Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative-dystrophic changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine. Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of the elderly. But young people are increasingly being diagnosed, which is probably due to predominantly sedentary work, unhealthy lifestyles and little physical activity. We can safely assume that the majority of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
The reasons
The flexibility, mobility and ability to withstand physical activity of the spinal column primarily depends on the condition of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process of osteochondrosis is based on malnutrition of the structure of the spinal column, especially the intervertebral disc. This leads to a change in the normal structure of the 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. In fact, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, especially back pain in osteochondrosis.
In the future, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, bone growth develops on the surface of the vertebrae. All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Similar transformations of cartilaginous and bone tissues are the consequences of physiological aging of the body. But under the influence of certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes of the intervertebral joints appear prematurely.These factors are:
- Obesity;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical work;
- Occupations characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat foot, valgus deformity of the foot;
- Deformities of the spine;
- autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Great sportsmanship;
- tension;
- Spine injuries etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on the segment of the spinal column in which the pathological process developed.There are the following types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervical;
- thoracic;
- Lumbar.
Cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is common. The muscular skeleton of the neck is rather poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an insignificant load, the vertebrae are displaced, and as a result, the vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed. This explains the peculiarities of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis are:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement of the neck;
- hemicranial pain - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the hands;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the chest 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, often girdle-like;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the region of the heart, in the right hypochondrium, in the abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia in the skin of the chest.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common variant of osteochondrosis. This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Painful, less often acute pain in the lower back, which increases with movement or prolonged static position;
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person assumes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pains (for example, lumbago) in the buttocks, thighs, legs;
- Tingling, paresthesia in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The most characteristic and especially 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 in front and behind the vertebrae.
In addition, in the case of osteochondrosis, the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae are displaced, 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 the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not consult a doctor in time, missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
The treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of medicines, physiotherapy exercises, massage and surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of affected cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- vasodilator drugs;
- Medicines that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the aggravation of the disease, you should continue rehabilitation. So physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis. Performing certain exercises contributes to the development of the muscular corset. This is extremely important, because thanks to the strong muscular ligament, the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine. By regularly performing the exercises, the stiffness of the spine disappears and the range of motion increases. Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction help to enhance the effect of physiotherapy exercises.
If complications occur in the form of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and if conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention is resorted to. The aim of the surgical treatment is to eliminate the compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebrae.
Home treatment of osteochondrosis
Folk remedies help alleviate the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but they cannot replace the main treatment in any case. You can find many alternative treatment methods online, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to check with your doctor.
Traditional medicine
The general principle of folk treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances that have an irritating effect. As a result, the blood supply to certain areas of the body is improved and pain is reduced.
Such a rubbing recipe is known in folk medicine: 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 obtained mixture should be rubbed twice a day on the disturbing area of the back. The procedure must be repeated within a week.
You can apply a potato poultice on your back to relieve the pain. Grated raw potatoes should be mixed in equal proportions with honey. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, fasten it to your back and wrap it with a scarf. You can also use a poultice on your burdock. To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of chopped burdock leaves. Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply it on 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 more simply: grate the radish, put it in cotton stockings, then lie back on it.
Note:
it is important to be careful when using folk remedies, do not touch your face with your hands. Radishes and other plants can cause corneal burns if they come into contact with the eyes.
Physiotherapy
Physical exercises can only be performed outside the period of exacerbation. In case of acute pain, you should refrain from exercising as it will only make the pain worse.
An example exercise sequence might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs. Pull the toe of the right foot towards you and the toe of the left foot away from you. This must be done in order.
- Lie on your back and place your hands behind your head. The legs should be brought together and bent at the knees. The knees should be bent to the left and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Hold it for just a few seconds. Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, arms along the body. Bend your knees and lift your pelvis. Stay in this position for a few seconds. Lower your pelvis as you exhale.
- Turn on 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 lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Bring your bent left knee to your right elbow and vice versa.