Osteochondrosis is a pathology in which one or more vertebral discs are affected. The disease is associated with a gradual and progressive malnutrition of the intervertebral discs, which leads to their wear and even violation of their integrity. As a result of such a degenerative lesion, the discs change their shape and position, the intervertebral spaces are reduced, as a result of which the nerve roots are infringed, a herniated disc can cause damage to the spinal cord, and the work and functioning of internal organs may also be disrupted.
In recent years, the disease has become very younger, and if earlier people of advanced age suffered from osteochondrosis, now it is not uncommon for young people of 30 years old to suffer from this disease of the musculoskeletal system.
Currently, there are methods of therapy for this disease. One of the most famous and safe, with a minimum of side effects, is considered acupuncture .
The essence of acupuncture
This method has long been used by Chinese traditional healers. Even in ancient times, they said that there is energy in a person that flows through energy channels and it is necessary to restore its normal circulation in order to achieve healing.
Experienced acupuncture doctors are engaged in acupuncture , they use special needles (disposable or reusable) to act on active points that are on the human body and are responsible for one or another organ system. Thus, they help the body to normalize the movement of energy and blood, stimulate sanogenetic (recovery) processes and fight the disease.
During the session, after treatment with an antiseptic, acupuncture needles made of metal are inserted into the patient’s skin, which does not cause allergic reactions and are left for a certain period of time, after which the needles are removed and the site of exposure is treated with an antiseptic.
Depending on the disease, a course of treatment is usually required, which averages 10 sessions. The increase or decrease in procedures depends on the severity of the disease and is left to the discretion of the doctor.
Contraindications
- Age up to three years, and also over 75.
- Oncological diseases. Acupuncture can speed up the process of tumor cell division.
- Pregnancy.
- Violation of blood clotting.
- Acute period of infectious diseases.
- Acute period of mental illness, the effect of psychotropic substances.
Acupuncture for cervical osteochondrosis of the spine
The most common type of this disease. The impact is carried out with needles on special acupuncture points local, segmental (close to the site of pain) and remote (have the most pronounced therapeutic effect). A common approach is when acupuncture points are selected NOT on the side of the problem, but on the opposite side (balance method).
The patient may experience the intended sensations in the form of numbness, burning, tingling, a feeling of cold (general or local). After removing the needles, sensations may persist for some time. The presence of the intended sensations indicates the nature of the violations and is of diagnostic value, as well as a pronounced manifestation of the body’s restorative forces.
Typically, the treatment of this type of osteochondrosis requires 10 to 12 sessions.
Acupuncture for lumbosacral osteochondrosis
Treatment takes place in the following areas:
- The pain syndrome, which is caused by pinched nerves, is stopped.
- Relieve muscle spasm and inflammation.
- Restoration of blood circulation and normal metabolism.
- Consolidation of the result.
Lumbar – sacral osteochondrosis is treated at any stage of the disease and in any phase (remission or exacerbation).
Spasms and pain may decrease (depending on the nature of the pathological processes) after the first sessions. It may take 10-12 sessions to achieve remission.
Acupuncture for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region spine
The rarest of the three types of this disease, but its danger lies in the fact that in advanced cases, the disease can affect the functioning of the heart, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.
For acupuncture exposure, local (local), segmental (points close to the problem site) and remote are selected.
The session lasts 20-40 minutes. The number of procedures averages 10-12.
Prognosis and results of the use of acupuncture
The prognosis when using this method of treatment is always favorable. In the vast majority of cases, acupuncture brings relief to the patient.
The earlier the patient comes to the clinic with the first symptoms of the disease, the less time is spent on his treatment, and also bears less financial costs.
You need to choose an experienced and certified acupuncturist who will relieve you of: pain in the back, movement disorders that have arisen due to pain and muscle spasm.
If, nevertheless, acupuncture is contraindicated for you, then the doctor will select another method of treatment for you, based on the symptoms of your disease.