Today, not only the elderly, but also young people under the age of 45 have severe neck and back pain.The reason for unpleasant symptoms lies in the presence of osteochondrosis, which is detected in 26-32% of cases.
Constant back pain reduces performance 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 feels 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 prevent surgical intervention and the 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 segment of the spine, which initially affects the intervertebral disc.As it progresses, the remaining parts of the spine and the nervous system are involved in the pathological process.
In order 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 phase, the degenerative process is concentrated in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.The increased load leads to dehydration of the nucleus, which causes a change in the height of the disc and the appearance of cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
- In the second phase, the change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to the descent of the 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 in their slipping or moving.
- In the third stage, protrusions and prolapses of the intervertebral discs are formed, which is often accompanied by arthrosis or joint subluxation.
- In the final stage, the body tries to adapt to the deformation of the spine, and osteophytes appear in the affected areas, which additionally support the spines.But bone formations injure them or lead to pinching of nerves.The result of all dystrophic changes is fibrous ankylosis.
You can prevent absolute deformation of the back if you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the spine at home.But before using the recipes of alternative medicine, it is worth getting acquainted 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, a person must not forget about physical activity.Numerous factors lead to dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.The main cause of osteochondrosis is physical inactivity.Excessive physical activity also contributes to the appearance of spine problems.
associated with lifting heavy weights.
Other factors that lead to degeneration of articular cartilage:
- heredity;
- aging;
- improper posture;
- injuries and congenital pathologies of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- impact of chemicals;
- metabolic disorders.
Overweight people, office workers and drivers are more susceptible 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:
| Phases | Signs |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are practically no complaints.Sometimes there is slight discomfort, back muscles get tired quickly. |
| The beginning of dystrophy in the core of the intervertebral disc | Pain occurs, which is intensified by intense and long-term physical activity. |
| Destruction of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus | The discomfort becomes unbearable.It does not disappear and spreads to other parts of the reef.There is a violation of sensitivity, stiffness of movement. |
| Disk regeneration phase | Pain in the spine spreads to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations intensify during body movement and coughing.Neuralgia, numbness in the legs, reduced muscle tone and dysfunction of the genitourinary system occur. |
Basic rules of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible when the disease is in stage 1 or 2 of development.Properly selected complex therapy will help eliminate pain and prevent further progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, surgery is necessary, including plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc.
In order for home treatment to help relieve discomfort in the lower back and cervical spine, in addition to using folk remedies, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.Therefore, any prescription for alternative medicine must be agreed with a doctor, even despite the minimal risk of side effects.It is equally important to follow the diet and daily routine..
For a full recovery, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive treatment, including manual therapy, gymnastics, rubbing, applying compresses and taking medications prescribed by the doctor.It is recommended to wear bandages or orthoses that support the spine, as well as the use of an orthopedic mattress and pillows.
Treatment at home
When 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 cure acute osteochondrosis at home, you need to visit a doctor and undergo all the tests prescribed by him.After that, the doctor will prescribe medication, without which traditional medicine for a herniated disc will be ineffective.
Medicines
How to treat osteochondrosis at home?The leading drugs used to relieve the symptoms of the disease are described below.
| Name of the drug group | Application action and features |
|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants | It is prescribed together with diuretics, which allow 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 | Restores 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 directly target the inflamed area.After several sessions, the mobility of the damaged vertebrae returns, swelling and discomfort disappear, immunity increases and blood circulation in the affected area is activated.
There are many types of physiotherapeutic procedures performed in sanatoriums and clinics.Therapeutic baths, physical exercises and massage are used at home.
Therapeutic baths
This procedure significantly improves well-being in osteochondrosis: relieves inflammation, pain, activates metabolism, dilates blood vessels, removes muscle spasms.In case of diseases of the spinal column, it is recommended to add chamomile, buds and leaves of birch, mint, chestnuts, pine needles, thyme, thyme, horsetail, horsetail, string and lemon balm to the bath.
Treatment of chondrosis of the spine 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 therapy is 30 days.
Therapeutic exercise
Effective treatment of chondrosis at home is impossible without exercise therapy.Physical exercises improve blood flow and eliminate muscle tension.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis:
- The patient lies horizontally, his back firmly pressed to the floor.One palm is on the chest and the other on the stomach.After a slow inhale, he raises his stomach and chest, and when he exhales, he slowly lowers them.Number of repetitions – 15 times.
- Sitting or standing position.The patient carefully turns his head to the right, back, left, forward.The number of turns in each direction is 10 times.
- The patient sits on a chair and alternately presses the back of the head, forehead and temples with his palm.Number of repetitions – 10 times.
Also, if you have osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to make rotational movements with the shoulders, bend the back, bring the shoulder blades together, and twist the trunk to the left and right.
Massage and self-massage
Manual therapy is an effective method that makes the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine at home as effective as possible.Thanks to the massage, intervertebral discs and muscles are strengthened, blood flow is improved.The classic procedure includes stroking, squeezing, stretching, kneading, vibration and impact techniques.
Massage for osteochondrosis will be more useful if the session is performed using honey.Before the procedure, it is recommended to shower with warm water and dry quickly.Warmed areas of the body are smeared with honey, the palm is placed on them, and the palm is sharply torn off.Honey massage is done until the hand stops sticking to the skin.After that you have 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 neck and head massage with fingers from top to bottom.The duration of the session is 5 minutes on each side of the spine.
Use of fat
Creams that can be bought 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 using ointments made from natural ingredients?Traditional medicine suggests using creams made independently of vaseline, hop cones, Adam's root, bay leaves and juniper needles for the deformation of intervertebral discs.The natural mixture is applied to the affected areas 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 the compress is indicated during the exacerbation of the disease in order to remove muscle spasms, stimulate blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings.
The following types of applications will help in the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Apples and horseradish root.The ingredients are crushed and shaped into a cake that is applied to the affected area.Cover the area with cellophane and wrap it with a warm cloth.
- Camphor.3 ml of Japanese laurel tincture is diluted in a glass of water.100 ml of ethanol, 20 drops of iodine, a pinch of red pepper are added there, where gauze folded in 3 layers is moistened and applied to the affected area.From above, everything is wrapped in polyethylene and a warm cloth.The compression is removed when severe burning occurs.
- Aloe and honey.Agave leaves were ground in a meat grinder, mixed with honey (50 g), vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of linen cloth, put it on the 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.Thistle and cinquefoil, lilac flowers and elderberries are used to prepare the product.Any of the ingredients are infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home by rubbing?Alcoholic tinctures are applied to the affected areas, after which the places are rolled with a warm cloth.Treatment continues until unpleasant symptoms completely disappear.
Herbs
Medicinal plants used to prepare special mixtures will help you get rid of chondrosis at home.For intervertebral disc dystrophy, the following types of herbs are combined:
- sweet clover;
- knotweed
- chamomile;
- plantain
- marigold;
- valerian;
- mint;
- mother's house;
- St. John's wort;
- thyme;
- elecampane;
- verbena;
- purple;
- lavender;
- sage.
For back diseases, the treatment of chondrosis at home includes the preparation of a medicinal collection of the above-mentioned plants.Dry herbs (20 g) are placed in a thermos and poured with boiling water (0.5 liters).The infusion is taken 4 times a day, 100 ml each.
Prevention
In order not to develop osteochondrosis of the spine, the treatment of which at home is a long-term, labor-intensive process, the development of the disease should be prevented.For prevention, neurologists and chiropractors recommend giving up bad habits, strong tea, coffee and food rich in fat and cholesterol.
It is also important to monitor your posture and systematically engage in physical exercises that strengthen your muscle corset.Experts advise buying an orthopedic mattress, giving up uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and carrying heavy objects.
Therefore, 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.