Osteochondrosis is a chronic spinal disease, for the treatment of which, in most cases, conservative methods are used.They resort to surgical treatment with a stubborn course of the disease, when it is not possible to achieve the effect in other available ways.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, in the absence of neurological complications, usually does not require hospitalization of the patient, and can be carried out at home.Home treatment should be prescribed by the attending physician after examining the patient and performing the necessary laboratory and instrumental studies.You can treat osteochondrosis at home using the following methods.
Drug treatment
The prescription of drugs is indicated for exacerbation of the disease.The use of medicines is aimed at combating pain that arose due to squeezing the roots of the spinal nerves and vertebral arteries, as a result of tissue edema or changed elements of the spinal column.Depending on the path of administration of drugs, drug treatment is divided into general and local.
The following groups of drugs are used for general treatment:
- Anti -inflammatory.Non -steroidal preparations that have a pronounced analgesic effect are used inside.The daily dose is divided into 3-4 doses.All these drugs must be taken after or during food and washed down with a large amount of fluid due to their pronounced irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.If the patient has an exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer, it is necessary to switch to the parenteral administration of the NSAID.
- MusorelaxantsUsed in combination with diuretics and vasoactive means.Thus, it is possible to achieve a decrease in muscle hypertonicity and a decrease in tissue swelling in the area in which pain is localized.Apply drugs for 5 to 7 days.
- Sedative.In order to prevent the development of neurotization, to which a pronounced pain syndrome can lead, the purpose of sedatives of plant origin is shown: phyto teas, tinctures, fees.With a protracted exacerbation, tranquilizers or antidepressants are prescribed.
- B vitamins.Using dosage forms intended for oral administration in the form of multivitamin complexes.These drugs improve trophic and contribute to the restoration of nervous tissue structures injured as a result of compression.Vitamins B must be taken daily, for 2-3 weeks.
- Chondroprotectors: improve the regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue and inhibit the degenerative-destructive processes occurring in the intervertebral disk.
Local treatment consists in the use of external drugs on the area in which pain is localized, as a rule, in the projection of the affected segments of the spinal column.The following dosage forms are used:
- Anti -inflammatory ointments and gelswho contain non -steroidal agents as the active substance.They are prescribed in combination with general anti-inflammatory therapy, ointments are rubbed into the skin of the back, lower back or neck 3-4 times a day during the exacerbation of the disease until pain subsides.
- Warming balms, rubbish, ointmentscontaining biologically active substances with moderate irritating effects.The composition of such drugs includes menthol, bee or snake venom, which improve blood circulation, reduce swelling of the tissues in the focus of pain.
- DimexideIn addition to the fact that it itself has a good anti -inflammatory effect, it has a strong penetrating effect and is able to deliver other drugs dissolved in it into tissues.It is used in the form of applications or wet-drying bandages, in dilution 1: 4.Local anesthetics, hormonal drugs, NSAIDs are added to the solution of dimexide.Usually, after 5-7 applications, a noticeable improvement in well-being occurs.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Therapeutic gymnastics is a treatment method that is necessarily recommended to all patients with osteochondrosis, provided that the patient has no contraindications.During the exacerbation of the disease, any physical exercises are prohibited.The first classes begin only after the pain subsides under the control of the instructor.Regular exercise of gymnastics allows you to strengthen the muscle frame of the spinal column and reduce the load on the intervertebral discs.Systematic physical activity helps to improve blood supply and, as a result, normalizing metabolic processes in the problematic parts of the spinal column, significantly slowing down the degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
Depending on the localization of osteochondrosis, there are different classes.The most effective gymnastics for the cervical and lumbar spine.When choosing a set of exercises, it is necessary to take into account the severity of destructive changes in the spine and the initial state of muscle tissue.It is best, before starting independent classes, get a consultation with a qualified specialist in exercise therapy.
Massage
Massage in combination with therapeutic gymnastics is an effective treatment for osteochondrosis.It allows you to significantly reduce the phenomena of muscle rigidity, enhance blood supply in problem areas, and improve the nutrition of cartilage tissue of the spine.Massage can only be done after an exacerbation subsides in the absence of pain, as well as during the period of remission for preventive purposes.
At home, you can perform self -massage, which consists in using the main techniques of therapeutic massage: stroking, squeezing, kneading and rubbing.In addition to self -massage, in which the patient uses his own hands, at home you can use special auxiliary devices.It can be both simple devices - applicators and complex devices, which are mechanical, vacuum massagers and even mini -physiotherapeutic devices.
Protective mode
It is possible to effectively treat back osteochondrosis at home only with constant observance of a sparing regime.Moreover, the regime must be observed both in the acute period of the disease and during remission when there are no complaints.This is due to the fact that in most cases the exacerbation arises, precisely, due to non-compliance with the correct regime in everyday life.
Of great importance is the position of the tal in which night sleep occurs.The bed must have an orthopedic mattress and a small pillow of small size.With osteochondrosis of the cervical spine under the neck, you need to put a special roller in order to achieve the most physiological position of the spinal column and relax the muscles as much as possible.If possible, avoid a long stay in an uncomfortable position during sitting at the table or watching a TV.If intense physical activity is coming, especially weight lifting, then you need to use special corsets.