Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes and methods of treatment

For a long time, osteochondrosis was a disease of the elderly. But a sedentary lifestyle, overeating and bad habits have significantly rejuvenated this disease. Even in children, posture disorders, weak back muscles are often noticed. All this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

What is osteochondrosis?

The disease can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar spine. The pathology occurs due to a violation of physiological processes in the cells of the discs and vertebrae. Tissue structure changes, elasticity is lost. In the future, the intervals between the vertebrae narrow, and a certain part of the vertebrae becomes unstable.

Osteochondrosis can cause serious complications:

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

Bitan!Osteochondrosis is difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden jumps in 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 look at each of them.

Statistically

These manifestations are associated with a violation of the physiological shape of the spine. In this case, there is a violation of posture, it is difficult for the person to turn his head, he cannot completely straighten his back.

Neurological

The disease is characterized by damage to nerve tissue. This impairs the sensitivity of the skin, reduces the intensity of muscle contractions.

In the initial stage of the disease, the pain manifests itself locally, only in the affected area. But as the pathology begins to progress, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, geese, tingling, stiffness may occur.

Vascular

These symptoms can occur for the following reasons:

• the blood vessels are constricted. This most often happens with damage to the cervical spine. This can result in a lack of oxygen in certain areas of the brain, dizziness, and often nausea;
• changes in the sympathetic nervous system. It is characterized by prolonged cramps and chronic ischemia in the internal organs.

Bitan!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, being overweight most often cause the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors that affect the possibility of getting sick are:

• genetic predisposition - people with weak heredity must make a lot of effort to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, intoxication, poor ecological situation;
• irregularly shaped spine - children from childhood sit incorrectly, which leads to poor posture. Recovery can begin at any age, preferably by swimming;
• constant stress on the spine caused by heavy physical work;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• sore and crooked feet.

Bitan!Women are more susceptible to this disease. The reason is the constant changes in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation. Diet, some weight loss products and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

People spend more and more time in a sitting position, concentrated on one point, the neck is motionless. All this leads to the appearance of diseases. Often, osteochondrosis in the cervical spine is the result of an old injury. This disease is very common in professional athletes.

Such osteochondrosis begins with a long-lasting headache, which cannot be eliminated with the help of conventional painkillers. The pain affects the occipital region and the temples. Discomfort may worsen after sleeping or prolonged sedentary work.

What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sensitivity in the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases the upper limbs may be completely paralyzed;
• the blood supply to different parts of the brain is disrupted, tinnitus occurs, and the head is often dizzy. In the future, some parts of the brain will be completely deprived of nutrition;
• vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies in front of the eyes;
• older people may suddenly faint;
• if the phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, then there is an attack of hiccups, shortness of breath;
• the neck loses mobility.

Bitan!Cervical osteochondrosis is not completely cured. It is necessary to change the usual way 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 strong constant loads. Everyone can get this disease; lifestyle and occupation don’t really matter.

1. Many people, by the nature of their services, have to be in a bent position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. Spinal cord injury can develop into osteochondrosis. You can damage your spine if you don’t exercise properly.
3. In the case of a sudden cessation of the load 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;
• skin stiffness is observed in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
• the skin in the painful areas begins to peel;
• impaired pelvic function, there is a problem with erection and urination.

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

Osteochondritis of the spine

More than 70% of back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Spinal tissue dystrophy is characteristic of every other inhabitant of the planet, whose age has exceeded the limit of 30 years.

Injuries, heavy physical exertion, work in conditions of constant vibrations can cause the manifestation of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

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

Bitan!Cartilage and bone tissue have the ability to self-renew. Moderate, regular exercises help strengthen the back muscles, increase blood circulation.

Chest osteochondrosis

Pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic segments of the vertebrae are often present at the same time.

Pain syndrome is practically not characteristic of osteochondrosis of the chest. Therefore, many may not even be aware of the presence of the disease. If pain occurs, then the sensations manifest in the intercostal and scapular region, sometimes affecting the upper abdomen.

The first symptoms of the disease are similar to a heart attack, inflammation of the gallbladder, gastritis or a stomach ulcer. In osteochondrosis, the pain increases during turning, deep breathing, and coughing.

In the future, the disease is manifested by reflex tension of the muscles located in the sternum and upper back region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men can develop erectile dysfunction.

Which doctor treats

Osteochondrosis has many clinical manifestations. The patient must visit different specialists to understand the cause of the disease. You need to contact a neurologist and orthopedist for a correct diagnosis. Private clinics provide the services of vertebrologists.

Attention!Learn more about the doctor's examination.

After the interview, the specialist will examine the spine and nearby soft tissues in different positions, to determine the degree of mobility of each part. Instrumental examination plays a key role in diagnosis.

After that, computed tomography, X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging studies are prescribed.

Bitan!In addition to the spine, the work of blood vessels and peripheral nerves is analyzed.

Treatment at home

Treatment of this disease by folk methods is recognized as effective even in traditional medicine. The patient's discipline, his use of various techniques can significantly shorten the time required to restore spine tissue.

You should start with a diet review. Excess cholesterol leads to blood flow disorders, blood vessels lose elasticity, which leads to the development of osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich soups, pork should be excluded, and the skin must be removed from the chicken.

The patient must get rid of the addiction, reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of an individual complex of physiotherapy exercises;
• self-massage - includes rubbing and caressing, helps shiatsu well;
• use of specially designed devices and applicators;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps improve blood circulation in the muscles. The magnet is chosen by an expert, the method of application is easy to master;
• Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.

Bitan!Self-activity is very dangerous in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Therefore, even when choosing home therapy, you should listen to your doctor’s recommendations.

Drug treatment

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

1. Nonsteroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation, act strongly and effectively. But the side effects do not allow long-term use of such drugs.
2. You can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments to relieve pain.
3. If the pain lasts longer 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. Hondoprotectors are intended for this. They should be taken for at least 4 months.

1. To improve blood circulation, a special drug has been shown that must be taken in combination with drugs containing nicotinic and thioctic acid.
2. Diuretics help relieve swelling.
3. It is also necessary to take B vitamins and calcium during treatment.

Injections

In lumbar osteochondrosis, special blockades are made to relieve pain. The specialist uses a long needle to inject analgesics. The procedure allows you to temporarily relieve pain, but has no therapeutic effect.

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve cramps.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps to restore cartilage.
3. In order to renew the nervous system in the affected areas, an injection of vitamin B is given.
4. Modern non-steroidal drugs that do not harm the functioning of the stomach and intestines are used to treat inflammation.

Doctors believe that oral administration of drugs is the most effective method in the treatment of osteochondrosis. Injections are given only in a hospital setting.

Bitan!A systematic approach is needed to get rid of osteochondrosis. It is impossible to partially comply with the regulations of experts. Only strict adherence to the treatment regimen can guarantee a positive result.

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbalists offer a variety of natural remedies to treat osteochondrosis.

Water treatments

Herbal baths help relieve pain and inflammation. A good healing effect is observed after using a nettle broom in the bath.

The following fees are good for bathing:

• Mix birch leaves (270 g) with mint and lemon balm (55 g each). Pour the mixture with 7 liters of boiling water. After cooling, pour into water;
• in 5 liters of water, cook 1500 g of conifers or pine cones for half an hour.

Wraps

For the preparation of dressings is suitable porridge of black radish, horseradish root, garlic. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrapped. Store as long as possible.

To relieve pain, you can make a poultice by mixing chopped raw potatoes and honey in equal proportions. Keep in the sore spot for at least an hour.

Decoctions and infusions

Laurel spring treatment is quite effective. But it is necessary to strictly follow the scheme.

1. The bay leaf (4 g) must be filled with water (240 ml).
2. Cook for 4 minutes. Insist in a warm place for 3 hours.
3. The resulting medicine must be taken slowly before bedtime.
4. Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. The soup should always be prepared fresh.
5. Take a week off. Then repeat the treatment.

Two sessions are enough to avoid discomfort during the year.

Celery

An infusion of celery will help you get rid of salt deposits. This drink is rich in vitamins. To prepare it, you will need 4 g of crushed root and 950 ml of slightly chilled boiling water. The mixture should be infused overnight.

It should then be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season you can prepare fresh celery root juice. You can use it three times a day, 12 ml.

Grease and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This medicine helps with lumbago.

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

Oregano rub

Put 25 g of chopped oregano in a bowl with 450 ml of oil. It is better to use olive or sunflower oil. Leave the product to mature for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and throw.

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 assembled by an expert. This takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the level of physical fitness of the patient.

All exercises are performed for 4 minutes.

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

1. Lie flat on your back. One hand is placed on the abdomen, the other on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible, hold your breath. At number 10, exhale and relax. You can do 5 approaches a day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly raise your head and upper chest. Get down and take a half-minute break.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knees. Roll to the right and then to the left, without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis

1. Lie on your stomach, focus on straight arms. Bend back, correct position, count to 10. Rest for 20 seconds.
2. Lie on your back, lift your head and legs at the same time. Hold for 15 seconds. Take a 20-second break between exercises.

Exercises for lumbar spine lesions

1. Lie on your back, legs resting on your chest. Roll from the back to the cruciate ligament within 2 minutes. Then relax and lie still.
2. Bend while you are on all fours.
3. In a standing position, make circular motions imitating the rotation of the hoop.

Bitan!Physical education should not be practiced in the acute stage of the disease.

Massage for osteochondrosis

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

Honey

You can have a honey massage at home. To do this, warm honey should be applied to the affected area. Then gently press and lift your palms off the massage segment. This procedure is best done after visiting the spa. At the end of the session, the back should be covered with compression paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results were noted after vacuum massage. For that, vegetable, mineral oil is applied on the back. And then a special medical bank makes 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 avoided.

Bitan!Swimming and tempering are the best preventative measures.

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

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by squatting slightly, not bending over. If you have to stand for a long time, the support leg should be changed periodically. At every opportunity, lean your back against an object to relieve tension.

Bitan!To prevent osteochondrosis you need to buy orthopedic sleeping supplies.

Many people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are many methods to treat it. But it is better to carry out prophylaxis in a timely manner than to be treated for a long time.