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 in old age.But more and more, the diagnosis is made to young people, which may be due to inactive work, unhealthy lifestyle, and little physical activity.We can assume that most of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reason
The flexibility of the spinal column, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity mainly depends on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is a lack of nutrients in the spinal structure, in particular the intervertebral disc.This leads to changes in the normal structure of the tissue, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, and its shape changes.Such metamorphosis leads to narrowing of the intervertebral disc and, as a result, compression of the nerve root.In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, in particular, back pain due to osteochondrosis.
After that, a degenerative process occurs in the small joints of the spine, and bone growth is formed on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spinal column.
Such transformation of cartilage and bone tissue is the result of physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur ahead of schedule.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Jobs that involve prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Defects of the spine;
- Autoimmune connective tissue disease;
- Fluctuations in hormone levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Playing sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal injury, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of this disease depend on the segment of the spinal column in which 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 skeleton of the neck is developed quite poorly, 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 occipital region, aggravated by movement in the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the arm;
- Numbness and tingling in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is relatively rare.The main prerequisite for the development of this disease is the presence of a spinal deformity.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull pain, pain in the chest area, which often has a girdling character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, stomach;
- Numbness, paresthesia on the skin of the chest.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This may be due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Pain, less often acute pain in the lower back, increases with movement or prolonged stay in one static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Pain or sharp pain (such as lumbago) in the buttocks, thighs, lower legs;
- Tingling, paresthesia in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiation research methods are used: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and, importantly, an early sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
In the final 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 and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, displacement of adjacent vertebral bodies occurs, which can also be determined on x-rays.
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 time when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of drugs, physical therapy, massage, and surgery.
Drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
- Relax the muscles;
- Chondroprotectors - promote regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- Complex of vitamins and minerals;
- Vasodilators;
- Medicines that normalize metabolism in tissues.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should continue the recovery.Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis.Doing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscle corset.This is very important, because it is thanks to the strong muscle corset that the physical load is distributed evenly along the spine.With regular performance of a set of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear and range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology, and spinal traction will help enhance the effect of physical therapy.
If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis, and if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is required.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 vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help reduce the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in the circumstances cannot replace primary 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 increase in blood supply to certain areas of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.
In folk medicine, the following rubbing recipe is known: 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 applied to the affected back twice a day.The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To relieve pain, you can use a potato compress on your back.Grated raw potatoes must be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then wrap the resulting mixture with gauze, apply it to your back and wrap it with a scarf.You can also use a compress with burdock.To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water into a spoonful of finely crushed burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it on your back for half an hour.After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do it more easily: grate a carrot, put it in a cotton stock, and then lie on your back on it.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not to touch your face with your hands.Radishes and other plants, if in contact with the eyes, can cause burns to the cornea.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Physical training should only be done outside the exacerbation period.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from doing gymnastics, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
A set of approximate exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the toes of your right foot toward you, and the toes of your left foot away from you.This must be done one at a time.
- While on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs must be together and bent at the knees.Your knees should be bent to the left and your head should be turned in the opposite direction.Hold for a few seconds only.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 raise 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 back and forth.
- Crawling starting position.Arch your back, hold for just a few seconds, and then arch at the waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull your bent left knee toward your right elbow, and then vice versa.