Osteochondrosis is a disease that is based on degenerative changes occurring 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 made in young people, which is probably due to mostly sedentary work, unhealthy lifestyle and low physical activity.We can safely assume that the majority of the elderly population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical stress depend primarily on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is malnutrition of the structures of the spine, in particular of the intervertebral disc.This leads to changes in the normal structure of the tissues, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity and changes its shape.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, in particular 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 physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to certain adverse factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur ahead of schedule.These factors include:
- obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that involve prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal distortions;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Exercising sports;
- stress;
- Injuries of the spine, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on in which segment of the spine the pathological process occurs.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- cervical;
- Chest;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae is common.The muscular framework of the neck is rather poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with a minor load, displacement of the vertebrae occurs 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 vertebrae.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement of the neck;
- Pain of hemicranial type - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in hands;
- Sensation of numbness 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 distortions.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- A dull, aching pain in the region of the chest, often of a dangerous character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia 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:
- Pain, less often sharp pain in the lower back, increasing 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 (such as lumbago) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Numbness, paresthesia in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiation research methods are used: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and, importantly, an 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 more easily detected on lateral x-rays because the osteophytes are located in front and back of the vertebrae.
In addition, 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 begins.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 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, 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 tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the aggravation of the disease, you should proceed to rehabilitation.Therefore, physiotherapy 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, because thanks to the strong muscle corset, the physical load is distributed evenly along the spine.By regularly performing a set of exercises, the stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help improve the effect of physiotherapy.
If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and if conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is resorted to.The goal of surgical treatment is to remove compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to 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.On the Internet you can find a large number of traditional 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.The result is an improvement in blood supply to a certain area 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 turnip, as well as two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be rubbed on the problem area of the back twice a day.The procedure should be repeated within a week.
To relieve the pain, you can put a potato compress on the back.Grated raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions.Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, apply it to the back and wrap it with a scarf.You can also use a burdock compress.To prepare it, pour a cup of boiling water into a spoonful of finely crushed burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply on your back for half an hour.After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can make it even simpler: grate the turnip, 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.Radishes and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Physical exercises can only be done outside periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from performing gymnastics, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
An approximate set of exercises may look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the ball of your right foot toward you and the toe of your left foot away from you.This should be done one at a time.
- While lying on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs should be brought together and bent at the knees.Your knees should be bent to the left and your head should be 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 sides.You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis.Stay in this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Turn to your side.Straighten the top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold for just a few seconds, and then arch your back.
- Turn on your back.Pull the bent left knee towards the right elbow and then back.