Spinal osteochondrosis 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.
Common symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine
Osteochondrosis of the spine occurs in 60-70% of people whose age is over 40. Recently, it is not uncommon for young people between the ages of 20 and 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:
- Vertigo that occurs spontaneously and increases when turning the head (especially with sudden movements);
- Headache not relieved by pain medication. Pain is often caused by motor activity in the cervical region;
- Pain in the shoulder girdle and upper limb girdle;
- 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 the constant tension of the muscular system of the neck;
- In more advanced cases, neurological symptoms occur: numbness of the tongue, change of voice, etc.
For thoracic osteochondrosis are characteristic:
- Pain in the chest, shoulder blades, provoked by physical activity, hypothermia. Pain most often occurs at night. The increased pain can be triggered by a deep breath;
- Sensation of compression of the chest and the appearance of shooting pains in the intercostal spaces (especially when changing position and movement of the body);
- Sensation of "crawling" on the chest and arms, sometimes on the neck. Numbness and coldness of the extremities.
The basis of the clinical symptoms of osteochondrosis, localized in the lumbar region, are symptoms such as:
- Pain syndrome localized in the lumbar region. It can be painful, permanent or periodic in the form of "low back pain" with irradiation to the right or left leg, as well as to the perineum, to the sacrum. Pain increases significantly with exercise and physical activity;
- Numbness and coldness of the lower limbs, 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:
- venom of bees and snakes;
- badger fat;
- Fir essential oil;
- Camphor alcohol, etc.
These substances can be used as ointments, compresses, rubs.
In order to relieve symptoms and reduce the progression of the disease, it is recommended to use a special orthopedic bedding - mattresses and pillows. In addition, special needle applicators can be used at home to improve blood circulation in the tissues and relax the muscles.
An important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis is given to proper nutrition. To improve the condition of the 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 to your diet foods and dishes that help restore and maintain the integrity of cartilage tissue: lean meat and fish, dairy products.
At home, you can also enlist 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 medicines
Drug treatment of any disease, including osteochondrosis, must 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 drugs. Currently, the following groups of drugs are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. 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 (pain relievers);
- Muscle relaxants and antispasmodics. Eliminates muscle spasms and pathological muscle tension;
- Preparations that improve blood microcirculation and rheology;
- Chondroprotectors. Provide resistance of cartilage to the action of negative factors;
- Vitamins - mainly group B (B1, B6, B12). It actively affects the metabolic processes in the nervous system;
- Antidepressants. Provides the prevention of the onset 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. In order for exercise to be beneficial, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Use specially designed complexes;
- The movements should not provoke the appearance of unpleasant and painful sensations;
- Movements should be fluid, accurate, slow;
- You have to do the exercises regularly. Even the little time spent during the day will bring incredible benefits to the spine.
- Physical therapy complexes should be carried out only during the periods of remission of the disease.
In addition to therapeutic exercise complexes, doctors strongly recommend that you always be physically active. Swimming and water aerobics, accessible to everyone at any time of the year, perfectly relieve the back muscles.
Warning: any treatment of osteochondrosis must be agreed with the attending physician. Only in this case can you count on the maximum effect of therapy.