Today, not only the elderly, but also young people under 45 experience severe neck and back pain.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 conditions are left untreated, the risk of disability is high.Therefore, every person who leads a sedentary lifestyle and feels discomfort in the lumbar and cervical regions 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 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, initially affecting the intervertebral disc.As it progresses, the remaining parts of the spine and nervous system are involved in the disease 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 increased load leads to dehydration of the nucleus, which causes the disc height to change and the appearance of cracks in the fibrous ring.
- In the second stage, a change in the parameters of the intervertebral disc contributes to the failure of ligaments, muscle tissue and a reduction in the distance between the vertebrae.This leads to high motor activity of the latter together with atrophy of the discs, which often ends with their slipping or displacement.
- In the third phase, protrusions and prolapses of the intervertebral discs form, 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 further support the vertebrae.But bony formations injure them or cause compression 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 recipes of alternative medicine, 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 withstand heavy loads.In order for it 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 spinal problems.
associated with lifting heavy weights.
Other factors leading to degeneration of articular cartilage:
- inheritance;
- aging;
- incorrect posture;
- congenital injuries and pathologies of the spine;
- flat feet;
- infections;
- influence of chemicals;
- metabolic disorders.
Overweight people, office workers and motorists 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:
| Phases | Signs |
|---|---|
| Preclinical | There are practically no complaints.Sometimes there is slight discomfort, the back muscles get tired quickly. |
| The onset 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 disappear and spreads to other parts of the ridge.There is a violation of sensitivity, stiffness of movements. |
| Disk regeneration phase | Spinal pain radiates to the abdomen and ribs.Unpleasant sensations intensify during body movement and coughing.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.Properly selected complex therapy will help eliminate pain and prevent further progression of the pathological process.In advanced cases, plastic surgery of the intervertebral disc is necessary.
In order for home treatment to relieve discomfort in the lower back and cervical spine, in addition to the use of folk remedies, it is important to follow a number of recommendations.Therefore, any alternative medicine prescriptions must be agreed with a doctor, even despite the minimal risk of side effects.It is equally important to adhere 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 the doctor.We recommend the use of bandages or orthotics that support the spine, as well as the use of an orthopedic mattress and pillow.
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 finding out how to treat acute osteochondrosis at home, you need to visit a doctor and undergo all the tests prescribed by him.After that the doctor will prescribe drugs, without which traditional medicine for herniated disc will be ineffective.
Medicines
How to treat osteochondrosis at home?The main drugs used to relieve the symptoms of the disease are described below.
| Name of the drug group | Action and application features |
|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants | Prescribed together with diuretics, which allows you to restore muscle tone and remove tissue swelling. |
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Non-steroidal drugs have an analgesic effect.The dosage is distributed in 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 | Restores the structure of nerve fibers.The drugs are taken orally for 21 days. |
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic 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 is restored, swelling and discomfort disappear, immunity increases 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, exercise 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, 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 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 lasts 30 days.
Therapeutic exercise
Effective treatment of chondrosis at home is impossible without physical therapy.Exercise improves blood flow and eliminates muscle tension.
Gymnastics for osteochondrosis:
- The patient lies horizontally, with his back pressed firmly to the floor.One palm is on your chest and the other on your 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, 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.
Also, if you have osteochondrosis at home, it is useful to make rotational movements with your shoulders, arch your back, bring your shoulder blades together and rotate 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.Thanks to the massage, the intervertebral discs and muscles are strengthened and blood flow improves.The classic procedure involves caressing, compression, 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 take a warm 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 sharply.Honey massage is carried out until the hand stops sticking to the skin.After that you need to wrap yourself in a sheet and go to bed.You should take a shower in the morning.
With 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 can be purchased 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 drugs that relieve inflammation.
How to treat back chondrosis at home with an ointment based on natural ingredients?Traditional medicine suggests the use of creams based on petroleum jelly, hop cones, Adam's root, bay leaves and juniper needles for 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 bedtime.
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 formed 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 chili pepper are also added there, where the gauze folded in 3 layers is moistened and applied to the diseased area.From above everything is wrapped in polyethylene and 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), vodka (100 ml).The product is infused for 7 days.Moisten a piece of canvas fabric, place it on your back, covering it with polyethylene and a scarf.
Rubbing
Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis at home with massages purchased at a pharmacy or made independently.Burdock and cinquefoil, lilac flowers and elderberries are used to prepare the products.All ingredients are infused in vodka or alcohol for a week.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home with rubbing?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 intervertebral disc dystrophy, the following types of medicinal herbs are combined:
- sweet clover;
- polygon;
- chamomile;
- plantain;
- marigold;
- valerian;
- mint;
- mother grass;
- St. John's wort;
- thyme;
- elebelle;
- verbena;
- Viola;
- lavender;
- wise.
For back diseases, treatment of chondrosis at home involves the preparation of a medicinal collection from the above plants.Dried 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 home treatment of which is a long and labor-intensive process, it is necessary to prevent the development of the disease.For prevention, neurologists and chiropractors recommend abandoning bad habits, strong tea, coffee and foods rich in fats and cholesterol.
It is also important to monitor your posture and systematically engage in physical exercises that strengthen the muscle corset.Experts recommend purchasing an orthopedic mattress, giving up uncomfortable high-heeled shoes and carrying heavy objects.
Therefore, spinal osteochondrosis can be treated at home.Although the therapy will be effective only if all medical recommendations are followed, including the use of a variety of therapeutic techniques.