Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine.Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of old age.However, young people are increasingly being diagnosed, which is probably due to 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.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spinal column, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity primarily depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is malnutrition of the structures of the spinal column, especially the intervertebral disc.This leads to changes in the normal tissue structure, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, and its shape changes.Such metamorphoses lead to narrowing of intervertebral discs and, as a result, compression of nerve roots.In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain due to osteochondrosis.
After that, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, and bony outgrowths form on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spinal column.
Such transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the organism.But when they are exposed to certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur prematurely.These factors include:
- obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical work;
- Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Deformities of the spine;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Playing sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal injuries etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on the segment of the spinal column in which the pathological process takes place.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervical;
- Chest;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is a common phenomenon.The muscular framework of the neck is rather poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with a slight load, there is a displacement of the vertebrae and, as a result, compression of the vessels and nerves of the neck.This explains the specificity of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movements in the neck;
- Pain of the hemicranial type - in one hemisphere;
- Vertigo, tinnitus;
- Pain in hands;
- A feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare.The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformity.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull, aching pain in the chest area, which often has a girdling character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia on the chest skin.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Painful, less often acute pain in the lower back, which increases with movement or prolonged stay in one static position;
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pain (like lumbago) in the buttocks, thigh, lower leg;
- Tingling, paresthesias in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation research methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: radiography, computer 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 X-rays because osteophytes are located in front and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, there is a displacement of the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae, 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 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, physical therapy, massage and surgery.
Drug therapy:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes;
- vasodilators;
- Medicines that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the aggravation of the disease, you should proceed to rehabilitation.Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect of the fight against osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscular corset.This is extremely important, because thanks to the strong muscular corset, the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine.By regularly performing a set of exercises, the stiffness of the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help improve the effect of physical therapy.
If complications appear in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis and if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is resorted to.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 vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case can they replace the main treatment.You can find a large number of traditional 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.The result is an improvement in blood supply to a certain part of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.
The following recipe for rubbing is known in folk medicine: mix 0.25 cups of vodka with 0.5 cups of honey, add 0.75 cups of grated radish, as well as two tablespoons of salt.The obtained mixture should be rubbed on the problem area of the back twice a day.The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To relieve the pain, you can apply a potato compress on your back.Grated raw potatoes must be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, apply it on your back and wrap it with a scarf.You can also use velcro linings.To prepare it, pour one tablespoon of finely crushed burdock leaves with a glass of boiling water.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply on the back for half an hour.After removing the lining, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do it even more simply: grate a radish, put it in a cotton sock, and then lie on your back on it.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not to touch your face with your hands.Radish and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Physical exercises can only be performed outside the period of deterioration.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from performing gymnastics, as this will only lead to increased pain.
An approximate set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the foot of the right foot towards you and the toe of the left foot away from you.This must be done one at a time.
- While lying on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs must be together and bent at the knees.Your knees should be bent to the left and your head facing the opposite direction.Hold for just a few seconds.Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, arms by your 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 for just a few seconds, then bend at the waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull the bent left knee towards the right elbow and then vice versa.