Nowadays, not only older people but also young people under 45 years of age suffer from severe pain in the neck and back.The reason for the unpleasant symptoms lies in the presence of osteochondrosis, which is detected in 26-32% of cases.
Constant back pain reduces performance and weakens the entire body.If spinal disorders 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 regions should know how to treat intervertebral osteochondrosis at home.However, first it is worth studying the causes and symptoms of the disease in order to make timely diagnosis of the pathology and prevent surgical intervention and the development of disability.
What is Osteochondrosis?
The name of the disease is a combination of 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 the disease progresses, the remaining parts of the spine and nervous system are also included in the pathological process.
To understand what osteochondrosis is and how to treat it at home, one must take into account the dynamics of the development of the disease, which goes through four phases:
- In the initial stages, the degenerative process is concentrated in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.Increased stress causes the cell nucleus to dry out, which changes the height of the intervertebral disc and causes cracks in the annulus fibrosus.
- In the second stage, a change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to sagging of ligaments, muscle tissue and a decrease in the distance between vertebrae.This leads to high motor activity of the intervertebral discs and atrophy of the intervertebral discs, which often ends with slipping or displacement of the intervertebral discs.
- In the third stage, bulging and herniation of the intervertebral discs occur, which are often accompanied by osteoarthritis or subluxation of the joints.
- In the final stage, the body tries to adapt to the deformation of the spine, and osteophytes appear in the affected areas, which provide additional support to the vertebrae.But bone formation injures them or leads to pinched nerves.The result of all dystrophic changes is fibrous ankylosis.
You can prevent absolute back deformation if you know how to treat osteochondrosis of the spine at home.However, before using alternative medicine recipes, you should familiarize yourself with the etiology and clinical picture of the disease.
Causes and symptoms
The spine is designed to withstand high loads.In order for it to function normally, a person must 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 occurrence of problems with the spine.
associated with lifting heavy weights.
Other factors that lead to degeneration of articular cartilage:
- heredity;
- Aging;
- incorrect posture;
- Injuries and congenital pathologies of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- influence of chemicals;
- Metabolic disorders.
People who are overweight, office workers and drivers are more prone to developing 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 characteristic symptoms of the pathology:
| Steps | Sign |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are practically no complaints.Sometimes slight discomfort occurs and the back muscles tire quickly. |
| The onset of dystrophy in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc | Pain occurs that increases with intense and prolonged physical activity. |
| Destruction of the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus | The discomfort becomes unbearable.It does not disappear and spreads to other parts of the ridge.There is a violation of sensitivity and stiffness of movements. |
| Hard drive regeneration phase | Spinal pain radiates to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations increase with body movements and coughing.Neuralgia, numbness in the legs, reduced muscle tone and dysfunction of the urogenital system occur. |
Basic rules of treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible if the disease is in the 1st or 2nd stage of development.Properly selected complex therapy helps to eliminate pain and prevent further progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, surgery with plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc is necessary.
In order for home treatment, in addition to the use of folk remedies, to help relieve discomfort in the lower back and cervical spine, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.Therefore, the prescription of alternative medicines must be discussed with a doctor, even if the risk of side effects is minimal.Equally important is sticking to your diet and daily routine..
For complete recovery, comprehensive treatment is required, which includes manual therapy, gymnastics, rubbing, applying compresses and taking medications prescribed by a doctor.Wearing bandages or orthoses that support the spine and using an orthopedic mattress and pillow are recommended.
Home treatment
When resorting to methods of traditional medicine for diseases of the spine, it should be borne in mind that alternative therapies require an integrated approach and the recovery process will be long.However, before you find out how to cure acute osteochondrosis at home, you need to see a doctor and undergo all the tests he prescribes.After that, the doctor will prescribe medication, without which traditional medicine against a herniated disc is ineffective.
Medication
How to treat osteochondrosis at home?The most important medications for relieving the symptoms of the disease are described below.
| Name of the drug group | Action and application functions |
|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants | Prescribed together with diuretics, which allow you to 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 with water after meals. |
| Herbal sedatives (teas, tinctures), sedatives (antidepressants) | They prevent neuroticism, thereby reducing the intensity of painful sensations. |
| Multivitamin complexes | Restore the structure of nerve fibers.The medication is 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 strengthened, and blood circulation in the affected area is activated.
Many types of physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out in sanatoriums and clinics.At home, therapeutic baths, physical exercise and massage are used.
Therapeutic baths
This procedure significantly improves well-being in osteochondrosis: relieves inflammation, pain, activates metabolism, expands blood vessels, eliminates muscle spasms.For diseases of the spine, it is recommended to add chamomile, birch buds and leaves, 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 occurs 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 process is up to 15 minutes.
- The duration of therapy 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, his back pressed firmly to the floor.One palm lies on the chest and the other on the stomach.After slowly inhaling, he raises his stomach and chest, while exhaling 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 revolutions in each direction is 10 times.
- The patient sits on a chair and alternately presses the back of the head, forehead and temples with the palm of his hand.Number of repetitions – 10 times.
In addition, if you suffer from osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to make rotational 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.The massage strengthens intervertebral discs and muscles and improves blood circulation.The classic method involves stroking, squeezing, stretching, kneading, vibration and hitting 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 yourself quickly.The heated areas of the body are smeared with honey, a palm is placed on them and the palm is sharply torn off.The honey massage is carried out until the hand no longer sticks to the skin.Then you have to wrap yourself in a sheet and go to bed.You should shower in the morning.
With osteochondrosis, it makes sense to do self-massage at home.The essence of the procedure is to massage the neck and head with your fingers from top to bottom.The session duration is 5 minutes on each side of the spine.
Use of ointments
Creams available at any pharmacy will help you fight osteochondrosis at home.
These funds include:
- Gel with a complex effect;
- ointments that eliminate painful symptoms and contain snake or bee venom and plant extracts;
- massage creams;
- nonsteroidal drugs that relieve inflammation.
How to treat back chondrosis at home with an ointment made from natural ingredients?Traditional medicine recommends using creams prepared independently from petroleum jelly, hop cones, Adam's root, bay leaves and juniper needles to relieve the deformation of the 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.
Compressed
Applying a multilayer therapeutic bandage is another effective way to answer the question: how to get rid of osteochondrosis at home?With an exacerbation of the disease, the use of a compress is indicated to eliminate muscle spasms, stimulate blood circulation in the intervertebral discs and reduce the sensitivity of the nerve endings.
The following types of applications help cure osteochondrosis:
- Apples and horseradish root.The ingredients are crushed and formed into a cake that is applied to the affected area.Cover the area with cellophane and wrap with a warm cloth.
- Fighter.3 ml of Japanese laurel tincture is diluted in a glass of water.100 ml of ethanol, 20 drops of iodine and 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 if a severe burning sensation occurs.
- Aloe and honey.Agave leaves are chopped in a meat grinder and mixed with honey (50 g) and vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of canvas fabric, place it on your back and cover it with polyethylene and a scarf.
Rub
Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis at home with pharmacy-bought or homemade rubs.Burdock and cinquefoil, lilac flowers and elderberries are used to make the products.All ingredients are infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home by rubbing?Alcohol tinctures are applied to the affected areas and then rolled off with a warm cloth.Treatment continues until the 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 medicinal herbs are combined:
- sweet clover;
- knotweed;
- Chamomile;
- plantain;
- marigold;
- Valerian;
- Mint;
- feverfew;
- St. John's wort;
- Thyme;
- Elecampane;
- verbena;
- violet;
- Lavender;
- Sage.
For back diseases, treatment of chondrosis at home includes the preparation of 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 four 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 and labor-intensive process, the development of the disease should be prevented.For prevention, neurologists and chiropractors recommend avoiding bad habits, strong tea, coffee and foods rich in fat and cholesterol.
It is also important to pay attention to posture and to systematically engage in physical activity to strengthen the muscle corset.Experts recommend purchasing an orthopedic mattress, avoiding uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and carrying heavy objects.
Thus, osteochondrosis of the spine can be cured at home.However, therapy is only effective if all medical recommendations are followed, including the use of various therapeutic techniques.