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.But more and more often the diagnosis is given to young people, probably due to predominantly sedentary work, an unhealthy lifestyle and poor physical activity.We can safely assume that the majority of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and the ability to withstand physical activity mainly depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is 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 and its shape changes.Such metamorphoses lead to narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, consequently, compression of the nerve roots.In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain due to osteochondrosis.
Subsequently, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, and bone growths form on the surface of the vertebrae.All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Such transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of the physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur sooner than expected.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal deformities;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormone levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Exercising sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on the segment of the spine in which the pathological process occurs.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervical;
- Chest;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is common.The muscular structure of the neck is developed rather poorly, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an insignificant load, displacement of the vertebrae occurs and, as a consequence, 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 movement of the neck;
- Migraine-type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Arm pain;
- Sensation 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 deformities.
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, paraesthesia of the skin of the chest.
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:
- Aching pain, less often sharp in the lower back, which increases with movement or with prolonged stay in a static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pain (like low back pain) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Tingling, paresthesia in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiation research methods are used: x-ray, computer and MRI 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, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae occurs, 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 the intervertebral discs and vertebrae.Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not consult 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 medications, physical therapy, massage and surgery.
Drug therapy:
- Non-steroidal 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 metabolism in tissues.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should move on to rehabilitation.Therefore, physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscle corset.This is extremely important, since it is thanks to the strong muscular corset that the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine.With regular performance of 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 occur 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 eliminate compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebra.
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 flow to a certain area of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.
In folk medicine, the following 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.The resulting mixture should be rubbed into the problem area 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 should be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, apply it to your back and wrap it with a scarf.You can also use a burdock compress.To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water into a spoonful of finely chopped burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply to 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 easier: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock and then lay it flat with its back on top.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not 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 be performed only outside periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from performing gymnastic exercises, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
An approximate set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the foot of your right foot towards you and the toe of your left foot away from you.This needs to be done one by one.
- While on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs should be together and bent at the knees.Your knees should be tilted to the left and your head should be turned in 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 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.
- Roll onto your side.Straighten your top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold the position for just a few seconds, then arch your waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull your bent left knee towards your right elbow and then vice versa.