For a long time, osteochondrosis is a disease of the elderly. However, a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, and bad habits have rejuvenated the disease significantly. Even in children, postural disturbances and back muscle weakness are often observed. All of these will cause irreversible changes in the spine.
What is osteochondrosis
The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Pathology occurs due to the destruction of the physiological processes of intervertebral discs and vertebral cells. The organizational structure changes and loses flexibility. Later, the distance between the vertebrae becomes narrower, and a certain vertebral segment becomes unstable.
Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:
- Segmental protrusion of the intervertebral disc;
- hernia;
- Humpback
- Scoliosis;
- paralysis;
- paralysis.
important!Osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden pressure surges, sensations of muscle heaviness, and dizziness during sudden exercise may be potential manifestations of this disease.
Symptoms of the disease
The disease has 4 groups of symptoms. Let's take a look at each of them.
statistics
These manifestations are related to violations of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, a violation of posture occurs, and it is difficult for a person to turn his head and straighten his back completely.
Neurology
This disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This violates the sensitivity of the skin and reduces the intensity of muscle contraction.
In the initial stage of the disease, the pain is only localized in the affected area. But when the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, goose bumps, tingling, and numbness may occur.
Vascular
These symptoms may occur due to the following reasons:
- The blood vessels are compressed. In most cases, this happens when the cervical spine is injured. The result may be hypoxia in certain areas of the brain, dizziness, and often nausea;
- Changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by chronic visceral spasm and chronic ischemia.
important!The disease also has nutritional symptoms-it is a symbiotic relationship of vascular and neurological factors, leading to the appearance of skin defects and ulcers.
Causes of osteochondrosis
Lack of exercise, bad habits, and overweight most often cause the development of osteochondrosis.
Other factors that affect the likelihood of getting sick are:
- Genetic predisposition-people with genetic malformations must make a lot of effort to avoid this disease;
- Improper metabolism, poisoning, and poor environmental conditions;
- Spine deformity-Children have incorrect sitting posture since childhood, leading to poor posture. Recovery can start at any age, preferably swimming;
- Heavy physical labor causes continuous pressure on the spine;
- Frequent stress and long-term nervousness;
- Pain and crooked feet.
important!Women are more susceptible to this disease. The reason is that the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation is constantly changing. Diet, some weight loss products and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.
Cervical osteochondrosis
This disease is one of the most common disorders in the musculoskeletal system.
People spend more and more time in sitting positions, focus on one point, and the neck is at rest. All of these will lead to the emergence of diseases. Cervical osteochondrosis is usually the result of an old injury. This disease is very common among professional athletes.
This osteochondrosis begins with a prolonged headache, which cannot be eliminated by traditional painkillers. The pain affects the occipital area and temples. Discomfort may worsen after sleep or prolonged work hours.
What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:
- The sensitivity of the shoulder straps and arms are disturbed. In advanced cases, the upper limbs can be completely paralyzed;
- Blood supply to various parts of the brain is blocked, tinnitus occurs, and the head is often dizzy. In the future, certain parts of the brain may be completely deficient in nutrition;
- The eyesight began to decline, and the patient complained of flies appearing in front of his eyes;
- The elderly may suddenly faint;
- If the phrenic nerve is constantly stimulated, hiccups and shortness of breath will occur;
- Loss of mobility in the neck.
important!Cervical osteochondrosis is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the usual trajectory of life and take preventive measures. You can also learn how to treat cervical osteochondrosis at home.
Lumbar osteochondrosis
The lumbar spine is characterized by increased mobility and strong constant load. Everyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation are not important.
- Many people have to be bent for a long time due to the nature of their services. This almost always leads to lumbar osteochondrosis.
- Spinal injury can develop into osteochondrosis. If you exercise improperly, you may damage your spine.
- In the event that the load on the intervertebral joints ceases sharply, the degenerative process begins. This can also cause osteochondrosis.
Signs of affected lumbar spine include:
- Leg and waist pain and low back pain, which worsen after physical exertion;
- Skin numbness is observed in the lower limbs, and paralysis and paralysis may occur;
- The skin on the painful area begins to fall off;
- Pelvic dysfunction, erection and urination problems.
Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, and complications often occur. Unstable vertebrae may fly away from the sacrum at any time. As a result, internal organs are damaged.
Spine condyle
More than 70% of back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Malnutrition of the spine tissue is inherent to every inhabitant over 30 years of age on the planet.
Injuries, heavy physical exertion, and working under constant vibration conditions can all trigger symptoms of disease.
The disease has typical symptoms:
- Pain and chronic pain can lead to increased fatigue, weight lifting, sudden exercise, and increased discomfort when coughing and sneezing;
- The affected spine becomes numb;
- The range of motion is reduced.
important!Cartilage and bone tissue have the ability to self-renew. Moderate and regular exercise helps strengthen the back muscles and promote blood circulation.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
Usually, the pathological changes of the cervical and thoracic spine segments exist at the same time.
Pain syndrome is actually not inherent to thoracic osteochondrosis. Therefore, many people may not even know the existence of this disease. If pain occurs, the sensation will appear in the intercostal and scapula area, and sometimes affect the upper abdomen.
The initial symptoms of this disease resemble a heart attack, gallbladder inflammation, gastritis, or stomach ulcer. With osteochondrosis, pain increases when turning around, breathing deeply, and coughing.
In the future, the disease manifests as reflex tension of muscles located in the sternum and upper back area. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men may develop erectile dysfunction.
Which doctor treats
There are many clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. Patients must visit various experts to understand the cause of the disease. In order to get the correct diagnosis, you should contact a neurologist and orthopedist. Private clinics provide services of chiropractors.
attention!Learn more about your doctor’s appointment.
After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and nearby soft tissues at various locations to determine the degree of mobility of each part. Instrument inspection plays a key role in diagnosis.
After that, computer tomography, X-ray, and research using nuclear magnetic resonance were prescribed.
important!In addition to the spine, it also analyzes the work of blood vessels and peripheral nerves.
Family therapy
Treating this disease with folk methods is even considered effective by traditional medicine. The patient’s discipline, his use of various techniques can significantly reduce the time required to restore spinal tissue.
You should start by checking your diet. Too much cholesterol can cause impaired blood flow and loss of elasticity of blood vessels, leading to the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, high-fat foods, eggs, soups, and pork should be excluded, and chicken must be peeled.
Patients need to get rid of drug addiction and reduce the intake of caffeinated beverages.
The most effective home remedies are:
- Daily performance of personal physical therapy exercises;
- Self-massage-including rubbing and stroking, which helps acupressure;
- Use specially designed devices and applicators;
- Exposure to a magnetic field-this helps to improve blood circulation in the muscles. Magnets are selected by experts, and the method of use is easy to master;
- Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.
important!In the treatment of osteochondrosis, self-activity is very dangerous. Therefore, even when choosing home remedies, one should follow the doctor’s advice.
medical treatement
To relieve the pain and other symptoms of osteochondrosis, the doctor will prescribe analgesics. Analgesic patch is used to treat neurological syndrome. They contain lidocaine to relieve any pain.
- Non-steroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation, and they are powerful and effective. But the side effects do not allow long-term use of such drugs.
- To relieve pain, you can use a harmless but equally effective warm ointment.
- If the pain persists for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. They have a calming effect and reduce the manifestations of pain.
During treatment, it is important to restore the intervertebral disc and cartilage. For this purpose, it is intended to use hondoprotectors. They should be taken for at least 4 months.
- In order to improve blood circulation, a special drug was shown that must be taken in combination with drugs containing nicotine and lipoic acid.
- Diuretics help relieve swelling.
- It is also essential to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.
injection
For lumbar osteochondrosis, a special blockage is produced to relieve pain. Experts use long needles to inject analgesics. This procedure can temporarily relieve your pain, but it has no therapeutic effect.
- Muscle relaxants are used to relieve cramps.
- Chondroitin sulfate helps repair cartilage tissue.
- In order to restore the nervous system of the affected area, vitamin B was injected.
- For the treatment of inflammation, modern non-steroidal drugs that do not damage the function of the stomach and intestines are used.
Doctors believe that oral medication is the most effective way to treat osteochondrosis. The injection can only be done in a hospital environment.
important!Getting rid of osteochondrosis requires a systematic approach. It is impossible to partially satisfy the expert's prescription. Only strict adherence to the treatment plan can guarantee a positive result.
Treat with folk remedies
Chinese physicians provide various natural remedies to treat osteochondrosis.
Water program
Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good healing effect can be observed after bathing with nettles and brooms.
The following fees apply to bathing:
- Mix birch leaves (270 grams) with mint and lemon balm (55 grams each). Pour the mixture into 7 liters of boiling water. Pour into water after cooling;
- In 5 liters of water, boil 1500 grams of coniferous cones or pine cones for half an hour.
compression
When preparing the dressing, porridge of black radish, horseradish, and garlic is suitable. The quality should be applied to the affected area and carefully wrapped. Keep it as long as possible.
To relieve pain, you can mix chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions to make a compress. Stay in the painful area for at least an hour.
Decoctions and infusions
The treatment with laurel decoction is very effective. But it must be carried out in strict accordance with the plan.
- Bay leaf (4 g) must be filled with water (240 ml).
- Cook for 4 minutes. Hold for 3 hours in a warm place.
- The resulting medicine must be drunk slowly before going to bed.
- Repeat the process for another 2 days. The broth should always be fresh.
- Rest for a week. Then repeat the treatment.
Two meetings 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 need 4 grams of crushed roots and 950 milliliters of slightly cooled boiling water. The mixture should be injected overnight.
It should be filtered afterwards. 3 times a day, 7 ml each time. In season, you can use celery root to make fresh juice. It can be used 3 times a day, 12 ml each time.
Ointment and friction
Ginger paste
This remedy helps low back pain.
- Fry ginger powder in melted butter.
- Grind fresh garlic into porridge.
- Mix the components in equal parts.
- The ointment should be applied to the affected area.
Oregano rub
Put 25 grams of chopped oregano into a container with 450 milliliters of oil. It is best to use olive oil or sunflower oil. Let the product mature for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and discard.
Rubbing is suitable for the treatment of all types of osteochondrosis.
Exercise for osteochondrosis
Physical therapy is an integral part of the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex was compiled by experts. This takes into account the patient's diagnosis, stress level and physical fitness level.
All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.
A set of exercises for the treatment of cervical spondylosis
- Lie flat on your back. Put one hand on the belly and the other hand on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible and hold your breath. Count to 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 methods every day.
- Lie on your stomach and straighten your legs. Slowly raise your head and upper chest area. Go down and rest for half a minute.
- Lie on your back and bend your legs at the knee joints. Roll to the right and then to the left without changing the starting position.
Sternal osteochondrosis gymnastics
- Lie on your stomach and focus on your straight arms. Bend back, fix the position, and count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
- Lie on your back while raising your head and legs. Stay for 15 seconds. Rest 20 seconds between exercises.
Exercise for lumbar disease
- Lie on your back and place your legs on your chest. Within 2 minutes, roll from the back to the sacrum. Then relax and lie down peacefully.
- Bend on all fours.
- In the standing position, do circular motions to mimic the rotation of the hoop.
important!Physical exercise should not be carried out in the acute phase of the disease.
Massage treatment of osteochondrosis
Classic massages can only be performed by trained personnel in dedicated rooms.
Honey
At home, you can have a honey massage. For this, warm honey should be applied to the affected area. Then gently press from the area to be massaged and lift up the palm of your hand. This procedure is best performed after visiting the bathhouse. At the end of the meeting, the back should be covered with compressed paper and carefully wrapped.
Vacuum massage
Good results after cupping vacuum massage. To do this, apply vegetable oil and mineral oil to the back. Then a special medical bank slides along certain trajectories. This process helps to improve blood circulation, the inflamed area is rich in oxygen and nutrients, and the regeneration process begins.
prevent disease
Through regular preventive measures, osteochondrosis can be avoided.
important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventive measures.
- Also need special exercises to strengthen the muscle corset.
- Correct and balanced nutrition is also very important.
- Under frequent stress conditions, hypothermia will accelerate the development of the disease.
- Women and children should not often carry weight with one hand.
- It is also taboo to stay in front of the computer or near the TV for a long time. Every 30 minutes you need to get up, cheer up, and warm up.
Pain is usually caused by incorrect weight lifting. This should be done by squatting down a bit, not bending over. If you need to stand for a long time, the support legs should be replaced regularly. At every opportunity, lean your back against an object to relieve tension.
important!To prevent osteochondrosis, you should buy orthopedic products for sleep.
Many people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many ways to treat it. But instead of long-term treatment, it is better to prevent it in time.