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 a predominantly sedentary job, an unhealthy lifestyle and a lack of physical activity.We can safely assume that most of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and its ability to withstand physical activity mainly depend on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process of osteochondrosis is malnutrition of the spinal structures, in particular the intervertebral disc.This leads to changes in the normal structure of the tissues, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity and its shape changes.Such metamorphoses lead to shrinkage of the intervertebral discs and, consequently, compression of the nerve roots.Indeed, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, notably back pain due to osteochondrosis.
Subsequently, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, and bony growths form on the surface of the vertebrae.All of these changes lead to a decrease in spinal flexibility.
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 earlier than expected.These factors include:
- Obesity ;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Intense physical work;
- Occupations that involve standing or sitting for hours of work;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal malformations;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Play sports;
- Stress;
- Spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The features 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 framework of the neck is quite poorly developed.Therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an 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 of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movements of the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in 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 region of the chest, which often has a girdling character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesias 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, less often acute pain in the lower back, increasing with movement or prolonged stay in a static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person adopts a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pain (like lumbago) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Tingling, paresthesias in the legs.
%20in%20lumbar%20osteochondrosis.webp)
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
To detect osteochondrosis, radiation research methods are used: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine.The most characteristic and, above all, the earliest sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
In 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 osteophytes are located in front and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, displacement of the bodies of adjacent vertebrae occurs, which can also be determined by radiography.
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 time, thereby missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out using medications, physiotherapy, massage and surgery.
Drug therapy:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- Muscle relaxers;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Vasodilators;
- Drugs that normalize metabolism in tissues.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should move on to rehabilitation.Thus, physiotherapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis.Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscular corset.This is extremely important, because 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, spinal stiffness will disappear and the range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help to enhance the effect of physiotherapy.
If complications arise in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis and conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is used.The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of 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.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 traditional treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances with 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 recipe for rubbing 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 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 spoon of finely crushed burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it to 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 radish, put it in a cotton stocking, then lie with your back on it.
Please note: It is important to be careful when using folk remedies and not 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 practiced outside periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, you should refrain from doing gymnastics, as this will only increase the pain.
A rough set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs.Pull the toe of your right foot toward you and the toe of your left foot away from you.This must be done one by one.
- 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 tilted to the left and your head should be facing 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, arms at your sides.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 onto your side.Straighten your top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours.Arch your back, hold for a few seconds, then arch at the waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull your bent left knee toward your right elbow, then vice versa.