Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age limit of which decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is spinal degeneration, that is, limitation of mobility caused by a violation of the integrity of the vertebral discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role in delaying the onset of the disease until an older age.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with pills, 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 severity of the condition, 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 blockage.
- Hormonal medicines are one of the most powerful medicines used in the absence of a positive treatment result when using other medicines.
- 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 patient's general condition.
Effective drug treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only if medications 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 produces an effect.
Traction
Spinal traction is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to lengthen 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 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 capabilities, which are used both as one of the methods of treating the disease and as a prevention of osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a specially developed set of exercises in most cases is used as a supplement to ongoing treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medication.
Exercise selection provides:
- Restoring spinal mobility.
- Improving impaired blood circulation in paravertebral tissues.
- Elimination of pain.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of abandonment of the disease and the dosage of physical activity should be taken into account, which should not lead to excessive exertion.In addition to specially designed and recommended exercises for the patient, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, walking 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 to obtain a therapeutic effect.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore mobility and strength to 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 proper breathing, ideal coordination and a certain rhythm of movements.Therefore, 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 with your arms down and your 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 and then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps to gently stretch and strengthen the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue stretching, complete the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and left looking back, fixing the position reached 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 and 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, and shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have the strength to hold it.
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 carefully designed exercises, to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specially developed for those with back problems.Allows you to teach classes to people of any age.
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 metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation.Furthermore, it is believed that early-stage osteochondrosis can be overcome with Pilates.For back problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- Tilts to the right and left from a standing position.
- Stay in place with a high hip lift.
- Lifting the body with tension from the lying position, arms forward.
- Starting position - standing, hands in the “lock” in front of your chest, then alternately bend your right knee in front of you, and then your left leg - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Lean back and forth, kneeling, reaching the floor with your hands.
Experts say that by doing Pilates you can get 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 best to use it following the doctor's recommendations.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics qigong (qi gong), based on Taoist and Tibetan psychological therapeutic 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 healing osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are held only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He selects practices based on the patient's individual characteristics and physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to obtain results in the form of eliminating osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First you need to free yourself from disturbing thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You can't exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a heavy lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start exercising in a state of strong excitement, whether happy or not.
Prevention
Treating any disease is always a complex and time-consuming process.However, there are methods and techniques that can 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 an adequate diet, 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 spinal stretching exercises, running or walking daily, depending on your health status.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, drinking and spending many hours sitting in front of the TV or computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full and joyful life.It is quite possible to protect you from injury and illness without medical intervention.Just remember that preventing osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.