Back pains cause a lot of discomfort to a large number of people. Often this happens due to osteochondrosis. To date, the disease occurs not only in the older generation, but also in young people.
Causes of the disease
- Changes in the body associated with age.
- Lack of normal physical activity.
- Excess weight.
- Increased physical activity (weight lifting, frequent turns and jerks with the body, work in an uncomfortable body position).
- Tight and uncomfortable shoes (extra load on the spine).
- Frequent hypothermia.
- Stress.
- Orthopedic diseases (flat feet, hallux valgus, clubfoot).
- Spinal curvature (kyphosis, scoliosis, lordosis).
- Spinal injuries.
- Impaired metabolism.
- Hereditary factor.
Treatment
Treatment of osteochondrosis is complex. In the period of exacerbation, medications are used, such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are prescribed as injections in the early days of an exacerbation of the disease. After they switch to tablets with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which can lower the temperature of affected tissues. Topical creams and ointments are also prescribed (Nimulide, Diclofenac, Nurofen).
- Muscle relaxants that relieve increased muscle tone. Means are aimed at relaxing striated muscle fibers and improving well-being.
- Chondroprotectors, drugs that slow down the process of destruction of cartilage tissue and contribute to its restoration. They are presented as injections for intraarticular and intramuscular administration, as well as in the form of tablets and dietary supplements.
- Vitamins B1, B2, B6, E. They positively affect the regenerative process in tissues, improve nerve conduction and metabolism.
- Angioprotectors. The funds are aimed at normalizing blood flow in the veins and arteries. They help restore vascular elasticity, positively affect metabolic processes.
- Glucocorticosteroids. Relieve inflammation, swelling, enhance the effect of other drugs.
- Biogenic stimulants. They can accelerate the metabolism, accelerate the process of tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation and swelling.
In addition to medicines, patients are prescribed physiotherapy using electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, laser therapy, thermotherapy, acupuncture (acupuncture), mud therapy, massage, manual therapy, physiotherapy, spinal traction.
When the acute period of the disease is over, in the period of remission, patients are recommended spa treatment.
If conservative methods of treatment do not give the desired result, surgery may be performed.
Diet
We will analyze the main features of nutrition during osteochondrosis.
Low calorie foods
One of the reasons for the development of osteochondrosis is obesity. Due to excess weight, the intervertebral discs are destroyed more quickly and complications arise (radicular syndrome, impaired disc herniation, and so on). Accordingly, if the patient is overweight, he needs to follow a low-calorie diet.
To get good results, gradually reduce the calorie intake of your daily diet:
- Swap simple carbohydrates (sweet, pasta, bread) for slow (fresh vegetables, fruits).
- Set yourself several tasks and gradually complete them. To get started, give up the frankly useless product that you usually eat, but the absence of which will not upset you much. For example, from mayonnaise or sweet buns. Next week, give up another product and so on. Reasonably set goals are achieved faster, and this is exactly what you need in order to lose weight and believe in your own strength!
- If it’s very difficult for you to refuse any harmful product, do not force yourself and leave it in your menu, but stop eating similar products. For example, continue to eat chocolate, but refuse tea with sugar and sweets.
Increased consumption of dairy and vegetable products
Thanks to dairy and plant products, the condition of bone and cartilage tissues will improve, since they contain the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Cheese, cottage cheese, kefir and other dairy products contain large amounts of calcium and phosphorus, easily digestible protein and essential amino acids. Fresh vegetables and fruits give us vitamins and valuable fiber, which helps to lose weight. Nuts and vegetable oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that normalize lipid metabolism and blood cholesterol.
Balanced diet
In order for the cartilaginous tissue to become more durable and elastic, and the bones to acquire a homogeneous structure, you need to provide the body with an adequate amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and trace elements. Mono-diets (buckwheat, kefir, and so on), as well as nutrition systems that severely limit the use of certain foods are strictly prohibited.
Eat low-fat meats, fish and dairy products with low fat content, fresh vegetables, fruits and cereals, season salads with vegetable oil.
Exclusion from the diet of harmful products
Harmful products that are not recommended for use in osteochondrosis are conventionally divided into two groups:
- High-calorie foods and dishes: sugar, white flour pastries, sweets (replace them with jam, honey and marmalade), pasta, lard, fatty meat and butter.
- Products that enhance the inflammatory process: coffee, highly salted products, pickled, fried, smoked foods, alcohol, strong tea.
Of course, it is impossible to completely restore cartilage and bone tissue with a diet, but without following the recommendations listed above, the disease will only get worse.
Prevention
Reduce the load on the spine. Observe proper nutrition, walk in comfortable shoes, and do not stay in uncomfortable postures or in a standing position for a long time. Control your weight. Do not lift weights. Take physical exercise daily, and swimming and yoga are especially helpful. Try not to get too cold and avoid injuries, and also control your emotions. Sleep on a semi-rigid bed.