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 revitalized this disease. Even in children, posture disorders, weak back muscles are often observed. All this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

What is osteochondrosis?

The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine. The pathology occurs due to violation of normal processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. The structure of the tissues changes, the elasticity is lost. In the future, the spaces between the vertebrae become narrower, a certain part of the vertebrae becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

• protrusion of the disc sections.
• hernia;
• kyphosis;
• scoliosis
• partial paralysis?
• paralysis.

Great!Osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden increases in pressure, a feeling of muscle weight, 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.

Statistical

These manifestations are associated with a violation of the normal shape of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a violation of posture, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, he can not fully straighten 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 manifests itself locally, 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 occur.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:

• the blood vessels are compressed. Most often this happens with damage to the cervical spine. The result can be a lack of oxygen in some areas of the brain, dizziness, often nausea.
• changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged convulsions and chronic ischemia in the internal organs.

Great!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, being overweight most often cause the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors that affect the likelihood of illness are:

• Genetic predisposition - people with low heredity have to make a lot of efforts to avoid this disease.
• Improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental condition.
• dysplastic spine - children from childhood sit incorrectly, which leads to poor posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably by swimming.
• constant stress on the spine caused by hard physical work.
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension.
• sore and crooked legs.

Great!Women are more prone 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 disease is one of the most common pathologies in the musculoskeletal system.

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

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

What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• Sensitivity in the shoulder girdle is disturbed and the arms, in advanced cases, the upper extremities may become completely paralyzed.
• blood supply to various parts of the brain is disturbed, tinnitus occurs and the head is often dizzy. In the future, some parts of the brain may be completely deprived of nutrition.
• vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies in front of their eyes.
• the elderly may suddenly faint.
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, then there are hiccups, shortness of breath.
• the neck loses its mobility.

Great!Osteochondrosis of the cervix is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the normal course of life, to take precautionary measures. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and strong constant loads. Anyone can get this disease; lifestyle and profession do not really 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. An injury to the spine can develop into osteochondrosis. You can damage the spine if you do not exercise properly.
3. In case of abrupt cessation of loads on the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of an affected lumbar spine include:

• pain and backache in the legs and waist, which increase after physical exercise.
• There is numbness of the skin in the lower extremities, paralysis and paralysis may occur.
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel.
• Impaired pelvic functions, there is a problem with erection and urination.

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

Osteochondritis of the spine

Over 70% of back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Spinal tissue dystrophy is inherent in every second inhabitant of the planet, whose age has exceeded the limit of 30 years.

Injuries, strenuous physical exercise, work in constant vibration conditions can cause the onset of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

• pain, 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 is reduced.

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

Chest osteochondrosis

Often, pathological changes in parts of the cervix and thorax 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, then the sensations are manifested 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 manifests itself with a reflex tendency of the muscles located in the chest and upper back. 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 various specialists to understand the cause of the disease. For a correct diagnosis, you should contact a neurologist and orthopedist. Private clinics provide vertebral services.

Caution!Learn more about your doctor's appointment.

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

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

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

Home treatment

The treatment of this disease with folk methods is recognized as effective even by traditional medicine. The discipline of the patient, the use of various techniques by him can significantly reduce the time required for the restoration of the tissues of the spine.

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 broths, pork should be excluded and the skin should be removed from the chicken.

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

The most effective home remedies are:

• daily performance of an individual set of physiotherapy exercises.
• self-massage - includes rubbing and caressing, helps shiatsu well.
• the use of specially designed devices and applications;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps to 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.

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

Medication

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 (NSAIDs) are designed to relieve inflammation and work well. But the side effects do not allow taking such drugs for a long time.
2. To relieve pain, you can use harmless but equally effective heating ointments.
3. If the pain persists for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. They have a calming effect, reduce the manifestation of pain.

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

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

Injections

With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, 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 there is no therapeutic effect.

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

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

Great!Getting rid of osteochondrosis requires a systematic approach. It is impossible to partially follow the prescriptions 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 to treat osteochondrosis.

Water procedures

Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good therapeutic effect is observed after the use of nettle broom in the bathroom.

The following charges 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 grams of conifers or pine cones for half an hour.

It compresses

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

For pain relief, 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.

Decoction and infusions

The treatment with common laurel decoction is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

1. The bay leaf (4 g) should 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 taken late at bedtime.
4. Repeat the process for another 2 days. The broth should always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a week break. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid the hassle during the year.

Celery

The celery infusion will help you get rid of salt deposits. This drink is rich in vitamins. To prepare it, you will need 4 grams of crushed roots and 950 ml of slightly cold boiled water. The mixture should be infused overnight.

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

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This medicine helps lumbago.

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

Grate the oregano

Place 25 g of chopped oregano in a container with 450 ml of oil. It is better to use olive oil or sunflower oil. Allow the product to mature for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and throw it away.

Rubbing is suitable for treating all types of osteochondrosis.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

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

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

A set of exercises for the treatment of pathologies in 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. With the number 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 approaches a day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly lift the head and upper chest area. Go down and take a break for half a minute.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Fold to the right and then to the left without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the chest

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

Exercises for lumbar spine injuries

1. Lie on your back, resting your legs on your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from the back to the sacrum. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend while you are on all fours.
3. In an upright position, make circular motions, mimicking the rotation of the ring.

Great!Physical therapy should not be performed during the acute stage of the disease.

Massage for osteochondrosis

The classic massage is performed only by trained people in specialized rooms.

Honey

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

Vacuum massage

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

Disease prevention

With regular precautions, osteochondrosis can be avoided.

Great!Swimming and sclerosis are the best precautions.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscular corset with special exercises.
2. Proper, balanced diet 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 long stays 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 and not crouching. If you have to stand for a long time, then the support leg should be changed periodically. At every opportunity, rest your back on an object to relieve tension.

Great!To prevent osteochondrosis, you should buy orthopedic items for sleeping.

A large number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many methods to treat it. But it is better to take timely precaution than to treat it for a long time.