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 considerably rejuvenated this disease. Even in children, postural disturbances, weakness of the back muscles are often observed. All of this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

What is osteochondrosis

The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Pathology is 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 lead to serious complications:

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

Important!Osteochondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden surges of 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 form of the vertebrae. In this case, a violation of posture occurs, it is difficult for a person to turn their head, they cannot fully straighten their back.

Neurological

The disease is characterized by damage to nervous tissue. It violates the sensitivity of the skin, reduces the intensity of muscle contractions.

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

Vascular

These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:

• the blood vessels are compressed. Most often this occurs with damage to the cervical spine. The result can be a lack of oxygen 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 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 low heredity have to make a lot of effort to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, bad environmental situation;
• malformed spine - children from childhood do not sit properly, 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 for this is the constant changes in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation. Diets, certain weight loss products, and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

People spend more and more time in a sitting position, concentrating on one point, the neck is in a still state. All this leads to the onset of the disease. Often osteochondrosis of 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 pain relievers. The pain affects the occipital region and the temples. The discomfort may worsen after sleep or prolonged sedentary work.

What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• the sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases the upper limbs can completely paralyze;
• blood supply to various parts of the brain is disturbed, tinnitus occurs, and the head is often dizzy. In the future, parts of the brain may be completely starved of nutrition;
• vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies in front of their eyes;
• the elderly 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 measures. 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 constant heavy loads. Anyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation don't really matter.

1. Many people, by the nature of their service, have to be in a stooped position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. Spinal cord injury can progress to osteochondrosis. You can damage the spine if you don't exercise properly.
3. With a sudden stop 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;
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel off;
• disturbed pelvic functions, there is a problem with erection and urination.

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

Osteocondritis of the spine

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

Injury, heavy physical exertion, work under conditions of constant vibration can provoke the manifestation of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

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

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

Thoracic osteochondrosis

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

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

The first symptoms of the disease resemble 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 breastbone 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 should consult various specialists in order to understand the cause of the disease. For a correct diagnosis, you need to contact a neurologist and an orthopedist. Private clinics offer the services of a vertebrologist.

Warning!Learn more about your doctor's appointment.

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

After that, a CT scan, x-ray and a study using nuclear magnetic 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 traditional methods is recognized as effective even by traditional medicine. The discipline of the patient, the use of various techniques by him allows to significantly reduce the time required for the restoration of the tissues of the spine.

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

The patient must get rid of addictions, reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of an individual complex of physiotherapy exercises;
• self-massage - includes rubbing and caressing, 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 a specialist, the method of application 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 the doctor's recommendations.

Medical treatment

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

1. Nonsteroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation, they work powerfully and effectively. But side effects do not allow taking such drugs for a long time.
2. To relieve the pain, you can use warming ointments that are harmless, but just as effective.
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 the 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 indicated, which should 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.

Injection

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

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve spasms.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps 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 nonsteroidal drugs are used that do not adversely affect the functioning of the stomach and intestines.

Doctors believe that oral medication is the most effective way to treat osteochondrosis. Injections are only given in a hospital environment.

Important!Getting 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 charges 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 pine cones or conifers for half an hour.

Compresses

For the preparation of compresses, black radish gruel, horseradish root, garlic are suitable. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrapped. Keep as long as possible.

To relieve pain, you can make a compress by mixing chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in a sensitive place 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. The bay leaf (4 g) should be filled with water (240 ml).
2. Boil for 4 minutes. Insist in 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 should always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a week's break. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid inconvenience during the year.

Celery

The infusion of celery will help remove 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 celeriac juice. You can use it three times a day, 12 ml.

Ointments and rubs

Ginger ointment

This remedy helps with lumbago.

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

Oregano rub

Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a container with 450 ml of oil. It is best to use olive or sunflower oil. Allow the product to mature for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and throw it away.

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

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy is an integral part of 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 condition of the patient.

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

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

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 per day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly raise your head and upper thoracic region. Go downstairs and take a half-minute break.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Roll to the right then to the left, without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on outstretched arms. Lean 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 seconds. Take a 20 second break between exercises.

Exercises for lumbar spine injuries

1. Lie on your back, tuck your legs against your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from the back to the sacrum. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend over on all fours.
3. While standing, perform circular movements imitating the rotation of the hoop.

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

Massage for osteochondrosis

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

Darling

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

Vacuum massage

Good results are noted after vacuum massage. For this, vegetable and mineral oil is applied to the back. And then a special medical bank performs sliding movements along certain paths. 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 prevented.

Important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventative measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscle corset with special exercises.
2. A correct and balanced diet is also important.
3. Frequent stressful situations, hypothermia can accelerate the development of the disease.
4. Women and children do not have to constantly carry weights in one hand.
5. It is also contraindicated for a prolonged stay in front of the computer or near the television. Every 30 minutes you need to get up, straighten up, warm up.

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by crouching lightly and without bending over. If you have to stand for a long time, 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 need to 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 on time than to be treated for a long time.