Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae, and facet joints of the spine.Osteochondrosis is a constant companion of old age.But the diagnosis is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, possibly due to sedentary jobs, unhealthy lifestyles and little physical activity.We can safely assume that most adults will have signs of osteochondrosis.
reason
The spine's elasticity, mobility, and ability to withstand physical activity depend primarily on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process of osteochondrosis is dystrophy of the spinal structures, especially the intervertebral discs.This causes changes in the normal structure of the tissue, the disc loses its elasticity, and its shape changes.This deformation causes the disc to narrow, which can compress the nerve root.Indeed, these changes may explain the occurrence of neurological symptoms, particularly back pain caused by osteochondrosis.
Subsequently, degenerative processes occur in the facet joints of the spine, and bony growths form on the surfaces of the vertebrae.All of these changes can lead to decreased flexibility in the spine.
This transformation of cartilage and bone tissue is the result of physiological aging of the body.However, when affected by certain adverse factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints will occur in advance.These factors include:
- obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical labor;
- Occupations that require standing or sitting for long periods of time;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal deformity;
- autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuating hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- engage in physical exercise;
- pressure;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The clinical features of the disease depend on which part of the spine the pathological process occurs.Osteochondrosis can be divided into the following types:
- cervix;
- Chest;
- lumbar spine.
cervical osteochondrosis
Cervical osteochondrosis is common.The muscular framework of the neck is rather poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with a small load, the vertebrae become displaced, compressing the blood vessels and nerves of the neck.This explains the specific clinical manifestations of cervical osteochondrosis.
Therefore, the main symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Persistent pain in the neck and occipital area, aggravated by neck movement;
- Hemi-cranial pain - one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- arm pain;
- Feeling numb and tingling in hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the chest is quite rare.The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformity.
Symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull pain in the chest, usually in the form of a band;
- Pain worsened when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, or laughing;
- Pain in the heart, right ribs, abdominal viscera;
- Chest skin numbness and abnormal sensation.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This is probably because the heaviest load falls directly on the lumbar area.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Lower back pain, which is less likely to be acute and worsens with movement or staying in a static position for an extended period of time;
- Feeling stiff in the lower back;
- To relieve pain, people adopt forced postures;
- Pain or severe pain in the buttocks, thighs, or calves (such as low back pain);
- Tingling and abnormal sensation in the legs.
.webp)
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiological investigation methods are used: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most typical and important early symptom of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
Later in 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 on the front and back of the vertebrae.
Additionally, osteochondrosis can cause adjacent vertebral bodies to shift, which can also be determined by X-rays.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment for osteochondrosis is more effective the earlier it is started.As mentioned earlier, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of the discs and vertebrae.Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time, do not seek medical attention in time, and miss the moment when it is still possible to prevent the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of medications, physical therapy, massage and surgery.
Medication:
- NSAIDs in the form of tablets, ointments, or injections for pain relief;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotective agent – promotes the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complex;
- Vasodilators;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After the exacerbation is eliminated, rehabilitation treatment should be continued.Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises can help develop a muscular corset.This is extremely important, because it is thanks to the powerful muscular corset that the body load is evenly distributed along the spine.By performing a set of exercises regularly, spinal stiffness will disappear and range of motion will increase.Massage, physical therapy, reflexology, and spinal traction will help enhance the effects of physical therapy.
If complications such as intervertebral hernia and radiculitis occur and conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is required.The goals of surgical treatment are to remove compression from nerve roots and blood vessels and to stabilize the structure of the disc or vertebrae.
Treat osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case can they replace primary treatments.You can find plenty of traditional treatments on the internet, but not all are safe, so be sure to talk to your doctor.
traditional medicine
The general principle of folk treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances with a stimulating effect.The result is improved blood supply to a certain part of the body and reduced pain.
In folk medicine, the following rub recipe is known: mix 0.25 cup of vodka with 0.5 cup of honey, add 0.75 cup of grated radish, as well as two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be rubbed on problem areas of the back twice a day.The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To relieve pain, you can apply a potato compress to your back.Grated raw potatoes must be mixed with honey in equal proportions.The resulting mixture is then wrapped in gauze, applied to the back and wrapped with a scarf.You can also use burdock as a compress.To prepare, add a cup of boiling water to a spoonful of grated burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it on your back for half an hour.After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do it even simpler: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock, and lie on your back.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not to touch your face with your hands.Radishes and other plants may cause corneal burns if they come in contact with the eyes.
therapeutic gymnastics
Physical exercise should only be done during an exacerbation of the condition.If you are experiencing acute pain, you should avoid gymnastics as this will only make the pain worse.
An approximate set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the toes of your right foot toward you and the toes of your left foot away from you.This must be done one by one.
- While lying on your back, place your hands behind your head.Your legs must be together and your knees bent.Your knees should tilt to the left and your head should turn in the opposite direction.Hold for a few seconds.Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back with your arms resting on your body.You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis.Hold this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Roll over to one side.Straighten the top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position is on all fours.Arch your back, hold for a few seconds, then arch your waist.
- Turn onto your back.Pull your bent left knee toward your right elbow, and then vice versa.