Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and facet joints of the spine. Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of the elderly. But an increasing number of young people are being diagnosed, likely due to largely sedentary jobs, unhealthy lifestyles and little physical activity. We can safely assume that most adults have signs of osteochondrosis.
reason
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility, and its ability to withstand physical activity are largely determined by the state of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process of osteochondrosis is based on the dystrophy of the spinal structures, especially the intervertebral discs. This causes the normal structure of the tissue to change, the disc loses its elasticity, and the shape changes. This deformation causes the disc to narrow, which can lead to compression of the nerve roots. In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain in osteochondrosis.
In the future, the facet joints of the spine undergo a degenerative process, and bony growths form on the surface of the vertebrae. All of these changes can lead to reduced flexibility in the spine.
Similar transformations in cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the body. However, under the influence of some unfavorable factors, the dystrophic changes of the intervertebral joints occurred in advance.These factors include:
- obesity;
- a sedentary lifestyle;
- hard physical labor;
- Occupations whose working hours are characterized by prolonged standing or sitting;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity;
- spinal deformity;
- autoimmune connective tissue disease;
- Fluctuations in hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- do great sports;
- pressure;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of Osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical presentation of the disease depend on which specific segment of the spine the pathological process occurs in.There are several types of osteochondrosis:
- cervical spine;
- thoracic;
- lumbar spine.
cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the neck region is common. The musculoskeletal development of the neck is rather poor, therefore, in the context of osteochondrosis, even with a small load, the vertebrae are displaced, with the result that the blood vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed. This explains the details of the clinical presentation of cervical osteochondrosis.
Therefore, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Persistent neck and occipital pain with increased neck movement;
- Migraine-type pain - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, ringing in the ears;
- Hand Pain;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the hand.
thoracic osteochondrosis
Failure of osteochondrosis in the thoracic region is very rare. The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformities.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- A dull pain in the chest, usually in the form of a girdle;
- Increased pain when turning, sneezing, coughing, or laughing;
- visceral pain in the heart, right rib, abdominal area;
- Numbness and paresthesia of the chest skin.
lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common variant of osteochondrosis. This may be because the greatest load falls directly on the waist.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- lower back pain, less common acute pain that increases with exercise or prolonged exposure to a stationary position;
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To relieve pain, a person adopts forced postures;
- Pain or severe pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves (such as low back pain);
- Tingling, paresthesias in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiological methods for the detection of osteochondrosis: radiography, computer, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The most typical and important early sign of osteochondrosis is a reduction in the height of the intervertebral space.
Later in the degenerative process, marginal growths (osteophytes) develop on the surface of the vertebrae. They are easier to detect on lateral radiographs because osteophytes are located in the front and back of the vertebrae.
Also, with osteochondrosis, the body of adjacent vertebrae is displaced, which can also be determined on X-rays.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The sooner treatment for osteochondrosis is started, the more effective it is. As mentioned earlier, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of the intervertebral discs, vertebrae. Unfortunately, many people ignore low back pain for a long time, do not seek medical attention in time, and miss the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
The treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of drugs, physiotherapy exercises, massage, surgery.
medical treatement:
- NSAIDs in the form of tablets, ointments, and injections to reduce pain;
- muscle relaxants;
- chondroprotective agent - promotes regeneration of affected cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complex;
- vasodilators;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After the exacerbation of the disease has been eliminated, you should undergo rehabilitation. Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis. Doing certain exercises can help develop a muscular corset. This is important because a strong muscular corset distributes the body load evenly along the spine. With a regular set of exercises, the stiffness of the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase. Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology, and spinal traction will help enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapy exercises.
When complications arise in the form of herniation, sciatica, they turn to surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails. The goals of surgical treatment are to remove compression from nerve roots and blood vessels and to stabilize the structure of the disc or vertebrae.
Treating osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve symptoms of osteochondrosis, but they are not a substitute for primary treatment in any case. On the Internet, you can find plenty of alternative treatments, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult your doctor.
traditional medicine
The general principle of folk therapy for osteochondrosis is the use of substances with a stimulating effect. As a result, blood supply to an area of the body is improved and pain is reduced.
In folk medicine, this kneading method is well known: Mix 0. 25 cups of vodka with 0. 5 cups of honey, add 0. 75 cups of mashed radish and two tablespoons of salt. With the resulting mixture, it is necessary to rub the disturbed area of the back twice a day. The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To relieve pain, you can place a potato compress on your back. Grated raw potatoes must be mixed with honey in equal proportions. The resulting mixture was then wrapped in gauze, taped to the back and wrapped in a scarf. You can also use compressed burdock. To prepare it, pour a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of chopped burdock leaves. Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply on the back for half an hour. After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back in a warm scarf.
You can do this more easily: Grate the radishes, put them in a cotton sock, and lay on top.
notes:Be careful when using folk remedies and don't touch your face with your hands. Radishes and other plants can cause corneal burns if they come into contact with the eyes.
physiotherapy
Physical exercise can only be done outside the exacerbation period. In acute pain, you should avoid gymnastics as this will only make the pain worse.
A set of example exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back with your legs straight. Pull the foot of the right foot toward you and the toes of the left foot away from you. This must be done in order.
- Lie on your back with your hands behind your head. The legs must be together and the knees must be bent. The knees should be tilted to the left and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Hold for a few seconds. Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back with your arms along your body. You need to bend your knees and elevate your pelvis. Hold this pose for a few seconds. As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Flip over to you. Straighten your upper leg and swing back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours. Arch your back, hold for a few seconds, then arch your lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Pull the bent left knee to the right elbow and vice versa.