osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine through changes in one or another part of the disc.The danger is that the disease develops unnoticed.Currently, the disease is affecting younger people.

What is spinal osteochondrosis

Doctors define the disease as chronic degenerative dystrophic changes in the spine and its structures.It affects about 80% of the world's population, and the first signs of the disease are already observed at 20-25 years of age.It can lead to more serious health problems in the future.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine occurs most frequently; cervical and thoracic spine osteochondrosis is less common.Humans have 33-34 vertebrae, which are connected to each other through intervertebral discs.They perform many important functions, ensuring the mobility of the spine.

Osteochondrosis of the spine is characterized by drying and alteration of these discs and the spaces between them, resulting in a decrease in their strength and elasticity.High loads on the spine can cause the discs to shift, causing pain on movement and subsequent herniation.

Displacement of the vertebrae is caused by squeezing of nerve endings and compression of blood vessels.The spine is curved and individual parts are damaged, and its deformation is an irreversible process.Ossification of the ligaments further reduces the mobility of the spine.

What types are there

Depending on the location of the damage, there are the following types of osteochondrosis:

• Cervical spine, most common in young people who live a sedentary lifestyle and work in front of a computer for long periods of time;
• Thoracic spine disease is a rare disorder that can result from changes in the thoracic spine caused by a variety of factors, such as trauma;
• The lumbosacral region has the widest range of disease, often affecting people over 30 years old;
• A common form of rickets is that multiple parts of the spine are affected at the same time.

The disease goes through several stages:

1. The first stage often occurs unnoticed.Instability occurs due to shifting of the vertebrae, causing slight discomfort when moving.This is the most dangerous stage when injuries are most likely to occur.
2. In the second stage, the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs is destroyed, causing the distance between them to decrease.
3. The third stage is accompanied by a rupture of the annulus fibrosus, in which the core of the disc moves out of its position.At this stage, intervertebral hernia occurs, causing deformation of the spine.
4. The final stage is characterized by a severe pain syndrome.Bone growth and ligament ossification interfere with the spine's freedom of movement.

Osteochondrosis is caused by muscle tension, causing muscle spasms.This results in limited movement of the joints and spine.The result is degeneration of the vertebrae and discs, narrowing of the openings between vertebrae, and compression of nerve roots.

symptom

The symptoms of this disease depend on the area of damage.It's worth noting that people attribute most of the symptoms of this disease to other problems alone.For example, headaches are thought to be caused by tension and stress, and hearing loss is caused by the use of headphones.

1. The symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis are as follows:

   • Headaches that become worse when you try to move your head;
   • Neck pain that spreads to the shoulder blades, arms, and chest area;
   • Sensitivity is often impaired, and the fingers become numb and feel weak;
   • Restricted tongue movement affects speech, and snoring may occur;
   • The voice changes and becomes weak and hoarse;
   • Dizziness and loss of consciousness may occur;
   • Loss of coordination of movements and loss of direction when walking;
   • Deterioration of dental condition;
   • Hearing loss and tinnitus occur.

2. Osteochondrosis of the chest is rare but can occur.It is usually caused by spinal injury.The cause may be scoliosis.Symptoms of this disease:

   • Severe chest pain that worsens when you try to breathe deeply and move;
   • Pain may occur in the stomach, liver, and heart areas;
   • Sometimes I have a tingling feeling in my chest.

3. The most common variant of the disease is lumbosacral osteochondrosis.It manifests as severe pain in the lower back.Symptoms may vary, but during the first stages of development they are not very noticeable.But over time or in "successful" situations, the disease worsens.Appear:

   • Pain or sharp pain in the area above the tailbone that worsens with movement;
   • Pain radiates to the buttock area and sensitivity in the legs is impaired;
   • Restricted body movements, unable to bend or turn;
   • In the final stage, it is often impossible to sit or stand, and muscle weakness occurs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Many people are concerned about how to treat osteochondrosis and whether the disease can be completely cured.Doctors clearly answer this question in the negative, but it is possible and necessary to start treatment on time and prevent the progression of the disease.There are many ways to treat osteochondrosis, including classical and traditional medicine.

It is worth noting that this disease can be treated quite effectively, especially in the early stages of the disease.In an outpatient setting, a special comprehensive program is used designed to quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and correct the cause of the pain.

Integrated therapy includes the following techniques:

1. Acupuncture.

   Acupuncture is performed every one to two days.The duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor; it can range from 7 days to a month; usually, 12-15 procedures are sufficient.The acupuncturist performs a visual and manual examination of the patient.A process lasts approximately half an hour.Leave the needle in for 15-20 minutes.

   Disposable sterile acupuncture needles are used during the procedure; they are inserted under the patient's skin and feel a slight sting, similar to a mosquito bite.When the needle reaches a biologically active site, the person will feel numbness, pain, or fullness; pain is rare.

2. Vacuum therapy.

   To carry out this process, a special vacuum tank is used.This method is very effective and almost painless.This treatment allows you to quickly and safely eliminate the symptoms of the disease.It is based on the mobilization of the body's own resources for rehabilitation medicine.

   Under the influence of the jar, a pressure difference is created and the skin and parts of the muscles are pulled into the jar.Through deep treatment of a large area, blood microcirculation is improved, stasis is eliminated, harmful substances are removed, and tissue renewal is faster.

   Vacuum therapy has a wide range of effects; the doctor himself selects and allocates the surgical area.The spots that appeared during the surgery begin to disappear after the fourth surgery, so you don't have to be afraid of them.

3. Manual therapy.

   These are gentle treatments that are very effective among non-drug options.Chiropractors can eliminate many muscle and spine related problems and are used to treat neurological conditions.

   The effects are superficially reminiscent of a regular massage, but the positioning is more limited and the intensity of the impact is moderate.A qualified chiropractor can cure conditions that medications cannot.

   To treat the spine, this approach aims to increase muscle elasticity and improve the movement of individual vertebrae.The surgeries are not performed every day, but every seven days.Manual therapy combines physical therapy and folk remedies, as well as physical therapy, to achieve better results.

   

4. Acupuncture therapy.

   This approach involves injecting disease-specific drugs into active points in the body in minimal doses.These can be vitamin complexes, homeopathic remedies, biostimulants, corticosteroids.The injections are administered using microneedles and there is little to no unpleasant sensation.

   Modified versions are used in the spine to cure osteochondrosis, vertebral hernias and other problems.It is used for rehabilitation after spinal surgery.Medical acupuncture can enhance metabolism and improve connective tissue nutrition and blood circulation in the affected area.Even a small, comprehensive treatment can produce positive, long-lasting results.

5. Magnetic puncture.

   The method involves exposing biologically active sites to magnetic fields.For this purpose, a tape recorder is used, on which certain properties such as polarity, size and power are set.The device consists of rubber magnets; they generate a constant magnetic field.To treat various diseases, metal plates and magnetic balls of different shapes, areas and thicknesses are used.

6. Laser treatment.

   This is a laser effect on specific acupuncture points through an intact area of skin.Most often, red low-power lasers are used; they exhibit the most activity.After treatment, inflammation and pain, spasms are relieved, blood vessels dilate, metabolic processes improve, and cell regeneration increases.

7. Electrical stimulation.

   Electric current is used to affect certain points.It is effective for electrical stimulation of motor muscles and nerve endings.Single pulse, exponential current, rhythmic DC and sinusoidal modulated current are used.Severe pain can be eliminated in just 1-3 surgeries.The complete course requires 10-15 lessons.

Outpatient treatments often include pharmaceutical ingredients designed to relieve pain.For this purpose, analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, antioxidants, as well as drugs that correct psychosomatic diseases and reduce the degeneration of cartilage tissue are used.

traditional method

Traditional medicine has many treatments for osteochondrosis.

For external use, use the following options:

1. Apply a small amount of ointment to the affected area, gradually rubbing it into the skin.The treatment area should be carefully wrapped to retain heat.It is enough to perform this procedure 3-4 times a day.
2. Applying pressure with ointment can help relieve inflammation and pain.Cover the oiled area with plastic wrap and place fresh mint leaves or lemon balm leaves underneath; burdock leaves or cabbage leaves are effective.Wrap and secure the dressing with a woolen scarf.Crushed fresh birch leaves work well; apply them to problem areas and leave them wrapped for half an hour.
3. For rubbing, you can use vegetable oils infused with herbs - oregano, St. John's wort.Half a liter of vegetable oil requires about 500 grams of raw materials.Fresh oregano cakes are soaked for 24 hours, and dried St. John's wort is soaked in oil for 21 days.
4. You can prepare a mixture of 1/3 cup of black radish juice, 200 g of fresh honey, 100 ml of vodka and a handful of fresh lilac flowers.Leave it in a warm place for a day, then you can wipe it with the composition.

Don't forget about proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.It is necessary to constantly monitor your posture when sitting in a chair or in front of a computer; it is recommended to sleep on a medium-hard surface.

The spine must always be supported; for this, you can use special exercises and avoid long monotonous postures.

Exercises for osteochondrosis at home

At home you can perform effective and simple gymnastics, which should be part of the set of measures for the treatment of spinal disorders.The following exercises are recommended for osteochondrosis.

1. Tilt your head forward and clasp your forehead area with your fingers.Lower your head to perform the action and hold it with both hands.The counter movement is to try to lift your head while tilted and hold your hands behind your head to counteract its movement.Each movement takes 10 seconds.
2. Impact bioactive points with palms and fingers: first massage the forehead area, pressing the skin and moving with gentle movements.Exposure time is 20-40 seconds.Then moving to the temporal area, the effect proceeds in a similar manner.The procedure ends with an ear massage, with the ears stretched in all directions.
3. To improve brain nutrition, you should sit on a flat surface and keep your back straight.Slowly pull your head back; you can easily help yourself with your hands and press your chin with your palms.Exercise time - 10-30 seconds.You can then turn your head slightly to one side or the other and hold this position for 10-15 seconds.
4. This is an excellent exercise for preventing cervical osteochondrosis.It helps improve the function of the cervical plexus.IP – Sit on a flat surface with your back straight.Slowly move your head towards your chest and try to touch it with your chin.You can place your hands behind your head and gently press forward and upward.Sit in this position for about a minute, rest for 10-15 minutes, and then repeat the exercise.
5. Warm up by engaging your upper spine while pulling your shoulders as far toward your ears as possible.Then lower them freely and easily.Repeat for 15 seconds.Then repeat the exercise, but targeting each shoulder joint individually.

At the end of the exercise, rub the back of your neck with your palms.

To get rid of the physical pain of cervical osteochondrosis, take an aspen stick or rolling pin and slowly tap your shoulder, shoulder blade, and spine on one side, then the other.You can give it a little massage to relieve tension and pain.

To get rid of lower back pain quickly, you need to lie on a hard surface, preferably the floor, with your legs bent at the knees.Turn your legs one way and the other, trying to touch the floor with your knees.

If your condition gets worse - how to relieve pain

Often, during an exacerbation of the disease, a person does not know where to turn.It's not possible to continue taking medications, but there are ways to eliminate acute pain without relying on medications.

First, the problem area should be heated.You can wrap the area with a woolen scarf.Exposure to cold is also possible, but only within the first days after the problem occurs and under the supervision of a doctor.

Lie on a hard surface and try to repair the painful area.If you are experiencing pain, it is recommended to place a soft pad under the lower back to relieve tension in the area.It's best to bend your legs.The chest can be wrapped tightly with a bandage, and the neck can be splinted with cardboard and cotton wool, as if injured.

If your symptoms don't resolve, you should see your doctor.To relieve severe pain, take painkillers.

Prevention – How to prevent the occurrence of osteochondrosis

Before taking prevention measures, you should find out what most commonly causes osteochondrosis.Poor diet, an inactive lifestyle, excess weight, bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse), strenuous physical activity and poor posture increase the risk of developing this disease.

Obviously, to prevent the development of the disease, you should first improve your diet and engage in physical activity.Some basic morning exercises, stretching, light self-massage on your lower back and neck, and swinging your arms and legs should be enough.In the workplace, you should spend 2-3 minutes warming up.Great for all types of swimming in the pool.

Combating excess weight will help eliminate the risk; you should not allow hypothermia or traumatic situations to occur.It pays to prevent stressful situations and break bad habits.Proper nutrition should be taken; the body should consume adequate amounts of protein, but salty, floury and fatty foods should be limited.

In some cases, doctors may prescribe additional vitamin and mineral complexes if there is a vitamin deficiency.All of this combined will help protect your spine from problems.