Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes and methods of treatment

For a long time, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly. But a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, bad habits have significantly renewed this disease. Even in children, posture disorders, weak back muscles are often observed. All this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

Osteochondrosis what it is

The disease can affect the cervical spine, chest, waist. Pathology occurs due to a violation of physiological processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. Tissue structure changes, elasticity is lost. In the future, the intervals between the vertebrae narrow, a certain vertebral segment becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

• lengthening of disk segments;
• hernia;
• kyphosis;
• scoliosis;
• paresis;
• palsy

Important!Osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden rises in pressure, a feeling of muscle aggravation, dizziness with sudden movements can be latent manifestations of this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease has 4 groups of symptoms. Let's take a look at each of them.

statistics

These manifestations are accompanied by a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, a behavioral violation occurs, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, he can not fully steer his back.

Neurological

The disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This violates the sensitivity of the skin, reduces the intensity of muscle contractions.

In the initial stage of the disease, the pain appears in place, only in the affected area. But when the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, goose bumps, tingling, numbness may appear.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:

• blood vessels are congested. Most often this happens with damage to the back of the cervix. The result can be a lack of oxygen in certain areas of the brain, dizziness, often nausea;
• changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged spasms and chronic ischemia in the internal organs.

Important!There are also trophic symptoms of the disease - it is a symbiosis of vascular and neurological factors that lead to the appearance of skin defects and ulcers.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Physical inactivity, bad habits, excess weight most often provoke the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors that affect the possibility of disease are:

• Genetic predisposition - people with poor heredity have to make great efforts to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental situation;
• malformed spine - children from childhood sit incorrectly, which leads to poor behavior. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably by swimming;
• constant stress on the back caused by heavy physical work;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• sore and crooked legs.

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 provoke osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

This disease is one of the most common pathologies in the musculoskeletal system.

People spend more and more time in a sitting position, focusing on one point, the neck is in a stationary position. All this leads to the appearance of the disease. Often osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is the result of an old injury. This disease is very common in professional athletes.

Such osteochondrosis begins with a prolonged headache, which cannot be eliminated with the help of conventional painkillers. The pain affects the occupant region and the temples. Anxiety can worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.

What else can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• tenderness in the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases, the upper limbs may be completely paralyzed;
• the blood supply to different parts of the brain is disturbed, tinnitus appears and the head is often dizzy. In the future, some parts of the brain may be completely deprived of food;
• vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies before their eyes;
• older people may suddenly become weak;
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, then there are hiccups, shortness of breath;
• the neck loses its mobility.

Important!Osteochondrosis of the cervix is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the usual course of life, to take preventive actions. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.

Lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and constant constant loads. Anyone can get this disease; lifestyle and profession do not matter.

1. Many people, by the nature of their service, have to be in a bent position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. A spinal cord injury can develop into osteochondrosis. You can damage your spine if you do not exercise properly.
3. In case of abrupt interruption of loads on the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of a affected lumbar spine include:

• pain and lumbago in the legs and lower back, which increase after physical exercise;
• numbness of the skin is observed in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel;
• disrupted pelvic functions, there is a problem with erection and urination.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, complications often arise. Unstable beads can fly out of the sacrum at any time. Which will lead to damage to internal organs.

Spinal osteochondritis

More than 70% of back pain complaints are associated with osteochondrosis. Spinal tissue dystrophy is natural in every second inhabitant of the planet, whose age has exceeded the limit of 30 years.

Injuries, severe physical exertion, work in conditions of constant vibration can provoke the onset of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

• aches, chronic pain that causes increased fatigue, increased discomfort occurs when lifting weights, sudden movements, coughing and sneezing;
• the affected spine begins to numb;
• the range of motion decreases.

Important! Cartilage and bone tissue have the ability to self-renew. Moderate and regular exercise helps strengthen the back muscles, increase blood circulation.

Chest osteochondrosis

Often, pathological changes in the vertebral segments of the cervix and chest are present simultaneously.

Pain syndrome is practically not natural in osteochondrosis of the chest. Therefore, many may not be aware of the presence of the disease. If pain appears, then sensations appear in the intercostal and scapular region, sometimes affecting the upper abdomen.

The first symptoms of the disease are similar to a heart attack, inflammation of the gallbladder, gastritis or stomach ulcer. With osteochondrosis, the pain increases during turns, deep breathing, and coughing.

In the future, the disease is manifested by 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. The patient must visit different specialists in order to understand the cause of the disease. For an accurate diagnosis, you should contact a neurologist and orthopedist. Private clinics offer the services of a vertebrologist.

Careful!Learn more about meeting your doctor.

After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and nearby soft tissues in different positions, will determine the degree of mobility of each section. Instrumental examination plays a key role in diagnosis.

After that, a computed tomography, X-ray and a study using magnetic-nuclear resonance are described.

Important!In addition to the spine, the work of blood vessels and peripheral nerves is analyzed.

Home treatment

Treatment of this disease with folk methods is known as effective by traditional medicine. Patient discipline, the use of different techniques by him can significantly reduce the time required to restore the spinal tissues.

You need to start by reviewing your diet. Excess cholesterol leads to disruption of blood flow, blood vessels lose elasticity, this leads to the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich soups, pork should be excluded, and the skin should be removed from chicken.

The patient should get rid of addictions, reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of an individual complex of physiotherapy exercises;
• self -massage - includes rubbing and stroking, helps shiatsu well;
• use of specially designed equipment and applicators;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps improve blood circulation to the muscles. The magnet is selected by a specialist, the application method is easy to master;
• Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.

Important!Self-activity is very dangerous in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Therefore, even when choosing home therapy, you should listen to your doctor's recommendations.

Medication treatment

To relieve pain, other symptoms of osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes analgesics. Pain relief patches are used to treat neuropathic syndromes. They contain lidocaine, which relieves any painful sensations.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are created to relieve inflammation, they act powerfully and effectively. But the side effects do not allow taking such medications for a long time.
2. To relieve the pain, you can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments.
3. If the pain persists for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication. They have a calming effect, reduce the appearance of pain.

During treatment, it is important to restore the intervertebral discs and cartilage. Hondoprotectors are targeted for this. They should be taken for at least 4 months.

1. To improve blood circulation, a special medicine is indicated, which should be taken in combination with medicines containing nicotinic and thioctic acid.
2. Diuretics help relieve swelling.
3. It is also important to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.

Injections

With lumbar osteochondrosis, special blockages are made to relieve pain. The specialist uses a long needle to inject an analgesic. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve the pain, but has no therapeutic effect.

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasms.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps restore cartilage tissue.
3. To restore the nervous system in the affected areas, an injection of vitamin B is given.
4. For the treatment of inflammation, modern non-steroidal drugs are used that do not impair the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

Doctors believe that oral administration of drugs is the most effective method of treating osteochondrosis. Injections are given only in a hospital setting.

Important!To get rid of osteochondrosis requires a systematic approach. It is impossible to partially fulfill the recipes of a specialist. Only strict adherence to the treatment regimen can guarantee a positive result.

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbalists offer a variety of natural remedies for treating osteochondrosis.

Water procedures

Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good healing effect is observed after using a nettle broom in a bath.

The following rates are good for bathrooms:

• Mix birch leaves (270 g) with mint and lemon balm (55 g each). Pour the mixture into 7 liters of boiling water. After cooling, pour in water;
• in 5 liters of water, boil 1500 g of coniferous cones or pine for half an hour.

Strips

For the preparation of compresses, gruel from black radish, horseradish root, garlic is suitable. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrapped. Keep as long as possible.

To relieve pain, you can make a compress by mixing chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in a sore spot for at least an hour.

Decoctions and infusions

Treatment with an ordinary laurel decoction is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

1. The laurel leaf (4 g) should be filled with water (240 ml).
2. Simmer for 4 minutes. Insist in a warm place for 3 hours.
3. The resulting medicine should be taken slowly before bedtime.
4. Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. Soup should always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a week off. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid worries during the year.

Celery

Celery infusion will help remove salt deposits. This drink is rich in vitamins. To prepare it, you will need 4 g of crushed roots and 950 ml of slightly cooled boiling water. The mixture should be injected overnight.

After which it must be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can prepare fresh juice from the roots of celery. You can use it three times a day, 12 ml.

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This medicine helps with lumbago.

1. Fry the ginger powder using melted butter.
2. Grind fresh garlic in mince.
3. Mix the ingredients in equal parts.
4. The ointment should be applied to the affected area.

Rubbing oregano

Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a container with 450 ml of oil. Better yet better to use olive or sunflower oil. Let the product bake for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and discard.

Friction is suitable for the treatment of all types of osteochondrosis.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy is an integral part in the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex was compiled by a specialist. This takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the level of physical fitness of the patient.

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

A set of exercises for the treatment of pathologies in the cervical spine

1. Lie down lying on your back. One hand is placed on the stomach, the other on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible, hold your breath. At count 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 accesses per day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly raise your head and upper chest region. Go down and take a break for half a minute.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Roll to the right and then to the left, without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for chest osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on your right arms. Bend, adjust position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
2. Lie on your back, raise your head and legs at the same time. Stand for 15 seconds. Take a 20-second break between exercises.

Exercises for lumbar spine lesions

1. Lie on your back, place your feet on your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from back to sacrum. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend while on all fours.
3. In a standing position, make circular motions, mimicking the rotation of the circle.

Important!Physical education should not be practiced during the acute phase of the disease.

Massage for osteochondrosis

Classic massage is performed only by trained people in specialized rooms.

Honey

At home you can do a massage with honey. To do this, warm honey should be applied to the affected area. Then gently press and lift the palms from the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best done after visiting the bathroom. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compression paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results are observed after vacuum massage. For this, vegetable oil, mineral is applied to the back. And then a special medical bench makes sliding movements along certain trajectories. This procedure helps to improve blood circulation, the inflamed areas are enriched with oxygen and nutrients and the regeneration process begins.

Disease prevention

With regular preventative measures, osteochondrosis can be avoided.

Important!Swimming and strengthening are the best preventative measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen muscle corsets with special exercises.
2. Proper, balanced nutrition is also important.
3. Frequent stressful situations, hypothermia can accelerate the development of the disease.
4. Women and children should not constantly carry weights in one hand.
5. It is also contraindicated for a long stay at the computer or near the TV. Every 30 minutes you have to get up, pull up, warm up.

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by sitting slightly, and not bending. If you have to stay for a long time, then the supporting leg should be changed periodically. At every opportunity, lean your back on an object to relieve tension.

Important!To prevent osteochondrosis, you need to buy orthopedic items to sleep on.

A large number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many methods for treating it. But it is better to carry out prophylaxis in a timely manner than to treat it for a long time.