Osteochondrosis of the spine is a complex disease that can affect the thoracic, lumbar and cervical spine. Consider the most common symptoms and features of treating the disease at home.
General symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs in 60-70% of people over the age of 40. It is not uncommon for young people aged 20-30 to suffer from osteochondrosis.
Depending on which part of the spine is affected by the disease, its clinical picture is determined. Defeat of the cervical region is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Spontaneous dizziness (especially with sudden movements);
- Headaches are not relieved by painkillers. Pain is often triggered by motor activity in the cervical region;
- Pain in the shoulder girdle and upper extremities;
- Visual impairment: weakness, tremors in front of the eyes of "flies" and multi-colored circles;
- Hearing impairment: ringing in the ears;
- Episodes of loss of consciousness;
- Snoring in a dream is the result of constant tension in the neck muscle apparatus;
- In more advanced cases, neurological symptoms appear: tongue twitching, voice changes, etc.
Characteristic of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Physical activity, pain in the chest, shoulder blades, provoked by hypothermia. The pain occurs most of the night. Increased pain can be triggered by deep breathing;
- Feeling of tightness in the chest and the appearance of stabbing pains in the intercostal spaces (especially when changing body position and movement);
- Chest and arms, sometimes - a feeling of "creeping" in the neck. Extremity and coldness of the extremities.
The clinical symptoms of localized osteochondrosis in the lumbar region are based on the following symptoms:
- Localized pain syndrome in the lumbar region. It can be painful, constant or intermittent in the form of a "lumbago" on the right or left leg, as well as perineum, sacrum radiation. Pain increases significantly with exercise and physical activity;
- Numbness and coldness of the lower extremities, decreased sensitivity in the legs;
- With the defeat of the motor parts of the nerve chain, the development of paresis and paralysis of the legs is possible;
- Dysfunction of the organs of the genitourinary system.
How to get rid of osteochondrosis at home without medication
Herbal and animal remedies are often used for non-drug treatment of osteochondrosis at home. The following are preferred:
- bee and snake venom;
- badger oil;
- fir essential oil;
- Camphor alcohol, etc.
These substances can be used as ointments, compresses, rubs.
It is recommended to use special orthopedic beds to alleviate symptoms and reduce the course of the disease: mattresses and pillows. In addition, special needle applicators can be used at home to improve blood circulation in the tissues and relax the muscles.
Proper nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis. To improve the condition of cartilage and vertebrae, alcohol, coffee, tea, spicy foods, foods rich in extractives (fatty meat and fish, mushrooms) should be excluded from the diet;
Add to your diet foods and foods that help restore and maintain the integrity of cartilage tissue: lean meat and fish, dairy products.
At home, you can also seek the help of a professional masseur who will help relieve muscle tension in any part of the spine. Carefully massage yourself. Includes self-massage, rubbing, kneading.
How to treat osteochondrosis with drugs at home
Drug treatment of any disease, including osteochondrosis, should be prescribed by a qualified specialist. Only a doctor can prescribe the right treatment regimen, taking into account all possible contraindications to taking one or another group of drugs. The following groups of drugs are currently used to treat osteochondrosis:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be used in the form of powders, tablets - for systemic use, as well as in the form of ointments and gels - for topical use. The first has a clearer effect;
- analgesics (painkillers);
- Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics. Eliminate muscle spasms and pathological muscle tension;
- Drugs that improve microcirculation and blood rheology;
- Chondroprotectors. Provide cartilage resistance to the effects of adverse factors;
- Vitamins - mainly B group (B1, B6, B12). Actively affects metabolic processes in the nervous system;
- Antidepressants. Provides prevention of psychosomatic disorders.
How to treat osteochondrosis with exercise at home
Orthopedists and rehabilitation physicians have developed special complexes of therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of each spine. Here are a few simple rules you can follow to make exercise beneficial:
- Use specially designed complexes;
- Actions should not provoke the appearance of anxious and painful feelings;
- The movements should be smooth, precise, slow;
- You should do the exercises regularly. Spending a minimum of time during the day will bring incredible benefits to the spine.
- Exercise therapy complexes should be carried out only in remission of the disease.
In addition to therapeutic exercise complexes, doctors always recommend physical activity. Swimming and water aerobics, which are accessible to everyone at any time of the year, perfectly relax the back muscles.
Caution: Any treatment for osteochondrosis should be agreed with the attending physician. Only in this case, you can count on the maximum effect of therapy.