Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age threshold for this disease is decreasing every year.Its most characteristic symptom is spondylosis, that is, limitation of mobility due to violation of the integrity of the vertebral discs.Preventing osteoarthritis plays an important role, helping to delay the onset of the disease at older ages.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Certified doctors treat osteoarthritis with pills, ointments, injections, spinal traction and physical therapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness over many years of practice and bring positive results.
Medicine
The main goal of treating the disease with pills, injections and ointments is to relieve the symptoms of the disease during periods of exacerbation.Depending on the degree of neglect and severity of the condition, the following are used for drug treatment:
- Non-steroidal analgesics - to reduce aggravation, swelling and inflammatory response.
- Muscle relaxants - to reduce muscle tension and eliminate spasms.
- Painkillers for blockade.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used when there are no positive therapeutic results when using other drugs.
- Chondroprotectors – to restore cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations to improve blood microcirculation and restore metabolism.
- Vitamin and mineral complex - to improve the general condition of the patient.
Effective drug treatment of osteochondrosis is possible only if the drug is selected by the attending physician.This method gives positive results but is used in severe cases;Preventing osteoarthritis with special exercises is no longer effective.
Traction force
Spinal traction is quite effective and is based on the use of special devices.It is used to lengthen the spine.The goal of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the distance between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.A positive result must be reinforced by strengthening the Corset muscles around the spine.Loading on the back after the procedure is unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy has truly magical abilities, being used as one of the methods of treating diseases and preventing osteoarthritis.In most cases, skillful use of a specially designed set of exercises is used as a supplement to ongoing treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace medication.
The selection of exercises provides:
- Restore spinal mobility.
- Improves impaired blood circulation in paravertebral tissues.
- Eliminate pain.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease and the dosage of physical activity must be taken into account so as not to lead to excessive physical exertion.In addition to specially designed exercises recommended for patients, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, hiking and walking.
Among the techniques used by traditional healers to treat osteoarthritis, the following are widely used:
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- Qigong.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics that must be taken into account to achieve effective treatment.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteoarthritis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore mobility and strength of spinal muscles.A positive effect can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and gently stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of preparation.In addition to the simplest movements, it also contains quite complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movements.Therefore, it is better to start under the guidance of an experienced mentor.The following simple movements can be used as preparatory movements before the main workout:
- Stand straight, put your hands down, feet shoulder-width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three directions each, while gently pressing the opposite hand on your neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana gently stretches and strengthens the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue stretching, complete the exercise with maximum head rotation to the right and left while looking back, fix the achieved position for up to three seconds, then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervical spine, take the following starting position - kneel, then sit on your heels, connecting your big toes, knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower your body forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms along your body, palms facing up, shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have enough strength to hold.
The effectiveness of yoga is achieved during systematic practice under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most accepted non-traditional method, which allows, through moderate physical activity and thoughtfully designed exercises, to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.The Pilates technique is specifically designed for people with spinal problems.It allows you to conduct classes with people of all ages.
During exercise, back muscles are strengthened, mobility and flexibility of the spine are developed, and posture improves.Systematic exercises allow you to normalize the body's metabolic processes and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that early-stage osteoarthritis can be overcome by practicing Pilates.For spinal problems, the following exercises will be effective:
- Lean right and left from a standing position.
- Step in place with high hip lifts.
- Raise the body with tension from a lying position, arms facing forward.
- Starting position - standing, hands placed in "lock" in front of the chest, then alternately bend the right knee in front of you, then the left leg - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Bend forward and backward, kneel down, touching the floor with your hands.
Experts say that by practicing Pilates, you can achieve good results in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but this method should not be considered a panacea.And although it practically has no contraindications, it is better to use it after a doctor's recommendation.
qigong
Today, the Chinese gymnastics qigong (Qigong), based on Taoist and Tibetan psychotherapeutic methods, aimed at healing the body through a system of movement and breathing exercises, is gaining widespread popularity.
Experts who study the effects of qigong in the treatment of osteoarthritis note that good results can be achieved if classes are carried out only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He selects methods of practice based on the individual characteristics of patients and their physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, to achieve results in the form of eliminating osteoarthritis, the following conditions must be met:
- You need to practice in the morning or evening in silence.
- First you need to free yourself from distracting thoughts, worries and bad moods.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a hearty lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- Don't start exercising in a state of strong excitement, regardless of whether it's fun or not.
prevent
Treating any disease is always a complex and long process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of osteoarthritis of the spine includes a series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, of which the most effective have been recognized:
- Organize proper nutrition, follow a diet, include vitamin salads in the diet, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Do morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, jogging or walking every day depending on your health condition.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: quit smoking, drinking alcohol and sitting for long hours in front of the TV or computer, maintain daily activities.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, joyful life.It is completely possible to protect him from injury and illness without medical intervention.You just need to remember that preventing osteoarthritis is much cheaper than treating it.