obtained position for no more than three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, assume the following starting position: kneel, then sit on your heels, connecting your big toes, with your knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower yourself forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms at your sides, palms up, shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The effect of yoga is achieved during systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most acceptable of non-traditional methods, which allows, through moderate physical activity and well-designed exercises, to restore lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have spinal problems.It allows you to teach classes with people of all ages.
During the exercises, the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spine are developed and 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 the early stages can be overcome by doing Pilates.For spinal problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- Tilts to the right and left when standing.
- Get into position 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 forward and back on your knees, 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 after a doctor's recommendation.
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 respiratory exercises, is gaining popularity.
Experts who study the effect of qigong on the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.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, to obtain results in the form of elimination of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You should practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- You must first free yourself from distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a hearty lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start doing exercises in a state of strong excitement, whether joyful or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and lengthy process.However, there are methods and techniques to prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis involves a whole range of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organize a good diet, follow a diet, including in the diet vitamin salads, foods with low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Perform morning exercises with simple spinal stretching exercises, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health condition.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: quit smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting for many hours in front of the television or computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full and joyful life.It is quite possible to protect him from injuries and illnesses without medical intervention.Remember that preventing osteochondrosis costs much less than treating it.