Today, not only the elderly, but also young people under 45 experience severe pain in the neck and back.The cause of the unpleasant symptoms lies in the presence of osteochondrosis, which is found in 26-32% of cases.
Constant back pain reduces work capacity and weakens the whole body.If spinal pathologies are not treated, the risk of disability is high.Therefore, every person who leads a sedentary lifestyle and experiences discomfort in the lumbar and cervical region should know how to treat intervertebral osteochondrosis at home.But first, it is worth studying the causes and symptoms of the disease, which will allow timely diagnosis of the pathology and prevention of surgical intervention and development of disability.
What is osteochondrosis
The name of the disease combines the Greek word for "bone" and the Latin word for "cartilage".Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the motor spinal segment that initially affects the intervertebral disc.As it progresses, the rest of the spine and nervous system are involved in the pathological process.
To understand what osteochondrosis is and how to treat it at home, it is necessary to consider the dynamics of the development of the disease, which goes through four stages:
- In the initial stage, the degenerative process is concentrated in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.The increased load leads to dehydration of the core, which leads to a change in the height of the disc and the appearance of cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
- In the second stage, the change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to the sagging of ligaments, muscle tissue and the reduction of the distance between the vertebrae.This leads to high motor activity of the latter together with atrophied discs, which often ends with their slipping or displacement.
- In the third stage, protrusions and prolapses of the intervertebral discs are formed, which is often accompanied by arthrosis or subluxation of the joints.
- At the final stage, the body tries to adapt to the deformation of the spine, and osteophytes appear in the affected areas, which further support the vertebrae.But bone formations injure them or lead to pinched nerves.The result of all dystrophic changes is fibrous ankylosis.
You can prevent the absolute deformation of the back if you know how to treat spinal osteochondrosis at home.But before using recipes for alternative medicine, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the etiology and clinical picture of the disease.
Causes and symptoms
The structure of the spine is such that it can withstand heavy loads.In order to function normally, one should not forget about physical activity.A number of factors lead to musculoskeletal dysfunction.The main cause of osteochondrosis is lack of physical activity.Excessive physical activity also contributes to the appearance of spinal problems.
associated with heavy lifting.
Other factors leading to degeneration of articular cartilage:
- heredity;
- aging;
- incorrect posture;
- injuries and congenital pathologies of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- influence of chemicals;
- metabolic disorders.
Overweight people, office workers and drivers are more prone to developing osteochondrosis.The probability of developing the disease increases with smoking, hypothermia, constant stress and wearing uncomfortable shoes.
You can diagnose osteochondrosis at home if you pay attention to the characteristic symptoms of the pathology:
| Stages | Signs |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are practically no complaints.Sometimes there is slight discomfort, the muscles of the back get tired quickly. |
| The beginning of dystrophy in the core of the intervertebral disc | Pain appears, which intensifies with intense and prolonged physical exertion. |
| Destruction of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus | The discomfort becomes unbearable.It does not disappear and spreads to other parts of the ridge.There is a violation of sensitivity, stiffness of movements. |
| Disc regeneration stage | Pain in the spine radiates to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations increase with body movement and coughing.Neuralgia, numbness of the legs, decreased muscle tone and dysfunction of the genitourinary system appear. |
Basic rules of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible when the disease is at the 1st or 2nd stage of development.Correctly selected complex therapy will help eliminate pain and prevent further progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, an operation including plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc is necessary.
In order for treatment at home to help relieve discomfort in the lower back and cervical vertebrae, in addition to using folk remedies, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.Therefore, all prescriptions for alternative medicine must be agreed with a doctor, even despite the minimal risk of side effects.It is equally important to stick to your diet and daily routine..
For complete recovery, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive treatment, including manual therapy, gymnastics, friction, applying compresses and taking medicines prescribed by a doctor.It is recommended to wear bandages or orthoses supporting the spine, as well as the use of an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Treatment at home
Resorting to the methods of traditional medicine for diseases of the spine, it is worth remembering that alternative therapy requires an integrated approach and the recovery process will be long.But before you find out how to treat acute osteochondrosis at home, you should visit a doctor and undergo all the tests prescribed by him.The doctor will then prescribe drugs without which traditional medicine for a herniated disc will be ineffective.
medicines
How to treat osteochondrosis at home?Below are the leading drugs used to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
| Name of the medicinal group | Action and features of the application |
|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants | It is prescribed together with diuretics, which allows you to restore muscle tone and remove tissue swelling. |
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Nonsteroidal drugs have an analgesic effect.The dose is divided into 4 doses per day.Tablets are taken after meals with water. |
| Herbal sedatives (teas, tinctures), tranquilizers (antidepressants) | They prevent neuroticism, which reduces the intensity of painful sensations. |
| Multivitamin complexes | Restore the structure of nerve fibers.Medicines are taken orally for 21 days. |
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are considered one of the most effective and gentle ways to treat chondrosis at home.Natural treatments can target the inflamed area directly.After several sessions, the mobility of the damaged vertebrae is restored, swelling and discomfort disappear, immunity increases and blood circulation is activated in the affected area.
Many types of physiotherapy procedures are performed in sanatoriums and clinics.At home, therapeutic baths, physical exercises and massage are used.
Therapeutic baths
This procedure significantly improves well-being in osteochondrosis: relieves inflammation, pain, activates metabolism, expands blood vessels, removes muscle spasms.For diseases of the spine, it is recommended to add chamomile, birch buds and leaves, mint, chestnuts, pine needles, thyme, thyme, horsetail, nettle, string and lemon balm to the bath.
Treatment of spinal chondrosis at home with natural herbal decoctions is carried out according to the following scheme:
- 300 g of dried plants are poured with five liters of boiling water.
- The broth is infused for 2 hours and added to the bath.
- The duration of the water procedure is up to 15 minutes.
- The course of treatment is 30 days.
Physical therapy
Effective treatment of chondrosis at home is impossible without exercise therapy.Exercise improves blood flow and relieves muscle tension.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis:
- The patient lies horizontally, his back is tightly pressed to the floor.One palm is on the chest and the other is on the stomach.After slowly inhaling, he raises his abdomen and chest, and when exhaling, he slowly lowers them.Number of repetitions - 15 times.
- Sitting or standing position.The patient gently turns his head to the right, back, left, forward.The number of turns in each direction is 10 times.
- The patient sits in a chair and alternately presses the palm of his hand on the back of the head, forehead and temples.Number of repetitions - 10 times.
Also, if you have osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to make rotating movements with your shoulders, arch your back, bring your shoulder blades together, and turn your torso left and right.
Massage and self-massage
Manual therapy is an effective method that makes the treatment of spinal osteochondrosis at home as effective as possible.Thanks to the massage, the intervertebral discs and muscles are strengthened, blood circulation is improved.The classic procedure includes stroking, pressing, stretching, kneading, vibration and impact techniques.
Massage for osteochondrosis will be more useful if the session is carried out with honey.Before the procedure, it is recommended to take a hot shower and dry off quickly.The heated parts of the body are smeared with honey, a palm is placed on them, which is sharply torn off.Honey massage is done until the hand stops sticking to the skin.Then you need to wrap yourself in a sheet and go to bed.You should take a shower in the morning.
Self-massage at home is useful for osteochondrosis.The essence of the procedure is massaging the neck and head with fingers from top to bottom.The duration of the session is 5 minutes on each side of the spine.
Use of ointments
Creams that you can buy at any pharmacy will help you defeat osteochondrosis at home.
Such means include:
- gel that has a complex effect;
- ointments that remove painful symptoms containing snake or bee venom, plant extracts;
- massage creams;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
How to treat back chondrosis at home with an ointment made from natural ingredients?Traditional medicine suggests using creams made independently of petroleum jelly, hop cones, Adam's root, bay leaves and juniper needles for deformation of the intervertebral discs.The natural mixture is applied to the affected parts of the body twice a day - in the morning and before going to bed.
Compresses
Applying a multi-layer therapeutic bandage is another effective way to answer the question: how to get rid of osteochondrosis at home?The use of a compress is indicated during an exacerbation of the disease to eliminate muscle spasms, stimulate blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings.
The following types of applications will help to treat osteochondrosis:
- Apples and horseradish root.The ingredients are crushed and formed into a cake, which is applied to the sore spot.Cover the area with cellophane and wrap it with a warm towel.
- Camphor.3 ml of tincture of Japanese laurel is diluted in a glass of water.100 ml of ethanol, 20 drops of iodine, a pinch of red pepper are also added here, where gauze folded in 3 layers is moistened and applied to the sore spot.On top, everything is wrapped with polyethylene and a warm towel.The compress is removed when severe burning occurs.
- Aloe and honey.Agave leaves are ground in a meat grinder, mixed with honey (50 g), vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of cloth, place it on your back, covering it with polyethylene and a scarf.
Rubbing
Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis at home with rubs bought at the pharmacy or made independently.To prepare the products, burdock and gentian, lilac flowers and elderberry are used.Each of the ingredients is infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home with friction?Alcohol tinctures are smeared on the affected areas, after which the areas are wrapped with a warm cloth.Treatment continues until the complete disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.
Herbs
Medicinal plants used to prepare special mixtures will help you get rid of chondrosis at home.In dystrophy of the intervertebral discs, the following types of medicinal herbs are combined:
- sweet clover;
- Knotweed;
- chamomile;
- plantain;
- calendula;
- valerian;
- peppermint;
- motherwort;
- St. John's wort;
- thyme;
- elecampan;
- verbena;
- violet;
- lavender;
- sage.
For diseases of the back, the treatment of chondrosis at home includes the preparation of a medicinal collection of the above plants.Dry herbs (20 g) are placed in a thermos and poured with boiling water (0.5 l).The decoction is taken 4 times a day, 100 ml.
Prevention
In order not to develop osteochondrosis of the spine, the treatment of which at home is a long, laborious process, the development of the disease must be prevented.For prevention, neurologists and chiropractors recommend giving up bad habits, strong tea, coffee and foods rich in fat and cholesterol.
It is also important to monitor your posture and systematically engage in physical exercises that strengthen the muscle corset.Experts advise buying an orthopedic mattress, giving up uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and carrying heavy objects.
Thus, osteochondrosis of the spine can be cured at home.Although therapy will be effective only if all medical recommendations are followed, including the use of various therapeutic techniques.