Osteochondrosis has long been a disease of the elderly. However, a sedentary lifestyle, overeating and bad habits have significantly rejuvenated the disease. Such posture disorders and weak back muscles are often observed in children. All this causes irreversible changes in the spine.
What is osteochondrosis
The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine. Pathology occurs due to disruption of physiological processes in the disc and vertebral cells. The structure of tissues changes, loses elasticity. In the future, the gaps between the vertebrae will narrow, and a certain vertebral segment will become unstable.
Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:
- emergence of disk segments;
- torn;
- kyphosis;
- scoliosis;
- paresis;
- paralysis
It is important!Diagnosis of osteochondrosis is very difficult. Frequent headaches, sudden increases in blood pressure, a feeling of muscle heaviness, dizziness with sudden movements may be latent manifestations of this disease.
Symptoms of the disease
There are 4 groups of symptoms of the disease. Let's take a look at each one.
Statistics
These manifestations are associated with a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, a posture disorder occurs, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, he can not fully straighten his back.
Neurology
The disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This impairs the sensitivity of the skin and reduces the intensity of muscle contractions.
In the early stages of the disease, the pain manifests itself only in the affected area. However, when the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects remote areas. In this case, gas lumps, tingling sensations, numbness may appear.
Damar
These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:
- blood vessels constrict. This often happens with cervical spine damage. The result can be a lack of oxygen in certain areas of the brain, dizziness, frequent nausea;
- changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged spasms of internal organs and chronic ischemia.
It is important!There are also trophic symptoms of the disease - a symbiosis of vascular and neurological factors that lead to the formation of skin defects and ulcers.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Physical inactivity, bad habits, and excess weight are the most common causes of osteochondrosis.
Other factors that affect the likelihood of getting sick are:
- genetic predisposition - people with weak heredity should make great efforts to prevent this disease;
- improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental condition;
- The structure of the spine is disturbed - since childhood, children do not sit properly, which leads to deterioration of posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably with swimming;
- constant stress on the spine due to heavy physical labor;
- frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
- painful and crooked legs.
It is important!Women are more susceptible to this disease. The reason is the constant changes in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation. Diets, some weight loss products and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
This disease is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
People are sitting more and more, concentrating on one point, the neck is motionless. All this causes the appearance of the disease. Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine often occurs as a result of an old injury. This disease is very common in professional athletes.
This type of osteochondrosis begins with a long-lasting headache that cannot be relieved with conventional painkillers. The pain affects the occipital region and temples. Anxiety may worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.
What else can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- sensitivity is impaired in the shoulder girdle and arms, in advanced cases the upper extremities may be completely paralyzed;
- The blood supply to different parts of the brain is disrupted, tinnitus appears, and the head often becomes dizzy. In the future, some parts of the brain may be completely deprived of nutrition;
- vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies in front of their eyes;
- older people may suddenly lose consciousness;
- if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, there are sobbing attacks, shortness of breath;
- the neck loses mobility.
It is important!Cervical osteochondrosis is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the usual lifestyle and take preventive measures. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.
Lumbar lumbar osteochondrosis
The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and strong constant loads. Anyone can be infected with this disease; lifestyle and occupation don't really matter.
- Many people, due to the nature of their services, have to be bent over for a long time. This almost always causes osteochondrosis of the lower back.
- Spinal cord injury can turn into osteochondrosis. If you do not train properly, you can damage your spine.
- Degenerative processes begin in the case of abrupt cessation of loads on the intervertebral joints. It also causes osteochondrosis.
Affected lumbar symptoms include:
- increased pain and lumbago in the legs and lumbar region after physical exertion;
- skin numbness is observed in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
- the skin begins to peel in painful areas;
- There is a problem with pelvic dysfunction, erection and urination.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, with frequent complications. An unstable vertebra can fly out of the sacrum at any time. It will cause damage to internal organs.
Osteochondritis of the spine
More than 70% of low back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Spinal dystrophy is common to every second inhabitant of the planet over the age of 30.
Injuries, heavy physical exertion, and working under constant vibration can cause the disease.
The typical symptoms of the disease are:
- pain that causes increased fatigue, chronic pain, occurs when lifting weights, sudden movements, coughing and sneezing;
- the affected spine begins to numb;
- the range of motion decreases.
It is important!Cartilage and bone tissue have the ability to regenerate themselves. Moderate, regular exercise helps to strengthen the back muscles and increase blood circulation.
Chest osteochondrosis
Often pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic vertebral segments occur simultaneously.
Pain syndrome is practically not specific to thoracic osteochondrosis. Therefore, many may be unaware of the disease. When pain occurs, the sensations manifest themselves in the intercostal and scapular region, sometimes affecting the upper abdomen.
The first symptoms of the disease are similar to a heart attack, gallbladder inflammation, gastritis or gastric ulcer. With osteochondrosis, the pain increases during turns, deep breathing and coughing.
In the future, the disease manifests itself with reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper dorsal region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men may develop erectile dysfunction.
Which doctor treats
Osteochondrosis has many clinical manifestations. He should consult various specialists to understand the cause of the disease. You should consult a neurologist and orthopedist for a correct diagnosis. Private clinics provide the services of a vertebrologist.
Attention!Learn more about your doctor's appointment.
After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and nearby soft tissues in different positions, determining the degree of mobility of each part. Instrumental examination plays a key role in the diagnosis.
After that, a study using computed tomography, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging is scheduled.
It is important!In addition to the spine, the work of blood vessels and peripheral nerves is analyzed.
Home treatment
Folk remedies for this disease are considered effective even by traditional medicine. The patient's discipline, his use of various methods can significantly reduce the time required for the recovery of spinal tissues.
You need to start reconsidering your diet. Excess cholesterol leads to disruption of blood flow, loss of elasticity of blood vessels, the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich broths, pork should be removed and the skin should be removed from the chicken.
The patient should get rid of addictions and reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.
The most effective home remedies are:
- daily performance of individual physiotherapy exercises;
- self-massage - includes rubbing and rubbing, helps Shiatsu well;
- use of specially designed devices and applicators;
- exposure to a magnetic field - it helps to improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is selected by a specialist, the method of application is easy to master;
- Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.
It is important!Personal activity is very dangerous in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Therefore, you should listen to your doctor's advice when choosing home treatment.
Drug treatment
The doctor prescribes analgesics to relieve pain and other symptoms of osteochondrosis. Analgesic patches are used in the treatment of neuropathic syndromes. Contains lidocaine to relieve any pain
- Non-steroidal drugs are designed to eliminate inflammation, have a strong and effective effect. However, side effects do not allow to take such drugs for a long time.
- You can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments to relieve pain.
- If the pain persists for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. Has a calming effect, reduces pain.
Restoration of intervertebral discs and cartilage is important during treatment. Hondoprotectors are designed for this purpose. Must be taken for at least 4 months.
- To improve blood circulation, a special drug is indicated, which should be taken in combination with drugs containing nicotinic and thioctic acid.
- Diuretics help relieve swelling.
- It is also important to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.
Injections
With lumbar osteochondrosis, special painkillers are used. The specialist uses a long needle to inject the analgesic. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve pain, but there is no therapeutic effect.
- Used to relieve muscle relaxant spasms.
- Chondroitin sulfate helps restore cartilage tissue.
- Vitamin B is injected into the affected areas to restore the nervous system.
- Modern non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat inflammation.
Doctors believe that oral administration of drugs is the most effective method of osteochondrosis. Injections are given only in a hospital setting.
It is important!A systematic approach is needed to get rid of osteochondrosis. It is impossible to partially follow the recipes of a specialist. Only strict adherence to the treatment regimen can ensure a positive result.
Treatment with folk remedies
Herbalists offer a variety of natural remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis.
Water procedures
Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good healing effect is observed after using a nettle broom in the bath.
The following payments are eligible for the bath:
- Mix maple leaves (270 g) with mint and lemon balm (55 g each). Pour the mixture into 7 liters of boiling water. After cooling, pour in the water;
- Boil 1500 g of conifers or pine cones in 5 liters of water for half an hour.
Compressors
For the preparation of compresses are suitable black radish, horseradish root, gruel made of garlic. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrapped. Keep as long as possible.
To relieve pain, you can compress by mixing chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in a painful place for at least an hour.
Infusions and infusions
Treatment with common laurel decoction is very effective. But the scheme must be strictly followed.
- Bay leaf (4 g) should be filled with water (240 ml).
- Boil for 4 minutes. Insist in a warm place for 3 hours.
- The resulting drug should be taken slowly before bedtime.
- Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. The broth should always be prepared fresh.
- Take a break for a week. Then repeat the treatment.
Two sessions are enough to not feel uncomfortable during the year.
Celery
Celery infusion will help get rid of salt deposits. This drink is rich in vitamins. To prepare, you will need 4 grams of crushed carrots and 950 ml of slightly cooled boiling water. The mixture should be infused overnight.
After that it should be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can prepare fresh juice from celery roots. You can use 12 ml three times a day.
Ointment and rub
Ginger ointment
This tool helps with lumbago.
- Fry in ginger powder using melted butter.
- Finely chop the fresh garlic.
- Mix the components in equal parts.
- The ointment should be applied to the affected area.
Oregano scrub
Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a bowl of 450 g of oil. It is better to use olive or sunflower oil. Leave for 8 hours for the product to ripen. Squeeze and discard the grass.
Rubbing is suitable for the treatment of all types of osteochondrosis.
Exercises for osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex was designed by a specialist. It takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the patient's level of physical fitness.
All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.
A series of exercises for the treatment of pathologies in the cervical spine
- Lying on your back. One hand is placed on the stomach and the other on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible, hold your breath. Breathe and relax according to the number 10. You can do 5 approaches a day.
- Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly lift your head and upper thoracic region. Go down and take a break for half a minute.
- Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Turn right, then left without changing the starting position.
Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis
- Lie on your stomach, pay attention to straight arms. Bend back, straighten the position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
- Lie on your back, lift your head and legs at the same time. Stretch for 15 seconds. Take a 20-second break between workouts.
Exercises for lumbar spine lesions
- Lie on your back, legs close to your chest. Roll from back to sacrum for 2 minutes. Then relax and lie down quietly.
- Bending on all fours.
- In a standing position, make circular motions, mimicking the rotation of a ring.
It is important!Physical training should not be applied in the acute stage of the disease.
Massage for osteochondrosis
Classic massage is performed only by people trained in special rooms.
Honey
You can do honey massage at home. To do this, apply warm honey to the affected area. Then gently lift your palms from the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best done after visiting the bath. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compress paper and carefully wrapped.
Vacuum massage
Good results are noted after vacuum massage. To do this, apply vegetable and mineral oil on the back. And then a special medical bank makes sliding movements along certain trajectories. This procedure helps to improve blood circulation, the inflamed areas are enriched with oxygen and nutrients, and the recovery process begins.
Disease prevention
Osteochondrosis can be prevented with regular preventive measures.
It is important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventive measures.
- It is also necessary to strengthen the muscle corset with special exercises.
- Proper, balanced nutrition is also important.
- Frequent stressful situations, hypothermia can accelerate the development of the disease.
- Women and children should not always carry weights with one hand.
- Prolonged stay on the computer or in front of the TV is also contraindicated. You need to get up every 30 minutes, pull yourself up, warm up.
The pain is often caused by not lifting properly. This should be done with a little bending and not bending. If you have to stand for a long time, the support leg should be changed periodically. Put your back on an object to relieve tension at every opportunity.
It is important!To prevent osteochondrosis, you should buy orthopedic items to sleep on.
Many people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many ways to treat it. But prevention is better than long-term treatment.