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 rejuvenate 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 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 spinal segment becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

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

Important!Osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headache, sudden increase in pressure, feeling of muscle heaviness, dizziness with sudden movements may be latent manifestations of this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease has 4 groups of symptoms. Let's look at each of them.

Statistically

These manifestations are associated with a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case there is a violation of posture, it is difficult to turn his head, he can not fully straighten his back.

Neurological

The disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This impairs 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 as the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, goosebumps, tingling sensation, tingling 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 certain areas of the brain, dizziness, frequent nausea;
• changes in 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 - a symbiosis of vascular and neurological factors that lead to skin defects and ulcers.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Physical inactivity, bad habits, overweight most often provoke the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors influencing the possibility of getting sick are:

• genetic predisposition - people with poor heredity must make great efforts to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental situation;
• deformed 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 labor;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• pain and crooked legs.

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 provoke 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 motionless. All this leads to the appearance of the disease. Often osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is the result of an old trauma. This disease is very common in professional athletes.

Such osteochondrosis begins with a prolonged headache that cannot 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 can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

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

Important!Osteochondrosis of the cervix is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the usual way of life, to take preventive actions. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The lumbar part of the spine is characterized by increased mobility and strong constant loads. Anyone can get this disease; lifestyle and profession do not matter.

1. Many people, due to the nature of their services, have to be in a bent position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. Spinal cord injury can develop into osteochondrosis. You can damage your spine if you don't train properly.
3. In case of abrupt cessation of loads in the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of an affected lumbar spine include:

• pain and lumbago in the legs and lower back, which increase after exercise;
• skin tingling is observed in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel off;
• impaired pelvic function, there is a problem with erection and urination.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, complications often occur. Unstable vertebrae can fly out of the sacrum at any time. Which will damage the internal organs.

Osteochonditis of the spine

More than 70% of back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Spinal degeneration is common to 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 characteristic symptoms:

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

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

Chest osteochondrosis

Often pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic spinal segments are present simultaneously.

The pain syndrome is practically not inherent in thoracic osteochondrosis. Therefore, many may not even be aware of the disease. If pain occurs, then the sensations appear in the intercostal and scapular area, 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. In osteochondrosis, the pain increases during bending, deep breathing and coughing.

In the future, the disease manifests itself with reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper spine. 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 different specialists to understand the cause of the disease. For a correct diagnosis you should contact a neurologist and orthopedist. Private clinics provide services to a vertebrologist.

Attention!Learn more about your doctor's appointment.

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

Computed tomography, X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging are then prescribed.

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

Home treatment

Treatment of this disease with 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 required to restore the tissues of the spine.

You need to start with a diet review. 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 and chicken skin should be excluded.

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

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of an individual complex of physiotherapeutic 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 to improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is chosen by a specialist, the application method is easy to master;
• Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.

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

Medication treatment

To relieve pain, other symptoms of osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes analgesics. Painkillers are used to treat neuropathic syndromes. They contain lidocaine, which relieves any painful sensations.

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

During treatment, it is important to restore the intervertebral discs and cartilage. Chondoprotectors are designed for this purpose. They must be taken for at least 4 months.

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

Injections

In lumbar osteochondrosis, special blockages are made to relieve the pain. The specialist uses a long needle to inject an analgesic. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve the pain, but has no therapeutic effect.

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasms.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps to restore cartilage tissue.
3. Vitamin B injection is given to restore the nervous system in the affected areas.
4. Modern non-steroidal drugs that do not damage the functioning of the stomach and intestines are used to treat inflammation.

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

Important!A systematic approach is needed to get rid of osteochondrosis. 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 healing effect is observed after using a nettle broom in the bath.

The following fees 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 into water;
• in 5 liters of water, boil 1500 g of coniferous or pine cones for half an hour.

Compresses

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

To relieve pain, you can make a compress by mixing sliced raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in the 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) should be filled with water (240 ml).
2. Cook for 4 minutes. Insist in a warm place for 3 hours.
3. The resulting drug should be taken slowly before bedtime.
4. Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. The broth should always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a break for a week. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid discomfort during the year.

Celery

Celery infusion will help get rid of 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 should be infused overnight.

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

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This medicine helps with lumbago.

1. Fry ginger powder with melted butter.
2. Grind fresh garlic into a pulp.
3. The components are mixed in equal parts.
4. The ointment should be rubbed into the affected area.

Rub oregano

Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a bowl 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.

Friction 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 composed of a specialist. This takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the level of physical fitness of the patient.

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. When counting to 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 approaches a day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly lift your head and upper chest area. Get down and take a break for half a minute.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knees. Scroll right and then left without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for osteochondrosis of the chest

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on straight arms. Lean back, fix the 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 break of 20 seconds between exercises.

Exercises for lesions of the lumbar spine

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

Important!Physical education should not be practiced during the acute stage of the disease.

Massage for osteochondrosis

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

Honey

You can have a honey massage at home. To do this, warm honey should be applied to the affected area. Then gently press and lift the palms of the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best done after visiting the bathroom. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compressed paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results are noticed after vacuum massage. To do this, apply vegetable oil on the back. And then a special medical bank makes sliding movements along certain trajectories. This procedure helps to improve blood circulation, the 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 preventive measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscular corset with special exercises.
2. Proper, 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 in front of the computer or near the TV. Every 30 minutes you have to get up, pull yourself up, warm up.

The 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 must be changed periodically. Whenever possible, lean on the back of an object to relieve tension.

Important!To prevent osteochondrosis, you need to buy orthopedic sleeping items.

A large number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many methods of treatment. But it is better to do prevention in a timely manner than to treat it for a long time.