Osteochondrosis in pregnancy: treatment and ways to relieve pain

Osteochondrosis is quite a dangerous disease, which is diagnosed in many people of different ages. Osteochondrosis during pregnancy is complicated by the fact that most of the medical methods during pregnancy are contraindicated. But today we will consider how you can alleviate the condition with a similar diagnosis in pregnant women.

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a dystrophic change in cartilage and spinal discs. Now such a disease is diagnosed in every second inhabitant of the planet, it begins to develop in adolescence.

Osteochondrosis forms several problems at once. First of all, the violation of mineral metabolism, which occurs when there is a lack of minerals in the body. We mercilessly squander them during sports, with mental and physical overload. In addition, with a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture, the blood circulation and nutrition of the disks are disturbed, they are deformed. The final stage is the formation of a hernia and osteophytes, ossification of the spine.

Osteochondrosis, for the most part, is the cause of back pain, localized in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, or affects the entire vertebral column. Over time, the disease can become a cause of disability, so it is extremely important not to launch such a pathological condition.

Attention! The disease often affects the lumbosacral spine, less often - thoracic or cervical.

Formation of osteochondrosis - risk factors

The most common reasons for the formation of osteochondrosis include:

• Incorrect posture;
• Wearing heels;
• Hypodynamia (low-activity lifestyle);
• Genetic predisposition;
• Congenital defects of the spine, his illness, trauma and even micro-injury;
• Inflammatory diseases;
• excess weight;
• Malnutrition;
• Excessive physical activity.

Below we will consider in more detail the treatment of osteochondrosis in pregnancy.

Pregnancy and osteochondrosis

Since osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, the latter is much more stressed during pregnancy than allowed. Not only does the back feel the heaviness of the fetus, so also the mass of a woman often increases by 10 or even 20 kg, which puts the even the most healthy vertebral column under pressure. The center of gravity shifts, the pelvis relaxes on the threshold of childbirth. The hormonal background changes. The body loses useful substances, giving them to the child. In general, osteochondrosis during pregnancy is a problem state, requiring a special approach.

Attention! Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage.

Pregnancy planning and osteochondrosis

Often the disease finds itself during pregnancy. If you were diagnosed before conception, it is recommended that you address this issue at the planning stage of pregnancy. During the carrying of the child to remove the acute phase of osteochondrosis will be much more difficult, since the doctors are limited in means because of the susceptibility of the body to most drugs and other methods.

It makes sense to strengthen the back muscles, especially the lower back, because lumbar osteochondrosis is most dangerous during pregnancy, to undergo a series of physiotherapy procedures. In addition, doctors prescribe sparing medications, since the treatment of osteochondrosis during pregnancy requires the elimination of the chemical effects of many drugs.

It is recommended to go swimming or therapeutic gymnastics. Motor activity will increase blood flow and give nutrition to the muscles and the spine itself, which will prevent inflammation during pregnancy. Unfortunately, pregnancy planning in Russian-speaking countries is not as widespread as abroad, so many women learn about their diagnosis while already in this state.

Attention! Osteochondrosis can not cause pathology in the fetus, but it can cause a miscarriage.

How to identify osteochondrosis?

Symptomatology consists in painful sensations in the area affected by the disease, and is expressed by unpleasant "lumbago", pain and tension. Under the threat may be the cervical region, shoulders, upper limbs. Often numb hands. There are symptoms of vegetative dystonia - dizziness, "flies" in the eyes, headaches and even decreased vision. In pregnancy, this condition is difficult to bear due to the overall tension of the nervous system.

Thoracic osteochondrosis reports of pain in the chest, a feeling of squeezing the chest and lack of air. Mobility may be limited due to pain in the hands.

In the lesion of the lumbar region, the pain of shooting character often gives to the buttocks, legs and even the groin. Usually manifested in the second trimester of pregnancy due to the increasing burden.

Before we figure out how to treat osteochondrosis during pregnancy, we'll discuss what categorically can not do for future mothers trying to alleviate the pain.

Compresses. Only allowed on the cervical region. You can not put it on the back in any case, because due to the influx of blood, an abruption of the placenta can occur.

Manual massage. Here the question is controversial, many doctors still can not give him a monosyllabic answer. On the one hand, manipulation can cause fetal death. But on the other hand, excessive tension in the muscles of the lumbar region is dangerous the same. If the attending physician still allowed you to apply to the manual, choose a good specialist who will act gently and skillfully. Although it is safer for the fetus to still have a hand massage.

Manual massage for osteochondrosis in pregnant women

Cervical osteochondrosis in pregnancy - than to treat? Of course, massage! Many doctors allow their patients to attend sessions of manual medical massage. This is especially true for osteochondrosis of the cervical department, when massage is extremely necessary. You can also massage your legs and hands to eliminate numbness and swelling.

It is important to take into account several points. First, the abortion zones during the massage are strictly forbidden to massage. This is primarily the lower back, the point between the thumb and forefinger on the arms and the area of the tendon on the legs.

Massage should be done carefully, slowly and accurately, without excessive pressure. In the course of the session, pleasant "lumbago" can be felt, indicating that places that are deprived of oxygen earlier, begin to have increased blood flow. At this moment, the nerve roots and fascia relax.

Do not forget about "cervical" physical education. If you sit a lot, periodically knead your neck and shoulders with light classical exercises.

Compresses for cervical osteochondrosis

With cervical osteochondrosis, the pain can be alleviated by gauze compresses based on herbs. The dressing is put on the neck for 15-20 minutes, fixed with a plastic bag and a towel. Such a vacuum effect will allow active substances to penetrate more deeply and maximize the therapeutic effect. To prepare the broth, use the dandelion root, burdock, St. John's wort and other herbs that help with osteochondrosis. Be sure, before using herbal medicines, you should consult a doctor.

When the neck is not released, doctors also recommend the use of special pouches with hot sand or even pepper packs.

Orthopedic products for osteochondrosis

If osteochondrosis is found during pregnancy, it is necessary to reduce the burden on the spine. Doctors are often advised to use supportive bandages to help solve this problem. The type of bandage depends on the affected department. Special orthopedic footwear also does not hurt. In addition, it is recommended to purchase an orthopedic mattress and pillows (under the waist and abdomen).

If osteochondrosis of the cervical region is detected, during pregnancy neurologists are often advised to buy special fixatives for the neck, which relieve the pain syndrome.

Pregnancy and osteochondrosis - practical advice

The following tips will help to alleviate physical condition when osteochondrosis is detected.

• Keep a smooth posture. The shoulders should be straightened, and the thorax stretched.
• Do not bend too hard during harvesting. Excessive bending in the spine increases tension in the muscles and increases soreness.
• Do special exercises for pregnant women.
• Try to eat right.
• Take a warm shower or bath, but not for long. This will help remove the pain syndrome.

And, finally, emergency help for severe pain in the spine: lie on the floor for 5-7 minutes and relax as much as possible.

Medical gymnastics for osteochondrosis in pregnant women

Gymnastics is considered the most effective method of fighting osteochondrosis. Do it better in the morning. The duration of the approach should not exceed 30 seconds, otherwise there is an undesirable for the pregnant load.

In general, it is desirable to perform gymnastics under medical supervision. If you have the opportunity, go to yoga classes for pregnant women - they will not only improve the nutrition of the spine, but also help prepare for childbirth both morally and physically.

So, a few simple, but effective exercises for pregnant women.

1. Stretch your shoulders, making them circular motions.
2. "The Cat". Stand on all fours, bending your spine up and down.
3. Stand up straight, hands on the belt. Slowly and gently turn left and right.

The lumbar department, struck by osteochondrosis, needs special attention, after all, the fetus is closest to it. To relax the muscles, lie on your back and, lifting your arms along the trunk, stretch, trying not to strain your back muscles. Relax. So repeat 5 times.

Conclusion

If you have osteochondrosis, keep the spine in good condition is necessary regularly. Therapeutic exercises are especially important. Also do not forget about walking, proper nutrition, regular massages. Do not run your back - and the illness will not bother you for a long time. Be healthy!