Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine through the development of changes in the intervertebral discs of one or another department.Its danger lies in the fact that the development of the disease takes place imperceptibly.Currently, this disease has become much younger.

What is osteochondrosis of the spine

Doctors define this disease as a chronic degenerative-dystrophic change in the spine and its structure.It affects about 80 percent of the world's population, and the first signs of this disease can be seen already at the age of 20-25.This can cause more serious health problems in the future.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs most often;cervical and thoracic chondrosis is less often observed.A person has 33-34 vertebrae, which are interconnected by intervertebral discs.They perform a number of important functions, which ensure the mobility of the spine.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is characterized by drying and changing the size of these discs and the space between them, which leads to a decrease in their strength and elasticity.A heavy load on the spine leads to displacement of the discs, which results in pain when moving, and later an intervertebral hernia develops.

Movement of the vertebrae is caused by pinching of nerve endings and compression of blood vessels.The curvature of the spine, damage to individual parts, their deformation is an irreversible process.Ossification of the ligaments further reduces the mobility of the spine.

What types are there?

Depending on the damaged areas, the following types of osteochondrosis are distinguished:

• Cervical spine, most often observed in young people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and work for a long time at the computer;
• Thoracic spine disease, a rare type of disease, can be caused by changes in the thoracic spine due to various factors (for example, trauma);
• The lumbosacral region, the disease is the most widespread, often affects people over 30 years old;
• Common chondrosis, when several parts of the spine are affected at once.

The disease goes through several stages:

1. The first stage often occurs imperceptibly.Instability of the vertebrae appears, caused by their movement, and slight discomfort occurs when moving.This is the dangerous stage where injuries are most likely.
2. In the second stage, the fibrous ring of the spine is destroyed, which leads to a reduction in the distance between them.
3. The third stage is followed by the rupture of the fibrous rings, the core of the disc comes out of its place.In this phase, intervertebral hernias appear, which lead to deformation of the spine.
4. The last stage is characterized by severe pain syndromes.Bone growths and ossification of ligaments hinder the freedom of movement of the spine.

Osteochondrosis is caused by muscle tension, which leads to muscle spasms.This leads to limited mobility of the joints and spine.The result is degeneration of the vertebrae and discs, narrowing of the opening between the vertebrae, compression of the nerve roots.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease depend on the damaged area.It is worth noting that people attribute most of the symptoms of this disease individually to other problems.For example, it is believed that headaches are caused by tension and stress, and hearing loss is caused by using headphones.

1. Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are manifested as follows:

   • Headache that gets worse when you try to move your head;
   • Pain in the neck, which spreads to the area of the shoulder blade, arms and chest;
   • Sensibility is often disturbed, fingers become numb and weakness is felt;
   • Movement of the tongue is limited, which affects speech, snoring may occur;
   • The voice changes, becomes weak and hoarse;
   • Possible dizziness, loss of consciousness;
   • Loss of movement coordination, loss of orientation when walking;
   • The condition of the teeth worsens;
   • Hearing decreases, tinnitus appears.

2. Rarely, but osteochondrosis of the chest occurs.It is usually caused by spinal injuries.The cause may be scoliosis.Symptoms of this disease:

   • Sharp pain in the chest area, becomes stronger when you try to take a deep breath and move;
   • Pain can occur in the stomach, liver and heart regions;
   • Sometimes there is a feeling of numbness in the chest.

3. The most common variant of the disease is lumbosacral osteochondrosis.It manifests itself as severe pain in the lumbar region.The symptoms can be different, but in the first period of development they are not very pronounced.But over time or in a "successful" situation, the disease worsens.It appears:

   • Aching or sharp pain that increases with movement in the area just above the coccyx;
   • The pain spreads to the hip area, the sensitivity of the legs is disturbed;
   • Limitation of body movement, it is impossible to bend or turn;
   • In the last stage, it is often impossible to sit, it is difficult to get up, muscle weakness appears.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Many people are interested in the question of how to treat osteochondrosis and whether this disease can be completely cured.Doctors answer this question unequivocally no, but it is possible and necessary to start treatment on time and stop the development of the disease.There are many ways to treat osteochondrosis, both classical and traditional medicine.

It is worth noting that this disease can be treated quite effectively, especially in the initial stage of the disease.In outpatient settings, a special comprehensive program is used, which aims to quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and correct the cause of suffering.

Complex therapy includes the following techniques:

1. Acupuncture.

   Acupuncture is performed once every one to two days.The course of treatment is prescribed by the doctor;it can range from seven days to a month;as a rule, 12-15 procedures are enough.The acupuncturist performs a visual and manual examination of the patient.One procedure takes about half an hour.The needles are inserted for 15-20 minutes.

   Sterile single-use acupuncture needles are used to perform the operation;they are inserted under the patient's skin and a slight sting is felt, similar to a mosquito bite.When the needle reaches the biologically active point, the person feels numbness, pain or a feeling of fullness in that place;pain occurs extremely rarely.

2. Vacuum therapy.

   Special vacuum vessels are used to perform the procedure.The efficiency of this method is very high, there is practically no pain.This method of treatment allows you to quickly and safely remove the symptoms of the disease.It is based on the mobilization of the body's own resources and is used in rehabilitation medicine.

   Under the influence of the jars, pressure differences are created, the skin and part of the muscles are pulled into the jar.Thanks to the deep treatment of a large area, blood microcirculation is improved, stagnation is eliminated, harmful substances are removed, and tissues regenerate faster.

   The areas of influence of vacuum therapy are extensive;the doctor himself selects and assigns areas for the procedure.Spots that appear during the procedure begin to dissolve after the fourth procedure, so you should not be afraid of them.

3. Manual therapy.

   These are gentle treatment methods that are very effective among drug-free options.A chiropractor can eliminate many problems related to the muscles and spine and is used in the treatment of neurological diseases.

   The effect from the outside resembles a regular massage, but with a more limited localization and moderate strength of influence.A qualified chiropractor can cure diseases that cannot be treated with drugs.

   In order to treat the spine, this method is aimed at increasing muscle elasticity and improving the movement of individual vertebrae.Procedures are not performed daily, but at certain intervals of up to seven days.Manual treatment in combination with physiotherapy and folk remedies, as well as physical therapy, is more effective.

   

4. Pharmacopuncture.

   This method includes active points on the human body, into which drugs indicated for a specific disease are injected in minimal quantities.These can be vitamin complexes, homeopathic medicines, biostimulants, corticosteroids.The injection is performed with a microneedle, almost without unpleasant sensations.

   The adapted version is used for the treatment of the spine, which allows you to cure osteochondrosis, vertebral hernia and other problems.It is used for rehabilitation after spinal operations.Pharmacopuncture improves metabolism, improves connective tissue trophism and blood circulation in the affected area.Even a small complex of treatments shows positive, lasting results.

5. Magnetopuncture.

   This method involves exposure of biologically active points to a magnetic field.For this purpose, tape recorders are used on which certain characteristics of polarity, size and power are set.This device consists of rubberized magnets;they create a constant magnetic field.Metal plates of different shapes, surfaces and thicknesses and magnetic balls are used to treat various diseases.

6. Laser therapy.

   This is a laser effect on special acupuncture points through intact parts of the skin.In most cases, low-power lasers with red light are used;show the greatest activity.As a result of treatment, inflammation and pain, spasms are alleviated, blood vessels expand, metabolic processes improve and cell regeneration increases.

7. Electrical stimulation.

   Electric current is used to affect certain points.It is effective for electrical stimulation of motor muscles and nerve endings.Single pulses, exponential currents, rhythmic direct current and sinusoidally modulated currents are used.Severe pain can be removed in just 1-3 procedures.A full course requires 10-15 sessions.

Often, outpatient therapy includes a medication component, which is designed to relieve pain.For this purpose, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, antioxidants, as well as drugs that correct psychosomatic disorders and reduce cartilage tissue degeneration are used.

Traditional methods

In traditional medicine, there are many drugs that alleviate the condition of osteochondrosis.

For external use, the following options are used:

1. Apply a small amount of ointment to the affected area, gradually rubbing it into the skin.The treated area should be carefully wrapped to retain heat.It is enough to perform the procedure 3-4 times a day.
2. Ointment compresses help relieve inflammation and pain.Cover the greased area with plastic film, you can put fresh mint leaves or lemon balm under it;burdock or white cabbage leaves are effective.Wrap in a woolen scarf and fasten the dressing.A good effect is given by crushed fresh birch leaves;they are applied to the problem area and wrapped for half an hour.
3. For rubbing, you can use vegetable oil soaked in herbs - oregano, St. John's wort.About 500 grams of raw materials are taken for half a liter of vegetable oil.Fresh oregano cake is soaked for 24 hours, and dried St. John's wort is covered with oil for 21 days.
4. You can prepare a mixture of 1/3 cup of black radish juice, 200 g of fresh honey, 100 ml of vodka and a handful of fresh lilac flowers.Leave for a day in a warm place, after which the composition can be used for rubbing.

Do not forget about proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.It is necessary to constantly monitor your posture while sitting in a chair or at the computer;it is recommended to sleep on a surface of medium hardness.

The spine must be constantly supported;for this you can use special exercises and avoid long-term monotonous positions.

Exercises for osteochondrosis at home

At home, you can perform effective and simple gymnastics, which should be part of a set of measures for the treatment of spinal diseases.It is recommended to perform the following exercises for osteochondrosis.

1. Tilt your head forward, grasp the forehead area with interlaced fingers.Make movements with your head down, holding on with your hands.The reverse movement is to try to lift your head while it is tilted, and with your hands clasped behind the back of your head, resist its movement.Each move lasts 10 seconds.
2. Influence the biologically active points with your palm and fingers: first massage the forehead area, press the skin and move it with gentle movements.Exposure time is 20-40 seconds.Then move to the temporal areas, the effect is performed in a similar way.The procedure ends with an ear massage, the ear is stretched in all directions.
3. To improve brain nutrition, you should sit on a flat surface and keep your back straight.The head slowly pulls back;you can easily help yourself with your hands, pressing your chin with your palm.Exercise time – 10-30 seconds.Then you can gently turn your head to one side or the other, staying in this position for 10-15 seconds.
4. This is an excellent exercise for the prevention of cervical osteochondrosis.It helps to improve the functioning of the nerve plexus located in the neck.IP - sitting on a flat surface with a straight back.Slowly move your head towards your chest, trying to touch it with your chin.You can help yourself a little with your hands placed on the back of your head, pressing forward and up.Sit in this position for about a minute, rest for 10-15 minutes and repeat the exercise.
5. The warm-up works your upper spine while simultaneously pulling your shoulders toward your ears as much as possible.Then drop them freely and easily.Repeat for 15 seconds.Then repeat the exercise, but for each shoulder joint separately.

At the end of gymnastics, rub the back of your neck with your palms.

To get rid of the physical suffering caused by cervical osteochondrosis, you can take a stick or aspen rolling pin and gently tap it on the shoulder, shoulder blade and spine on one side and then on the other side.You can massage it a little to relieve tension and pain.

To quickly get rid of pain in the lumbar region, you need to lie on a hard surface, ideally on the floor, with your legs bent at the knees.Turn your legs in one direction and the other, trying to touch the floor with your knees.

In case of worsening - how to alleviate the pain

Often, during the aggravation of the disease, a person does not know where to go.Constantly taking medication is not possible, but there are ways to get rid of acute pain without resorting to medication.

First of all, heat should be applied to the problem area.You can wrap this area with a woolen scarf.Exposure to cold is also possible, but only on the first day after the onset of the problem and under the supervision of a doctor.

Lie on a hard surface and try to fix the sore spot.If you have pain, it is recommended to place a soft pillow under your lower back to relieve tension in this area.It is better to bend your legs.The chest can be wrapped with a tight bandage, and a cardboard and cotton splint can be placed on the neck, as if it were an injury.

If there is no relief, you should call a doctor.To relieve severe pain, take a pain reliever.

Prevention - how to prevent osteochondrosis

Before embarking on prevention, you should clarify which causes most often cause osteochondrosis.The risk of this disease increases with poor nutrition, an inactive lifestyle, excess weight, bad habits (smoking, alcohol addiction), heavy physical activity and bad posture.

Obviously, in order to prevent the development of the disease, you should first improve your diet and introduce physical activity.It is enough to do basic morning exercises, stretching, light self-massage of the lower back and neck, swinging arms and legs.At your workplace, you should find 2-3 minutes to warm up.All types of swimming in the pool work well.

The fight against excess weight will help to eliminate the risk;you should not allow hypothermia or traumatic situations.It is worth dealing with the prevention of stressful situations and giving up bad habits.Attention should be paid to proper nutrition;the body should receive a sufficient amount of protein, but salty, floury and fatty foods should be limited.

In some cases, if there is a vitamin deficiency, the doctor may prescribe additional vitamin-mineral complexes.All this together will help protect the spine from problems.