Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold of which decreases every year.The most characteristic symptom is degeneration of the spine, that is, the limitation of its movement caused by a violation of the integrity of the vertebral disc.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, making it possible to delay the onset of this disease to an advanced age.
Traditional treatment
This is a classic medical method.Certified doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medicines), spinal traction, and physical therapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness over many years of practice and positive results.
Medicines
The main goal of treating the disease with tablets, injections and ointments is to reduce the symptoms of the disease during its severity.Depending on the degree of neglect and the severity of the condition, the following are used for drug treatment:
- Non-steroidal painkillers - to relieve general reactions, swelling and inflammation.
- Muscle relaxants - to ease muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for restrictions.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of positive treatment results when using other drugs.
- Chondroprotectors - For the restoration of cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations to improve blood circulation and restore metabolic processes.
- Vitamin and Mineral Complex - 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 using special exercises is no longer effective.
Attractiveness
Spinal traction is quite effective and 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 spinal column and increase the space between the vertebrae.This procedure brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.Positive results must be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.The load on the back after the procedure is unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy has a truly magical ability, which is used as one of the methods of treating diseases and as a prevention of osteochondrosis.The use of specially designed exercises in most cases is used in addition to ongoing treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace drugs.
Training selection provides:
- Restore spinal mobility.
- Improve blood circulation is impaired in the paravertebral tissue.
- Pain relief.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease and the dose of physical activity, which should not cause overexertion, must be taken into account.In addition to exercises specially designed for patients, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, climbing 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 achieve a therapeutic effect.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore mobility and muscle strength of the spine.Positive effects can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and slowly stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of preparation.In addition to the simplest, it contains quite complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movement.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 exercise:
- Stand straight, arms down, 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, then return to the starting position.Doing this asana helps stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck and vertebrae.To continue stretching, complete the exercise with a maximum turn of the head to the right and left while looking back, fix 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 - knees, 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 down, 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
The most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, which allow, through moderate physical activity and intelligently designed exercises, to restore lost mobility to the spine and increase its strength.Pilates techniques are specially designed for those who have problems with the spine.It allows you to run classes with people of any age.
During the exercise, the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spinal column is developed, and the posture is improved.Systematic training allows you 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.For problems with the spine, the following exercises will be effective:
- Tilt to the right and left from a standing position.
- Step in place with a high hip lift.
- Raise the body with tension from a lying position, arms forward.
- Starting Position - Standing, hands "locked" in front of the chest, then usually bend the right knee in front of you, then the left leg - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and back, kneeling, reaching the floor with your hands.
Experts say that by doing Pilates, you can achieve good results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but this method should not be considered a cure.And although it has no contraindications, it is better to use it after a doctor's recommendation.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics Qigong (Qi Gong), based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aimed at healing the body through motor and breathing training systems, is gaining popularity.
Experts who studied the effect of qigong on the healing of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He chooses a practice based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to get results in the form of getting rid of 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 bad thoughts, anxiety and mood.
- You can not exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a heavy lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not recommended to start training in a state of strong pleasure, regardless of whether it is happy or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and long process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of this disease.The prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine involves various measures aimed at preventing this disease, the most effective of which are recognized:
- Promoting proper nutrition, following a diet, including in the diet vitamin salad, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing unsaturated fatty acids.
- Carry out morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your state of health.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: stop smoking, alcohol and sitting for hours in front of the TV or at the computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full and happy life.It is quite impossible to protect him from injury and disease without medical intervention.You just have to remember that preventing osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treating it.