Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine.Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of old age.But the diagnosis is increasingly 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 the majority of the adult population shows signs of osteochondrosis.
Reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity depend primarily on the condition of the intervertebral discs.The basis of the pathological process in osteochondrosis is malnutrition of the spinal structures, 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.These metamorphoses lead to the narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, the compression of the nerve roots.In fact, 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 of these changes lead to a decrease in spinal flexibility.
Such transformations of cartilage and bone tissue are the result of the physiological aging of the body.But when exposed to certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur sooner than expected.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that involve standing or sitting for a long time during working hours;
- Flat feet, hallux valgus;
- Spinal deformities;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels (pregnancy, menopause);
- Play sports;
- Stress;
- Spine injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
Features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which segment of the spine 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 structure of the neck is poorly developed, 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, worsened by moving the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- Dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the arms;
- Sensation 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 usually has a circular character;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia in the chest skin.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common type of osteochondrosis.This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the lower back.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Aching, less often sharp 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, the person assumes a forced position;
- Sharp or stabbing pain (like low back pain) in the buttocks, 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 MRI of the spine.The most characteristic and, most importantly, early sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
In the 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
Osteochondrosis treatment 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.
The treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of medication, physiotherapy, 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 proceed to rehabilitation.Therefore, 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, since it is thanks to the strong muscular corset that the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine.By regularly performing a series of exercises, spinal stiffness will disappear and range of motion will increase.Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help enhance the effect of physiotherapy.
If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, radiculitis and conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is resorted to.The aim of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebra.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies help alleviate 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 consult your doctor.
Traditional medicine
The general principle of popular 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 rubbing recipe is known: mix 0.25 cups of vodka with 0.5 cups of honey, add 0.75 cups of grated radish and two tablespoons of salt.The resulting mixture must 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 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 burdock compress.To prepare it, pour a cup of boiling water into a spoonful of finely crushed burdock leaves.Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it to your back for half an hour.After removing the compress, wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do it even simpler: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock and lie on your back on top.
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 exercise can only be done outside of periods of exacerbation.In case of acute pain, gymnastics should be avoided as this will only increase the pain.
An approximate set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and stretch your legs.Pull your right foot toward 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 should 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, with your arms at your sides.You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis.Stay in this position for a few seconds.As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Roll to 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, then arch your waist.
- Roll onto your back.Pull your bent left knee toward your right elbow and vice versa.