Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age limit for which is decreasing every year.Its most characteristic symptom is degeneration of the spine, i.e.h.a restriction in their mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the intervertebral discs.An important role is played by the prevention of osteochondrosis, which makes it possible 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 (medicines), spinal traction and physiotherapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness through many years of practice and positive results.
Medication
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 severity of the disease, drug treatment is used:
- Non-steroidal painkillers – used to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants – used to relieve muscle tension and eliminate cramps.
- Painkillers for blockage.
- Hormonal drugs are among the most effective drugs when taking other drugs does not produce a positive treatment result.
- Chondroprotectors – to restore 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 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 through special exercises no longer has any effect.
Traction
Spinal traction is very effective and is based on the use of special devices.It serves to stretch the spine.The aim of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and enables temporary pain relief.A positive result must be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.Strain on the back after the procedure is unacceptable.
Movement therapy
Physiotherapy has truly magical abilities, which is used both as one of the methods of treating the disease and preventing osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a specially developed exercise complex in most cases serves as a supplement to ongoing treatment and in some cases can completely replace medications.
The exercise selection offers:
- Restoration of spinal mobility.
- Improving impaired blood circulation in the paravertebral tissue.
- Elimination of pain.
When compiling a therapeutic exercise complex, 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 overexertion.In addition to specially tailored exercises that are recommended to patients, doctors rate the effects of swimming, hiking and walking positively.
Among the techniques that traditional healers use 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 gently stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain amount of preparation.In addition to the simplest, it also contains quite complex asanas that require correct 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 right and left three times in each direction while lightly pressing the back of your neck with your other hand.Hold the position for 3 seconds and then return to the starting position.By performing this asana, the neck muscles and vertebrae are gently stretched and strengthened.To continue the stretch, finish the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and left while looking backwards, fixing the achieved position for up to three seconds and then returning to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervical spine, take the following starting position: kneel down, then sit on your heels and connect your big toes with your 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 through systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, allowing to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength through moderate physical activity and thoughtful exercises.The Pilates technique is specifically designed for people with spinal problems.It allows you to conduct courses with people of all ages.
The exercises strengthen the back muscles, develop the mobility and flexibility of the spine and improve posture.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 through Pilates.If you have problems with the spine, the following exercises are effective:
- Can be tilted to the right and left from a standing position.
- Kick into place with a high hip lift.
- Raise your body with tension from the 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, kneel, and reach your hands to the floor.
Experts say that you can achieve good results in the treatment of osteochondrosis with Pilates, but this method should not be considered a panacea.And although there are practically no contraindications, it is better to use it according to the recommendations of a doctor.
Qigong
Nowadays, Chinese gymnastics 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 enjoying great popularity.
Experts studying the effect of qigong on healing osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He selects the practices based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the treating doctor.In addition, to achieve results in the form of eliminating osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice in silence in the morning or evening.
- First you need to free yourself from distracting thoughts, fears and bad moods.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but exercise is also contraindicated after a heavy lunch.
- It is not recommended to start exercises in a state of strong excitement, regardless of whether it is joyful or not.
Prevention
Treating an illness is always a complex and lengthy process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the disease from developing.Prevention of spinal osteochondrosis includes a whole range of measures to prevent the disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Organization of proper nutrition, adherence to a diet, including vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Depending on your health, morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Quitting smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting in front of the TV or computer for hours, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a fulfilling, joyful life.It is quite possible to protect him from injuries and illnesses without medical intervention.You just need to remember that prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treatment.