Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative-dystrophic changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine. Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of the elderly. But more and more often young people are being diagnosed, which is probably due to the predominantly 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, mainly depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process in osteochondrosis is based on 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, changes shape. 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 in osteochondrosis.
In the future, 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.
Similar transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the body. But under the influence of some unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur prematurely. These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical work;
- Occupations that are characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity of the feet;
- Deformations of the spine;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Doing great sports;
- stress;
- Spinal cord injuries etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on the particular segment of the spine in which the pathological process appeared.There are the following types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervix;
- Thoracic;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is common. The muscular skeleton of the neck is quite developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an insignificant load, the vertebrae are displaced and, as a result, the vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed. This explains the specifics of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and in the occipital region, aggravated by movements in the neck;
- Pain of the hemicranial type - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in hands;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Loss of 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, aching pain in the chest, which is often radiating in nature;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the region of the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia on the skin of the chest.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common variant of osteochondrosis. This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the middle region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Pain, less often acute pain in the lower back, which increases with movement or prolonged exposure to 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, thigh, lower leg;
- Pins and needles sensation, paresthesia in legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: X-rays, computer images and magnetic resonance 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 osteophytes are located in front of and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, the bodies of adjacent vertebrae are displaced, 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, vertebrae. Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not go to the 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 medicines, physiotherapy exercises, massage, surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of affected cartilage;
- Complexes of vitamins and minerals;
- Vasodilator drugs;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the aggravation of the disease, you should continue with rehabilitation. So, 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, because it is thanks to a strong muscular 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 traction of the spine will help increase the effect of physiotherapy exercises.
When complications appear in the form of an intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and if conservative treatment fails, they resort to surgical intervention. The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate the 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 relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case will they be able to replace the main treatment. You can find a large number of alternative 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 of osteochondrosis is the use of substances that have an irritating effect. As a result, there is an improvement in blood supply to a certain area of the body, as well as a decrease in pain.
Such a 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 and two spoons of salt. With the resulting mixture, it is necessary to rub the disturbing area of the back twice a day. The procedure should be repeated within a week.
To eliminate pain, you can put a potato compress on your back. Mashed raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, stick it on the back and wrap it with a scarf. You can also use a burdock compress. To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of finely 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 with a warm scarf.
You can do it even easier: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock and then lie on it.
Note:
it is important to be careful when using folk remedies, do not touch your face with your hands. Radishes and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Physiotherapy
Physical exercises can only be done outside periods of irritation. In acute pain, you should refrain from gymnastics, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
An example set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs. Pull the foot of the right foot toward you, and the toe of the left foot away from you. This should be done in sequence.
- Lying on your back, place your hands behind your head. The legs should be joined and bent at the knees. The knees should be bent to the left side, and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Just stay for a few seconds. Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, arms along the 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 this for just a few seconds, and then arch your lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Pull the bent left knee to the right elbow and then vice versa.