Treatment of osteochondrosis: review of modern methods

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by a neurologist according to symptoms, mainly pain syndrome and limitations of the patient's mobility. Treatment of osteochondrosis is primarily based on the elimination of the causes that caused it. There are different methods and methods of treatment, each of which is prescribed by the attending physician, taking into account the nature of the disease and the patient's complaints.

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Osteochondrosis is a disease that occurs with degenerative changes in the spine, which causes damage to the intervertebral discs (fibrocartilaginous plates). In most cases, this occurs in the cervical and lumbar regions and less often in the thoracic region.

As a result of the disc losing its elasticity, it becomes denser, which causes the intervertebral space to decrease and the nerve roots to become pinched – and as a consequence, pain and swelling occur, which in turn increases the pain. The intervertebral discs are supplied with the necessary nutrients from the back muscles, and it is as a result of destructive phenomena in the back muscles that osteochondrosis occurs. Various physical loads mainly fall on the lower back, therefore, it is in this area that protrusions and intervertebral hernias are formed more often than in others.

Protrusion is a protrusion of the intervertebral disc, in which the fibrous ring remains intact, can be regarded as the initial phase of intervertebral hernia. If the disease is not neglected, protrusion can be cured without surgical intervention, but with further development of the disease, extrusion may occur - prolapse of the disc nucleus, in such a situation you cannot do without surgery.

The main causes influencing the development of osteochondrosis are hereditary predisposition, age-related changes, excess weight, low mobility, physical overload, stress, injuries, etc. The main symptom is back pain, which increases when lifting weights, making sharp turns and other careless movements. A neurologist makes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment. The patient is examined in various positions: standing, sitting and lying down. The degree and nature of pain are determined by palpation. Hidden pathologies can be identified and the diagnosis can be specified using computer diagnostics and magnetic resonance imaging (a method of radiation diagnostics without the use of ionizing radiation).

Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using various methods, aimed primarily at neutralizing pain and preventing the development of degenerative phenomena in the spine.

Treatment may include special gymnastics, massage procedures, physiotherapy, spinal traction, and medication. Therapeutic gymnastics is aimed at reducing pressure on the nerve roots, as well as increasing the flexibility of the ligamentous apparatus, and minimizing the load on the spine.

Complex conservative treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis is mainly complex. It is a complex and long process. The duration of treatment depends on its methods, age-related changes in the body and the severity of the disease. Careful compliance with all doctor's orders plays an important role. The active phase of the treatment process lasts from one to three months. During this period, complex conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is used, including drug therapy (anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs), physiotherapy, exercise therapy, manual therapy and massage, as well as spinal traction (stretching) and reflexology.

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Drug treatment of osteochondrosis

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis should be carried out in the acute period of the disease. It will relieve pain, reduce inflammation and enhance metabolic processes in the body. This method of treatment uses non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen) and correctors of cartilage and bone tissue metabolism (chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate), as well as B vitamins.

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Treatment of osteochondrosis and therapeutic exercise

Treatment of osteochondrosis cannot be done without gentle physical exercise. Therapeutic gymnastics improves the mobility of the spine, stimulates the metabolism process, and also strengthens the muscles that support the spine. Very useful are exercises such as slowly turning the head to the right (5 times), then the same number of times to the left. Throwing your head back, try to touch your shoulder with your ear (5 times), first on the left, then on the right.

Massage plays a significant role in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Thanks to professional mechanical action on the necessary points, muscle tension is eliminated, blood circulation and general well-being are improved.

The next treatment for osteochondrosis is the method of manual therapy, or treatment with hands. To relieve various types of pain in the joints and spine, as well as to increase joint mobility, manual effects on the musculoskeletal system are practiced. An effective method for eliminating pain in the spine is the so-called traction, or stretching of the spine. It is carried out with the help of special equipment, helps to increase the distance between the vertebrae, strengthen the back muscles, improve blood circulation, and straighten the curved spine.

Another treatment for osteochondrosis is a method of reflexotherapy, which includes a set of techniques for influencing the reflexogenic zones of the human body, as well as various acupuncture segments. Medication is also used - for example, injections - aimed at neutralizing pain and improving metabolic processes.

Treatment of osteochondrosis: physiotherapeutic methods

Physiotherapy is successfully used in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Treatment of osteochondrosis with physiotherapeutic means involves exposure to ultrasound waves, laser, low-frequency currents. Thanks to this method, pain is relieved, inflammation, side effects are absent, the effectiveness of drug therapy is increased.

This treatment of osteochondrosis, using low-frequency currents, laser, ultrasound, magnetic fields, is prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. When used, the duration of the disease is significantly reduced and the effectiveness of drug therapy is significantly increased. Massage and manual therapy are widely used in the treatment of osteochondrosis. This treatment of osteochondrosis relieves tension and pain in the muscles, improves blood circulation and lymph circulation. The procedure of spinal traction is aimed at relieving pain, increasing the space between the vertebrae and restoring the correct shape of the spinal column.

Alternative treatment of osteochondrosis

Treatment of osteochondrosis includes such non-traditional methods as reflexology. This method of treatment means influencing acupuncture points and reflexogenic zones of the human body. The use of this method in combination with other methods of treatment significantly increases the effectiveness of the procedures. Reflexology is used for osteochondrosis, which is accompanied by pain, sleep disorders, mental instability.

Each of the listed methods is very effective on its own, but a lasting positive effect is achieved only with their comprehensive use. Effective treatment of osteochondrosis with conservative methods can be achieved by referring the patient to special medical institutions. Under the supervision of qualified specialists, the treatment of osteochondrosis will be more fruitful. In the acute stage of the disease, the patient is primarily recommended bed rest. The bed of a patient with osteochondrosis should be hard and flat. It is also necessary to limit movement and call a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies

Many patients with osteochondrosis turn to traditional medicine, but you should always remember that you need to be careful and try not to harm yourself. Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies is based on the use of decoctions and infusions of herbs; ointments are also made from natural materials, which are rubbed onto sore spots. All these remedies eliminate pain and restore the affected areas of the spine. Celery decoction is very useful. Recipe: pour 1 liter of boiling water over a tablespoon of finely chopped celery root and leave for 8 hours. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

Rubbing and tinctures

Essential oils of mint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and fir are successfully used for rubbing. Traditional treatment of osteochondrosis involves the use of coltsfoot flower tincture. Recipe: cut yellow coltsfoot flowers with stems and pour ammonia over them. Leave in a dark place for 1 month. Strain and lubricate sore spots. Do not rub! The tincture improves the elasticity of ligaments, stimulates blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and relieves inflammation. Traditional medicine recommends treating osteochondrosis with pepper plasters. The plaster should be applied to the sore areas and left on for a long time (5 to 7 days).

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Treatment of osteochondrosis: application of compresses

Treatment of osteochondrosis and pain associated with it is carried out using a compress of sea salt. You need to heat the water to a temperature of 50 ° C, dissolve 300 grams of sea salt and five packs of dry seaweed in it. After the liquid has been infused for half an hour, it must be filtered through gauze. Soak a clean gauze napkin in the liquid and apply to the sore spot for five to six hours. Cover the sore spot with cellophane and wrap it in a warm scarf.

Treatment of osteochondrosis includes a number of manipulations and procedures, carefully selected by the attending physician, taking into account the nature and type of the disease.

No matter how effective traditional medicine methods are, treatment of osteochondrosis with them must be combined with therapeutic exercises and medications.