Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and its age of onset is decreasing year by year.The most typical symptom is degeneration of the spine, which is a restriction of movement due to damage to the integrity of the intervertebral discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role by delaying the onset of the disease to a later age.
traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Board-certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medications), spinal traction, and physical therapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness and achieved positive results over many years of practice.
drug
The main goal of treating the disease with tablets, injections, and ointments is to reduce symptoms during exacerbations of the disease.Depending on the degree of neglect and severity of the condition, the following medications are used:
- Nonsteroidal analgesics - Relieve systemic exacerbations, swelling, and inflammation.
- Muscle Relaxants – Relieve muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for lockdown.
- Hormone drugs are among the most effective drugs used in cases where other drugs have not produced positive therapeutic results.
- Cartilage Protector – Used to repair cartilage tissue and discs.
- Preparation for improving blood microcirculation and restoring metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and mineral complex - improves the patient's general condition.
Effective drug treatment of osteochondrosis can only be carried out when the attending physician selects the drug.This method can give positive results, but is used in severe cases; the use of special exercises to prevent osteochondrosis no longer has any effect.
Traction
Spinal traction is very 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 space between the vertebrae.This surgery can relieve pain and give you temporary pain relief.Positive results must be consolidated by strengthening the muscle bundles surrounding the spine.The load on the back after surgery is unacceptable.
exercise therapy
Physiotherapy does have miraculous properties, both as a way to treat disease and as a way to prevent osteochondrosis.In most cases, the skilled use of a specially designed set of exercises can supplement ongoing treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medication.
A selection of exercises offered:
- Restore spinal mobility.
- Improves blood circulation in damaged paravertebral tissues.
- Eliminate pain.
When forming a comprehensive therapeutic exercise, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease, and the dose of physical activity that should not lead to overexertion must be taken into account.In addition to recommending specially designed exercises for patients, doctors actively evaluate the effectiveness of swimming, hiking, and walking.
Among the techniques used by traditional healers to treat osteochondrosis, the following techniques are widely used:
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- qigong.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to achieve therapeutic results.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation and restore mobility and strength to the spinal muscles.Positive results 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 asanas, it also contains quite complex ones that require correct breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movements.Therefore, it is best to start under the guidance of an experienced tutor.The following simple movements can be used as preparation before the main exercise:
- Stand up straight with your arms hanging down and your feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head from side to side, three in each direction, while gently pressing your other hand against your neck.Hold this position for 3 seconds, then return to starting position.Performing this asana helps gently stretch and strengthen the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue the stretch, complete the exercise by turning your head maximally to the right and left while looking behind you, holding the achieved position for up to three seconds before returning to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, assume the following starting position - kneel, then sit on your heels with your big toes connected and your knees hip-width apart.On an exhale, lower your body forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms resting on your body, palms up, and shoulders relaxed.Stay in this position for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The effects of yoga are achieved through systematic training under the guidance of experienced instructors.
Pilates
The most accessible and non-traditional approach, through moderate physical activity and well-designed exercises, can restore lost mobility to the spine and build strength.Pilates techniques are specifically designed for people with spinal problems.It allows you to take classes with anyone of any age.
During the exercise, the back muscles are strengthened, spinal mobility and flexibility are developed, and posture is improved.Systematic exercise normalizes the body's metabolic processes and improves blood circulation.Additionally, it is believed that early stages of osteochondrosis can be overcome with Pilates.For spinal problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- Lean to the right and left from a standing position.
- Lift your hips and step into position.
- Nervously lift your body from a lying position, arms forward.
- Starting position - Stand with your hands "locked" in front of your chest, then alternately bend your right knee in front of you, then your left leg - hold this position for three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and backward, kneel down and touch your hands to the floor.
Experts say you can achieve great results in treating osteochondrosis by doing Pilates exercises, but the method shouldn't be considered a panacea.Although it has virtually no contraindications, it is best used with a doctor's advice.
qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics Qigong (Qigong), based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices that aim to heal the body through a system of movement and breathing exercises, is growing in popularity.
Experts who have studied the effect of Qigong in treating osteochondrosis point out that good results can be achieved only when Qigong courses are conducted under the guidance of experienced coaches.He chooses a treatment plan based on the patient's personal characteristics and physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to obtain results that eliminate osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice quietly in the morning or evening.
- First, you need to get rid of distracting thoughts, anxieties, and bad emotions.
- Exercise is not allowed on an empty stomach, but even if you have a full lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start exercising in a highly aroused state, happy or not.
prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and lengthy process.However, there are methods and techniques to prevent the development of this disease.The prevention of spinal osteochondrosis involves a series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are considered:
- Follow a diet for proper nutrition, including vitamin salads, low GI (glycemic index) foods, and foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids in your diet.
- Do a morning exercise, perform simple spinal stretches, and go for a daily jog or walk, depending on your health.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Stop smoking, drinking, sitting in front of the TV or computer for long periods of time, and maintain your daily habits.
A healthy spine is the key to a fulfilling, happy life.It is very possible to protect him from injury and disease without medical intervention.You just need to remember that preventing osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.