What can and can not be done with osteochondrosis?
Content:
- What can you do with osteochondrosis?
- What can not be done with osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis is a real scourge of modern humanity. The specificity of this disease is that its appearance and development is not accompanied by any signs, it manifests itself already in the later stages of pain in different parts of the spine, migraines, numbness of the limbs and a decrease in the quality of life. What will be the result of the treatment of the disease depends on the behavior of the person, his lifestyle after diagnosis and treatment of osteochondrosis.
What can you do with osteochondrosis?
People suffering from osteochondrosis strive to do everything possible to avoid recurrence of the disease.
To this end, some of the usual things will have to be abandoned, but something can be left:
- Bath. The basis of the healing mechanism is deep warming and external irritation, which stimulates physiological processes in the body, due to which tension is relieved, edema decreases and muscle pains pass. You can stay in the steam room for a maximum of 10 minutes in a row, with breaks between visits of 10-20 minutes. A traditional broom may only be used after thoroughly warming up the body. It is categorically impossible to drink alcohol in the bath, but herbal tea is definitely recommended. But remember that with an exacerbation of osteochondrosis, going to the bathhouse is prohibited!
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Massage. For fans of therapeutic massage, we will immediately say that it can be carried out at a time when the pain syndrome has already been arrested and the movements do not cause discomfort. Or during an exacerbation, but in this case, manual action should be directed to the adjacent healthy area of the body, which reduces pain in the focus of pathogenesis at the reflex level. The first sessions with an exacerbation are carried out very carefully, without straining the muscles, which means, without causing an aggravation of the pain syndrome;
- Sport. With osteochondrosis, race walking is recommended. This type of physical activity stimulates almost all muscle groups. In the cold season, you can ski;
- Swimming. Indicated in the absence of pain. It helps to relax muscles and increase articular mobility, but hypothermia must be excluded - a possible cause of an exacerbation of the disease;
- Yoga. Performing a complex of special asanas helps to strengthen the muscles of the back, reduce tension between the vertebrae, improve blood supply, increase the elasticity and mobility of the ligaments and tendons. As a result, it is possible to prevent the further development of osteochondrosis and its relapses, as well as to achieve partial posture correction;
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Food. It is very important for osteochondrosis to consume a sufficient amount of protein. To do this, you need to introduce eggs, chicken, fish, milk and cottage cheese into the diet. You can eat veal, lamb and pork, but don't get carried away. The vegetable protein contained in mushrooms, legumes, nuts, seeds, and eggplants is also important. With osteochondrosis, be sure to eat fresh vegetables and fruits. It's great if there is an opportunity to use freshly squeezed juices. In winter, when quality plant foods are largely unavailable, you can focus on consuming cabbage, beets and carrots, seasoned with quality olive or sunflower oil, and supplement your diet with a vitamin complex.
Note! All of the above recommendations can be used only after consultation with your doctor!
What can not be done with osteochondrosis?
If you are diagnosed with osteochondrosis, then you need to understand that new bones and cartilage will not grow. But the development of this disease and its accompanying symptoms can be prevented.
To do this, you must always remember what can not be done with osteochondrosis:
- Lift and carry weights. If it is impossible to completely abandon this, then you need to lift heavy objects with a straight back and without tilting the head;
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Make careless movements that provoke a crunch in the joints and spine. Such turns and kneading relieve discomfort for a short time, but at the same time wear out the contact surfaces of the vertebrae, gradually violating the integrity of the spine and provoking complications of osteochondrosis;
- Sleep on a high pillow. This rule must be especially carefully observed with cervical osteochondrosis. The muscles of the back will involuntarily tense, the pain will intensify, and the spine, being regularly in a curved state, will continue to deform;
- Overeat. Moreover, excess weight in osteochondrosis is the main problem that you need to try to get rid of in the first place. The diet is described above;
- Sleep on a soft mattress or sofa. Resting your head will prevent the muscles from relaxing, which will lead to the appearance or aggravation of back pain;
- Wear uncomfortable high-heeled shoes. With osteochondrosis, you need to monitor your posture. The lack of full support on both feet violates the natural curvature of the spine, provoking the further development of the disease;
- Load your back in the gym. At the initial stage of recovery after treatment of osteochondrosis, serious sports loads are unacceptable in principle!
- Abuse salt and alcohol. Marinades, pickles and other foods with an excess of salt will have to be excluded from the menu. The same applies to alcoholic beverages that provoke edema.
Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Experienced doctors not in vain say that movement is life! This rule also works against osteochondrosis.
Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist
Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".
