Causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a serious spinal disease, since it can cause severe discomfort and lead to various complications.For this reason, it needs to be treated in a timely manner and correctly.This can be done at home with the help of medicines, folk remedies, physical education and physiotherapeutic procedures.All medical measures must be approved by a specialist, otherwise there is a risk of complications.

What is osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative -dystrophic spinal disease (DDZP), leading to a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.This provokes a decrease in their elasticity and a change in form.Because of this, the interval between the vertebrae is significantly reduced and the instability of the spine is observed in this place.

With the pathological destruction of tissues, pinches nerve endings emanating from the spinal cord, which leads to constant tension of the spinal muscles.Against this background, pain and other characteristic symptoms occur.The clinical signs are able to differ depending on which segment has undergone degenerative disorders.The following departments are distinguished by chondrosis of the spine:

• cervical;
• thoracic;
• lumbar.

If the pathological process affects several segments, then such osteochondrosis is polysegent.Common disorders have complicated symptoms and are much more difficult to diagnose, since areas located near and remotely from each other can be affected.For example, osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar-cross.

Stages of osteochondrosis

There are 4 stages of osteochondrosis:

1. First.It is characterized by initial disorders in the area of the intervertebral disc.Usually at this stage the cartilage, an encircling vertebra, is covered with cracks.As a result of this, a reduction in the lumen between the discs begins.
2. The second.The fibrous ring covered with cracks is so narrowed that the ligaments and muscles of the spine begin to come into contact and rub against each other.At this stage, a person may manifest the first painful syndrome.The second stage leads to the formation of the instability of the vertebrae.
3. The third.The cartilaginous laying between the discs occurs.The thinning is detected when performing radiography, and symptoms are pronounced, which is intense.At this stage, pain syndrome can be removed only by using potent drugs.
4. Fourth.It is characterized by excessive instability of the vertebrae, since bone growths are formed on them - osteophytes.They injure nerve roots.Usually at this stage the symptoms subside somewhat, but it manifests seasonally (the peaks of exacerbation occur in the fall and spring).

Reasons

Osteochondrosis is able to develop against the background of hypothermia of the body, sharp turns that provoke the displacement of vertebrae, physical exertion.The opinion of experts converges that the main reason for degenerative processes in the spine is the improper distribution of the load on the spinal column.

Moreover, there are many factors leading to this:

• weakness of the back muscles;
• slouch;
• change in gait during pregnancy;
• curvature of the spine;
• weight lifting;
• classes of active and power sports;
• being in an uncomfortable position for a long time;
• Sitting lifestyle.

Also, osteochondrosis can be provoked by other reasons:

• violation of metabolic processes (lack of zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other useful trace elements);
• intoxication of the body with chemicals;
• genetic predisposition;
• consequences of infectious diseases;
• falls, bruises;
• hormonal violations;
• nervous shocks;
• Changing the elasticity of the nucleus.

Deviations in the development of the spinal column can cause degenerative and dystrophic changes.There are such provocative factors as abnormal ossification of the child’s skeleton, inadequate physical activity, and rapid growth.In this case, osteochondrosis is called youthful, or juvenile.

If it is not possible to establish the cause and time of the occurrence (at what age the degenerative -dystrophic process has developed - in adolescence or adult) the disease, then it is called unspecified.

Symptoms

Osteochondrosis is able to cause various symptoms, since each segment of the spine is responsible for the allocation of nerve endings to different organs and systems.

All manifestations are divided into 4 groups:

1. Statistical symptoms are associated with a physiological violation of the shape of the vertebrae.As a result of them, a person changes posture, the mobility of the head worsens, difficulties arise with the straightening of the spinal column.
2. Neurological features are formed against the background of damage to the nerve tissues.This leads to a violation of the sensitivity of the skin and a decrease in the intensity of muscle contractions in certain areas of the body.If at the initial stage the pain syndrome manifests itself locally, then as the disease progresses, it begins to affect the remote areas.Neurology includes such manifestations as numbness, tingling and goosebumps.With osteochondrosis, a symptom of Lacega is distinguished, which is differently called a symptom of tension.It is associated with excessive tension of the sciatic nerve fibers.It is caused by infringement of the spinal nerves in the spine or spasm of gluteal/lumbar muscles.
3. Possible vascular symptoms that occur against the background of squeezing the blood arteries.Usually this is observed with osteochondrosis of the cervical region.In case of impaired blood flow in this area, oxygen deficiency of the brain occurs, as a result of which dizziness, a sense of nausea and changes in the sympathetic nervous system appear.The latter are characterized by prolonged cramps and chronic ischemia in the internal organs.
4. The so -called trophic symptoms are distinguished.They are a combination of vascular and neurological disorders leading to skin defects and ulcers.

Treatment

In order to successfully cure osteochondrosis, it is necessary to conduct a detailed examination and establish an accurate diagnosis.First, doctors carry out an external examination of the patient, collection of the illness of the disease, after which they use laboratory and instrumental research methods.

There are 3 methods of therapy:

• medication;
• physiotherapeutic;
• surgical.

A special diet, compliance with bed rest and minimizing loads on the vertebral column is greater than the treatment of osteochondrosis.When resting, it is recommended to use a solid surface instead of a soft mattress.

At home, to treat the disease, you can resort to the first two methods.At the same time, it is advisable to combine them.To enhance their action, you can introduce folk methods into therapy.

However, self -medication is extremely undesirable.All measures and procedures must be approved by a specialist.In therapy of osteochondrosis, certain rules must be observed in the use of certain methods.

Moreover, if the provision of drug medical care did not give results and the disease progresses, then surgical treatment is prescribed.Surgical intervention is carried out to stabilize the structure of the spine, the removal of intervertebral hernias or completely affected discs.

Drugs

Drug treatment of osteochondrosis should be comprehensive, to have a goal of stopping pain and eliminating other pronounced symptoms.To do this, use various groups of drugs:

1. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory.They are designed to eliminate inflammatory processes and all types of pain.They also relieve swelling of the tissues.
2. Sedative. They are used to stop the pain syndrome, but do not affect the pathological process itself.
3. Muscle relaxants.They are used to relieve muscle spasm in the spine, due to which pain is noticeably reduced.They act by blocking the receptors in affected muscle fibers, as a result of which the conductivity of pulses in the spinal cord is disturbed.The effect of these drugs is short-lived, but during this time muscle fibers manage to return normal tone and use their own protective mechanisms from degenerative-dystrophic processes.
4. Vitamins of group B, D, A, E, C, phosphorus -containing and calcium -containing drugs.Vitamin-mineral complexes are necessary for the replenishment of substances in the body involved in the formation of bone and cartilage, metabolic processes.
5. Chondroprotectors.
6. Vasodilative drugs.

In the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, doctors recommend using chondroprotectors that have a cumulative effect and affect the human body after a certain time, helping to restore the intervertebral disc.Such drugs use a long period, up to 2-3 months.Moreover, chondroprotectors seriously load the liver and organs of the gastrointestinal tract, therefore they should be combined with probiotics.

Probiotics

All these groups of drugs can be used in various forms.With severe pain, injections are usually used for direct administration into the pathological area of the spine.In such cases, patients are prescribed injections with chondroprotectors and the so -called novocaine blockade.Any means in the form of injections into the affected vertebra should be administered only by the attending physician, since this is a very difficult and dangerous procedure.Other pharmacological types of drugs are also not recommended uncontrollably.The dosage and treatment regimen should be determined by a specialist.

With less fear, ointments and gels can be used, but in this case there are certain restrictions.For example, warming agents of local action cannot be used during periods of exacerbation of the disease.The most popular drugs in the form of ointments, gels and creams for osteochondrosis include:

Exercise therapy

In the treatment of osteochondrosis, physical education (LFK) will be useful.Moderate physical activity can benefitly affect the musculoskeletal system.They stimulate metabolic processes, restore the mobility of the spinal column and strengthen the muscle corset.

The doctor should select the methodology and diagram of therapeutic gymnastics, since it is able to vary depending on which spine is subject to the pathological process.Therefore, it is desirable that classes take place under the control of a specialist.After mastering the program, the treatment of physiotherapy exercises can be continued at home.

For example, when diagnosing osteochondrosis of the cervical region, the following simple exercises are recommended:

1. Tilt your head forward and press on the forehead area with woven fingers.The patient needs to prevent pressure.A similar exercise is then performed, acting on the occipital part, the left and right temple.
2. Press on the forehead with four fingers, as if stretching the skin, for 45 seconds.Actions are performed in different directions.This exercise is designed to restore blood circulation.
3. Sit on a chair or floor, keep your back straight and smoothly back your head back.With your hands it is necessary to gently press on the chin up and down.Then make the heads of the head left and right.
4. Try to get the breast chin.In this position, you need to cross your hands on the back of the head and press on it.In a stressful state, you need to linger for 1 minute, and then perform the movement of the shoulders, lifting them up, trying to reach the ears.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Drug treatment gives a good result if you combine it with physiotherapeutic procedures.Electromagnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasonic therapy, etc. are useful for the condition of the vertebrae. Some types of procedures can be carried out at home if you purchase appropriate portable devices.Mineral waters and healing mud have beneficial effects.

In the absence of contraindications for massage, the patient can be visited by a manual therapist.In the treatment of osteochondrosis, reflexotherapy sessions can be used - the effect on certain body points.At home, you can conduct self -massage.There are several techniques contributing to the elimination of pain and muscle tonic:

• light stroking the vertebral region with one or with both hands;
• crushing the muscles with pinching or circular movements, non -pushing fingertips;
• crushing the muscles with palms;
• straightforward elaboration of trapezoidal muscles;
• longitudinal and coracious squeezing along massage lines;
• rubbing the gaps between the ribs.

Folk remedies

To remove pain, you can use the means according to folk recipes.The result of treatment with herbs and other natural compositions will appear only with their prolonged use.

Folk remedies are preferable compared to drugs, since the latter with long use are able to seriously harm the intestines, liver and pancreas.Therefore, it is advisable to use methods of non -traditional medicine after stopping acute pain syndromes with drugs.The presented methods must be gradually replaced by medicines when the doctor is recommended.

Several effective recipes can be noted:

1. Honey and potatoes.You need to take several potatoes, grind them on a grater, add the same amount of honey.The components should be thoroughly mixed, put on gauze and use it in the form of a compress in a painful area.Reconciliation of the application must be wrapped with a scarf and left in this position for 1 hour.
2. Horseradish.You should take 1 sheet of plant and steam with boiling water.It must be turned over in the inside to the painful area and attach it.The product should be securely fixed and wrapped in a scarf.The procedure must be performed at night, and remove the bandage - only the next morning.
3. Hot bottle.It is necessary to take plastic containers, pour hot water into it, put on the sofa and lie on it with your back.It is advisable to try to move the bottle under it.The procedure should be carried out for 30 minutes.
4. Parsley.It is necessary to eat for 30 days every day 1 root of the plant.
5. Pine buds.Raw materials should be collected in the spring.The length of the pine buds should be 2 cm. It is necessary to rinse them and dry them.The raw materials must be ground and combined with sugar in proportions of 2: 1, then mix thoroughly and put in the refrigerator.The product will be ready when it acquires a rich brown tint.The mixture must be eaten for 1 tsp.per day for 3 weeks.

When using folk remedies, it is extremely careful to approach the procedures with a warming effect.Such actions can help temporarily get rid of soreness and inflammation, but are able to harm.During periods of exacerbation of the disease, any warmings are prohibited, since they cause vascular expansion, as a result of which swelling may occur.In such situations, you should apply for treatment for specialists.With osteochondrosis of the cervical region in any form, it is forbidden to warm the neck, as this can provoke a strong migraine.

Prevention

Each person should carry out special measures aimed at preventing the development of osteochondrosis.The main measure of prevention is to comply with proper posture during movement and in a sitting position.

It is advisable to engage in physical education, contributing to the strengthening of the musculoskeletal system and the muscle corset of the spinal column.

For sleep, you should choose specially designed orthopedic mattresses and pillows.Their advantage is that they allow you to repeat the physiological outline of the spinal column.

The musculoskeletal system cannot be exposed to excessive loads.If necessary, lifting weights, you need to use the right technique.

Dietary nutrition should be observed.The diet should be balanced, ensure the normal operation of the gastrointestinal tract.You can not use a large amount of caffeine, chocolate and alcoholic beverages.Food should be rich in proteins, calcium and other useful trace elements.