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 to 70% of people whose age has passed the 40-year mark. Recently, it is not uncommon for young people in their 20s to 30s to suffer from osteochondrosis.
Depending on which part of the spine is affected by the disease, its clinical picture is determined. Defeat of the cervical region is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness that occurs spontaneously and increases when turning the head (especially with sudden movements);
- Headache not relieved by pain medication. Pain is often provoked by motor activity in the cervical region;
- Pain in the shoulder girdle and shoulder girdle of the upper limbs;
- Vision violation: weakening, flickering before the eyes of "flies" and multi-colored circles;
- Hearing impairment: sensation of ringing in the ears;
- Episodes of loss of consciousness;
- Snoring in a dream is a consequence of constant tension of the muscular apparatus of the neck;
- In more advanced cases, neurological symptoms occur: tongue numbness, voice alteration, etc.
For thoracic osteochondrosis are features:
- Pain in the chest, shoulder blades, provoked by physical activity, hypothermia. The pain most often occurs at night. Increased pain may be triggered by deep breathing;
- Sensation of chest compression and the appearance of stabbing pains in the intercostal spaces (especially when changing body position and movement);
- "Crawling" sensation in the chest and arms, sometimes - in the neck. Numbness and coldness of the extremities.
The basis of clinical symptoms of osteochondrosis, located in the lumbar region, are symptoms such as:
- Pain syndrome located in the lumbar region. It can be painful, permanent or periodic in the form of a "lumbago" radiating to the right or left leg, as well as to the perineum, sacrum. Pain increases significantly with exercise and physical activity;
- Numbness and coldness of the lower extremities, decreased sensation 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 medication, 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.
To relieve 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 the tissues and relax the muscles.
An important role in the treatment of osteochondrosis is given to proper nutrition. To improve the condition 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 meat and fish, dairy products.
At home, you can also enlist the help of a professional masseuse 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 drugs. Currently, the following groups of drugs are used for the treatment of osteochondrosis:
- Non-steroidal 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 that improve blood microcirculation and rheology;
- Chondroprotectors. Provide cartilage resistance to the action of negative factors;
- Vitamins - mainly group B (B1, B6, B12). Actively influence metabolic processes in the nervous system;
- Antidepressants. It provides 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 must follow a few simple rules:
- Use specially designed complexes;
- The movements must not provoke the appearance of uncomfortable and painful sensations;
- The movements must be smooth, precise, slow;
- You need to do the exercises regularly. Even minimal time spent during the day will bring incredible benefits to the spine.
- Exercise therapy complexes should only be performed during periods of disease remission.
In addition to complex therapeutic exercises, doctors strongly recommend that you always be physically active. Swimming and water aerobics, accessible to anyone at any time of the year, perfectly discharge the muscles of the back.
Attention: any treatment of osteochondrosis must be agreed with the attending physician. Only in this case you can count on the maximum effect of therapy.