Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine.Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of old age.However, more and more young people are being diagnosed, which is probably mainly due to sedentary work, unhealthy lifestyles and little physical activity.We can say with certainty that the majority of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The flexibility of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity depend primarily on the condition of the intervertebral discs.In osteochondrosis, the basis of the pathological process is the malnutrition of the structures of the spinal column, especially the intervertebral disc.This causes changes in the normal structure of the tissues, 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.
Later, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, bone growths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Such changes of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the body.However, when exposed to certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in intervertebral joints occur prematurely.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that involve standing or sitting for long periods of time during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal deformities;
- autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Doing sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal 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:
- Cervical;
- Chest;
- Waist.
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 vertebra occurs, resulting in compression of the vessels and nerves of the neck.This explains the specificity of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
Thus, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement of 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 extremely rare.The main condition for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformities.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull, aching pain in the chest, often with a girdle character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness in the skin of the chest, paresthesia.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This is probably due to the fact that the biggest load falls directly on the lower back.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Aching, less often sharp pain in the lower back, increased by movement or staying in a static position for a long time;
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- aching or sharp pain in hip, thigh, lower leg (like lumbago);
- Tingling in the legs, paresthesia.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation research methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: X-ray of the spine, computer and magnetic resonance imaging.The most characteristic and the most important early sign of osteochondrosis is the 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.It is easier to detect them on a lateral X-ray, because osteophytes are located on the front and back of the spine.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae occurs, which can be determined on an X-ray.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The sooner the treatment of osteochondrosis is started, the more effective it is.As already mentioned, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of 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 drugs, physiotherapy, massage and surgical intervention.
Drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- muscle relaxant;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- vasodilators;
- Medicines that normalize metabolism in tissues.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should go to rehabilitation.Thus, physiotherapy is a very important aspect of combating osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises helps to form a muscle corset.This is extremely important, because the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine thanks to a strong muscle corset.By regularly performing a series of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and stretching of the spine will help to increase the effect of physical therapy.
If complications in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis occur and conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is required.The goal of surgical treatment is to remove 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 replace the main treatment.You can find many traditional remedies 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 fried radish and two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be applied to the affected area of the back twice a day.The procedure should be repeated within a week.
You can apply a potato compress on your back to relieve pain.Fried raw potatoes should 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 over a spoonful of finely chopped burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it on your back for half an hour.After removing the compress, be sure to cover 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 it with its back.
Note: When using folk methods, it is important to be careful and not to touch your face with your hands.Radishes and other plants can cause corneal burns if they come into contact with the eyes.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Physical exercises can only be done outside of periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from doing gymnastics, as this will only increase the pain.
An approximate set of exercises may look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the foot of your right foot towards you and the toe of your left foot away from you.This should be done one at a time.
- While on your back, place your hands behind your head.It is necessary to bring the legs together and bend at the knees.Your knees should bend to the left and your head should turn in the opposite direction.Hold for just a few seconds.Then turn your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back with your arms stretched across your body.You need to bend your knees and raise your pelvis.Stay in this position for a few seconds.Lower your pelvis as you inhale.
- Roll onto your side.Straighten your top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold for just a few seconds, and then arch your back.
- Roll onto your back.Pull your bent left knee towards your right elbow and then back.