Osteochondrosis is a chronic disease that is more common in adult patients. If treatment is not started on time, complications lead to immobilization of the spine and disability. Folk remedies for osteochondrosis are an auxiliary method of treatment, they are prescribed simultaneously with drugs, diet, massage and a set of special exercises. Subject to medical recommendations, you can extend the period of remission.
What is osteochondrosis
This is a disease of the musculoskeletal system, characterized by the gradual destruction of the intervertebral discs, vertebral tissues. Muscles gradually atrophy, the conduction of nerve impulses, the work of physiological systems and individual internal organs are disturbed. For a long time, the disease is asymptomatic. Then the patient complains of pain in the back and neck. This is the first sign of osteochondrosis. Other symptoms depend on the location of the pathological focus. General signs of the disease:
- static syndrome: altered posture, feeling of stiffness in the spine, more frequent back pain;
- trophic syndrome: the formation of trophic ulcers on the skin due to impaired oxygen supply to the tissues;
- vascular syndrome: pale skin, nausea, dizziness, signs of lack of oxygen;
- neurological syndrome: decreased sensitivity in different areas of the spine, feeling of "crawling on the skin", numbness in the limbs.
In the absence of prompt treatment, attacks of nausea and dizziness become more frequent, the patient may even pass out. Due to the atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries, parts of the brain suffer from a lack of oxygen and die. In addition, the patient complains of a sharp drop in visual acuity, of "goose bumps" flickering in front of the eyes.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home
Treatment is carried out by neuropathologist, vertebrologist, surgeon or neurosurgeon, chiropractor, exercise therapy doctor, physiotherapist. The choice of a specialist with a narrow profile depends on the form and stage of the pathological process, possible health complications. The treatment of osteochondrosis is conservative or operative. In the first case, an integrated approach is required, which, in addition to a therapeutic regimen and taking drugs, includes:
- remedial gymnastics and physical education;
- change in usual way of life;
- reflexology;
- manual therapy;
- physiotherapy methods;
- massage course;
- traditional medicine methods.
Treating osteochondrosis of the neck or other spine is a long process. The main goal is to stop the pain syndrome, restore the structure and function of the vertebrae, and prolong the period of remission. The set of therapeutic measures offered by the specialist is designed for 1-3 months, depending on the severity of the pathological process. The rehabilitation period is 1 year. Subject to medical prescriptions, effective treatment can be performed at home.
Medications
Medication is appropriate in the acute stage, when the patient has severe pain in the spine, cannot move and sleep completely. The doctor prescribes tablets for oral administration, ointments, gels for external use. With osteochondrosis, the complex treatment contains drugs of several pharmacological groups:
| Name of pharmacological group | The principle of action on the focus of pathology | Forms of drug release |
|---|---|---|
| nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (hereafter NSAIDs) | blockage of prostaglandin synthesis (suppression of the inflammatory process and acute pain attack) | capsules, injections, tablets, gels, plasters, ointments |
| vasodilator drugs | nutrition of vertebral tissues, acceleration of the process of their regeneration | creams, ointments, gels, tablets, injections |
| muscle relaxants | relaxation of spastic muscles, reduction of pain syndrome | injections, tablets |
| anesthetics, analgesics | rapid anesthesia of the pathological focus | injections, tablets |
| chondroprotectors | restoration of the structure of bone and cartilage tissue, preventing their subsequent destruction | capsules, tablets, gels, ointments, injections |
| sedatives | improve the quality of sleep, achieve emotional balance | tinctures, tablets |
| antidepressants | relieve anxiety and depressive states due to acute pain and reduced mobility of the vertebrae | tablets |
| glucocorticoids | are prescribed in complicated clinical cases to relieve inflammation, reduce the intensity of the pain syndrome, restore the functionality of the vertebrae | ointments, injections, tablets |
| phytopreparations (herbal medicines) | restoration of protective functions of the body, normalization of sleep quality, prevention of depression | tablets |
| antioxidants | improvement of local blood circulation, stimulation of metabolism at cellular level | injections, tablets |
| multivitamin complexes | strengthening of the spine, increased immunity | tablets |
Tablets
Oral drugs are available in the form of tablets, capsules, pills and have a complex effect on the body. In this way, you can relieve inflammation, suppress pain crisis, restore damaged structure of vertebrae, and provide vital oxygen for tissue nutrition. Symptomatic treatment of osteochondrosis, performed at home, involves oral administration:
- NSAIDs;
- vasodilator drugs;
- muscle relaxants;
- pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors;
- sedatives;
- antidepressants and tranquilizers;
- glucocorticoids;
- phytopreparations;
- antioxidants;
- multivitamin complexes.
After taking such drugs, the movement of the vertebrae is restored orally, a sharp pain attack subsides:
Ointment
Means for local external use have analgesic, irritating and bothersome properties, are intended for external use - directly on the focus of pathology. With local exposure, the risk of contraindications and side effects is minimal, the therapeutic effect is noticeable 15-20 minutes after applying a single dose of the selected drug:
- analgesic ointments;
- NSAIDs;
- chondroprotectors;
- homeopathic ointments.
These drugs can cause local and allergic reactions on the skin. Therefore, before using them at home, you need to consult a specialist.
Injection
The main purpose of injections is to relieve spasms, reduce the increased excitability of nerve endings, suppress a pain crisis, which deprives the patient of sleep and rest. For the successful treatment of osteochondrosis, preparations of several pharmacological groups are suitable for intramuscular administration:
- NSAIDs;
- pain relievers;
- chondroprotectors;
- muscle relaxants;
- paravertebral blockade.
Most of these injections are for intramuscular administration. You can give injections at home.
Diet
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis at home necessarily includes a healthy diet, so the patient should make certain adjustments to his usual daily diet. A prerequisite is to reduce the total calorie content of meals and the amount of food ingredients that increase blood cholesterol. It is recommended to follow a balanced diet, to eat more fermented milk and vegetable products, to control the water regime, the intake of vitamins and natural antioxidants.
| Healthy food | Food prohibited |
|---|---|
| dairy and curd products | fast food |
| Fish and seafood | semi-finished products, preservatives |
| Red meat | confectionery, candy |
| eggs, hard cheeses, butter | sugary soft drinks |
| Liver of beef | alcohol in any form |
| vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage of all kinds) | table salt, spices |
| fruits (peaches, apricots, citrus fruits) | sausages, smoked meats |
Charger
With osteochondrosis, the morning should start with exercise. Patients are engaged in therapeutic exercises at any time of the day. In this way, it is possible to improve blood circulation, slow down degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spine, strengthen the muscle corset and prolong the period of remission of the underlying disease. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis at home helps relax tight muscles in the back and neck, widen the intervertebral slits, and release pinched spinal nerves. General recommendations from specialists:
- It is necessary to start the therapeutic gymnast with a warm-up.
- If an acute pain syndrome is felt in the lower back, torsion is contraindicated.
- With cervical osteochondrosis, it is advisable to abandon tight turns of the head.
- It is recommended to replace running and jumping with walking, swimming, frequent walks in the fresh air.
- All movements should be smooth and slow, you should perform them daily.
- It is necessary to monitor breathing (which should be regular) and pulse, to control the physical load on the body.
If you regularly perform simple exercises for osteochondrosis of the cervical column or other spine, you can forget about the unbearable pain for a long time. Training complex available at home:
- Sit in a chair, clasp your hands in a lock at the back of your head, tilt your body forward. Press your hands on the back of the head so that the head lowers smoothly, the chin touches the thoracic region. Hold this position for a few seconds, feel the maximum muscle tension.
- While seated, touch your right cheek with your right palm and slowly tilt your head first to the left, then change hands and to the right. It is recommended to make 15 to 20 approaches on each side.
- Sit on a chair so you can grip the edge with your hands. Then slowly lower your head back, spread your shoulder blades and shoulders. Then return to the starting position and repeat the same movement 15 to 20 more times.
- While sitting on the floor with your legs straight, lean forward so that you reach, without bending your knees, the toes of your feet. Freeze in this position for a few moments, then breathe out and relax.
- Lie on your back with your legs bent at the knees. Reverse the bridge slowly, lifting the pelvis off the ground. Freeze at the highest point for 5-10 seconds. Such an exercise for osteochondrosis as part of the developed training complex is advised by the famous specialist S. M. Boubnovski.
Massage
To quickly relieve muscle spasms, increase microcirculation, strengthen the back and improve the general condition of the patient, doctors with osteochondrosis recommend massage therapy. You can perform each procedure yourself at home. The main condition is to work intensely on the cervical and lumbar spine in order to activate the local blood circulation. Regardless of the technique, you can choose to knead the skin, rub, squeeze:
- To warm up your muscles, begin the massage with light movements.
- Then proceed to rubbing, kneading. Grab a fold of skin and slowly move up and down.
- Press with your fingertips in the area of the longitudinal muscles of the back, make circular movements.
- Stretch the muscles of the chest, thighs, shoulder girdle, avoid increased pressure on the spine.
- Complete the procedure by tapping, vibrating, beating. Perform such manipulations with the fingertips, one edge or the entire palm, depending on the severity of the disease.
Massager for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
In order to get rid of an unbearable pain attack in the neck area at home, relax muscle fibers and quickly relieve general well-being, the patient is advised to use a special massager. This will help stop the pain syndrome even in advanced cases.
Healing baths
At the stage of exacerbation, water procedures are contraindicated. During rehabilitation, these home sessions have become essential, as they dilate blood vessels, relax muscles and have a beneficial effect on the joints of the spine. To enhance the desired effect, it is recommended to add a decoction of chamomile, lemon balm, string, thyme, horsetail, thyme to lukewarm water. General recommendations from specialists:
- Pour 250-300 g of dry vegetable matter or mix with 5 liters of boiling water.
- Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.
- After insisting under the lid, strain the broth, add it to the collected bath.
- Perform the procedure before bed for 15-20 minutes.
Compresses
Such home procedures help to eliminate edema and an acute attack of pain in osteochondrosis. In addition, they improve blood circulation, relieve pain, relieve muscle spasms. When treating osteochondrosis at home, it is necessary to take a two-week course, put warming compresses on the attention of pathologists 1-2 times a day. Recipes of medicinal compositions:
- Grind the horseradish root and apple on a fine grater, mix the composition. Squeeze the juice, form a cake from the resulting oatmeal. Place on the inflamed area and wrap with a bandage. Repeat the procedure daily until the pain subsides.
- Melt 1 g of propolis in a double boiler and at this time obtain 50 g of fresh aloe juice from fresh leaves. Mix the ingredients, add 50 g of mustard powder, 400 ml of vodka to the mixture, mix. Apply the composition to several layers of gauze, fix in the focus of pathology. Do not remove until the cloth is completely dry. Perform a home procedure every day before going to bed.
Applications
If such warming procedures are used for osteochondrosis, it is possible to restore normal motor activity of the spine. The applications act by reflex on biologically active points and zones, normalizing the energy balance of the body. It is necessary to moisten the gauze with a medicinal composition, to apply it to the focus of pathology. Do not peel off for 30-40 minutes, repeat the procedures at home several times a day. When choosing a medicinal composition, you need to make sure that there are no allergic reactions. Effective application recipes:
- Pass 50 g of fresh aloe leaves through a meat grinder, add 100 g of honey and mix. Pour the mixture with 100 ml of vodka, leave in a dark place for a week. After that, moisten the gauze with the drug, apply it to the focus of pathology. Secure with cling film first, then with a warm scarf. Do not shoot for 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a day.
- Mix a glass of medical turpentine and the same amount of crushed aloe leaf, add 100 g of inner fat, 5-10 drops of iodine. Insist the composition for 5 days in a dark place, then rub the sensitive points overnight, covering with food film, a warm scarf.
Friction
Home treatment for osteochondrosis is not complete without friction. Such procedures, like massage, quickly relieve inflammation, suppress an attack of pain, and stimulate blood flow to the affected area. It is recommended to rub up to 2-3 times a day. Turpentine, badger fat, kerosene, nutria fat can be used as medicinal compounds. Among herbal remedies, doctors recommend paying attention to the beneficial properties of juniper, plantain, sage. Proven recipes:
- Mix 1 teaspoon in a container. juniper needles, 6 tbsp. pre-chopped bay leaf, 6 tbsp. L. butter. Apply a uniform composition to the sensitive point. Rub the prepared ointment for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine into the skin with light movements. Perform the procedure several times a day, avoid drafts. The course is chosen individually.
- Mix 2 tbsp. L. pre-chopped sage and plantain, add to the mixture 40 g of petroleum jelly, 50 ml of vegetable oil. Mix the composition well, apply to the pathological focus and rub. To enhance the healing effect, wrap the treated skin area with a warm scarf on top. Do not wash off the ointment for 30 to 40 minutes.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies
Alternative medicine methods for osteochondrosis are not weaker than official drugs. The main thing is to choose the right recipe. Here are some proven remedies that bring back the joy of movement to the patient:
- Chop the raw and pre-peeled potatoes on a fine grater. Add 50 g of honey to the resulting oatmeal, mix, form a cake, apply it to the center of the pathology, do not remove for 30 minutes.
- Grind the dried cinquefoil root. Then 2 tbsp. L. pour 400 ml of boiling water over the raw materials, simmer on the fire for 5-7 minutes. After insisting, filter, use in compresses up to 3 to 4 times a day for a cure of up to 2 weeks. The remedy relieves inflammation, removes pain.
- Mix 200 g of chopped cinquefoil root and 100 g of Potentilla, pour 1 liter of vodka. Insist 3 weeks, then strain. Take orally 1 tbsp. L. 3 times a day before meals for a month.
- Chop the lingonberry leaves. 1 tbsp. L. fill the finished raw material with 1 tbsp. boiling water and let stand for 1 hour under the lid. Divide the finished dose into 2 doses - drink in the morning and in the evening. Prepare a new dose of medicine daily.