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, i.e. limited movement due to a violation of the integrity of the discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, making it possible to delay the development of the disease towards an advanced 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 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 relieve muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for blockade.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the strongest 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 for improving blood microcirculation and restoring 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 severe cases;prevention of osteochondrosis with special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Traction
Traction of the spine is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to stretch the spine.The aim of the treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and makes it possible to temporarily stop the pain.A positive result should be consolidated by strengthening the muscular ligament around the spine.After the procedure, the load on the back is unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physiotherapy really has magical abilities, which is used both as a method of treating the disease and for the prevention of osteochondrosis.The professional application of a specially designed set of exercises serves in most cases as a supplement to continuous treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace drug treatment.
The selection of exercises includes:
- Restoring the mobility of the spine.
- Improvement of impaired blood circulation in the paravertebral tissues.
- Pain relief.
When developing 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 overload.In addition to the exercises specifically 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 method 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 the 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 some preparation.In addition to the simplest, it includes quite complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a certain movement rhythm.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 times in each direction, while gently pressing the opposite hand on 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, perform the exercise with maximum rotation of the head to the right and left while looking back, fix the position reached for no more than three seconds, and then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervical thoracic spine, assume the following starting position - kneel, 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 along your body, 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
It is the most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, which, with moderate physical activity and thoughtful exercises, makes it possible to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique was specially developed for those with spinal problems.It allows you to have classes with people of any age.
During the exercises, the back muscles become stronger, the mobility and flexibility of the spine develops, and the posture improves.Systematic exercises make it possible 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.The following exercises will be effective for spine problems:
- It can be tilted to the right and left from a standing position.
- Step into place with a high hip lift.
- Stretched body lift 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, kneel, reach the floor with your hands.
According to experts, 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 following the doctor's recommendations.
Qigong
Nowadays, the Chinese gymnastic qigong (qi gong) based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological exercises, which aims to heal the body through a system of motor and breathing exercises, is gaining more and more popularity.
Experts studying the effect of qigong on the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if the classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.Exercises are selected based on the patient's individual characteristics and physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, in order to get rid of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- It should be practiced in the morning or in the evening in silence.
- First of all, you need to free yourself from disturbing thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but exercise is contraindicated even after a large lunch.
- It is not recommended to start the 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 lengthy process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine includes a whole series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are:
- Organizing proper nutrition and following a diet, including vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index) and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Doing morning exercises with simple spinal stretching exercises, daily jogging or walking, depending on your health.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting in front of the computer for many hours, following 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 the prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than its treatment.