It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes body posture, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, running walking, yoga, swimming. You need to sit properly at a desk and computer, you can't tilt your head for a long time or lean when lifting weights. When writing or reading, it is not recommended to bend low over the table surface, and it is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow during sleep.
Osteochondrosis is manifested by unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of back pain, body aches and numbness of the arms or legs for no reason. In some cases, even loss of consciousness or frequent dizziness are possible. If the disease is not treated, it gradually leads to atrophy of muscle tissue, disorders of nerve impulses, dysfunction of a certain number of internal organs.
The causes of the disease are hidden in the passive way of life, the lack of sufficient load on the spine and the developed muscular framework. Concomitant factors are also unhealthy diet, hormonal disorders, posture problems, insufficient fluid intake, hereditary predisposition, infection, obesity and bad habits.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible if the patient does not use folk remedies as the only therapy and if he consulted a doctor about the complex effect on the pathology. The main ways to solve the problem are:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage and physiotherapy.
- Gymnastics.
- Traditional medicine.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly because the affected cartilage tissue is slowly regenerating. It will take at least three months to complete the complex measures, and it will take about a year for the rehabilitation period. The obtained result of treatment largely depends on the patient himself, his diligence in following the instructions, as well as the stage of development of the disease.
Do you know why your spine suffers? It is almost impossible to say with certainty that the development of the disease began due to improper diet or blood stagnation, so an effective therapy requires a whole program to restore blood flow to the damaged discs.
Next we will briefly discuss methods of treating osteochondrosis at home. We have already discussed some of them in more detail: below, in the descriptions of the methods, see the articles on the links.
- Diet. Often the cause of osteochondrosis is impaired blood flow due to the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of vascular elasticity. Removing fatty foods from the diet, as well as foods rich in cholesterol, such as chicken eggs, soups, pork and chicken skin, will help correct the situation. Strong drinks can play an important role in the activity of blood vessels, and even those that do not contain alcohol - ordinary coffee and tea. Regular intake of nicotine in the body also leads to vasospasm. The decision is unequivocal: if you are being treated for osteochondrosis, you should completely give up 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 rubbing and compresses, but you have to choose a few and act.
- Orthopedic sleeping accessories. The spine is the axis of the human body that experiences dynamic loads in motion during the day and static when sitting. But, like any other part of the body, it also needs real rest, which can only provide it with an even position during sleep. A quality orthopedic mattress and pillow create ideal conditions for normal blood circulation during your sleep and rest.
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine, or intervertebral discs. As it develops, the soft elements of the discs become damaged and ossified, and the vertebrae begin to touch each other, squeezing out the blood vessels and nerve fibers that are nearby.
Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common types of spinal lesions that can occur in both the elderly and those over 20 years of age.
In the process of disease development, experts distinguish 4 stages:
- Phase I. In this phase, the intervertebral discs move, violating their stability. In this case, the person may feel muscle tension in the affected area and mild pain. Due to mild symptoms, this stage is usually almost imperceptible. Phase II. The destruction of the annular fibrosus begins, the distance between the vertebrae decreases. Symptoms are pain localized in certain places and intensified by bending or turning the head. Increased fatigue may also occur at this stage. Phase III. The fibrous ring is completely destroyed, a hernia is formed. In that case, the spinal column is deformed, the pain becomes much stronger. To reduce discomfort, the person is forced to restrict movement. Obvious signs are frequent dizziness, fatigue. Phase IV. This phase is characterized by complete immobility of the damaged area of the spine. Occasionally the pain may disappear, but later it will necessarily return, increasing several times.
The earlier cervical osteochondrosis begins, the stronger the possible complications. If the disease occurs at a young age, the following consequences are possible:
- intervertebral disc herniation;
- cervical root radiculopathy;
- intervertebral bulge in the cervical region (bulge);
- vertebral cervicalgia, etc.
Also, in the case of advanced osteochondrosis, problems with the spinal arteries, the development of paresis and other concomitant diseases are possible.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is back pain. Numbness of the limbs may also be felt. The pain may worsen with movement. Patients may also complain of headache, dizziness, pain in internal organs.
First characters
Cervical osteochondrosis may not appear at all at the beginning of the disease. The disease is already felt in a neglected form with frequent pains in the head and neck when moving. When there is a violation of cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis, a person develops the following symptoms:
- regular headaches;
- violation of facial muscle sensitivity;
- increased fatigue;
- noise in the head;
- ringing in ears;
- high blood pressure;
- loss of coordination;
- frequent dizziness;
- wobbly walk.
If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine takes a chronic form, the pain is permanent and the head movements are difficult due to the tension of the neck muscles. The patient begins to suffer from 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 throat symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of dryness in the throat, itching and tickling. Over time, this disease can lead to a herniated disc.
Due to the fact that the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are not very high, even a small damage to them causes the development of the disease. The start of the problem may be indicated by:
- hoarseness, hoarseness;
- increase in dental problems (you have to visit the dentist more often than usual, for example, due to partial tooth decay);
- blurred vision;
- burning sensation between the shoulder blades;
- sore throat as in the throat;
- pain in the shoulder, occipital region, along the entire length of the arms;
- weakness of front limbs;
- lack of coordination, expressed in uneven gait;
- frequent dizziness, which may result in fainting;
- reduced endurance;
- feeling tired immediately after sleep;
- recurrent headaches in the left side of the chest, radiating to the arm;
- Restriction of door mobility, crunch when turning and tilting.
Experts distinguish several types of syndromes characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis, including:
- Spine. It develops as a result of nerve contraction. In this case, the person experiences acute pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, then to the forearm, all the way to the fingers (or one hand). Also, radicular syndrome is characterized by tingling or “spots” on the skin, pale skin, and slight swelling.
- Spinal artery syndrome. The main symptom is a "belt" headache. This pain is usually constant, but in some cases it can be periodic. Increased pain occurs after increased activity or after a long time in an awkward position. With a concomitant decrease in immunity, headache may be accompanied by nausea and loss of consciousness. Hearing, vision and vestibular problems are also possible in this case.
- Cervical migraine syndrome. In this case, due to changes in the position of the vertebrae and the discs between them, the circulation of the brain is disturbed, which is accompanied by ringing in the ears or their congestion, tachycardia, noise in the head, etc.
- Hypertension. It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient is troubled by severe attacks of headache, 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
Chondrosis can be treated at home only after a doctor has prescribed a course of medication. They are intended to relieve back pain, eliminate inflammatory processes and restore the mobility of cartilage tissues. After examination and diagnosis, the specialist prescribes the following groups of drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Painkillers.
- Vasodilators.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Sedatives.
- Multivitamins.
They must be taken in strict accordance with the regulations. Medications improve patient well-being, restore metabolism. Therefore, after a few weeks the patient feels much better, but it should not be forgotten that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease and must be treated only in a comprehensive manner. Pills alone cannot solve the problem.
The question of how to treat osteochondrosis at home worries more and more. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is an unusual disease that will go away after you take the pill. Osteochondrosis is, above all, a change in the vertebrae and cartilage. To heal, you need to take a series of actions. The above tablets must be taken without error, but they cannot be dispensed.
Below we will consider the treatment options for osteochondrosis at home. But before using this or that prescription, you need to consult your doctor so as not to harm yourself.
The first thing to do is relieve the pain. This can be done with medication. But it is important to understand that regular use of painkillers will lead to problems with the intestines, liver and pancreas. Therefore, an experienced doctor will definitely advise those folk remedies that can be used with complete safety at home.
- Honey and grated potatoes. Take a few potatoes and rub them on a fine grater, then mix in equal proportions with the honey. Stir well and put the porridge on gauze, then put it as a compress on the sore spot. You need to wrap something warm on top and leave it in this position for an hour. This medicine will quickly relieve the pain, but unfortunately not for long.
- Horseradish leaf. Take one leaf of horseradish and steam it with boiling water. Turn the sheet with the inside facing you and attach it to the affected area. Wrap it up well and go to bed. In the morning you will feel the pain subside.
- Hot bottle. Take a plastic bottle and pour hot water into it, put it on a sofa or bed and lie on your back. Try rolling it under you for half an hour.
- Parsley. For a month you have to eat one parsley root every day.
- Pine buds. Collect pine buds every spring, but only those two inches long. Wash them well, dry them and grind them through a meat grinder. Add sugar in a ratio of 1: 2, number 2 are the kidneys.
- Mix everything well and take out to infuse for two weeks in the refrigerator. You can understand that the mixture is ready by the changed color, it will turn brown. The course of treatment will last for three weeks. Eat one teaspoon every day.
- Bathroom. You can relieve chest pain in osteochondrosis in a steam room. The course of treatment is ten days. Do three runs in five minutes. But visit the bath every other day.
Massage and healing baths
- Begin the procedure by gently stroking the problem area. It is better not to take additional devices, a stroke of the palms and fingers will suffice.
- After rubbing, they continue to have an enhanced effect on the area. You can grab the crease of the skin with your fingers and squeeze it lightly.
- Kneading of muscles and soft tissues should take place in the paravertebral region, it is impossible to affect the ridge itself. The movement can be clapping, circular, pressing.
- To end the session, it is worth tapping, vibrating, stroking.
Such a self-massage of the back can be performed every day even without special knowledge and skills. The effect on the muscles of the chest, hips, shoulders, lower back, has a beneficial effect on the treatment of osteochondrosis in general.
In addition to massage, therapeutic baths help to cope with the disease. They are contraindicated during exacerbations, but become necessary in remission. Proper and regular exercise allows you to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve mood and well-being. Only hot water can be used in the process (hot water only harms), to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Thyme, string, thyme, lemon balm, chamomile have proven themselves well. Take a healing bath 20 minutes before bed.
Simple exercises are useful for a spine with cartilage dysfunction. The doctor selects them for each patient individually, taking into account the general condition, physical fitness, age. They are performed daily and are an integral part of therapy. The simplest activities resemble school exercises, but their importance to the body during the treatment period should not be underestimated. They are intended to warm up the muscles, improve blood circulation, stretch and relax the muscles where there are blocks.
During execution, you should follow these recommendations:
- Don’t exercise fast, putting a lot of stress on your bone tissue and muscles.
- Everything is done smoothly, thoughtfully, with the control of sensations in the body.
- Classes are completely stopped if the patient feels pain and cannot correct himself.
- Strength complexes always alternate with breathing exercises so that the tissues get enough oxygen.
- Classes should only be held in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
It should be borne in mind that the doctor who prescribes the exercises, some effects on the spine are dangerous in the case of diseases such as osteoporosis. They can cause serious complications. Exercise therapy is an excellent tool to combat back pathologies and is often used to prevent a range of problems with increased risk. Complexes include yoga exercises or oriental techniques. You should do this regularly, at least 3 times a week.
Osteochondrosis physiotherapy is used as an adjunct to the main treatment, and the patient's condition becomes noticeably better. Physiotherapy procedures act directly on the painful focus so that no side effects will occur.
- Metabolism in the body is normalized.
- The condition of tissues and organs is improving.
- Immunity increases and becomes more resistant.
- The pain is relieved.
- Good anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect.
Specialists often prescribe combination physiotherapy. For example, if the pain is severe, electrophoresis and diadynamic therapy are used, with the obligatory use of novocaine.
Acupuncture-reflex laser-puncture is used to act on biologically active points at the same time. There is an effect on the tissue with laser radiation and needles. Along with electrotherapy, mud therapy is also used.
Massage
- In the period when there is no pain, at that point the movements will not cause pain.
- At the time of deterioration.
Before the specialist begins this procedure, the patient prepares. To do this, you need to rub your back for about 3-5 minutes, first ironing in the shoulder area and then closer to the neck and shoulder girdle. After that, smoothing should be replaced by kneading and shaking. At this stage, the preparation will be completed, you can proceed directly to the massage procedure.
Massage for osteochondrosis can cause severe pain. But if the body is properly prepared and relaxed, this can be avoided.
If you feel discomfort after the first procedure, you do not need to worry, approximately on the third day the pain will subside, and the procedure itself will become much more pleasant.
The patient must be placed on a flat surface in a horizontal position. If the massage is performed only in the neck area, the patient should sit.
There is another way to treat osteochondrosis folk remedies - medicinal herbal baths. Baths can be used not only for the purpose of cleaning, but also for the purpose of healing, choosing the right medicinal herbs and their quantity. Baths, as well as any other alternative methods of treating osteochondrosis, should be taken only after consulting a doctor. In some forms of osteochondrosis, they may be contraindicated.
To treat osteochondrosis of the spine with the help of baths, you need to know some recipes for their proper preparation:
- Bath with birch leaves. You need to cook birch leaves for cooking. The bathing process should take about half an hour. The water should be a little hot.
- Chestnut bath. To cook the chestnuts crush and cook for 15 minutes. Then pour into the bath and take it for about 20 minutes.
- Pine needle bath. It is necessary to collect a few needles from the trees in the forest, cook for about 20 minutes. Then pour the soup into the bath and take it for about 25 minutes.
- Chamomile bath. Chamomile should be poured over boiling water and let the soup cook for half an hour. Then you can filter the medicine and take a bath.
- Artichoke bath in Jerusalem. It is necessary to fill a bucket with a capacity of 10 liters of stems and leaves of artichoke, pour boiling water over them, wait 20 minutes. Pour the liquid into the bath. The bathing process takes 15 minutes.
For more effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, the duration of treatment should be about a week. Baths have a relaxing and calming effect, relieving cramps and relieving pain. Such a home treatment is not only useful but also pleasant.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home
There are several reasons for the appearance and development of the disease. Among the most common:
- hereditary predisposition;
- posture disorders;
- age;
- spinal injuries in the past;
- heavy loads, including hard physical work and sports;
- previous infectious diseases;
- wear tight uncomfortable shoes or high heels;
- unhealthy diet, including excessive dependence on unhealthy food.
In addition, being overweight, frequent stress, an inactive lifestyle, and even severe hypothermia can all contribute to osteochondrosis.
The cause of osteochondrosis can be hypothermia, a sharp tilt or twist, strong physical exertion.
Experts are sure that the main cause of osteochondrosis is the incorrect distribution of the load on the spinal column. As a result, where there is excessive physical pressure, there is a complete or partial change in the cartilage tissue.
- The spine is curved.
- The patient bends over when sitting or walking.
- The back muscles are weak.
- The person leads a sedentary lifestyle, moves a little.
- There is a strong lack of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the body.
- Hereditary factors.
- Past infectious diseases.
- Severe nervous tension, depression.
- Hormones are disturbed.
- Spinal injuries can occur when falling, hitting.
- The position of the hull changes frequently and abruptly.
Lifting at a right angle to the torso can cause intervertebral disc prolapse. Therefore, you should take a large load only while squatting, so the spine will be protected.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes a number of tools and methods aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the tissues. An effective method is daily exercise for spine flexibility. As a rule, the individual exercise program is selected by the doctor after diagnosis using MRI or computed tomography and assessment of the stage of the disease. Let's see how osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated.
Drug therapy is prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be removed with an ordinary anesthetic tablet, it will not help later. Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed with new generation chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the renewal of cartilage tissue in the spine.
But if you need to relieve acute pain in cervical osteochondrosis, then doctors 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, NSAIDs are serious, so their use must be agreed with the doctor.
Special gels or ointments, which start to work 10 minutes after application, will help to quickly anesthetize the cervical spine in case of osteochondrosis. There are several types:
- It is regenerated, allowing the damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae to regenerate.
- Anti-inflammatory, based on non-steroidal substances, removes pain.
- Pain relievers that affect nerve endings, quickly dampening pain.
- Massage ointments.
Manual therapy
The most ancient, but no less effective method than modern methods of treating osteochondrosis, is manual therapy. Experts have developed many techniques that have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, tissues and joints of the affected area. Only a chiropractor should be a good expert in his field, so as not to take the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- segmental massage that relieves muscle tension;
- manipulations aimed at restoring the working capacity of the joints, accompanied by their contraction;
- mobilization, repairing damaged joints by stretching.