How does acupuncture (acupuncture) in osteochondrosis

Acupuncture in osteochondrosis – a procedure that is used in conjunction with other treatments. Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the vertebral column accompanied by the decreased height of the intervertebral disc with marginal osteophytes and instability of the spinal segment. Due to numerous changes in the pathology cannot be cured causes of disease, so therapy is only symptomatic.

Techniques Such as traction, acupuncture, physiotherapy, are auxiliary and are used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals.

acupuncture osteochondrosis

Effect for cervical spine

Acupuncture in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine not only prevents the progression of the disease and eliminates hypoxia of the brain, which occurs because of subluxations and displacement of the vertebrae of the neck. The condition leads to compression of the vertebral artery, passing in the transverse processes, which causes the following symptoms:

  • dizziness;
  • headache;
  • pain along the cervical spine;
  • numbness and loss of sensation in upper extremities.

All of the above symptoms eliminates acupuncture. With proper use, you can normalize the blood supply to the soft tissues of the spinal column, to restore the functionality of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus. The effectiveness of the procedure is enhanced by the use of massage and manual therapy.

You Need to understand that degenerative diseases are accompanied not only by bone osteophytes and intervertebral disc lesions. When the disease is a high probability of spinal cord compression and infringement of spinal nerves.

Acupuncture acts on reflex points, improving local innervation and contributes to the normalization of nerve impulses.

nevertheless, point impact does not always prevent pinched nerves. If they compressed the intervertebral hernia or bone osteophytes require surgery.

Acupuncture relieves pain in the cervical spine, relaxes muscle tissue and improves the exchange of blood in the joints and cartilage.

Elimination of muscle spasms is the first step in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine. For these purposes, often used drugs called muscle relaxants. However, they have side effects – lowering blood pressure.

Acupuncture helps to relax skeletal muscles, therefore, in Eastern countries it's always used in the initial stages of degenerative changes of the spine.

The Second major moments of the acupuncture effect is the restoration of the structure of cartilage. The procedure enhances the regeneration and improves the blood supply to the intervertebral disk.

Act on the waist

Acupuncture in osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine has a more extensive effect than when the degeneration of the neck.

Acupuncture lower back:

  1. causes the release of hormones of the adrenal cortex (cortisol, prednisolone). Corticosteroid hormones have anti-inflammatory effect, which not only prevents inflammation but also blocks the flow of nerve impulses
  2. stimulates the production of endogenous substances like opiates (enkephalins and endorphins). These substances have analgesic effect. The procedure stimulates the release of serotonin – a substance which improves mood
  3. has a calming effect, which is to normalize muscle tone and prevent spasm of the paravertebral muscles. Acupuncture before bedtime can help prevent insomnia
  4. acts positively on the state of the blood supply. It reduces swelling and prevents pain in discogenic sciatica. When disease of the spine improve the processes of regeneration in the spinal disc segment.

Another important aspect of acupuncture of the lumbar is to reduce myopically, as in case of osteochondrosis, it gradually increases. To resolve this issue, you can apply selective effects on the reflex points.

Acupuncture can eliminate constant muscle spasm for a long time. After 2-3 sessions the person will feel relief and will disappear numbness and feeling of heaviness.

Contraindications

The Treatment of degenerative disc disease by acupuncture can be carried out not in all cases. There are certain contraindications to the procedure. It is impossible to carry out acupuncture in the following conditions:

  • headaches
  • dizziness;
  • fever and infection in the acute stage;
  • blood clotting disorder;
  • pregnancy
  • acute chronic disease
  • alcohol intoxication
  • drug use.

Contraindications for the procedure must be followed carefully. There are other effective methods that can be assigned with contraindications to acupuncture.

What are the side effectsacupuncture:

  1. chills and sweats
  2. dizziness and headache;
  3. nausea and vomiting
  4. .

In rare situations, it may be infection of the skin at the injection needle.

Thus, acupuncture is an effective treatment in case of osteochondrosis, but its use should be recommended by your doctor. If there are contraindications, it is better to choose another treatment.