Vertebral osteochondrosis is a complex disease that can affect the thoracic, lumbar and cervical spine. Consider the most common symptoms and features of the treatment of the disease at home.
Common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs in 60-70% of people whose age has exceeded 40 years. Recently, 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. The defeat of the cervical region is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness that arises spontaneously and increases when turning the head (especially with a sharp movement);
- Headaches not relieved by analgesics. Pain is often caused by motor activity in the cervical region;
- Pain in the shoulder girdle and the girdle of the upper limbs;
- Violation of vision: weakening, flickering before the eyes of "flies" and multi-colored circles;
- Hearing impairment: ringing sensation in the ears;
- Episodes of loss of consciousness;
- Snoring in a dream is a consequence of constant tension in the muscular apparatus of the neck;
- In more advanced cases, neurological symptoms appear: numbness of the tongue, change of voice, etc.
For thoracic osteochondrosis are characteristic:
- Pain in the chest, shoulder blades, provoked by physical activity, hypothermia. The pain most often occurs at night. Increased pain can be triggered by deep breathing;
- Sensation of compression of the chest and the appearance of shooting pains in the intercostal spaces (especially when changing the position and movement of the body);
- Sensation of "crawling" on the chest and arms, sometimes - the neck. Numbness and coldness of the extremities.
The basis of the clinical symptoms of osteochondrosis, localized in the lumbar region, are such symptoms as:
- Pain syndrome localized in the lumbar region. It can be painful, permanent or periodic in the form of "lumbago" with irradiation of the right or left leg, as well as the perineum, sacrum. 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 drugs
For the treatment of osteochondrosis at home without drugs, remedies of plant and animal origin are often used. Preference is given to the following:
- bee and snake venom;
- badger fat;
- Fir essential oil;
- Camphor alcohol, etc.
These substances can be used as ointments, compresses, rubs.
In order to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease, it is recommended to use special orthopedic bedding: mattresses and pillows. In addition, special needle applicators can be used at home to improve blood circulation in tissues and relax muscles.
An important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis is given to proper nutrition. To improve the state of cartilage and vertebrae, alcohol, coffee, tea, spicy foods, foods rich in extractive substances (fatty meat and fish, mushrooms) should be excluded from the diet;
Add foods and dishes to your diet that help restore and maintain the integrity of cartilage tissue: lean meats and fish, dairy products.
At home, you can also resort to the help of a professional massage therapist who will help relieve muscle tension in any part of the spine. With caution, you can perform the massage yourself. Self-massage includes stroking, rubbing, kneading.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home with medication
Drug treatment of any disease, including osteochondrosis, should be prescribed by a qualified specialist. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment regimen, taking into account all possible contraindications to taking one or another group of pharmaceuticals. Currently, the following groups of drugs are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be used in the form of powders, tablets - for systemic use, as well as ointments and gels - for local use. The former have a more pronounced effect;
- Analgesics (analgesics);
- Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics. Eliminate muscle spasms and pathological muscle tension;
- Preparations improving microcirculation and blood rheology;
- Chondroprotectors. Provide cartilage resistance to the action of negative factors;
- Vitamins - mainly from group B (B1, B6, B12). Actively influences metabolic processes in the nervous system;
- Antidepressants. Ensures the prevention of the occurrence of disorders of psychosomatic origin.
How to cure osteochondrosis at home with exercises
For osteochondrosis of each spine, orthopedists and rehabilitation doctors have developed specialized complexes of therapeutic exercises. For exercise to be beneficial, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Use specially designed complexes;
- Movements should not cause the appearance of uncomfortable and painful sensations;
- The movements must be fluid, precise, slow;
- You should do the exercises regularly. Even a minimum of time spent during the day will bring incredible benefits to the spine.
- Exercise therapy complexes should be carried out only during periods of remission of the disease.
In addition to therapeutic exercise complexes, doctors strongly recommend to always be physically active. Swimming and water aerobics, available to everyone at any time of the year, perfectly unloads the muscles of the back.
Please note: any treatment for osteochondrosis must be agreed with the attending physician. Only in this case you can count on the maximum effect of therapy.