Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes and methods of treatment

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

Osteochondrosis what is it

The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine. Pathology occurs due to a violation of physiological processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. The structure of tissues changes, elasticity is lost. In the future, the intervals 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 quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden surges in pressure, a feeling of muscle heaviness, dizziness with sudden movements can be latent manifestations of this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

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, posture is disturbed, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, he cannot fully straighten his back.

Neurological

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

At the initial stage of the disease, pain manifests itself locally, only in the affected area. But when the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, goose bumps, tingling sensations, numbness may appear.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur due to the following reasons:

• blood vessels are compressed. Most often this occurs when the cervical spine is affected. The result can be oxygen deficiency in certain areas of the brain, dizzy, often nauseous;
• changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged spasms and chronic ischemia in the 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

Physical inactivity, bad habits, excess weight most often provoke the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors affecting the possibility of getting sick are:

• genetic predisposition - people with poor heredity have to make a lot of efforts to avoid this ailment;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, poor environmental situation;
• malformed spine - children from childhood sit incorrectly, which leads to poor posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably with swimming;
• constant stress on the spine caused by hard physical labor;
• 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 provoke osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

This ailment is one of the most common pathologies in the musculoskeletal system.

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

Such osteochondrosis begins with a prolonged headache, which cannot be eliminated with the help of conventional painkillers. The pain affects the occipital region and temples. Discomfort may worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.

What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sensitivity in the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases, the upper limbs can completely paralyze;
• 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 the appearance of flies in front of their eyes;
• older people may suddenly faint;
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, then there are attacks of hiccups, shortness of breath;
• the neck loses its mobility.

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

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and strong constant loads. Everyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation do not really matter.

1. Many people, by the nature of their service, have to be in a bent position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. A spinal injury can develop into osteochondrosis. You can damage the spine if you do not exercise properly.
3. In the case of a sharp cessation of loads in the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of an affected lumbar spine include:

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

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

Osteocondritis of the spine

More than 70% of complaints of back pain are associated with osteochondrosis. Dystrophy of the spinal tissues is inherent in every second inhabitant of the planet, whose age has crossed the mark of 30 years.

Injuries, heavy physical exertion, work in conditions of constant vibration can provoke the manifestation of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

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

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

Chest osteochondrosis

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

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

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

In the future, the disease is manifested by reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper dorsal region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men may develop erectile dysfunction.

Which doctor treats

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

Attention!Find out more about your doctor's appointment.

After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and nearby soft tissues in various positions, determine the degree of mobility of each section. Instrumental examination plays a key role in the diagnosis.

After that, a computed tomography, X-ray, and a study using magnetic-nuclear resonance are prescribed.

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

Home treatment

Treatment of this disease with folk methods is recognized as effective even by traditional medicine. The patient's discipline, the use of various techniques by him can significantly reduce the time required to restore the tissues of the spine.

You should start by reviewing the diet. Excess cholesterol leads to impaired blood flow, blood vessels lose elasticity, this leads to the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich broths, pork should 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 performance 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 to improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is selected by a specialist, the application method is easy to master;
• Massager 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 the doctor's recommendations.

Medication treatment

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

1. Non-steroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation, they act powerfully and effectively. But the side effects do not allow taking such medications for a long time.
2. To relieve pain, you can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments.
3. If the 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 intervertebral discs and cartilage. For this, hondoprotectors are intended. They should be taken for at least 4 months.

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

Injections

With lumbar osteochondrosis, special blockages are made for pain relief. The specialist uses a long needle to inject an analgesic. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve pain, but there is no therapeutic effect.

1. Miorelankants 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 drugs are used that do not harm the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

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

Important!To get rid of osteochondrosis requires a systematic approach. 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 various natural remedies for the treatment of osteochondrosis.

Water procedures

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

The following fees are good for baths:

• 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 coniferous or pine cones for half an hour.

Compresses

For the preparation of compresses, gruel from black radish, horseradish root, garlic is suitable. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrap. Keep 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 a decoction of common laurel is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

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

Two sessions are enough to avoid discomfort during the year.

Celery

Celery infusion will help get rid of 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 should be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can prepare fresh juice from celery roots. You can use it three times a day, 12 ml.

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This remedy helps with lumbago.

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

Oregano rub

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

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

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy is an integral part in the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex is compiled by a specialist. This takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the level of physical fitness of the patient.

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

A set of exercises for the treatment of pathologies in the cervical spine

1. Lie flat 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 per day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly raise 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 over to the right and then the left side, without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for chest osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on straight arms. Bend back, fix the position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
2. Lie on your back, raise your head and legs at the same time. Linger for 15 sec. Take a break of 20 seconds between exercises.

Exercises for lesions of the lumbar spine

1. Lie on your back, tuck your legs to your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from the back to the sacrum. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend while on all fours.
3. In a standing position, make circular movements, imitating the rotation of the hoop.

Important!Physical education should not be practiced during the acute stage of the disease.

Massage for osteochondrosis

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

Honey

At home, you can have a honey massage. To do this, warm honey should be applied to the affected area. Then lightly press and lift the palms from the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best done after visiting the bathhouse. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compress paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results are noted after cupping vacuum massage. For this, vegetable, 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 starts.

Disease prevention

With regular preventive measures, osteochondrosis can be avoided.

Important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventive measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscle corset with special exercises.
2. Correct, balanced nutrition is also important.
3. Frequent stressful situations, hypothermia can accelerate the development of the disease.
4. Women and children should not constantly carry weights 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, pull yourself up, warm up.

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by squatting slightly, and not bending over. If you have to stand for a long time, then the supporting leg should be changed periodically. At every opportunity, lean your back on an object to relieve tension.

Important!For the prevention of osteochondrosis, you should purchase orthopedic items for sleeping.

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