Osteochondrosis is easier to prevent than its long-term treatment. Prevention includes posture protection, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, racing, yoga, swimming. It is necessary to sit properly at the table and at the computer, you can not throw yourself back or lie down for a long time while lifting weights. When writing or reading it is not recommended to lean down on the table surface, and during sleep it is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow.
Osteochondrosis presents with unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of back pain, body aches, and unexplained numbness of the hands or feet. In some cases, loss of consciousness or frequent dizziness is possible. If the disease is not treated, it gradually leads to atrophy of muscle tissue, disruption of nerve impulses, the functioning of a number of internal organs.
The causes of the onset of the disease are hidden in a passive lifestyle, lack of sufficient load on the spine and muscular frame. Accompanying factors are also unhealthy diet, hormonal disorders, posture problems, insufficient fluid intake, hereditary predisposition, infection, obesity and bad habits.
Osteochondrosis can be treated at home if the patient does not use folk remedies as the only therapy and consults a doctor about the complex effect on the pathology. The main ways to get rid of the problem are:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage and physiotherapy.
- In gymnastics.
- Traditional medicine.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly because the affected cartilage tissue regenerates slowly. Complete measures will take at least three months to complete, while the rehabilitation period will take about one year. The outcome of the resulting treatment largely depends on the patient himself, his diligence in observing the prescriptions, as well as the stage of development of the disease.
Do you know why the spine suffers? It is almost impossible to say that the disease started to develop due to malnutrition or blood stagnation, so effective therapy requires a whole program to restore blood flow to the damaged discs.
Next, we will talk briefly about home remedies for osteochondrosis. We have already talked about some of them in more detail: In the description of the methods below, see the articles on the links.
- Diet. Often, the cause of osteochondrosis is a decrease in blood flow due to the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of vascular elasticity. Eliminating fatty foods from your diet, as well as foods high in cholesterol, such as chicken eggs, poultry, pork, and chicken skin, can help. Strong drinks can play an important role in the activity of blood vessels, and even in those that do not contain alcohol - regular coffee and tea. Regular intake of nicotine in the body also causes vasospasm. The decision is unequivocal: if you are treating osteochondrosis, you must completely abandon bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Restoration of blood circulation in the area of the pathological process is the most important condition for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home. There are many ways: from physiotherapy exercises to treatments and compresses, but you have to choose a few and act.
- orthopedic sleep supplies. The spine is the axis of the human body that experiences a load throughout the day that is dynamic when moving and static when sitting. But, like other parts of the body, it needs proper rest, which is provided only during sleep, even in the correct position. A quality orthopedic mattress and pillow create ideal conditions for your normal blood circulation during your sleep and rest.
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine, or rather the intervertebral discs. With its development, the soft elements of the discs are damaged and ossified, and the vertebrae begin to touch each other, while weakening the blood vessels and nerve fibers located nearby.
Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common types of spinal cord injury that can occur in the elderly as well as in those around 20 years of age.In the process of disease development, specialists distinguish 4 stages:
- Stage I At this stage the intervertebral discs are displaced, their stability is violated. In this case, the person may feel muscle tension in the affected area and slight pain. Because of the mild symptoms, this stage is usually almost unnoticed.
- Stage II. Begins to destroy the annular fibrosis, reducing the distance between the vertebrae. Symptoms are pain localized at certain points and intensified by bending or twisting. Increased fatigue may also increase at this stage.
- Stage III. The fibrous ring is completely destroyed, forming a hernia. In this case the spine is deformed, the pain becomes much stronger. To reduce discomfort a person is forced to restrict movement. Obvious signs are frequent dizziness, fatigue.
- Stage IV. This stage is characterized by complete immobility of the damaged area of the spine. Periodically, the pain may disappear, but later it will definitely come back and increase several times.
- hernia of the intervertebral disc;
- cervical root radiculopathy;
- interstitial discharge in the cervical region (protrusion);
- cervical spine and a. Sh.
Also, in the case of advanced osteochondrosis, spinal artery problems, the development of paresis and other concomitant diseases are possible.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is back pain. There may also be a feeling of numbness in the limbs. The pain may be worsened by movement. Patients may complain of headache, dizziness, pain in internal organs.
The first signs
Osteochondrosis of the cervix may not appear at all at the beginning of the disease. The disease manifests itself in an already neglected form, with frequent pain in the head and neck during movement. When cerebral circulatory disorders occur with cervical osteochondrosis, a person has the following symptoms:
- regular headaches;
- Disorder of facial muscle sensitivity;
- increased fatigue;
- noise in the head;
- ringing in the ears;
- high blood pressure;
- loss of coordination;
- Frequent dizziness;
- anxious gait.
If cervical osteochondrosis takes a chronic form, then the pain is constant and any movement of the head is difficult due to the tension in the neck muscles. The patient develops cervical migraine and the headache is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, nausea and even loss of consciousness. If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated in time, then the person may be accompanied by pharyngeal symptoms: difficulty swallowing, feeling of dryness of the throat, itching and feeling of pain. Over time, this disease can lead to a herniated disc.
Because the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are not very high, even their slightest damage leads to the development of the disease. Problems may indicate:
- publicity, publicity;
- increase in dental problems (you should see a dentist more often than usual, for example due to partial decay of teeth);
- blurred vision;
- burning sensation between shoulder blades;
- sore throat as during sore throat;
- pain in the shoulder, occiput, the entire length of the arms;
- weakness of the front limbs;
- Lack of coordination, expressed by uneven gait;
- Frequent dizziness, which can cause dizziness;
- Decreased endurance;
- feeling tired after sleep;
- Repetitive headache on the left side of the chest, up to the arm beam;
- Restriction of neck mobility, cramping and tilting.
Experts distinguish several types of cervical osteochondrosis, including:
- spine. It develops as a result of a crushed nerve. In this case, the person experiences severe pain that extends from the neck to the shoulders, then the forearms and so on to the fingers (or one hand). Also, sciatica is characterized by pain or "dirt" on the skin, pale skin, and slight swelling.
- Spinal Artery Syndrome. The main symptom is belt headache. Most often, this pain is constant, but in some cases it may be periodic. The increase in pain occurs after increased activity, or after a long time in an uncomfortable position. With a simultaneous decrease in immunity, headaches may be accompanied by nausea and loss of consciousness. Also, hearing, vision, and vestibular problems are possible in this case.
- Cervical migraine syndrome. In this case, due to the change in the position of the spine, including the discs, the blood circulation to the brain is disrupted, which is accompanied by swelling in the ears or their, tachycardia, noise in the head, etc. Sh.
- hypertensive. It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient suffers from severe attacks of headache, which is often accompanied by a feeling of nausea.
Often, as the disease worsens, the patient's body temperature may rise.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home: folk remedies
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Painkillers.
- vasodilators.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Soothing.
- Multivitamins.
They must be taken in strict accordance with the rules. Medications improve patient well-being, restore metabolism. Therefore, after a few weeks, the patient feels much better, but we must not forget that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease and its treatment should be carried out only in a comprehensive way. Pills alone can not solve the problem.
The question of how to treat osteochondrosis at home is becoming more and more troubling. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is an unusual disease that will disappear after taking the tablet. Osteochondrosis is primarily a change in the spine and cartilage. In order to heal, you need to do a series of actions. The above tablets should definitely be taken, but it is impossible to give them.
Below we discuss the treatment options for osteochondrosis at home. But before using this or that prescription you need to consult a doctor so as not to harm yourself.
The first thing you need to do is relieve the pain. This can be done with drugs. But it is important to understand that regular use of painkillers can cause problems with the intestines, liver and pancreas. Therefore, an experienced doctor will definitely recommend folk remedies that you can use at home with complete safety.
- Honey and grated potatoes. Take a few potatoes and grind them finely, then mix them in equal proportions with honey. Mix well and apply cottage cheese to the dried fruit, then apply a compress on the sore spot. From the top, you need to wrap something warm and leave it in this position for an hour. This remedy will relieve the pain quickly, but unfortunately not for long.
- Horseradish leaf. Take one sheet of well and boil it in boiling water. Turn the leaf from the inside, which has the opposite, and attach it to the damaged area. Wrap yourself well and go to sleep. In the morning you will feel that the pain has receded.
- Hot bottle. Take a plastic bottle and pour hot water, place it on a sofa or bed and press it on your back. Try to roll under you for half an hour.
- Parsley. For a month, you should eat one parsley root every day.
- pine buds. Collect pine buds each spring, but only those that are two inches long. Wash well, dry and grind in a meat grinder. Add sugar in a ratio of 1: 2, number 2 is the kidneys.
- Mix everything well and remove to refrigerate for two weeks. When you hear that the mixture is ready to change color, it will turn brown. The course of treatment will be three weeks. Serve one teaspoon daily.
- Bath. You can relieve pain during chest osteochondrosis in the steam room. The course of treatment is ten days. Do three jogs, for five minutes. But visit the bath the next day.
Massage and healing baths
- The process should begin with a light, gentle stroke of the problem area. It is best not to get extra devices, palms and fingers impact will suffice. After
- rub, they will affect the area with increasing effect. You can grasp the skin with your fingers and gently squeeze it. Kneeling of muscles and soft tissues should take place in the intervertebral region, it is impossible to affect the ridge itself. The movement can be listening, circular, pressing.
- To finish the session, it is worth tapping, vibrating, hitting.
Such self-massage of the spine can be done every day even without special knowledge and skills. Affects the chest muscles, thighs, shoulders, lower back in the treatment of osteochondrosis in general.
In addition to massage, therapeutic baths deal with the disease. They are contraindicated during the period of exacerbation, but become necessary during the remission phase. Proper and regular exercise helps to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve mood and well-being. Only warm water can be used in the process (hot water only harms) to which medicinal plant decorations are added. Thiam, string, hair, lemon balm, chamomile are well proven. Take a healing bath 20 minutes before bedtime.
are simple exercises for the spine with cartilage dysfunction. The doctor selects each patient individually, taking into account the general condition, physical training, age. They are held daily and are an integral part of therapy. The simplest activities are similar to school exercises, but one should not underestimate their importance to the body during the treatment period. Their purpose is to warm up the muscles, improve blood circulation, stretch and relax the muscles where there are blocks.
Follow these recommendations when running:
- Do not exercise fast and put a lot of stress on your bones and muscles.
- Everything is done smoothly, thoughtfully, by controlling the sensations in the body.
- Classes are completely discontinued if the patient feels pain, unable to correct.
- Power complexes are always replaced by breathing exercises so that the tissues receive a sufficient amount of oxygen. Exercises should only be conducted in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
It should be remembered that the attending physician prescribes exercises, some actions of the spine are dangerous in the case of diseases such as osteoporosis. They can lead to serious complications. Exercise therapy is an excellent way to fight spinal pathologies and is often used to prevent a number of problems with increased risks. Complexes include yoga or oriental technique exercises. You need to do this regularly, at least 3 times a week.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is used as an adjunct to basic treatment, the patient's condition is significantly improved. Physiotherapy procedures act directly on the painful focus, so no side effects occur.
- The body's metabolism is normalized.
- The condition of tissues and organs improves.
- Immunity increases and becomes more sustainable.
- The pain is relieved.
- Good anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory action.
Specialists often prescribe combination physiotherapy. For example, if the pain is severe, electrophoresis and diadynamic therapy are used, using novocaine binding.
Acupuncture-reflexolaser-puncture is used to act simultaneously on biologically active points. The tissue is affected by laser radiation and needles. Mud therapy is used in conjunction with electrotherapy.
massage
- In a period when there is no pain, at this point the movements do not cause pain.
- at the moment of aggravation.
Before the specialist starts this procedure, the patient is ready. To do this, you need to stroke your back for about 3-5 minutes, first stroking the area of the shoulder blades, then closer to the neck and shoulder girdle. After that, stroking should be changed to kneading and shaking. At this point the preparation is complete, you can proceed directly to the massage procedure.
Osteochondrosis massage can provoke severe pain. But if the body is properly prepared and relaxed, this can be avoided.
If you feel discomfort after the first procedures, do not worry, the pain will subside around the third day and the procedure itself will become much more pleasant.
The patient should be placed in a horizontal position on a flat surface. If the massage is performed only around the neck, then the patient should sit.
There is another way to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies - medicinal herbal baths. Baths can be used not only for cleansing, but also for healing, choosing the right herbs and their amount. Baths, like any other alternative method of treating osteochondrosis, should be taken only after consulting your doctor. In some forms of osteochondrosis they may be contraindicated.
For the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine with the help of baths you need to know a few recipes for their proper preparation:
- Bath with birch leaves. For cooking you need to boil birch leaves. The bathing procedure should last about half an hour. The water should be slightly hot.
- Chestnut bath. To prepare the food, crush the chestnuts and cook for 15 minutes. Then pour in the bath and leave for about 20 minutes.
- Pine needle bath. It is necessary to collect a few needles from the trees in the woods, boil for about 20 minutes. Then pour the broth into the bath and leave for about 25 minutes.
- chamomile bath. It is necessary to pour boiling water over the chamomile and let the broth stand for half an hour. You can then filter the drug and take a bath. The Jerusalem Artichoke Bath. Need to fill a 10-liter bucket with Jerusalem artichoke leaves, pour boiling water, wait 20 minutes. Pour the liquid into the bath. The bath procedure takes 15 minutes.
For more effective treatment of spinal osteochondrosis, the duration of treatment should be about one week. Baths have a soothing and calming effect, relieves spasms and relieves pain. Such home treatment is not only beneficial but also enjoyable.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home
There are several reasons for the onset and development of the disease. The most common of these are:
- hereditary predisposition;
- posture disorders;
- age;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Heavy loads, including heavy physical labor and sports;
- previous infectious diseases;
- wearing tight uncomfortable shoes or high-heeled shoes;
- Unhealthy diet, including excessive dependence on junk food.
In addition, being overweight, frequent stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and even severe hypothermia can contribute to osteochondrosis.
The cause of osteochondrosis can be hypothermia, sharp bending or twisting, strenuous physical activity.
Experts are convinced that the main cause of osteochondrosis is the incorrect distribution of load on the spinal column. As a result, in the area where there is excessive physical pressure, a complete or partial change occurs in the cartilage tissue.
- The spine is a curve.
- The patient sneezes while sitting or walking.
- Spinal muscles are weak.
- A person leads a sedentary lifestyle, moves little.
- There is a strong lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus in the body.
- Hereditary factors.
- Past Infectious Diseases.
- Strong nervous tension, depression.
- Hormones are disrupted.
- Spinal injuries, they can occur during a fall, impact.
- The trunk position changes frequently and abruptly.
Leaning at a right angle to the torso can cause intervertebral disc prolapse. Therefore you should take a large load only during the jump, thus, the spine will be protected.
Treatment of cervical osteochondrosis includes a number of remedies and methods aimed at relieving pain and fighting the inflammatory process in the tissues. An effective method is daily exercise for spinal flexibility. Typically, an individual exercise program is selected by a physician after diagnosis, using MRI or computed tomography, and after assessing the stage of the disease. Let’s see how osteochondrosis of the cervix is treated.
Medication therapy is prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be relieved with a conventional anesthetic pill, then later it will no longer help. Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with a new generation of chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the regeneration of cartilage tissue in the spine.
But if you need to relieve severe pain during cervical osteochondrosis, then doctors will prescribe novocaine blockade or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are ointments, capsules, tablets and injections that quickly improve the general condition of the patient. But if chondroprotectors do not have contraindications even with prolonged use, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are serious, so their use should be agreed with the attending physician.
For quick anesthesia with cervical osteochondrosis, special gels or ointments will help, which act 10 minutes after use. There are several types of them:
- Regeneration, the ability to repair damaged spinal tissue.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, pain relieving.
- Analgesics that affect nerve endings quickly relieve pain.
- massage ointments.
Manual therapy
The oldest but no less effective method than modern methods of treating osteochondrosis is manual therapy. Specialists have developed many techniques that have beneficial effects on the limbs, tissues and joints of the affected area. Only a chiropractor should be a good specialist in his field so as not to lead the patient into a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy in cervical osteochondrosis are:
- segmental massage that relieves muscle tension;
- Manipulations aimed at restoring the working capacity of the funds, accompanied by their crisis;
- Mobilization, recovery of damaged joints by stretching them.