Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative-dystrophic changes occurring in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spinal column. Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of the elderly. But more and more young people are 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.
The reasons
The elasticity of the spinal column, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity, mainly depend on the state of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process in osteochondrosis is based on the malnutrition of the structures of the spine, especially 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 the narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, consequently, to the 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, bone growths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae. All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Similar transformations of cartilage and bone tissues are the result of the physiological aging of the body. But under the influence of some unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur early.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical work;
- Professions characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity of the feet;
- Spinal deformities;
- Autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Doing great sports;
- fatigue;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
Features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which particular segment of the spine the pathological process occurred.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 in 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;
- Pain of migraine type - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the hands;
- Feeling of numbness and tingling in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare. The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformities.
Thoracic osteochondrosis signs:
- Dull, aching pain in the chest, which is often of a girdle nature;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the region of the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia in 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.Lumbar osteochondrosis symptoms:
- Painful, less often sharp pain in the lower back, which increases 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 (such as low back pain) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg
- Tingling, paresthesia in the legs.
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Osteochondrosis Diagnosis
Methods of radiation are used to detect osteochondrosis: radiography, MRI and computerized 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 radiographs because the osteophytes are located anterior and posterior to the vertebrae.
Also, with osteochondrosis, the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae are displaced, which can also be determined on an x-ray.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis is all the more effective the sooner 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 see a doctor in a timely manner, missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of medicines, physiotherapy exercises, massage, surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors: promote the regeneration of the affected cartilage;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Vasodilator drugs;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should proceed to rehabilitation. Hence, 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 it is thanks to a strong muscular corset that the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine. With regular performance of a series of exercises, the stiffness of the spine will disappear and the range of motion increases. 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 if conservative treatment fails, they resort to surgical intervention. The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as stabilize the structure of the disc or intervertebral vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case will they be able to replace the main treatment. On the Internet you can find a large 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 folk treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances that have an irritating effect. As a result, there is an improvement in the blood supply to a certain area of the body and a decrease in pain.
In folk medicine, such a rubbing recipe 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 disturbing area of the back twice a day. The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To get rid of the pain, you can apply a potato compress on your back. Grated raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, attach it to the back and wrap 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 to the back for half an hour. After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do this even easier: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock, and then lay on it.
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 the periods of exacerbation. In acute pain, you should refrain from gymnastics, as this will only lead to increased pain.
An example 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 sequentially.
- Lying on your back, put your hands behind your neck. The legs must be together and bent at the knees. The knees should be tilted to the left side and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Just wait for 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 raise your pelvis. Stay in this position for a few seconds. As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Roll to your side. Straighten your upper leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours. Arch your back, hold this position for a few seconds, then arch your lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Pull the left knee bent towards the right elbow and then vice versa.