How to treat osteochondrosis at home

It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes posture, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, competitive walking, yoga, swimming. You need to sit properly at the table and computer, you can not throw your head back for a long time or tilt when lifting weights. When writing or reading, it is not recommended to bend low over the table surface and it is recommended to use an orthopedic pillow during sleep.

Osteochondrosis manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of back pain, body aches and tingling in the arms or legs for no reason. In some cases, even 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, dysfunction of a number of internal organs.

The reasons for the appearance of the disease lie in the passive lifestyle, the lack of sufficient load on the spine and the developed muscular framework. Related factors include 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 has consulted a doctor about the complex effect on the pathology. The main ways to get rid of the problem are:

• Drug therapy.
• Massage and physiotherapy.
• Gymnastics.
• Traditional medicine.

It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly because the affected cartilage tissue regenerates slowly. Complex measures will take at least three months, and the rehabilitation period will take about a year. The result obtained from the 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 nutrition or blood stagnation, therefore an effective therapy requires a whole program to restore blood flow to the damaged discs.

Then we will briefly talk about methods of treating osteochondrosis at home. We have already talked about 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 cholesterol accumulation and loss of vascular elasticity. Eliminating fatty foods from the diet, as well as foods rich in cholesterol: chicken eggs, broths, pork and chicken skins, 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 - usually coffee and tea. Regular intake of nicotine in the body also leads to vasospasm. The solution is simple: if you are being treated for osteochondrosis, you must 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 to rubbing and compresses, but you have to choose a few and act.
• Orthopedic sleeping supplies. The spine is the axis of the human body that experiences loads throughout the day that are dynamic when moving and static when sitting. But, like any other part of the body, it needs adequate rest, which can only be provided by an evenly correct position during sleep. The quality orthopedic mattress and pillow create the ideal conditions for normal blood circulation during sleep and rest.

Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine or more precisely the intervertebral discs. As it develops, the soft elements of the discs become damaged and ossified, and the vertebrae begin to touch as they compress the blood vessels and nerve fibers located nearby.

Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common types of spinal lesions, which can occur in both the elderly and those around the age of 20.

In the process of disease development, specialists distinguish 4 stages:

• Stage I. At this stage there is a displacement of the intervertebral discs, violation of their stability. In this case, a person may feel muscle tension in the affected area and mild pain. Due to the mild symptoms, as a rule, this stage is almost imperceptible.
• Stage II. The destruction of the annular fibrosis begins, the distance between the vertebrae decreases. Symptoms are pain localized at certain points and aggravated by bending or turning the head. Increased fatigue may also occur at this stage.
• Stage III. The fibrous ring is completely destroyed, a hernia is formed. In this case, the spine is deformed, the pain becomes much stronger. To reduce the discomfort, one is forced to restrict movement. The obvious signs are often dizziness, fatigue.
• Stage IV. This stage is characterized by complete immobility of the damaged area of ​​the spine. Periodically, the pain may subside, but then it will inevitably return, increasing several times.

The earlier cervical osteochondrosis begins, the more severe the possible complications. If the disease appears at a young age, the following consequences are possible:

• herniated intervertebral disc;
• radiculopathy of the cervical roots;
• intervertebral protrusion in the cervical region (bulge);
• spinal cervicalgia, etc.

Also, in the case of advanced osteochondrosis, problems with the vertebral arteries, 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 stiffness in the limbs. The pain may worsen when moving. Patients may also complain of headache, dizziness, pain in the internal organs.

First signs

Cervical osteochondrosis may not appear at all at the beginning of the disease. The disease is already felt in an advanced form, with frequent headaches in the head and neck when moving. When there is a disturbance of cerebral circulation with cervical osteochondrosis, a person develops the following symptoms:

• regular headache;
• impaired sensitivity of the facial muscles;
• increased fatigue;
• noise in the head;
• ringing in the ears;
• high blood pressure;
• loss of coordination;
• frequent dizziness;
• hesitant gait.

If osteochondrosis of the cervical spine takes a chronic form, then the pain is constant and any 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 pharyngeal 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 their slight damage causes the development of the disease. The onset of problems can be indicated by:

• hoarseness, hoarseness;
• increase in dental problems (you need to go to the dentist more often than usual, for example due to partial caries);
• blurred vision;
• burning sensation between the shoulder blades;
• sore throat as in sore throat;
• pain in the shoulder, occipital region, along the entire length of the arms;
• weakness of the forelimbs;
• lack of coordination, resulting in uneven gait;
• frequent dizziness, which may lead to fainting;
• reduced endurance;
• feeling tired immediately after sleep;
• recurrent headaches in the left side of the chest, radiating to the arm;
• Restriction of neck mobility, crunch when turning and tilting.

Specialists distinguish several types of syndromes characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis, including:

1. Spine. It develops as a result of a pinched nerve. In this case, the person experiences sharp pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, then to the forearms and so on to the fingers (or one hand). Also, radicular syndrome is characterized by tingling or "spots" on the skin, pale skin and slight swelling.
2. Vertebral artery syndrome. The main symptom is a lumbar headache. Most often this pain is 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 simultaneous decrease in immunity, headache may be accompanied by nausea and loss of consciousness. Also in this case, hearing, vision and problems with the vestibular system are possible.
3. Cervical migraine syndrome. In this case, due to changes in the position of the vertebrae and the discs between them, the blood circulation to the brain is disturbed, which is accompanied by ringing in the ears or blockage, tachycardia, noise in the head, etc.
4. Hypertensive. It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient is troubled by severe bouts of headache, often accompanied by nausea.

Often, with exacerbation of the disease, the patient's body temperature may rise.

How to treat osteochondrosis at home: folk remedies

Chondrosis can be treated at home only after the doctor prescribes a course of medication. They are aimed at relieving back pain, eliminating inflammatory processes and restoring the mobility of cartilage tissues. After examination and diagnosis, the specialist prescribes the following groups of drugs:

• Anti-inflammatory.
• Painkillers.
• Vasodilators.
• Muscle relaxants.
• Soothing.
• Multivitamins.

They must be taken in strict compliance. Medications improve the patient's 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 should be treated only comprehensively. 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 condition that will go away after you take the pill. Osteochondrosis is primarily a change in the vertebrae and cartilage. To heal, you need to take a number of actions. The tablets listed above must be taken, but they cannot be given up.

Below we will look at treatment options for osteochondrosis at home. But before using this or that prescription, you should consult your doctor so as not to harm yourself.

The first thing you need 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. That is why an experienced doctor will definitely advise those folk remedies that can be used with complete safety at home.

1. Honey and grated potatoes. Take a few potatoes and grate them on a fine grater, then mix in equal proportions with honey. Mix well and put the porridge on cheesecloth, then apply it as a compress on the sore spot. From above you need to wrap something warm and leave in this position for an hour. This medicine will quickly relieve the pain, but, unfortunately, not for long.
2. Horseradish leaf. Take a leaf of horseradish and boil it with boiling water. Turn the leaf inside out and attach it to the affected area. Wrap it tightly and lie down. In the morning you will feel that the pain has receded.
3. Hot bottle. Take a plastic bottle and pour hot water into it, place it on the sofa or bed and lie on your back. Try rolling it under you for half an hour.
4. Parsley. For a month you should eat one parsley root every day.
5. Pine buds. Collect pine buds every spring, but only those two centimeters long. Wash them well, dry them and grind them through a meat grinder. Add sugar in a ratio of 1: 2, number 2 is the kidneys.
6. Mix everything well and remove to infuse for two weeks in the refrigerator. You can tell that the mixture is ready by its changed color, it will turn brown. The course of treatment will be three weeks. Eat one teaspoon every day.
7. Bath. You can relieve the pain of osteochondrosis in the chest in a steam bath. The course of treatment is ten days. Make three tracks, lasting five minutes. But visit the bathroom every other day.

Massage and healing baths

• Start the process by gently stroking the problem area. It is better not to take additional devices, the impact of the palms and fingers will be enough.
• After rubbing, they continue to have an enhanced effect on the area. You can grab a fold of skin with your fingers and squeeze it lightly.
• Muscle and soft tissue kneading should be performed in the paravertebral area, it is impossible to affect the spine itself. The movement can be tapping, circular, pressing.
• It's worth ending the session by tapping, vibrating, stroking.

Such self-massage of the back can be performed every day even without special knowledge and skills. The impact 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 indispensable in remission. Proper and regular exercise allows you to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve mood and well-being. In the process, only warm water can be used (hot water will only harm), to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Thyme, string, thyme, balm, chamomile have proven themselves well. Take a healing bath 20 minutes before bedtime.

Simple exercises are good for spinal cartilage dysfunction. The doctor selects them for each patient individually, taking into account the general condition, physical shape, age. They are performed daily and are an integral part of therapy. The simplest activities are similar to school exercises, but their importance for the body during the treatment period should not be underestimated. They are aimed at warming the muscles, improving blood circulation, stretching and relaxing the muscles where there are blocks.

You should follow these recommendations during execution:

• Don't exercise fast, putting a lot of stress on your bones and muscles.
• Everything is done smoothly, thoughtfully, with control of the sensations in the body.
• Classes are completely stopped if the patient is in pain, unable to stand up.
• Strength complexes always alternate with breathing exercises so that the tissues receive enough oxygen.
• Classes should only be held in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.

It should be remembered that the doctor prescribes exercise, some effects on the spine are dangerous in case of a disease such as osteoporosis. They can cause serious complications. Exercise therapy is an excellent tool for combating back pathologies and is often used to prevent a number of high-risk problems. The complexes include yoga exercises or oriental techniques. You should do it regularly, at least 3 times a week.

Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is used as an adjunct to basic treatment, the patient's condition becomes significantly better. Physiotherapy procedures act directly on the painful focus, so no side effects will occur.

1. The body's metabolism is normalized.
2. The condition of tissues and organs is improving.
3. Immunity increases and becomes more resistant.
4. The pain is relieved.
5. 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 use of novocaine.

Acupuncture-reflex laser-puncture is used to act simultaneously on biologically active points. The tissue is affected by laser radiation and needles. Mud therapy is used along with electrotherapy.

Massage

1. During the period when there is no pain, at this point the movements will not cause pain.
2. Currently exacerbated.

Before the specialist begins this procedure, the patient is prepared. To do this, you need to stroke your back for about 3-5 minutes, first stroking the shoulder blades, then closer to the neck and shoulder girdle. Then stroking 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 provoke severe pain. But if the body is properly prepared and relaxed, then this can be avoided.

If you feel discomfort after the first procedures, you do not need to worry, on about the third day the pain will subside and the procedure itself will become much more pleasant.

The patient should be placed on a flat surface in a horizontal position. If the massage is performed only in the neck area, then the patient should sit.

There is another way to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies - herbal baths. Baths can be used not only for cleansing, but also for healing, selection of appropriate medicinal herbs and their quantity. Baths, as well as all 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. For cooking you need to boil birch leaves. The bathing procedure should take about half an hour. The water should be slightly hot.
• Chestnut bath. For cooking, crush the chestnuts and cook for 15 minutes. Then pour into a bath and take it for about 20 minutes.
• Bath with pine needle. It is necessary to collect needles from the trees in the forest, to boil for about 20 minutes. Then pour the broth into the bath and take it for about 25 minutes.
• Chamomile bath. It is necessary to pour chamomile with boiling water and let the broth boil for half an hour. You can then 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 stalks and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke, fill them with boiling water, wait 20 minutesPour liquid into a tub. The bath procedure 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, relieve spasms and relieve pain. Such home treatment is not only useful but also enjoyable.

How to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home

There are several reasons for the appearance and development of the disease. Among the most common:

1. hereditary predisposition;
2. posture disorders;
3. age;
4. past spinal injuries;
5. heavy loads, including heavy physical labor and sports;
6. previous infectious diseases;
7. wearing tight uncomfortable shoes or high heels;
8. unhealthy diet, including excessive dependence on unhealthy food.

In addition, being overweight, frequent stress, sedentary lifestyle and even severe hypothermia can all contribute to osteochondrosis.

The cause of osteochondrosis can be hypothermia, a sharp incline or inversion, strenuous exercise.

Experts believe that the main cause of osteochondrosis is the improper distribution of the load on the spine. As a result, where there is excessive physical pressure, there is a complete or partial change in the cartilage tissue.

1. The spine is curved.
2. The patient moves when sitting or walking.
3. The muscles of the back are weak.
4. Man leads a sedentary lifestyle, moves little.
5. The body has a strong lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus.
6. Hereditary factors.
7. Past infectious diseases.
8. Severe nervous tension, depression.
9. Hormones are disrupted.
10. Spinal injuries, they can occur during a fall, a blow.
11. Body position changes frequently and abruptly.

If the weights are lifted at right angles to the torso, intervertebral disc prolapse can occur. Therefore, a large load should only be taken while squatting, thus protecting the spine.

The treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes a range of tools and methods that are aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the tissues. An effective method is daily exercises for flexibility of the spine. As a rule, an individual exercise program is selected by a doctor after diagnosis using MRI or computed tomography and assessment of the stage of the disease. Let's see how to treat osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Drug therapy is prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be eliminated with a simple anesthetic pill, then it will not help later. Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is performed with a new generation of chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the recovery of cartilage 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 have no contraindications even with prolonged use, then NSAIDs are serious, so their use should be agreed with your doctor.

For quick analgesia of the cervical spine in case of osteochondrosis will help you special gels or ointments, which begin to act 10 minutes after application. There are several types:

1. Regenerating, allowing the restoration of damaged cartilage between the vertebrae.
2. Anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal, pain relieving.
3. Painkillers that affect the nerve endings, quickly dulling the pain.
4. 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 a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, tissues and joints of the affected area. Only the chiropractor should be a good specialist in his field so as not to lead the patient to a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:

• segmental massage that relieves muscle tension;
• manipulations aimed at restoring the function of the joints, accompanied by their crunch;
• mobilization, repair of damaged joints by stretching them.