Today, not only older people, but also young people under the age of 45 suffer from severe neck and back pain.The reason for unpleasant symptoms lies in the presence of osteochondrosis, detected in 26-32% of cases.
Constant back pain reduces performance and weakens the entire body.If spinal pathologies are not treated, the risk of disability is high.Therefore, everyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle and experiences discomfort in the lumbar and cervical area 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 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 spinal segment, initially affecting the intervertebral disc.As it progresses, the remaining parts of the spine and nervous system become 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:
- At the initial stage, the degenerative process is concentrated in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.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.
- At the second stage, a change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to the sagging of ligaments, muscle tissue and a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.This leads to high motor activity of the latter as well as atrophied discs, which often end in their slipping or displacement.
- At the third stage, protrusions and prolapses of the intervertebral discs are formed, 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, additionally supporting the vertebrae.But bone formations injure them or lead to pinched nerves.The result of all dystrophic changes is fibrous ankylosis.
You can avoid absolute back deformation if you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the spine at home.But before using alternative medicine recipes, 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 support heavy loads.For it to function normally, a person should not forget about physical activity.A number of 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 spinal problems.
associated with heavy lifting.
Other factors leading to degeneration of articular cartilage:
- heredity;
- aging;
- poor posture;
- congenital injuries and pathologies of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- influence of chemicals;
- metabolic disorders.
Overweight people, office workers and drivers are more likely to develop osteochondrosis.The likelihood 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 symptoms characteristic of the pathology:
| Steps | Signs |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are hardly any complaints.Sometimes there is slight discomfort, the back muscles get tired quickly. |
| The appearance of dystrophy in the heart of the intervertebral disc | Pain appears, intensifying with intense and prolonged 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 ridge.There is a violation of sensitivity, stiffness of movements. |
| Disk Regeneration Step | Spinal pain radiates to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations intensify during body movements and coughing.Neuralgia, numbness of the legs, decreased muscle tone and dysfunction of the genitourinary system occur. |
Basic rules of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible when the disease is at stage 1 or 2 of development.Correctly selected complex therapy will help eliminate pain and prevent the progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc is necessary.
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 alternative medicine prescription must be agreed with a doctor, even if the risk of side effects is minimal.It is equally important to stick to your diet and daily routine..
For a complete recovery, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive treatment including manual therapy, gymnastics, rubbing, applying compresses and taking medications prescribed by a doctor.It is recommended to wear bandages or orthotics that support the spine, as well as use an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Home treatment
When resorting to traditional medicine methods for spinal diseases, it should be remembered 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 need to consult a doctor and undergo all the tests he prescribed.After which the doctor will prescribe medications, without which traditional medicine for herniated discs will be ineffective.
Drugs
How to treat osteochondrosis at home?The main medications used to relieve the symptoms of the disease are described below.
| Drug group name | Action and application features |
|---|---|
| Muscle relaxers | Prescribed with diuretics, which helps restore muscle tone and eliminate tissue swelling. |
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Nonsteroidal drugs have an analgesic effect.The dosage is divided into 4 doses per day.The 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.The medications are taken orally for 21 days. |
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures are considered one of the most effective and gentle ways to cure chondrosis at home.Natural treatments can directly target the inflamed area.After several sessions, mobility of damaged vertebrae is restored, swelling and discomfort disappear, immunity is increased and blood circulation is activated in the affected area.
There are many types of physiotherapeutic procedures 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, dilates blood vessels, eliminates muscle spasms.For diseases of the spine, it is recommended to add chamomile, buds and leaves of birch, mint, chestnuts, pine needles, thyme, thyme, horsetail, knotweed, 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 duration of treatment is 30 days.
Therapeutic exercise
Effective treatment of chondrosis at home is impossible without exercise therapy.Physical exercise improves blood circulation and eliminates muscle tension.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis:
- The patient lies horizontally with 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 the stomach and chest, and as 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 in a chair and alternately presses the palm of his hand to the back of the head, forehead and temples.Number of repetitions – 10 times.
In addition, if you suffer from osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to perform rotational movements with your shoulders, arch your back, bring your shoulder blades together and twist your torso to the left and right.
Massage and self-massage
Manual therapy is an effective method that makes treatment of spinal osteochondrosis at home as effective as possible.Thanks to massage, the intervertebral discs and muscles are strengthened and blood circulation improves.The classic procedure involves stroking, compression, 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.Heated areas of the body are smeared with honey, a palm is placed on them and the palm is strongly 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.
For osteochondrosis, it is useful to perform self-massage at home.The essence of the procedure is to massage 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 can be purchased at any pharmacy will help you overcome osteochondrosis at home.
These means include:
- gel with complex effect;
- ointments that eliminate painful symptoms, containing snake or bee venom, plant extracts;
- massage creams;
- non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation.
How to treat back chondrosis at home with ointment based on natural ingredients?Traditional medicine suggests using creams made independently from petroleum jelly, hop cones, Adam's root, bay leaves and juniper needles for deformation of intervertebral discs.The natural mixture is applied to the affected areas of the body twice a day - in the morning and before bedtime.
Compress
Applying a multi-layer therapeutic dressing is another effective way to answer the question: how to get rid of osteochondrosis at home?The use of a compress is indicated during exacerbations 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 cure osteochondrosis:
- Apples and horseradish root.The ingredients are ground and made into a cake which 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 also added there, where gauze folded in 3 layers is moistened and applied to the diseased area.From above everything is wrapped in polyethylene and a warm cloth.The compress is removed when a strong burning sensation appears.
- Aloe and honey.Agave leaves are chopped in a meat grinder, mixed with honey (50 g) and vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of canvas, place it on your back, covering it with polyethylene and a scarf.
Rub
Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis at home with frictions purchased at the pharmacy or made independently.To prepare the products, burdock and cinquefoil, lilac flowers and elderberries are used.All ingredients are infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home with friction?Alcohol tinctures are applied to the affected areas, after which the areas are rolled with a warm cloth.Treatment is continued until the unpleasant symptoms completely disappear.
Herbs
Medicinal plants used to prepare special mixtures will help you get rid of chondrosis at home.For dystrophy of the intervertebral discs, the following types of medicinal herbs are combined:
- sweet clover;
- knotweed;
- chamomile;
- plantain;
- calendula;
- valerian;
- mint;
- motherwort;
- St. John's wort;
- thyme;
- elecampane;
- verbena;
- purple;
- lavender;
- wise.
For back diseases, treatment of chondrosis at home involves preparing a medicinal collection from the above 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 at a time.
Prevention
In order not to develop osteochondrosis of the spine, the treatment of which at home is a long and laborious process, it is worth preventing the development of the disease.For prevention purposes, neurologists and chiropractors recommend giving up bad habits, strong tea, coffee and foods high in fats and cholesterol.
It is also important to monitor your posture and systematically practice physical exercises that strengthen your muscular corset.Experts advise purchasing an orthopedic mattress, abandoning uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and carrying heavy things.
So, osteochondrosis of the spine can be cured at home.Although therapy is effective only if all medical recommendations are followed, including the use of various therapeutic techniques.