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 young people are being diagnosed, which is probably due to a predominantly sedentary job, an unhealthy lifestyle and low physical activity. We can safely assume that most of the adult population shows signs of osteochondrosis.
The reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and its ability to withstand physical activity mainly depend on the state of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process of osteochondrosis is based on the malnutrition of the structures of the spine, in particular the intervertebral disc. This leads to changes in the normal structure of tissues, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, its shape changes. Such metamorphoses lead to 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, bony growths form on the surface of the vertebrae. All of these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Similar transformations of cartilaginous and bone tissues are the result of physiological aging of the organism. But under the influence of some adverse factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur in advance.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical labor;
- Occupations characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity of the feet;
- spinal deformities;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Do great sports;
- stress;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on the particular segment of the spine on which the pathological process appeared.There are the following types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervical;
- Thoracic;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is common. The muscular skeleton of the neck is rather poorly 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 of osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement of the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the hands;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest 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 of a belting nature;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in region of heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia of 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 lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Aching, less often sharp pain in the lower back, increasing 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;
- Aching or sharp pains (like lumbago) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Tingling, paresthesia in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: X-ray, magnetic resonance and calculated imaging of the spine. The most characteristic and, most importantly, the earliest 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 the osteophytes are located anterior and posterior to the vertebrae.
Also, with osteochondrosis, the bodies of adjacent vertebrae are displaced, which can also be determined on an x-ray.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis is all the 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 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, physiotherapy exercises, massage, surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
- muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of affected cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Vasodilating drugs;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you need to proceed to rehabilitation. Thus, physiotherapy is a very important aspect of the fight against osteochondrosis. Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscle corset. This is extremely important, because it is thanks to a strong muscular corset that the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine. With the regular performance of a set of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear, and the range of motion will increase. Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help to enhance the effect of physiotherapy exercises.
When complications appear in the form of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and when conservative treatment fails, they resort to surgical intervention. The purpose of surgical treatment is to eliminate 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. On the Internet you can find a huge number of alternative methods of treatment, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult your doctor.
traditional medicine
The general principle of the traditional treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances with 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.
In folk medicine, such a recipe for rubbing is known: mix 0. 25 cups of vodka with 0. 5 cups of honey, add 0. 75 cups of grated radish and two tablespoons of salt. With the resulting mixture, it is necessary to rub the troublesome area of the back twice a day. The procedure should be repeated within a week.
To eliminate pain, you can apply a potato compress to your back. Grated raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, tie it on the back and wrap it with a scarf. You can also use a compress with burdock. 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 stocking, then lie down on it.
To note:it is important to be careful when using folk remedies, do not touch your face with your hands. Radish and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Physiotherapy
Physical exercises can only be performed outside periods of exacerbation. In case of acute pain, you should refrain from doing gymnastics, as this will only increase the pain.
An example set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs. Pull the toe of the right foot towards you and the toe of the left foot away from you. It must be done in order.
- Lying on your back, place your hands behind your neck. The legs should be close together and bent at the knees. The knees should be tilted to the left, and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Wait a few seconds. Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, arms along 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.
- Ride by your side. Straighten your top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours. Arch your back, hold this for a few seconds, then arch your lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Pull the bent left knee towards the right elbow, then vice versa.