Nowadays, not only older people, but also young people under 45 years of age suffer from severe pain in the neck and back.The cause of 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 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 make it possible to timely diagnose the pathology and prevent surgical intervention and the development of disability.
What is osteochondrosis?
The disease's name combines the Greek word for "bone" and the Latin word for "cartilage."Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spinal motor segment that initially affects the intervertebral disc.As it progresses, the remaining parts of the spine and nervous system participate 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 increase in load causes dehydration of the nucleus, which causes the height of the disc to change and cracks to appear in the annulus fibrosus.
- In the second stage, a change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to sagging of the ligaments, muscle tissue and a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.This leads to high motor activity of the latter along with atrophy of the discs, which often ends with their slipping or shifting.
- In the third stage, bulges and prolapses of the intervertebral discs form, which are often accompanied by arthrosis 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 also support the vertebrae.But bone formations damage them or cause pinching of the nerves.The result of all dystrophic changes is fibrous ankylosis.
You can prevent absolute deformation of the back if you know how to treat spinal osteochondrosis 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 column is such that it can bear heavy loads.In order for it to function normally, a person should not forget about physical activity.Several 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 lifting heavy weights.
Other factors that lead to articular cartilage degeneration:
- inheritance;
- aging;
- incorrect posture;
- congenital spinal injuries and pathologies;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- influence of chemicals;
- metabolic disorders.
Overweight people, office workers and drivers are more susceptible 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:
| Stages | Signs |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are practically no complaints.Sometimes there is slight discomfort and the back muscles tire quickly. |
| The appearance of dystrophy in the nucleus of the intervertebral disc. | Pain appears, which intensifies with intense and prolonged physical activity. |
| Destruction of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. | The discomfort becomes unbearable.It does not go away and spreads to other parts of the ridge.There is a violation of sensitivity, rigidity of movements. |
| Disc regeneration stage. | Spinal pain radiates to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations intensify during movement of the body and cough.Neuralgia, numbness in 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 further progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, an operation that involves plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc is necessary.
For home treatment to help relieve discomfort in the lower back and cervical spine, in addition to using home remedies, it is important to follow a series of recommendations.Any alternative medicine prescription should therefore 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, rubbing, applying compresses and taking medications prescribed by a doctor.The use of bandages or orthoses that support the spine is recommended, as well as the use of an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
Home treatment
When resorting to traditional medicine methods for spinal diseases, 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 that he prescribed.After which the doctor will prescribe medications, without which traditional medicine for a herniated disc will be ineffective.
Medications
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 functions. |
|---|---|
| muscle relaxants | It is prescribed together with diuretics, which allows you to restore muscle tone and relieve tissue swelling. |
| Anti-inflammatory medications | Non-steroidal drugs have an analgesic effect.The dose is distributed in 4 doses a 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, the mobility of the damaged vertebrae is restored, swelling and discomfort disappear, immunity increases and blood circulation in the affected area is activated.
There are many types of physiotherapy procedures that are performed in sanatoriums and clinics.At home, therapeutic baths, physical exercise and massages are used.
therapeutic baths
This procedure significantly improves well-being in osteochondrosis: it relieves inflammation, pain, activates metabolism, dilates blood vessels and 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, thread and lemon balm to the bath.
Treatment of spinal chondrosis at home with decoctions of natural herbs is carried out according to the following scheme:
- 300 g of dry 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 exercise improves blood flow and eliminates muscle tension.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis:
- The patient lies horizontally, with his back firmly resting on the floor.One palm is on the chest and the other on the stomach.After a slow inhalation, lift your stomach and chest and, as you exhale, slowly lower them.Number of repetitions – 15 times.
- Sitting or standing position.The patient carefully turns his head to the right, back, left and forward.The number of turns in each direction is 10 times.
- The patient sits on a chair and alternately presses the palm of the hand on the back of the neck, forehead and temples.Number of repetitions – 10 times.
Also, if you have osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to perform rotational movements with your shoulders, arch your back, bring your shoulder blades together, and turn your torso to the 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 and blood flow is improved.The classic procedure involves stroking, squeezing, stretching, kneading, vibrating and impacting techniques.
Massage for osteochondrosis will be more useful if the session is done with honey.Before the procedure, it is recommended to take a hot shower and dry quickly.The heated areas of the body are smeared with honey, a palm is placed on them and the palm is torn off forcefully.Honey massage is performed until the hand stops sticking to the skin.Then you should wrap yourself in a sheet and lie down.You should 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 your 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 eliminate painful symptoms, containing snake or bee venom, plant extracts;
- massage creams;
- Non-steroidal medications that relieve inflammation.
How to treat back chondrosis at home with ointment made from natural ingredients?Traditional medicine suggests using creams made independently from Vaseline, 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 going to bed.
Compresses
Applying a multilayer 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 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 cure osteochondrosis:
- Apples and horseradish root.The ingredients are crushed and a cake is formed, which is applied to the affected area.Cover the area with cellophane and wrap it with a warm cloth.
- Camphor.3 ml of Japanese bay leaf tincture is diluted in a glass of water.There are also added 100 ml of ethanol, 20 drops of iodine, a pinch of red pepper, 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 and mixed with honey (50 g) and vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of canvas cloth, place it on your back, covering it with polyethylene and a handkerchief.
rubbing
Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis at home with rubbings purchased at the pharmacy or made independently.Burdock and cinquefoil, lilac flowers and elderberries are used to prepare the products.Any of the ingredients is infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home by rubbing?Alcohol tinctures are applied to the affected areas, after which the areas are rolled 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;
- knotty;
- chamomile;
- banana;
- calendula;
- valerian;
- mint;
- motherwort;
- St. John's wort;
- thyme;
- elecampane;
- verbena;
- violet;
- lavender;
- sage.
For back diseases, chondrosis treatment 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, 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 control your posture and systematically perform physical exercise that strengthens your muscle corset.Experts advise purchasing an orthopedic mattress, giving up uncomfortable high heels and carrying heavy objects.
Therefore, spinal osteochondrosis can be cured at home.Although the therapy will be effective only if all medical recommendations are followed, including the use of a variety of therapeutic techniques.