Osteochondrosis is a disease 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 increasingly, the diagnosis is being made to young people, which is probably due to predominantly sedentary work, an unhealthy lifestyle, and little physical activity.We can safely assume that most of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spinal column, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity primarily depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is a malnutrition of the structures of the spinal column, in particular 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, as a result, compression of the nerve roots.Actually, 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 spinal column.
Such transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to certain unfavorable 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 deformities;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Exercising sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
Features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which segment of the spinal column the pathological process occurs in.The following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:
- Cervical;
- Chest;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is common.The muscular frame of the neck is developed quite poorly, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with insignificant 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 spine.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement in the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the arms;
- Feeling 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, paresthesia in 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, less often acute pain in the lower back, increasing with movement or prolonged stay in one static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pain (like lumbago) 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: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and, importantly, early sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
At 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.
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 is started.As already mentioned, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of 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 to relieve pain;
- 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.Thus, physical therapy is a very important aspect of 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 muscle corset that the physical load is distributed evenly along the spine.With regular performance of a set of exercises, stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of movements will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology, and spinal traction will help enhance 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 to stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebra.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help alleviate the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case can they replace the main treatment.You can find a large number of traditional methods of treatment 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 for 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.
In folk medicine, the following rubbing recipe is known: mix 0.25 cups of vodka with 0.5 cups of honey, add 0.75 cups of grated radish, as well as two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture should be rubbed on the troubling 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 must 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 compress with burdock.To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water into one spoon of finely crushed 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 simpler: grate the radish, put it in a cotton stocking, and then lie with your back on top of it.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not to touch your face with your hands.Radish and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause a burn to the cornea.
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 increased 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 must be done one by one.
- While on your back, place your hands behind the back of your head.The legs must be brought 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 raise your pelvis.Stay in this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Roll over onto your side.Straighten your 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 at the waist.
- Roll over onto your back.Pull your bent left knee towards your right elbow, and then vice versa.