Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes and treatment methods

For a long time, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly. But a sedentary lifestyle, overeating and bad habits have significantly rejuvenated this disease. Even in children, posture disorders and weak back muscles are often observed. All of this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

osteochondrosis what is it

The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The pathology occurs due to a violation of physiological processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. Tissue structure changes, elasticity is lost. In the future, the gaps between the vertebrae narrow, a certain vertebral segment becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

• protrusion of disc segments;
• hernia;
• kyphosis;
• scoliosis;
• paresis;
• paralysis.

Important!Osteochondrosis is very difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden spikes in pressure, feeling of muscular heaviness, dizziness with sudden movements may be latent manifestations of this disease.

disease symptoms

The disease has 4 groups of symptoms. Let's take a look at each of them.

Statistical

These manifestations are associated with a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, there is a violation of posture, it is difficult for the person to turn his head, he cannot fully straighten his back.

Neurological

The disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This violates the skin's sensitivity, reduces the intensity of muscle contractions.

In the early stage of the disease, pain manifests itself locally, only in the affected area. But when the pathology starts to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, chills, tingling sensations and numbness may appear.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:

• blood vessels are compressed. Most of the time, this occurs with damage to the cervical spine. The result can be oxygen deficiency in certain areas of the brain, dizziness, often nausea;
• changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged spasms and chronic ischemia in Organs internal organs.

Important!There are also trophic symptoms of the disease - this is a symbiosis of vascular and neurological factors that lead to the appearance of skin defects and ulcers.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Sedentary lifestyle, bad habits and excess weight cause, in most cases, the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors that affect the possibility of becoming ill are:

• genetic predisposition - people with low heredity have to make great efforts to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, bad environmental situation;
• malformed spine - children from infancy sit incorrectly, which leads to inappropriate posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably with swimming;
• constant stress on the spine caused by heavy physical work;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• sore and crooked feet.

Important!Women are more susceptible to this disease. The reason is the constant changes in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation. Diets, some weight-loss products and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.

Cervical spine osteochondrosis

This disease is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

People spend more and more time sitting, concentrating on one point, the neck becomes immobile. All of this leads to the onset of the disease. Often, osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is the result of an old injury. This disease is very common in professional athletes.

This osteochondrosis starts with a prolonged headache that cannot be eliminated with the help of conventional pain relievers. Pain affects the occiput and temples. Discomfort may worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.

What else can indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• tenderness in the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed; in advanced cases, the upper limbs may become completely paralyzed;
• the blood supply to various parts of the brain is disturbed, tinnitus appears, and the head is often dizzy. In the future, some parts of the brain may be completely deprived of nutrition;
• vision begins to fall, patients complain of flies in front of the eyes;
• older people may suddenly faint;
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, there are bouts of hiccups, shortness of breath;
• the neck loses its mobility.

Important!Cervical osteochondrosis is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the normal course of life, take preventive actions. You can also learn to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine is characterized by greater mobility and constant heavy loads. Everyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation don't matter much.

1. Many people, by the nature of their service, have to stay in a stooped position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. A spinal cord injury can progress to osteochondrosis. You can damage your spine if you don't exercise properly.
3. In the case of a sudden cessation of loads on the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of an affected lumbar spine include:

• pain and low back pain in the legs and lower back, which increase after physical exertion;
• numbness of the skin is seen in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel;
• interrupted pelvic functions, there is a problem of erection and urination.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, complications often arise. Unstable vertebrae can fly out of the sacrum at any time. Which will lead to damage to internal organs.

Spinal osteochondritis

More than 70% of back pain complaints are associated with osteochondrosis. Spinal tissue dystrophy is inherent in every second inhabitant of the planet, whose age has already passed the 30-year mark.

Injuries, intense physical exertion, work in conditions of constant vibration can cause the disease to manifest.

The disease has typical symptoms:

• pain, chronic pain that causes increased fatigue, increased discomfort occurs when lifting weights, sudden movements, coughing and sneezing;
• the affected spine starts to go numb;
• range of motion decreases.

Important!Cartilage and bone tissue have the ability to self-renew. Moderate and regular exercise helps strengthen back muscles, increases blood circulation.

Thoracic osteochondrosis

Often, pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic vertebral segments are present simultaneously.

Pain syndrome is practically not inherent to thoracic osteochondrosis. Therefore, many may not even be aware of the presence of the disease. If pain occurs, the sensations manifest in the intercostal and scapular region, sometimes affecting the upper abdomen.

The first symptoms of the disease are similar to a heart attack, gallbladder inflammation, gastritis or stomach ulcer. With osteochondrosis, pain increases during laps, deep breathing and coughing.

In the future, the disease will manifest itself as a reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper dorsal region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men can develop erectile dysfunction.

which doctor treats

Osteochondrosis has many clinical manifestations. The patient must visit several specialists to understand the cause of the illness. For a correct diagnosis, you should contact a neurologist and orthopedist. Private clinics provide vertebrologist services.

Attention!Learn more about your doctor's appointment.

After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and surrounding soft tissue in various positions, determining the degree of mobility for each section. Instrumental examination plays a key role in diagnosis.

Then, computed tomography, X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance study are prescribed.

Important!In addition to the spine, the work of blood vessels and peripheral nerves is analyzed.

home treatment

The treatment of this disease with popular methods is recognized as effective even by traditional medicine. The patient's discipline, the use of various techniques by the patient can significantly reduce the time needed to restore spinal tissues.

You should start by reviewing the diet. Excess cholesterol leads to decreased blood flow, blood vessels lose elasticity, which leads to the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich broths, pork must be excluded and the skin must be removed from the chicken.

The patient needs to get rid of addictions, reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily execution of an individual complex of physiotherapy exercises;
• self-massage - includes rubbing and stroking, helps shiatsu well;
• the use of specially designed devices and applicators;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is selected by an expert, the application method is easy to master;
• Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.

Important!Self-activity is very dangerous in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Therefore, even when choosing home therapy, you should listen to your doctor's recommendations.

drug treatment

To relieve pain, other symptoms of osteochondrosis, the doctor prescribes pain relievers. Pain relief patches are used to treat neuropathic syndromes. They contain lidocaine, which relieves any painful sensations.

1. Non-steroidal medications are designed to relieve inflammation and work powerfully and effectively. But the side effects do not allow you to take these medications for a long time.
2. To relieve pain, you can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments.
3. If pain persists for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. They have a calming effect, reduce the manifestation of pain.

During treatment, it is important to restore the intervertebral discs and cartilage. For this, hondoprotectors are intended. They must be taken for at least 4 months.

1. To improve blood circulation, a special medicine is shown, which must be taken in combination with medicines containing nicotinic and thioctic acid.
2. Diuretics help to relieve swelling.
3. It is also imperative to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.

Injections

With lumbar osteochondrosis, special locks are made for pain relief. The specialist uses a long needle to inject a pain reliever. The procedure allows for temporary relief from pain, but there is no therapeutic effect.

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasms.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps to restore cartilage tissue.
3. To restore the nervous system in the affected areas, an injection of vitamin B is given.
4. For the treatment of inflammation, modern non-steroidal medicines that do not harm the functioning of the stomach and intestines are used.

Doctors believe that oral administration of medications is the most effective method of treating osteochondrosis. Injections are only done in a hospital setting.

Important!To get rid of osteochondrosis, a systematic approach is needed. It is impossible to partially fulfill the prescriptions of a specialist. Only strict adherence to the treatment regimen can guarantee a positive result.

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbalists offer several natural remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

water procedures

Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good healing effect is seen after using a nettle broom in the bath.

The following rates are good for bathing:

• Mix birch leaves (270 g) with mint and lemon balm (55 g each). Pour the mixture into 7 liters of boiling water. After cooling, pour into water;
• in 5 liters of water, boil 1500 g of conifers or pine cones for half an hour.

compresses

For the preparation of compresses, black radish porridge, horseradish root, garlic is suitable. The putty should be applied to the affected area, wrap it carefully. Keep it as long as possible.

For pain relief, you can make a compress by mixing chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in a sore spot for at least an hour.

Decoctions and Infusions

Treatment with an ordinary laurel decoction is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

1. The bay leaf (4 g) must be filled with water (240 ml).
2. Boil for 4 minutes. Insist on a warm place for 3 hours.
3. The resulting drug should be drunk slowly before bedtime.
4. Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. The broth must always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a break for a week. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid discomfort during the year.

celery

Celery infusion helps to eliminate salt deposits. This drink is rich in vitamins. To prepare it, you will need 4 g of crushed roots and 950 ml of slightly cooled boiling water. The mixture should be infused overnight.

After which it must be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can prepare fresh juice from celery roots. You can use three times a day, 12 ml.

Ointments and Mops

ginger ointment

This remedy helps with lumbago.

1. Fry ginger powder with melted butter.
2. Grind fresh garlic until porridge.
3. Mix components in equal parts.
4. The ointment should be rubbed into the affected area.

Oregano Scrub

Place 25 g of chopped oregano in a container with 450 ml of oil. It is better to use olive oil or sunflower oil. Allow the product to mature for 8 hours. Squeeze grass and discard.

Friction is suitable for the treatment of all types of osteochondrosis.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Physical therapy is an integral part of the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex is designed by an expert. This takes into account the patient's diagnosis, degree of stress and fitness level.

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

A set of exercises for the treatment of cervical spine pathologies

1. Lie on your back. One hand is placed on the stomach, the other on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible, hold your breath. On the count of 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 approaches a day.
2. Lie on your stomach, stretch your legs. Slowly lift your head and upper thoracic region. Go down and take a break for half a minute.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Roll to the right and then to the left side, without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, concentrate on your outstretched arms. Bend back, fix position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
2. Lie on your back, lift your head and legs at the same time. Take 15 seconds. Take a 20-second break between exercises.

Exercises for Lumbar Spine Injuries

1. Lie on your back, bend your legs against your chest. In 2 minutes, roll with your back to the sacrum. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend on all fours.
3. Standing, make a circular motion, mimicking the rotation of the bow.

Important!Physical education should not be practiced during the acute phase of the illness.

Massage for osteochondrosis

Classic massage is performed only by trained people in specialized rooms.

Honey

At home you can have a honey massage. To do this, hot honey must be applied to the affected area. Then gently press and lift your palms from the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best performed after a visit to the spa. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compression paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results are observed after vacuum massage cupping. For this, vegetable and mineral oil is applied to the back. And then a special medical bank makes sliding movements along certain trajectories. This procedure helps to improve blood circulation, the inflamed areas are enriched with oxygen and nutrients and the regeneration process begins.

Disease prevention

With regular preventive measures, osteochondrosis can be avoided.

Important!Swimming and firming are the best preventative measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscular corset with special exercises.
2. Proper and balanced nutrition is also important.
3. Frequent stressful situations, hypothermia can accelerate the development of the disease.
4. Women and children should not carry weights constantly in one hand.
5. It is also contraindicated for a long stay at the computer or near the TV. Every 30 minutes you need to get up, get up, get warm.

Pain is usually caused by incorrect lifting. This should be done by squatting slightly and not bending over. If you have to stand for a long time, the supporting leg should be changed periodically. At all times, support your back on an object to relieve tension.

Important!For the prevention of osteochondrosis, orthopedic sleeping supplies should be purchased.

A large number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many methods of treatment. But it is better to have prophylaxis in a timely manner than to be treated for a long time.