Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative-dystrophic changes 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 mostly sedentary work, unhealthy lifestyles and low physical activity. We can safely assume that the majority of the elderly population has signs of osteochondrosis.
The reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical stress depend primarily on the condition of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process in osteochondrosis is based on malnutrition of the structures of the spine, in particular the intervertebral disc. This leads to changes in the normal structure of the tissues, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, 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, in particular back pain in osteochondrosis.
In the future, degenerative processes appear in the small joints of the spine, bone growths form on the surface of the vertebrae. All these changes lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the spine.
Such transformations of cartilaginous and bone tissues are the result of physiological aging of the body. But under the influence of certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur before time. These factors include:
- obesity;
- Sedentary way of life;
- Heavy physical work;
- Occupations that are characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity of the feet;
- Spinal distortion;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Doing a great sport;
- stress;
- Injuries of the spine, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The characteristics of the clinical picture of the disease depend on in which specific segment of the spine the pathological process occurred.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 a minor load, the vertebrae are displaced and, as a result, the vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed. This explains the specificity of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement of the neck;
- Pain of hemicranial type - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in hands;
- Numbness and tingling sensation in hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare. The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal distortions.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull, aching pain in the chest, often of a threatening nature;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the region of the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesia of 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:
- Pain, less often sharp pain in the lower back, increasing with movement or prolonged exposure to one static position;
- A feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pains (such as lumbago) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Numbness, paresthesia in the legs.
%20with%20lumbar%20osteochondrosis.webp)
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: radiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. The most characteristic and, importantly, an 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 more easily detected on lateral x-rays because the osteophytes are located in the front and back of the vertebrae.
In addition, with osteochondrosis, the bodies of 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, vertebrae. Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not visit a doctor in time, missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of drugs, physiotherapy, massage, surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections for pain relief;
- Muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of the affected cartilage;
- Vitamin and mineral complexes;
- Vasodilator drugs;
- Medicines that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you should proceed to rehabilitation. So physical therapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis. Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscle corset. This is extremely important, because thanks to the strong muscle corset, the physical load is distributed evenly along the spine. By regularly performing a set of exercises, the stiffness in the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase. Massage, physiotherapy, reflexology and spinal traction will help improve the effect of physiotherapy exercises.
When complications appear in the form of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and if conservative treatment fails, they resort to surgical intervention. The goal of surgical treatment is to remove compression of nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebra.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case will they be able to replace the main treatment. You can find a large number of alternative treatment methods on the Internet, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult 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, there is an improvement in blood supply in a certain area of the body, as well as a reduction in pain.
Such a recipe for rubbing is known in folk medicine: mix 0. 25 cups of vodka with 0. 5 cups of honey, add 0. 75 cups of grated turnip and two tablespoons of salt. With the resulting mixture, it is necessary to rub the area of concern on the back twice a day. The procedure should be repeated within a week.
To remove the pain, you can put a potato compress on your back. Grated raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, attach to the back and wrap with a scarf. You can also use a burdock compress. To prepare it, pour a tablespoon of finely chopped burdock leaves with a cup of boiling water. Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply on the back for half an hour. After removing the compress, be sure to wrap your back with a warm scarf.
You can do it even easier: grate the turnip, put it in a cotton sock and then lie 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, if they get into the eyes, can cause corneal burns.
Physiotherapy
Physical exercises can only be done outside periods of exacerbation. In acute pain, you should refrain from gymnastics, as this will only lead to an increase in pain.
An example set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and straighten your legs. Pull the foot of the right foot toward you and the toe of the left foot away from you. This should be done consistently.
- Lie on your back, put 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 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 by your side. You need to bend your knees and lift your pelvis. Stay in this position for a few seconds. As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Turn to your side. Straighten the top leg and swing it back and forth.
- Starting position on all fours. Arch your back, hold this for just a few seconds and then arch your lower back.
- Roll onto your back. Pull the bent left knee towards the right elbow and then back.