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 significantly rejuvenated 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, thoracic and lumbar spine. Pathology occurs due to a violation of physiological processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. The structure of the tissues changes, the elasticity is lost. In the future, the intervals between the vertebrae narrow, a certain vertebral segment becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

• protrusion of the disc segments;
• hernia;
• kyphosis;
• scoliosis;
• paresis;
• paralysis.

Important!Osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden pressure surges, a feeling of muscle heaviness, 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 associated with a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, a violation of posture occurs, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, he cannot fully straighten his back.

Neurological

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

In the initial stage of the disease, pain occurs locally, only in the affected area. But when the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, goosebumps, tingling sensations, numbness may appear.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur due to the following reasons:

• the blood vessels are compressed. Most often this occurs with damage to the cervical spine. The result can be a lack of oxygen in some areas of the brain, dizziness, often nausea;
• alterations of 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 - this 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 affecting the possibility of getting sick are:

• genetic predisposition - people with poor heredity have to make a lot of efforts to avoid this ailment;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental situation;
• malformed spine - children from childhood sit incorrectly, which leads to poor posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably with swimming;
• constant stress on the spine caused by hard physical work;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• sore and crooked feet.

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 cause osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

This disorder 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 motionless state. 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. Pain affects the occipital region and temples. Discomfort can worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.

What else can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• the sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases the upper limbs can become completely paralyzed;
• the blood supply to various parts of the brain is disturbed, tinnitus appears, and the head is often lightheaded. In the future, some parts of the brain may be completely deprived of nourishment;
• vision begins to decrease, patients complain of the appearance of flies in front of their eyes;
• older people may suddenly pass out;
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, then there are attacks of hiccups, shortness of breath;
• the neck loses its mobility.

Important!Cervical osteochondrosis has not completely healed. It is necessary to change the usual course of life, take preventive action. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.

Lumbar spine osteochondrosis

The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and constant strong loads. Anyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation don't really matter.

1. Many people, due to 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 injury can turn into osteochondrosis. You can damage your spine if you don't train properly.
3. In case of a sharp cessation of loads in the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of an affected lumbar spine include:

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

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

Spinal osteochondritis

Over 70% of back complaints are associated with osteochondrosis. Dystrophy of the spinal tissues is inherent in every second inhabitant of the planet, whose age has exceeded 30 years.

Injuries, heavy physical exertion, work in conditions of constant vibration can provoke the manifestation of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

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

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

Thoracic osteochondrosis

Often, pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic vertebral segments are present at the same time.

Pain syndrome is practically not inherent in thoracic osteochondrosis. Therefore, many may not even be aware of the presence of the disease. If pain occurs, the sensations manifest themselves 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, pain increases during shifts, deep breathing and coughing.

In the future, the disease is manifested by the reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper dorsal region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men can develop erectile dysfunction.

Which doctor treats

Osteochondrosis has many clinical manifestations. The patient must visit various specialists to understand the cause of the ailment. For a correct diagnosis, you need to contact a neurologist and an orthopedist. Private clinics provide the services of a vertebrologist.

Attention!Find out more about your doctor's appointment.

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

Next, computed tomography, x-ray and a study using magnetic-nuclear resonance are prescribed.

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

Home treatment

Treatment of this disease by folk methods is recognized as effective even by traditional medicine. Discipline of the patient, the use of various techniques by him can significantly reduce the time it takes to restore the tissues of the spine.

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

The patient needs to get rid of addictions, reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of an individual complex of physiotherapy exercises;
• self massage - includes rubbing and stroking, helps shiatsu well;
• the use of specially designed devices and applicators;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is selected by a specialist, the method of application 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, it is necessary to listen to the recommendations of the doctor.

Pharmacological 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 painful sensations.

1. Non-steroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation, act powerfully and effectively. But the side effects do not allow you to take such drugs for a long time.
2. To relieve pain, you can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments.
3. If the pain persists for more than 3 months, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants. They have a calming effect, reduce the manifestation of pain.

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

1. To improve blood circulation, a special drug is shown, which must be taken in combination with medicines containing nicotinic acid and lipoic acid.
2. Diuretics help relieve swelling.
3. It is also imperative to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.

injections

With lumbar osteochondrosis, special blocks are made to relieve pain. The specialist uses a long needle to inject an analgesic. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve pain, but there is 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 harm the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

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

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

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbalists offer various natural remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Water procedures

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

The following rates are valid for the bathrooms:

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

Tablets

For the preparation of compresses, gruel from black radish, horseradish root, garlic is suitable. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrap. 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 a decoction of common laurel is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

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

Two sessions are enough to avoid discomfort during the year.

Celery

The celery infusion will help eliminate 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 must be infused overnight.

After that it should be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can make fresh juice from celery roots. You can use it three times a day, 12ml.

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This remedy helps with low back pain.

1. Fry the ginger powder using melted butter.
2. Grind the fresh garlic into the gruel.
3. Mix the components in equal parts.
4. The ointment should be rubbed on the affected area.

Oregano rub

Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a bowl with 450 ml of oil. It is best to use olive or sunflower oil. Leave the product to mature for 8 hours. Squeeze the herb and discard it.

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

Exercises for osteochondrosis

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

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

A series of exercises for the treatment of pathologies of the cervical spine

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

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on your straight arms. Lean back, fix the position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
2. Lie on your back, raise your head and legs at the same time. Delay for 15 sec. Take a 20 second break between exercises.

Exercises for lumbar spine injuries

1. Lie on your back, bend your legs to your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from the back to the sacrum. So relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend over on all fours.
3. In a standing position, make circular movements, imitating 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 people trained in specialized rooms.

treasure

At home you can have a honey massage. 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 bathhouse. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compress paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

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

Disease prevention

With regular preventive measures, osteochondrosis can be avoided.

Important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventative measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscle corset with special exercises.
2. Proper and 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, get up, warm up.

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by squatting slightly and not bending over. If you have to stand for a long time, the support leg should be changed periodically. On each occasion, lean your back on an object to relieve tension.

Important!For the prevention of osteochondrosis, you should purchase orthopedic items for sleeping.

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