How to restore the spine

Various diseases of the spine are one of the most common problems of our time. If earlier only elderly people were diagnosed with osteochondrosis or intervertebral hernia, today these diseases have become much “younger”.

Causes and consequences of diseases of the spine

Degenerative-dystrophic processes, which are the cause of diseases of the spine, disrupt the structure and function of individual discs and vertebrae. At first, this leads to discomfort, restriction of movements, and the appearance of pain. In the future, this can lead to disability.

According to scientists, the restoration of the spine is possible until the age of 20-25 years, that is, until the moment when the human skeleton becomes fully formed. And if before that time, having taken certain measures, to cope with the problems that have arisen, then later this cannot be done. The only thing that can be done after 25 years is to stop the development of the disease. At the same time, in any case, it is necessary to be prepared for the fact that the treatment of these diseases is very long and painstaking. And you can achieve a positive result only if you treat this process with full responsibility.

The main reasons for the destruction of discs, and as a result of which the vertebrae, are changes in the cartilage tissue that occur in the process:

• body aging;
• sedentary lifestyle. It is because of him that the processes of blood circulation and metabolism in tissues begin to slow down;
• various injuries. Even the smallest mechanical impact on the musculoskeletal system leads to its overstrain and the occurrence of micro-ruptures in the ligaments and muscles, thereby causing inflammation and disorders;
• increased physical exertion, which leads to abrasion of the vertebral discs.

Major diseases of the spine

Currently, there are a huge number of diseases that disrupt the functioning of the spine. Their treatment is carried out for a long time, followed by a recovery period. The main of these diseases include:

• protrusion of the intervertebral discs, that is, their protrusion outside the spinal column without a rupture in the fibrous ring;
• various types of hernias,  which are formed as a result of displacement of the pulpous nucleus of the intervertebral disc, followed by the formation of a rupture in the fibrous ring;
• osteochondrosis, that is, crushing of the discs that are between the vertebrae in the process of compression of the spinal column;
• fractures resulting from trauma.

Features of spine restoration

Scientifically speaking, spinal discs do not have their own blood supply. For this reason, nutrients do not come directly to them, thereby depriving them of the opportunity to recover on their own. In the course of life, they gradually dry out and the functions of the spine are lost - it ceases to be a shock absorber of movement, but since a person does not stop walking and performing other movements, the vertebrae begin to collapse under the influence of a load. All this explains the method of treatment of these types of diseases, which is aimed at:

removal of the load from the damaged areas;

• starting the processes of bone tissue regeneration;
• changes in the diet, which should be designed for a large intake of nutrients into the human body that contribute to the restoration of bone and cartilage tissue;
• activation of blood circulation and metabolism, carried out by dosed physical activity, as well as special medications.

Change in diet

Very often, the processes of destruction of bone and cartilage tissue occur due to malnutrition. This is explained by the fact that with nutrition, substances and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the body enter the human blood. If this does not happen, then all tissues and organs, including the spine, begin to lack them. That is why, before wondering how to restore the spine with the help of drugs and physical activity, you need to review your own menu. From it it is required to remove or limit the use of such products as:

• sugar;
• bakery and confectionery products;
• salt;
• fatty, spicy and smoked dishes;
• canned food;
• coffee;
• alcoholic drinks.

It is necessary to limit the use of salt, because, accumulating in the tissues, it begins to destroy them. The same is done by caffeinated and alcoholic drinks with cartilage tissue. In addition, they cause vasoconstriction, which leads to reduced blood supply. Various dishes, which include a large amount of fat, hot spices and smoked meats, slow down the metabolism.

At the same time, it is necessary to include in your menu products that are useful for cartilage tissue, which, by supplying the body with nutrients and trace elements, will help restore or, at least, stop the process of disc destruction. These products primarily include:

• vegetables and fruits;
• cereal products;
• fish;
• eggs;
• pork and beef cartilage.

All these products are rich in various vitamins and minerals, the most useful of which in this case can be called calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Also, adhering to proper nutrition, one must not forget about drinking a sufficiently large amount of liquid. Water helps to improve blood circulation, and therefore the transfer of everything necessary to the tissues.

Dosed physical activity

Rehabilitation of the spine through a series of exercises is one of the oldest methods aimed at strengthening muscles, improving blood supply and metabolism in the human body. It should be borne in mind that increased physical activity, especially during an exacerbation of the disease, can lead to a negative result. In order to avoid this, before starting physical education, you should consult with your doctor. Perform exercises, at least at the initial stage, under the close supervision of an exercise therapy coach.

Walking is one of the best exercises to strengthen your muscles without causing too much stress. Even after a twenty-minute walk, the blood supply to tissues improves significantly, metabolic processes start. Also, according to doctors, a very important element in physical therapy is regular stretching. To do this, you must use the crossbar, which will be installed at a height greater than the height of a person. To perform the required exercises, you just need to hang on this bar for at least a minute in the morning and evening.

Swimming is very useful for relaxing and strengthening the muscles of the back. In addition, this sport helps to reduce pain in the back and neck. Also very good from this point of view are various stretching and relaxation exercises that help restore the spine. It should be borne in mind that when performing them, you do not need to overstrain and do a large number of repetitions. They must be completed at the end of exercise therapy classes.

Medical treatment

In order for rehabilitation after diseases of the spine to be successful, in addition to the above methods, it is necessary to carry out drug treatment. The name of the drugs and the duration of their administration is selected individually by the attending physician. Most often, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed during an exacerbation, as they help relieve pain and stop the development of the inflammatory process. In the rest of the period, drugs are prescribed as the main medicines that help saturate the tissues with nutrients and improve blood circulation. The main ones include:

• drugs containing chondroitin and glucosamine, which are very important components of cartilage tissue;
• Dietary supplements based on omega-3 acids;
• vitamin-mineral complexes, which include a high content of vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium.

Thus, in order for the restoration of the spine to be successful and the person to be able to fully move again and not experience pain, it is necessary to apply several methods of treatment simultaneously. At the same time, the result of this long process depends entirely on the mood and attitude of the patient towards this. Only adherence to proper nutrition, exercise and taking the necessary medications can lead to a positive result.