Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold of which decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is degeneration of the spine, that is, limitation of its mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the spinal discs.The prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, which allows delaying 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 (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 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.
- Pain relievers 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 cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations for improving blood microcirculation and restoring metabolic processes.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes - to improve the general condition of the patient.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs 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 with the help of 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 stretch the spine.The goal of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the distance between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.The positive result should be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.Loads on the back after the procedure are inadmissible.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy has truly magical abilities that are used both as one of the methods of treating the disease and as a prevention of osteochondrosis.The skillful use of a specially developed set of exercises is in most cases used as a supplement to current treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace drugs.
The exercise selection provides:
- Restoring the mobility of the spine.
- Improvement of impaired blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.
- Pain relief.
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 overstrain, should be taken into account.In addition to specially developed exercises that are 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 to improve blood circulation, restore mobility and strength of the spinal muscles.A positive effect can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and slightly stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of preparation.In addition to the simplest, 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 workout:
- Stand straight, arms down, feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three times in each direction, while gently pressing the opposite hand against your neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps to gently stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck and spine.To continue the stretch, complete the exercise with maximum head rotations to the right and left while looking back, fix the achieved position 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 your heels, join your big toes, knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower yourself forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms by your sides, palms up, shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you gather the strength to hold it.
The effect of yoga is achieved with 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 thoughtfully developed exercises to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially developed for those who have problems with the spine.It allows you to conduct 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 metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that osteochondrosis at an early stage can be overcome by Pilates.For problems with the spine, the following exercises will be effective:
- Leans right and left from a standing position.
- Step into a high hip lift position.
- Lifting 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, 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 there are practically no contraindications, it is better to use it after the recommendations of a doctor.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics qigong (chi gong), based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aimed at healing the body through a system of movement 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 the classes are held 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, in order to get results in the form of removal of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You should practice in the morning or 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 hearty lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start doing exercises in a state of great excitement, whether it is joyful or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and lengthy process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis includes a whole range of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organizing proper nutrition, following a diet that includes vitamin salads in the diet, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Carrying out morning gymnastics with simple exercises for stretching the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health condition.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: giving up smoking, alcohol and sitting in front of the TV or computer for many hours, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, happy life.It is entirely possible to protect him from injury and disease without medical intervention.You just need to remember that prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treatment.