Treating osteochondrosis at home is part of complex therapy. It is performed if the patient does not have persistent polymorphic headaches, accompanied by dizziness, tinnitus, and vision disturbances. Repeated numbness and weakness of the arms, instability of blood pressure and heartbeat are also considered contraindications to home therapy.
Osteochondrosis is caused by bone growths of the vertebral bodies with the formation of osteophytes and drying of the intervertebral cartilage. Particularly dangerous is the formation of intervertebral hernias, compressing nerves and blood vessels. In advanced cases of osteochondrosis, an acute violation of cerebral circulation is possible, which is fraught with serious consequences for the patient.
Home remedies for osteochondrosis
When treating cervical osteochondrosis at home, doctors prescribe the following medications, taken orally or injected intramuscularly:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Diclofenac, Meloxicam;
- muscle relaxants - Tolperisone hydrochloride;
- group vitamins - Thiamine hydrochloride;
- pain relievers;
- antispasmodics - Drotaverine Hydrochloride.
In addition, topical preparations applied to the affected area are a good aid for the rapid treatment of cervical osteochondrosis. So, NSAID-containing gels and creams, as well as oils with heating or cooling effect, are widely used.
Medications are indicated for exacerbations of osteochondrosis, including the appearance of persistent pain in the cervical spine, numbness, and cramps in the hands. The same medications are used to treat lumbar osteochondrosis at home.
When osteochondrosis of the chest is detected, home treatment has been agreed in advance with a cardiologist to rule out heart pathology.
In the remission phase of osteochondrosis, chondroprotectors and calcium derivatives will help.
Alternative treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis with popular methods involves the use of centuries-old recipes to relieve pain and restore movement in different parts of the back.
Compresses for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Bischofite compresses, which is a natural combination of potassium, magnesium, calcium and other trace elements, help relieve pain in cervical osteochondrosis. Previously, the agent should be heated to body temperature and rubbed into the painful area with light circular motions.
After that, place a wet bandage in a healing solution on the spine affected by osteochondrosis, cover it with cellophane on top and insulate with a woolen cloth. Optimally optimal to do the procedures before going to bed, after treatment, thoroughly rinse the product residue with warm water.
Treatment with such a popular remedy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine should be carried out every other day, as it can provoke allergic reactions and exacerbation of pathology of various organs. The course of therapy is at least 12 sessions. In case of adverse reactions and poor tolerance, the procedure time is reduced to 3 hours or doctors look for another way to help the patient.
Other popular recipes for bandages for osteochondrosis:
- Burdock leaves.Pour boiling water and apply on the affected area. Wrap in a woolen cloth for 40 minutes.
- Raw potatoes and honey.Mix minced root vegetables in equal proportions with honey, place on diseased spine, insulating with polyethylene and wool. The duration of the procedure for osteochondrosis is about 2 hours.
- Dandelion, herb and burdock of St. John.Take the leaves of plants in equal amounts, pour boiling water for half an hour. Fix the compress from the warm infusion with a bandage for 3 hours.
- AloeMix the crushed leaves of a medicinal plant with honey and vodka, the amount of which should be 2 times greater than the weight of aloe. Insist for a week. Put on the painful part of the back, wrap. Compression is maintained for 3 hours or overnight with a good tolerance.
Infusions and decoctions for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home
At home, chondrosis can be treated using herbal remedies. Usually, infusions and decoctions are prepared for these purposes. Healing plants help increase microcirculation, strengthen the tendon-ligamentous apparatus, stop the destruction of cartilage. They also relieve inflammation and normalize mineral metabolism in the body.
Effective methods of using herbs for osteochondrosis:
- Pour 0. 5 liters of boiling water with 40 g of dried horse leaves for 1 hour. After straining, drink 70 ml before meals for 3 weeks. A week later, the course of osteochondrosis treatment can be resumed.
- Take 25 g of chamomile flowers and mint each, pour boiling water in a volume of 300 ml, keep in a water bath for 15 minutes. Apply 2 times a day, 100 ml. The treatment lasts 3 weeks.
- Pour finely chopped parsley root (100 g) with a liter of water. Keep on low heat for about an hour. With osteochondrosis, drink one tablespoon 2 times a day for a month.
- A mixture using herb with lemon balm (15 grams), chopped orange peel (30 grams), pour hot water (0, 5 liters) for an hour. Then add a teaspoon of honey and 15 drops of valerian tincture. Drink 1 glass twice a day for at least a month.
Applications for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home
This method of treatment with folk remedies is often used for osteochondrosis of the chest. Applications have an attractive, analgesic effect, relieve inflammation and improve local blood circulation.
Pepper plaster is used for the pathology of any part of the spine, including grade 2 osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine. The skin should be pre-treated with solutions containing alcohol and dried. The application is applied by capturing the entire affected area or small rounded pieces of a patch are glued to the most painful points near the vertebrae. The patch is replaced after 48 hours.
Mustard plasters give the same effect in osteochondrosis of the cervix. At home, a simple procedure helps to reduce pain, improve cerebral blood flow and lymphatic circulation to the head and neck area.
Dimethyl sulfoxide applications are commonly used. In order for the drug to have a positive effect, it should be used strictly according to the instructions: it is dissolved in warm boiled water in a ratio of 1: 3. The amount of solution taken should be calculated only for one procedure. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, you can add niacin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics.
A treatment session for osteochondrosis lasts at least half an hour, with good tolerance, application can be left overnight. The duration of therapy is at least 15 procedures.
In the treatment of osteochondrosis, reflexology techniques are shown. At home, one author's branded needle applicators are used for this.
These devices are used both in the exacerbation of osteochondrosis and in the process of death. They reduce pain in the spine, have a harmonizing effect on the body, improving the psycho-emotional state of the patient.
The duration of the procedure and the frequency of use of the product for osteochondrosis should be agreed with the doctor. The parameters depend on age, the degree of destruction of the intervertebral discs.
Rubbing for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home
With osteochondrosis, agents are often used to rub the affected part of the neck or back. The following solutions of alcohol, oils have a good effect at home:
- Take 25 g of lard, melt and mix with the same volume of chopped hop cones. Let it act for a few hours. Warm up a bit, rub gently on the painful area, preferably before bed.
- Mix chopped bay leaves with chopped pine or fir needles in a ratio of 1: 5. Add butter to get the consistency of an oil. Put in a cool place for a week. Use 1-2 times a day, excluding the possibility of hypothermia.
- Pour ground horseradish root with vodka in equal proportions. The tincture can be applied after 5 days, rubbing it into the most painful area.
- Mix calendula leaves and flowers with an equal amount of vodka and camphor alcohol. Leave in a dark place for 10 days. Shake well before use.
Folk remedies for chondrosis reduce muscle spasms and pain, normalize blood circulation and relieve inflammation. To achieve lasting positive results, you should repeat the course of treatment in consultation with your doctor.
Baths for the treatment of osteochondrosis at home
When treating back pain at home, water treatments are effective. Warm sea salt baths are popular.
The addition of essential oils - lavender, valerian, laurel, pine - has a positive effect. Baths relax muscles, relieve pain and calm the person.
The duration of the procedure for osteochondrosis is half an hour, you should take a bath within a month. Frequency of sessions will be recommended by the doctor.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy will help to get rid of osteochondrosis at home.
Exercise has the following effects:
- strengthening of the back muscles, which increases the tolerance of the back to sudden movements, weight lifting, physical overload;
- improving blood and lymph circulation in the paravertebral muscles and ligaments;
- cartilage and tendon tissue restoration.
An adequate complex is chosen by the physician depending on the spine affected by osteochondrosis and the general condition of the patient. Exercise therapy is prescribed at every stage of osteochondrosis. Strictly forbidden to choose exercises yourself.
You can not engage in medical gymnastics in the following cases:
- pronounced pain syndrome with worsening osteochondrosis;
- recovery of pathology in the form of an intervertebral hernia, compressing the nerve endings and vessels of the spinal cord and surrounding muscles;
- verified instability of the vertebral bodies;
- infectious diseases with fever;
- varterial hypertension with high blood pressure;
- oncological problems.
If you have a history of heart attack or stroke, you can not exercise at home, as you need constant medical supervision.
Basic recommendations for performing exercises for osteochondrosis:
- the duration of daily hours is not more than 30 minutes;
- the minimum course lasts 90-100 days;
- classrooms are held in a warm, airy and clean room;
- sharp movements and added pain during gymnastics are excluded;
- the complex always starts with a warm-up, which prepares the muscles for subsequent loads;
- smooth increase in frequency and range of motion.
diets
Often, the development of osteochondrosis is provoked by improper diet. A dietitian will help you fix it at home.
Therapeutic food postulates for osteochondrosis:
- low calorie content;
- emphasis on milk and plant foods;
- balance in the main ingredients of food, minerals, vitamins;
- products are eaten boiled or steamed;
- salt and sugar restriction, spices;
- fragmentation of food intake into small portions;
- early dinner - 3-4 hours before bedtime;
- drinking clean water at least 3 liters per day.
Allowed products include lean meats and fish, eggs, cereals, herbs, vegetables, fruits, seafood, high quality soft cheese.
With osteochondrosis, you should limit the use of coffee, sweets, carbonated and alcoholic beverages, sweets, spicy, fatty and canned foods. Fatty meat juices, smoked meats, sausages are prohibited.
You can not use questionable diets with a predominance of one or more products - meat, apples, kefir, rice. Fasting with osteochondrosis is contraindicated.
How not to be treated
Traditional recipes in the treatment of osteochondrosis are only part of the treatment strategy. Do not rely solely on the advice of healers and healers. The choice of folk remedies used at home should be agreed with the doctor after diagnosis. Self-medication is dangerous and can be harmful.
At home, only proven and safe recipes should be used. The patient should be aware that a positive result is achieved only with continuous and long-term treatment.
When treating osteochondrosis, it is necessary to avoid physical overload, hypothermia and stress.
Traditional medicine in the treatment of osteochondrosis is an effective adjunct to medication, physiotherapy procedures, exercise therapy and diet. At home, it speeds up the onset of forgiveness, restores work capacity, and normalizes the patient’s emotional tone.