How to treat osteochondrosis at home

It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes adherence to posture, fitness exercises, exercise equipment, race walking, yoga, swimming. It is necessary to sit correctly at the table and the computer, you cannot 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 surface of the table, and it is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow during sleep.

Osteochondrosis manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of pain in the spine, body aches and numbness of 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 causes of the onset of the disease are hidden in a passive lifestyle, lack of sufficient load on the spine and a developed muscular frame. Concomitant factors are also unhealthy diet, hormonal disruptions, 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 with a doctor regarding the complex effect on the pathology. The main ways to get rid of the problem are:

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

It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly, as the affected cartilage tissue regenerates slowly. It will take at least three months to complete complex measures, and it will take about a year for the rehabilitation period. The resulting treatment result 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 is suffering? It is almost impossible to say for sure that the development of the disease began due to improper nutrition or blood stagnation, therefore, for effective therapy, a whole program is needed, aimed at restoring blood flow to damaged discs.

Next, we will briefly talk about the 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 the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of vascular elasticity. Eliminating fatty foods from the diet, as well as foods rich in cholesterol, such as chicken eggs, broths, pork and chicken skins, will help to 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 into the body also leads to vasospasm. The decision is unambiguous: if you are being treated for osteochondrosis, you should 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 treating osteochondrosis at home. There are a lot of ways: from physiotherapy exercises to rubbing and compresses, but you have to choose several and act.
• Orthopedic sleep supplies. The spine is the axis of the human body, which throughout the day experiences loads that are dynamic when moving and static when sitting. But, like any other part of the body, he needs proper rest, which can only be provided by an even correct position during sleep. A quality orthopedic mattress and pillow create the ideal conditions for 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 squeezing the blood vessels and nerve fibers located nearby.

Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common types of spinal lesions that can occur in both the elderly and those who are about 20 years old.

In the process of the development of the disease, 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 slight soreness. Due to mild symptoms, as a rule, this stage is almost imperceptible.
• Stage II. The destruction of the annulus fibrosus begins, the distance between the vertebrae decreases. Symptoms are pain localized at certain points and aggravated by bending or turning the head. Also at this stage, increased fatigue may appear.
• Stage III. The annulus fibrosus is completely destroyed, a hernia is formed. In this case, the spinal column 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 fade away, but subsequently it will necessarily return, increasing several times.

The earlier the cervical osteochondrosis begins, the stronger the possible complications can be. If a disease occurs at a young age, the following consequences are possible:

• herniated intervertebral disc;
• radiculopathy of the cervical roots;
• intervertebral protrusion in the cervical region (protrusion);
• vertebral 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 numbness in the limbs. The pain may worsen with movement. Patients may also complain of headache, dizziness, pain in internal organs.

First signs

Cervical osteochondrosis at the onset of the disease may not appear at all. The disease makes itself felt already in a neglected form with frequent head and neck pain when moving. When there is a violation of cerebral circulation in cervical osteochondrosis, a person develops the following symptoms:

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

If osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae takes a chronic form, then the pain is permanent, and any head movements are difficult due to the tension of the neck muscles. The patient begins to suffer from cervical migraines, and the headache is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, nausea and even loss of consciousness. If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated on time, then the person may be accompanied by pharyngeal symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of dry 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 slight damage to them causes the development of the disease. The beginning of problems 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 sore throat;
• pain in the shoulder, occipital region, along the entire length of the arms;
• weakness of the forelimbs;
• lack of coordination, expressed in an uneven gait;
• frequent dizziness, which may result in fainting;
• decreased stamina;
• feeling tired immediately after sleep;
• recurrent headaches in the left side of the chest, radiating to the arm;
• limitation of neck mobility, crunching when turning and tilting.

Experts distinguish between several types of syndromes characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis, including:

1. Spine. It develops as a result of a pinched nerve. In this case, a person experiences acute pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, then to the forearms and so on up to the fingers (or one hand). Also, radicular syndrome is characterized by tingling or "blotchiness" on the skin, pale skin and slight swelling.
2. Vertebral artery syndrome. The main symptom is a girdle headache. Most often, this pain is constant, but in some cases it can be periodic. An increase in pain occurs after increased activity, or after a long time in an uncomfortable position. With a simultaneous decrease in immunity, headache may be accompanied by nausea and loss of consciousness. Also in this case, hearing impairment, vision and problems with the vestibular apparatus are possible.
3. Cervical Migraine Syndrome. In this case, due to changes in the position of the vertebrae and discs between them, the blood circulation of the brain is disturbed, which is accompanied by ringing in the ears or their congestion, tachycardia, noise in the head, etc.
4. Hypertensive. It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient is worried about severe headache attacks, often accompanied by a feeling of nausea.

Often, with an 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 drugs. They are aimed at relieving back pain, eliminating inflammatory processes, and restoring the mobility of cartilaginous tissues. After examination and diagnostics, 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. Medicines improve the patient's well-being, restore metabolism. Therefore, after a few weeks, the patient feels much better, but one should not forget that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease, and it 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, first of all, changes in the vertebrae and cartilage. In order to be cured, you need to take a number of actions. The tablets listed above must be drunk without fail, but they cannot be dispensed with.

Below we will consider the possibilities of treating osteochondrosis at home. But before using this or that recipe, you need to consult with your doctor in order not to harm yourself.

The first thing to do is to relieve pain. This can be done with drugs. But it is important to understand that regular use of pain relievers 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 rub them on a fine grater, then mix in equal proportions with honey. Mix well and put the gruel on cheesecloth, then apply it as a compress to the sore spot. From above, you need to wrap something warm and leave in this position for one hour. This remedy will quickly relieve pain, but, unfortunately, not for long.
2. Horseradish leaf. Take one sheet of horseradish and steam it with boiling water. Turn the leaf over with the inside towards you and attach it to the diseased area. Wrap it up well and go to bed. 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 a sofa or bed, and lie on your back. Try to roll it under you for half an hour.
4. Parsley. For a month, you need to eat one parsley root every day.
5. Pine buds. Collect pine buds every spring, but only those that are two centimeters long. Wash them well, dry them, and grind them through a meat grinder. Add sugar in a 1: 2 ratio, number 2 is the kidneys.
6. Mix everything well and remove to infuse for two weeks in the refrigerator. You can understand 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 pain in chest osteochondrosis in a steam room. The course of treatment is ten days. Do three runs, lasting five minutes. But visit the bath every other day.

Massage and healing baths

• Start the process with light, gentle stroking of the problem area. It is better not to take additional devices, the impact of the palms and fingers will be enough.
• After rubbing, they proceed to an increased effect on the area. You can grab a fold of 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 influence the ridge itself. Movement can be tapping, circular, pressing.
• To end the session is worth 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 an exacerbation, but become indispensable in remission. Correct and regular exercise allows you to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve mood and well-being. Only warm water can be used in the process (hot water will only harm), to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Thyme, string, thyme, lemon balm, chamomile have proven themselves well. Take a medicinal bath 20 minutes before bedtime.

Simple exercises are useful for the 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 are reminiscent of school exercises, but one should not underestimate their importance for the body during the period of treatment. They are aimed at warming up muscles, improving blood circulation, stretching and relaxing muscles where there are blocks.

During execution, you should follow these recommendations:

• Do not exercise quickly, putting a lot of stress on the 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, cannot straighten up.
• Strength complexes always alternate with breathing exercises so that the tissues receive a sufficient amount of oxygen.
• Classes should only be conducted in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.

It should be remembered that exercises are prescribed by the attending physician, 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 pathologies in the back and is often used to prevent a number of problems at increased risks. The complexes include exercises from yoga or oriental techniques. You need to do it regularly, at least 3 times a week.

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

1. The body's metabolism is normalizing.
2. The condition of tissues and organs is improving.
3. Immunity increases and becomes more resilient.
4. The pain is relieved.
5. Good anti-inflammatory and anti-edema 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.

In order to simultaneously act on biologically active points, acupuncture-reflexolaser-puncture is used. The tissue is influenced by laser radiation and needles. Together with electrotherapy, mud therapy is used.

Massage

1. During the period when there is no pain, at that moment, movements will not cause pain.
2. At the moment of exacerbation.

Before the specialist starts this procedure, the patient is prepared. To do this, you need to stroke your back for about 3-5 minutes, first stroking in the area of ​​the shoulder blades, then closer to the neck and shoulder girdle. After this, stroking should be replaced with 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, by about 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, then the patient should be seated.

There is another way to treat osteochondrosis with folk remedies - medicinal herbal baths. Baths can be used not only for the purpose of cleansing, but also for the purpose of healing, choosing the right medicinal herbs and their amount. Baths, like any other alternative methods of treating osteochondrosis, should be taken only after you have consulted 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 correct preparation:

• Bath with birch leaves. For cooking, you need to brew birch leaves. The bathing procedure should take about half an hour. The water should be slightly hot.
• Chestnut bath. For cooking, crush the chestnut and boil it for 15 minutes. Then pour into a bath and take it for about 20 minutes.
• Pine needle bath. It is necessary to collect some needles from the trees in the forest, boil it for about 20 minutes. Then pour the broth into the bath and take it for about 25 minutes.
• Camomile bath. It is necessary to pour boiling water over the chamomile and let the broth brew for half an hour. Then you can filter the drug and take a bath.
• Jerusalem artichoke bath. It is necessary to fill a bucket with a capacity of 10 liters stalks and leaves of Jerusalem artichoke, pour boiling water over them, wait 20 minutes. Pour liquid into a bath. 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 beneficial but also pleasant.

How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home

There are several reasons for the onset 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 hard physical labor and sports;
6. previous infectious diseases;
7. wearing tight uncomfortable shoes or high heels;
8. unhealthy diet, including excessive addiction to junk food.

In addition, excess weight, frequent stress, a sedentary lifestyle and even severe hypothermia can contribute to the occurrence of osteochondrosis.

The cause of osteochondrosis can be hypothermia, a sharp tilt or turn, 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, in the place 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 slouches when sitting or walking.
3. Back muscles are weak.
4. A person leads a sedentary lifestyle, moves little.
5. There is a strong lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus in the body.
6. Hereditary factors.
7. Past infectious diseases.
8. Severe nervous tension, depression.
9. Hormones are disturbed.
10. Injuries to the spine, they can occur during a fall, impact.
11. The position of the trunk changes frequently and abruptly.

Lifting at right angles to the torso can cause intervertebral disc prolapse. That is why a large load must be taken only while squatting, thus, the spine will be protected.

Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes a whole range of means and methods that are aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the tissues. An effective method is daily exercise for the flexibility of the spine. As a rule, an individual exercise program is selected by a doctor after diagnostics 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 already at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be eliminated with a regular anesthetic pill, then later it will no longer help. Medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with new generation chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue in the spine.

But if you need to relieve acute pain in cervical osteochondrosis, then doctors prescribe a novocaine blockade or non-steroidal 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 have serious ones, so their use must be agreed with the attending physician.

To quickly anesthetize the cervical spine in case of osteochondrosis, special gels or ointments, which begin to act 10 minutes after application, will help. There are several types of them:

1. Regenerating, allowing to restore damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
2. Anti-inflammatory, based on non-steroidal substances, eliminating pain.
3. Pain relievers that affect nerve endings, quickly dulling pain.
4. Massage ointments.

Manual therapy

The most ancient, 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 working capacity of the joints, accompanied by their crunch;
• mobilization, restoring damaged joints by stretching them.