Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine.Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of old age.But more and more, the diagnosis is being made in young people, which is probably due to mostly sedentary work, an unhealthy lifestyle and little physical activity.We can safely assume that the majority of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
reason
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity depend mainly on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is a malnutrition of the structures of the spine, in particular the intervertebral disc.This leads to changes in the normal tissue structure, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity and its shape changes.Such metamorphoses lead to the narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, compression of the nerve roots.In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain due to osteochondrosis.
Then, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, and bone growths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Such transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to some unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur ahead of time.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Deformations of the spine;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- sports exercises;
- Stress;
- Spinal cord injuries etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which segment of the spine the pathological process occurs.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervix;
- Chest;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is common.The muscular framework of the neck is quite poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an insignificant load, displacement of the vertebrae occurs and, as a result, compression of the vessels and nerves of the neck.This explains the specificity of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and in the occipital region, aggravated by movements in the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in arms;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare.The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformities.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull, painful pain in the chest area, which often has a generational character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia on the skin of the chest.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the midsection.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Pain, less often acute pain in the lower back, which increases with movement or prolonged standing in a static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Pain or sharp pain (like lumbago) in the buttocks, thighs, legs;
- Pins and needles sensation, paresthesia in legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiation research methods are used: X-ray, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and, most importantly, early sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
In the later stages of the degenerative process, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear on the surface of the vertebrae.They are easier to detect on lateral radiographs because the osteophytes are located in front of and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, displacement of adjacent vertebral bodies occurs, which can also be determined on an x-ray.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is more effective the earlier it is started.As already mentioned, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not consult a doctor in time, missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of medications, physical therapy, massage and surgery.
Drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals;
- Vasodilators;
- Medicines that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the aggravation of the disease, you should go to rehabilitation.Thus, physical therapy is a very important aspect of the fight against osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscular waist.This is extremely important, as it is thanks to the strong muscle corset that the physical load is distributed evenly along the spine.By regularly performing a set of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help increase the effect of physical therapy.
If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis and if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is performed.The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebra.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help alleviate the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case can they replace the main treatment.You can find a large number of traditional treatment methods on the Internet, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult your doctor.
Traditional medicine
The general principle of folk treatment for osteochondrosis is the use of substances that have an irritating effect.The result is an improvement in blood supply to a certain area of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.
The following rubbing recipe is known in folk medicine: mix 0.25 cups of vodka with 0.5 cups of honey, add 0.75 cups of grated radish, as well as two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be rubbed into the disturbing area of the back twice a day.The procedure should be repeated within a week.
To ease the pain, you can put a potato compress on your back.Mashed raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then the resulting mixture is wrapped in gauze, applied to the back and wrapped in a scarf.You can also use a burdock compress.To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water into a spoonful of finely crushed burdock leaves.Cover the mixture with gauze and apply on the back for half an hour.After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can make it even simpler: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock, and then lie on your back on top.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not touch your face with your hands.Radishes and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Physical exercises can only be done outside periods of irritation.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from performing gymnastics, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
A rough set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the foot of your right foot toward you and the toe of your left foot away from you.This should be done one at a time.
- While lying on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs should be joined and bent at the knees.The knees should be bent to the left and the head should be turned in the opposite direction.Hold it for just a few seconds.Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, arms along your body.You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis.Stay in this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Roll onto your side.Straighten your upper leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold for just a few seconds, and then arch at your waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull the bent left knee towards the right elbow and then vice versa.