Massage for osteochondrosis | Encyclopedia of diseases

Increasingly, with back pain, people - both young and old - are looking not for pills and patches, but for exercises for the spine. For acute back pain, this set of exercises from Bubnovsky will help you straighten up and return to activity. What can be done to treat osteochondrosis? For this case, Dr. Bubnovsky has a separate gymnastics that can also be done at home.

There is a whole mountain of letters on my desk, and many of the authors of these letters are complaining about the same problem. We are talking about back pain, and the name of this problem is osteochondrosis. The only difference is that some have osteochondrosis in the lumbar region, others have osteochondrosis in the cervicothoracic region, and others... Is it possible to get rid of back pain without taking medications?

To begin with, I want to say that osteochondrosis is not a disease, but a payment for misunderstanding and ignorance of one’s own body. This is my deep conviction.

Surprisingly, many people who come to see me consider themselves healthy, and pain is an accident. They explain that they lifted something heavy, leaned over unsuccessfully, turned sharply... And they ask: “Do something so that everything goes away right away.”

Indications and contraindications for use

Therapeutic massage, like any therapeutic effect, is prescribed only in certain cases and is unacceptable in the presence of acute conditions or chronic pathologies. The decision on the advisability of using this technique is made by the attending physician based on the results of tests and instrumental studies (CT, MRI). Massage is needed in the following cases:

Muscle leakage.
Stiffness when moving.
Vascular disorders.
Severe pain syndrome.
Pinched nerve fibers.
Exit from the sciatic nerve.
Scoliosis or degenerative changes in cartilage tissue.
Injured muscles or ligaments.
Impaired spinal flexion.

Therapeutic massage of the spine is carried out at all stages of pathology development, except for the acute stage. Performed at the site of pain. This is very beneficial in the stage of complete remission or consolidation of positive dynamics. The duration of the course largely depends on concomitant pathologies, as well as on the general condition of the patient.

The main contraindications to the use of any massage techniques are:

Development of a herniated disc with the risk of compression of the spinal canal.
Infectious processes or inflammation of soft tissues.
Tumor formation.
Serious damage to the nervous system.
Postoperative period.
Exacerbation of any chronic pathology.
Open skin lesions, rashes, fungus, abrasions or eczema.
Disruption of normal blood flow due to varicose veins or vascular pathologies.
History of heart attack or stroke.
Blood diseases.
Fever or cold.

In such cases, external influences can adversely affect the course of the pathology and cause complications. Before prescribing a massage, the doctor checks whether there are any contraindications.

Basic Tips

Before considering the main exercises, let’s find out what advice Sergei Bubnovsky himself gives regarding his technique:

The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on whether you adhere to the intended treatment plan or not. If you do not forget to do the exercises, the disease will recede ; If you do not adhere to the plan, the effectiveness of treatment will be quite low.
For the first 14 days, exercises should be done every day. No omissions are allowed.
Then the treatment plan can be adjusted. When drawing up a subsequent treatment plan, the individual characteristics of the body, as well as the effect of the first 14 days of treatment, are taken into account.
If the first 14 days of therapy were successful and the symptoms of osteochondrosis weakened, then the frequency of exercises can be reduced; if the symptoms of osteochondrosis have not weakened, then you should take another course of daily gymnastics for 14 days. In most cases, the symptoms of osteochondrosis weaken, and the doctor reduces the frequency of exercises to 8 exercises per month.
During exercises, you should keep your back straight . If posture is not controlled, the effect of treatment will be low.
The total duration of the course is determined individually, but most often the course lasts 3-4 months .

Preparing for a massage

The massage is performed in two positions.

The patient lies on a stable surface on his stomach with his arms extended along the body. Hands raised, head turned sideways towards the massage therapist.
The patient sits in a sitting position. The face is facing the back of the chair. The arms are folded crosswise, the head is tilted upward. For convenience, you can place a small cushion under your armpits.

Having taken a comfortable position, you can begin the procedure. To do this, you must first visually divide the back into sections:

The collar part is from the beginning of the skull to the upper edge of the scapula.
The back is from the upper base of the shoulder blade to the outer rib.
Lumbar region - from the last lower rib to the coccyx.

Creating favorable working conditions

One of the unfavorable factors involved in the formation of osteochondrosis is improper organization of the workplace.

Basic prevention methods for sedentary work:

the height of the table should be about 80 cm;
It is advisable to use a modern chair with a swivel mechanism and a comfortable backrest;
feet should rest on the floor;
It is better to place the computer keyboard below elbow level;
must be kept straight;
take a short break every hour to do gymnastics.

In manual workers whose work takes place on their feet, osteochondrosis also occurs quite often. The reason for its appearance is incorrect posture, heavy loads on the body, and staying in one position for a long time. Preventive measures include:

Formation of correct posture. You need to ensure that your back is straight, your shoulders are straightened and relaxed, your head is raised slightly up.
Periodic breaks. During work, if possible, you should perform physical exercises.

How to massage with osteochondrosis

The therapeutic massage technique consists of a series of sequential influences. Before starting treatment, the body should be prepared and warmed up. All movements are made in the direction of blood flow.

Make 3-4 light, even movements without pressure.
Start sanding and make 3-4 simple circular motions.
Complete the warm-up by cutting out the edge of your arms (2-3 repetitions). Make longitudinal and perpendicular cuts along and across the back.

Using both hands, fold the muscles and skin into a fold and move them from the bottom (from the base of the lower back) up (to the base of the neck).
Use your fingertips to alternately massage the longitudinal and transverse muscles.
Tap the surface of the body with your fingers and the edge of your hand.
In the boat, pat the skin with your hand.
Run your fingers along the intercostals to the shoulder blades.
Using the heels of your hands, perform a spiral squeeze in a circular motion along the body. It's as if you are rubbing the cream into the skin as deeply as possible.

After a thorough back massage on both sides, proceed to a classic neck and collar massage. Do also the procedures for 3-5 repetitions. Since the neck is a delicate anatomical area, all movements should be performed with extreme care and strength. The main effects are stroking, rubbing on the sides and circular kneading.

Rub your hands over the collar area, such as your back, to warm up, stretch and prepare for the massage.
Next, cut from the shoulder blade to the skull with the edge of your hand. Don't press too hard; the skin here is more sensitive than on your back.
Using the heel of your hand or the pads of your thumbs, squeeze the skin near the cervical spine from the shoulder blades to the skull.
From the shoulder to the skull, alternately do spiral compressions with your hands, as in the back.
Using the pads of your thumbs, make a point kneading, covering the top of the neck, but not reaching the hair.

Finish the massage session with the same warming procedures: rubbing and stroking. The entire procedure should not take more than 30-40 minutes. After completing the procedure, the patient should rest in a supine position for at least half an hour.

Think about something good. It will relax you
By warming up your muscles, you can gradually increase the pressure.
Deep and powerful juicing can only be done in the most delicate areas.
In the kidney area, be careful not to press too hard, hit or crush.

This is the whole classical technique of general massage. The exercises are absolutely simple. Just follow the algorithm.

Dear readers, as you can see, the technique of back massage for osteochondrosis is simple to perform, practice it once or twice, and you will remember all the movements and make sure that they can be easily repeated at home. If this helped you, please share with your friends.

Pool

Visiting the pool has a beneficial effect not only on the condition of the spine, but also on the overall health of the body.

It is worth following the following recommendations from experts:

recreational swimming must be performed under the supervision of an instructor;
exercises are performed no earlier than half an hour after eating;
before entering the water, you need to do a short warm-up;
do not allow it to be cold, as this will reduce the therapeutic effect;
time spent in the pool should not exceed 30 minutes;
After finishing your health swimming, you need to take a contrast shower and drink warm tea.

Massage for exacerbation of osteochondrosis

Many doctors say that massage is contraindicated during exacerbation of osteochondrosis. In fact, intense impact on the diseased spine is prohibited. The massage should be light, painless, using creams and pain-relieving gels. After the procedures, it is recommended to wrap up the sore spot and sleep. In order not to cause harm during an exacerbation, it is recommended to use soft manual techniques, acupressure, and relaxation methods.

An appropriate back massage will improve blood circulation, restore metabolic processes, make muscles more flexible and the spine more flexible.

Nutrition according to Bubnovsky

Also, Dr. Bubnovsky’s technique implies that you will noticeably adjust your diet and lifestyle.

The doctor recommends the following:

Eat only natural products.
Avoid canned foods.
Reduce your sugar and salt intake.
Don't drink or smoke.
Stop drinking coffee.
Drink natural compotes and fresh water without carbon.
Cook simple foods with minimal seasonings; Avoid frying and give preference to boiled and steamed dishes.

Article on the topic: Gymnastics for the knee joints of Dr. Bubnovsky

Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region

Traditional massage is most often performed for osteochondrosis of the cervical and less often the thoracic and lumbar spine. Patient session in a sitting position. If this situation is uncomfortable for a person, it is recommended to lie on the stomach. Traditional massage is performed in several stages:

Stroking. At this stage it is necessary to warm up the skin and muscles. First the whole hand patted, then only the edge.
Squeezing. The therapist uses quick movements, gradually moving towards the head and producing a strong and slow tightening of the skin. The edges of the palms are placed across the neck. From the back, the movement moved to the collar area and neck. In this region they breed on both sides.
Trituration. At this stage, the muscles are prepared for a deeper impact. The movements are interlocked with the fingers from the back of the head, along the spine and to the side of it. The edges of the palms tapped on the collar area.
Kneading This is the most difficult stage of massage, requiring high professionalism and long endurance. The brush should be shaped like forceps that will grip the muscles. Do not squeeze or bend the skin too much.
Vibration is the final effect of the massage. The technique is performed with the palms and edges of the palms at a fast pace.

Yoga

It has long been proven that yoga can cure and prevent many diseases. The following asanas are effective against thoracic osteochondrosis:

Reduction of the shoulder blades. Get on all fours, the spine should be perfectly straight, the stomach should be tucked. Squeeze your shoulder blades for 5-7 seconds, relax. Repeat 12 times.
Cat pose. Standing on all fours, as you exhale, round your back, while inhaling, bend over. Repeat 12-15 times.
Tiger pose. Standing on all fours, bend your left leg and take it back. Pull your knee up and your toe towards your buttocks. Repeat 12 times.

Massage for lumbar osteochondrosis

In the acute period, any maneuvers are contraindicated. The patient should rest for up to 2 weeks. However, during this time, you can use certain physical methods or take pain medications.

Classic massage can be started after the acute condition has passed. When starting them - at the first stage - we limit ourselves to light stroking, rubbing and vibration of the lumbar spine and back.

The techniques are as follows:

longitudinal stroking along the spine and back;
transverse stroking of the back;
longitudinal rubbing of the spine and back;
rubbing the comb;
labile vibration of the back.

After a few initial massages, you can begin a basic massage, during which you need to work on the lumbar spine and back, as well as the buttocks. If the pain extends to the back of the thighs, it is recommended to also treat these areas.

The role of therapeutic exercises

The exercise method developed by the doctor simultaneously involves several types of loads: tension and tension with alternating contractions, which trains the muscles well.
It is this complex of therapeutic exercises, according to Bubnovsky, that will improve health and strengthen the muscles that support the vertebrae. More effective results from training can be obtained by performing exercises in specialized centers, but the doctor has developed a special technique that can be performed at home without additional equipment. Exercise therapy is performed with a feasible load at any time of the day, but it is recommended to avoid training just before bedtime.

The doctor claims that the exercises are performed for the part of the spine where the discomfort and pathology of the intervertebral discs occur.

What are the benefits of massage?

Massage for osteochondrosis is often a key component of therapy. Just a few sessions will normalize your health and increase muscle flexibility. A full cycle of 10 visits allows you to achieve the following results:

joint mobility is restored;
metabolic processes in nerve tissues are normalized;
muscle contractions stop;
physical and mental condition improves;
stimulates the functioning of lymphatic flows;
slows down or completely stops the course of the disease;
restores sensitivity.

With the development of neck osteochondrosis, massage movements help normalize hearing, improve neck mobility, and eliminate tinnitus. However, it should be remembered that massage is not the only method of influence, as it will not be very effective. It is prescribed in combination with drug therapy, which must be carried out by an experienced doctor, otherwise there is a risk of causing complications of the condition.

In case of osteochondrosis, massage is performed only by a competent specialist in the clinic.

Kinesitherapy

First, let's talk about the reason for turning to science, and then consider the principles of its work. Osteochondrosis is a degenerative lesion of joints and bone tissue, accompanied by pain in the back. The spine is the skeleton of the body; the health of all internal organs depends on its condition. If discomfort occurs, you need to take action immediately. At first, it is always easier to overcome the disease.

How does the treatment work? Moderate exercise accelerates blood circulation, which means tissue regeneration occurs faster. Gymnastics for cervical osteochondrosis by Dr. Bubnovsky relieves tension in the muscles of the back and neck, restores blood flow in the vessels of the head. The brain is saturated with oxygen, maintaining health and youth longer. After performing physical therapy, there is lightness in the body, clarity of mind, and memory improves.

What is the essence of the technique?

The main goal is to move the body and improve blood circulation, since with osteochondrosis all the back muscles are stiff. Bubnovsky's technique is based on breathing work, diet and water procedures. Osteochondrosis of the spine causes severe pain in a person. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle have the greatest risk of developing this disease, so it is important to start moving and exercising daily. Features of the method:

Depending on the capabilities of the human body, an individual complex is selected.
The most immobile muscles are activated and strengthened.
The treatment uses special breathing exercises, massage and cryotherapy.