Osteochondrosis: symptoms, causes and methods of treatment

Osteochondrosis has long been a disease of the elderly. But a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, bad habits have significantly rejuvenated this disease. Even in children, postural disorders, weak back muscles, are often observed. All this leads to irreversible changes in the spine.

Osteochondrosis, what is it

The disease can affect the neck, chest, lumbar spine. The pathology occurs due to a violation of the physiological processes of the cells of the plates and vertebrae. The structure of the tissues changes, the elasticity is lost. In the future, the intervals between the vertebrae will narrow, a certain vertebral segment will become unstable.

Osteopondrosis can cause serious complications:

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

Important!Osteopondrosis is quite difficult to diagnose. Frequent headaches, sudden increases in pressure, muscle heaviness, dizziness with sudden movements may be the latent manifestations of this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease has 4 groups of symptoms. Let's take a look at each of them.

Statistical

These manifestations involve a violation of the physiological shape of the vertebrae. In this case, a violation of posture occurs, it is difficult for a person to turn his head, unable to straighten his back completely.

Neurological

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

In the initial stages of the disease, the pain manifests itself locally, only in the affected area. But as the pathology progresses, the pain syndrome affects distant areas. In this case, a goosebumps, tingling sensation, numbness may appear.

It is worth it

These symptoms may occur for the following reasons:

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

Important!There are also trophic symptoms of the disease - a symbiosis of vascular and neurological factors that lead to skin blemishes and ulcers.

Causes of osteochondrosis

Physical inactivity, bad habits, and being overweight most often cause the development of osteochondrosis.

Other factors influencing the development of the disease:

• genetic predisposition - people with poor heredity have to do a lot to avoid this disease;
• improper metabolism, poisoning, poor environmental status;
• malformed spine - childhood children sit improperly, leading to poor posture. Healing can begin at any age, preferably with swimming;
• constant stress on the spine caused by hard physical work;
• frequent stress and prolonged nervous tension;
• sore and crooked legs.

Important!Women are more prone to this disease. This is due to a constant change in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy or menstruation. Diets, some weight loss products, and uncomfortable shoes can cause osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

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

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

Such osteochondrosis begins with a prolonged headache that cannot be eliminated with conventional painkillers. The pain affects the nape of the neck and temples. The discomfort may increase after sleeping or prolonged sitting.

What else may indicate the development of cervical osteochondrosis:

• sensitivity of the shoulder girdle and arms is disturbed, in advanced cases the upper limbs may be completely paralyzed;
• blood supply to different parts of the brain is disrupted, tinnitus appears, and the head is often dizzy. In the future, parts of the brain may be completely deprived of nutrition;
• vision begins to decline, patients complain of the appearance of flies before their eyes;
• the elderly may suddenly faint;
• if the Phrenic nerve is constantly irritated, there are hiccups, shortness of breath attacks;
• the neck loses its mobility.

Important!Cervical osteochondrosis does not heal completely. It is necessary to change the normal course of life, 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 catch this disease; lifestyle and occupation don’t really matter.

1. Many people, due to the nature of their service, must be in a bent position for a long time. This almost always leads to osteochondrosis in the lumbar spine.
2. Spinal cord injury can be osteochondrosis. It can damage your spine if you don’t exercise properly.
3. Upon abrupt cessation of the load on the intervertebral joints, degenerative processes begin. Which also leads to osteochondrosis.

Signs of the affected lumbar spine include:

• pain and lumbago in the legs and lower back, which increase after physical exertion;
• numbness of the skin is observed in the lower extremities, paresis and paralysis may occur;
• in painful areas the skin begins to peel off;
• disturbed pelvic functions, problems with erection and urination.

Lumbar osteochondrosis is the most dangerous, often with complications. Unstable vertebrae can fly off the sacrum at any time. Which leads to damage to the internal organs.

The spine is osteocondritis

More than 70% of back pain complaints are related to osteochondrosis. Spinal tissue dystrophy is inherent in every second inhabitant of the planet whose age has exceeded 30 years.

Work with injuries, severe physical exertion, constant vibration can provoke the onset of the disease.

The disease has typical symptoms:

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

Important!Cartilage and bone tissue can regenerate. Moderate, regular exercise helps to strengthen the back muscles, increases blood circulation.

Chest osteochondrosis

Often there are pathological changes in the cervical and thoracic vertebral segments simultaneously.

Pain syndrome is virtually uncharacteristic of chest osteochondrosis. Therefore, many may not even know about the presence of the disease. When pain occurs, the sensations are manifested in the intercostal and scapular region, sometimes affecting the upper abdomen.

The first symptoms of the disease are similar to a heart attack, cholecystitis, gastritis, or gastric ulcer. In osteochondrosis, the pain increases during twists, deep breathing, and coughing.

In the future, the disease will manifest itself in reflex tension in the muscles in the sternum and upper back region. If the disease progresses to an advanced stage, men may develop erectile dysfunction.

Which doctor treats you

There are several clinical manifestations of osteochondrosis. The patient should visit various professionals to understand the cause of the disease. You should contact a neurologist and orthopedist for a correct diagnosis. Private clinics provide vertebrologist services.

Attention!Learn more about appointing a doctor.

After the interview, the specialist examines the spine and nearby soft tissues in different situations, determining the degree of mobility of each stage. Instrumental examination plays a key role in diagnosis.

This is followed by computed tomography, X-ray, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

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

Home treatment

Even traditional medicine recognizes the treatment of this disease by folk methods. The discipline of the patient, his application of various techniques can significantly reduce the time required to repair the tissues of the spine.

Start by reviewing your diet. Excess cholesterol leads to impaired blood flow, blood vessels lose their elasticity, leading to osteochondrosis. Therefore, fatty foods, eggs, rich broths, pork should be excluded and the skin should be removed from the chicken.

The patient should get rid of the addictions, reduce the consumption of caffeinated beverages.

The most effective home treatments are:

• daily performance of a unique complex of physiotherapy practices;
• self-massage - includes rubbing and stroking, helps shiatsu well;
• use of specially designed tools and applicators;
• exposure to a magnetic field - this helps to improve blood circulation to the muscles. The magnet is selected by a specialist, the method of application is easy to learn;
• Massage beds have recently appeared on the market.

Important!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, your doctor will prescribe a painkiller. Analgesic patches are used to treat neuropathic syndromes. They contain lidocaine, which relieves painful feelings.

1. Non-steroidal drugs are designed to relieve inflammation and have a potent and effective effect. But side effects do not allow you to take such drugs for a long time.
2. You can use harmless but equally effective warming ointments to relieve pain.
3. If the pain lasts for more than 3 months, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. They have a calming effect, they reduce the manifestation of pain.

During treatment, it is important to restore intervertebral discs and cartilage. Hondoprotectors have been designed for this purpose. They should be taken for at least 4 months.

1. To improve blood circulation, a special drug is presented to be taken in combination with drugs containing nicotinic acid and thioctic acid.
2. Diuretics help relieve swelling.
3. Vitamin B and calcium intake are also essential during treatment.

Injections

In lumbar osteochondrosis, special occlusions are made to relieve pain. The skilled artisan will use a long needle to inject the analgesic. The procedure allows for temporary relief of pain, but there is no therapeutic effect.

1. Muscle relaxants are used to relieve cramps.
2. Chondroitin sulfate helps to restore cartilage tissue.
3. Vitamin B injections are given to restore the nervous system in the affected areas.
4. Modern non-steroidal medications are used to treat inflammation that do not damage the function of the stomach and intestines.

Doctors believe that oral administration of drugs is the most effective way to treat osteochondrosis. Injections should only be given in a hospital setting.

Important!Getting rid of osteochondrosis requires a systematic approach. It is impossible to partially meet the requirements of the specialist. Only strict adherence to the treatment regimen guarantees a positive result.

Treatment with folk remedies

Herbs offer a variety of natural remedies to treat osteochondrosis.

Aquatic processes

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

The following fees are good for spas:

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

Compresses

A stew made of black radish, horseradish root and garlic is suitable for making the compress. The mass should be applied to the affected area, carefully wrapped. Keep it as long as possible.

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

Decoctions and infusions

Treatment with common laurel decoction is quite effective. But the scheme must be strictly adhered to.

1. Fill the bay leaf (4 g) with water (240 ml).
2. Boil for 4 minutes. Stick in a warm place for 3 hours.
3. The resulting medicine should be taken slowly before going to bed.
4. Repeat the procedure for another 2 days. The soup should always be freshly prepared.
5. Take a week off. Then repeat the treatment.

Two times is enough to avoid inconveniences during the year.

Celery

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

It must then be filtered. Take 7 ml three times a day. In season, you can make fresh juice from the roots of celery. You can use 12 ml three times a day.

Ointments and rubbing

Ginger ointment

This medicine helps with lumbago.

1. Fry the ginger powder using melted butter.
2. Crush fresh garlic to crush.
3. Mix the ingredients in equal parts.
4. The ointment should be rubbed into the affected area.

Rub Oregano

Place 25 g of chopped oregano in a container containing 450 ml of oil. It is better to use olive or sunflower oil. Allow the product to reach for 8 hours. Squeeze the grass and discard.

Rubbing is suitable for all types of osteochondrosis.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Physiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of osteochondrosis. The complex is assembled by a specialist. This takes into account the diagnosis, the degree of stress and the physical fitness of the patient.

Each exercise is performed for 4 minutes.

A series of exercises for the treatment of pathologies of the cervical spine

1. Lie flat on your back. One hand is placed on the abdomen and the other on the chest. Breathe as deeply as possible, hold your breath. Exhale and relax after counting ten. You can take 5 approaches a day.
2. Lie on your stomach, straighten your legs. Slowly raise your head and upper chest. Go down and take a break for half a minute.
3. Lie on your back, bend your legs at the knee joints. Roll to the right and then to the left without changing the starting position.

Gymnastics for chest osteochondrosis

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

Exercises for lumbar spine lesions

1. Lie on your back, pull your legs to your chest. Roll from the back to the sacrum within 2 minutes. Then relax and lie down calmly.
2. Bend on all fours.
3. In a standing position, make circular movements, mimicking the rotation of the hoop.

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

Massage for osteochondrosis

Classical massages are only performed by trained people in the special rooms.

Honey

You can enjoy a honey massage at home. To do this, apply warm honey to the affected area. Then gently press and lift the palms out of the segment to be massaged. This procedure is best done after a visit to the spa. At the end of the seat, the back cover should be covered with cover paper and carefully wrapped.

Vacuum massage

Good results can be observed after the cupping vacuum massage. To do this, they put vegetable and mineral oil on their backs. And then a special medical bank performs 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

Regular preventive measures can prevent osteochondrosis.

Important!Swimming and hardening are the best preventative measures.

1. It is also necessary to strengthen the muscle corset with special exercises.
2. Proper, balanced nutrition is also important.
3. In 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 long stays on your computer or near the TV. Get up, pull up, warm up every 30 minutes.

Pain is often caused by improper lifting. This should be done by squatting a little and not bending. If you have to stand for a long time, the support leg must be replaced regularly. On each occasion, support the back of an object to relieve tension.

Important!To prevent osteochondrosis, you need to buy orthopedic items for sleep.

Many people suffer from osteochondrosis. There are several ways to deal with this. But it is better to perform prophylaxis in time than to treat it for a long time.