Osteochondrosis - Causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention

Man has spinal osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and the discs between them.The distance between the vertebrae is becoming less, their elasticity and shape suffer.Muscle tissue is in constant tension.The nerves extending from the spinal cord can be pressed.

Varieties

It depends on the destination.

Cervical osteochondrosisSThe vertebrae in the cervical region become thinner, the functions of the thyroid gland are impaired, the arterial ducts are squeezed.The patient suffers from migraines, it is difficult for him to move his hands and head.The fingers are numb.

Thoracic osteochondrosisSThe symptoms are similar to heart diseases and blood vessels.Pain occurs in the area of the shoulder blade and chest.The pain can be intense or even chronic at the point of deformation of the vertebrae.Thoracic osteochondrosis has a negative effect on the kidneys and pancreas.

Lumbar osteochondrosisSIntense painful sensations appear in the muscle tissues of the ass.The pain can be administered to the perineum.The patient is uncomfortable during inclinations.With osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, muscle tissue atrophy can occur, problems with the functioning of the reproductive system can occur.

Polysegmented osteochondrosisSThis is the development of the disease in several spinal parts at the same time.In the patient, the work of the speech apparatus is disturbed, the area of the nape becomes insensitive.

Generalized osteochondrosisSIt is a damage to several parts of the spine, along with joint tissues.The patient suffers from metabolic processes and weakens immunity.The disease is distinguished by frequent exacerbations.

Reasons

Improper spinal load is the main cause of osteochondrosis.The fact is that with great and prolonged stress, the structure of cartilage changes.

Other reasons:

  • A sedentary lifestyle;
  • Slouch;
  • long uncomfortable posture;
  • spine curvature;
  • temperature contrast;
  • body hypothermia;
  • intensive physical activity;
  • sharp turns with the body;
  • Height transport;
  • wearing a child;
  • fracture and other vertebral damage;
  • uncomfortable shoes;
  • weakened muscle tissue;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • malnutrition;
  • metabolic disorder;
  • lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
  • alcohol, cigarettes and drugs;
  • stress;
  • Heredity.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

In the first stages of osteochondrosis, the patient is worried:

  • back pain, neck or other parts of the body;
  • discomfort in movement and stiffness during inclinations or turns;
  • constant tension and muscle spasm;
  • Migraines and Bouts of Dizziness;
  • heart pain;
  • Muscle hypotension - decreased tone and muscle strength;
  • limb numbness;
  • Pain of the hands and feet;
  • flies before the eyes;
  • reduction of limb temperature;
  • Flacing painful sensations.

In neglected osteochondrosis, there may be:

  • loss of consciousness;
  • reduction of limb sensitivity;
  • Vascular disorder of blood circulation;
  • lesion or inflammation of the nerves;
  • narrowing and blocking the arteries.

Stages of osteochondrosis development

There are four stages:

  1. Patients complain of constant fatigue that is written off and experience discomfort in the area of damage.The first stage of the disease can be diagnosed during a preventive comprehensive examination.
  2. The patient has painful sensations.Cartilage tissue begins to collapse.In the absence of a course of treatment, the pressure of nerve roots and arterial channels progresses.There are enough medicines to get rid of pain.
  3. The structure of the spine changes.At this stage, the lordosis of the stand is diagnosed.A hump may appear.With timely treatment, these consequences can be minimized.
  4. It is difficult for the patient to move.When the position of the body changes, acute painful sensations appear.The replacement of the vertebrae, the cartilage becomes thick.Osteophytes develop.At this stage, irreversible consequences occur that can end with disability.

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis

This can occur after excessive physical activity, hypothermia or spinal trauma.At this point, the patient suffers from intense pain, sometimes cannot move completely.The duration of exacerbation depends on the stage of the disease, the general condition of the patient and is 1-2 days to several weeks.

With exacerbation of osteochondrosis you should see a doctor.

In the acute pain phase, it is very easy to make an error and send the patient to unnecessary surgery.Doctors facing complications begin to reinsure.Therefore, before visiting a neurosurgeon, it is proposed to undergo a two -week course of treatment and to relieve the severity of the symptoms.This reduces the likelihood of surgery because when a person does not hurt, the doctor treats the patient much more calmly.

Complications

  • convexity,
  • Hernia,
  • salt deposits between the vertebrae,
  • Kyphosis,
  • Reducing the muscles of the limbs,
  • spinal cord,
  • radiculitis,
  • Paralysis of the limbs.

Diagnostics

To diagnose osteochondrosis, the doctor examines the patient and has a hardware examination.

Blood tests for osteochondrosisSBased on the results of a common blood test, the first signs of osteochondrosis can be identified: increased rate of red blood cell sedimentation and low calcium levels.A biochemical analysis is performed in order to confirm the diagnosis in case of suspicion of osteochondrosis.In this way, evaluate the coagulation indicators, the activity of enzymes, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.

RadiographySCheck each spine separately, take pictures in straight, side and two inclined projections.If necessary, functional radiography is prescribed and photos are taken in a bending position, side slopes or extension.According to special indications in the spinal artery, the intervertebral canal or the damaged intervertebral disc is introduced by contrasting matter.

Computed tomography (CT)SUsually CT is performed after radiography to clarify the condition of a particular intervertebral discs.For example, see its height, identify the edge of the edge or the instability of the vertebrae.To do this, take pictures of one or two segments of the spine.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)SMRI is made instead or in addition to CT.According to the photos of the tomograph, blood vessels, nerve processes, intervertebral discs are studied.

Which doctor to contact

Osteochondrosis cures a neurologist.He conducts an initial check, sends for exams, makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes complete treatment.The neurologist also corrects the course of treatment if it does not lead to results.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

It is important to lead the right lifestyle, alternate the modes of work and rest, relax on vacation and take the weekends, and:

  • Avoid intense exercise;
  • walk in the fresh air;
  • When sitting once an hour, make easy body and neck gymnastics;
  • For sleep, use an orthopedic mattress;
  • Make the right diet;
  • Timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Treatment of osteochondrosis

Some treatment techniques or even massage or manual therapy may be contraindicated for a particular case, so individual consultation is important.Most often, motor therapy, massage, manual therapy and acupuncture are used as a treatment.They try not to use medicines.

The doctor also makes recommendations for the daily and sleep regime.The cause of the problem may be an uncomfortable place to sleep or an improper organized workplace.

Motor therapy

Treatment is preferred in all leading countries with a good level of medicine.Also, this method is good in rehabilitation and with a slight curvature of the spine.

These are classic exercises for physiotherapy, classes for treatment and physical education in water, swimming, workouts for fitness and computer hardware complexes.Styles are chosen by a doctor: it happens that one style is contraindicated, but another is allowed.Swimming should also be careful: if the patient does not have the right technique, this type of physical activity can be detrimental.

Usually, people with osteochondrosis need asymmetrical loads.For example, the right side of the muscles are better developed.Due to this imbalance, distortions occur in the musculoskeletal system and in the bone-ligament apparatus.The curvature of the chest is characteristic of people with well -designed right hand: reinforcement, boxers.

Manual therapy for osteochondrosis

This type of treatment is used in the early stages of the disease.Manual therapy strengthens the muscle frame and eliminates the block and pinching of nerve roots.This type of treatment is not recommended when the form of the vertebrae has changed and bone growth is formed.

Proper manual therapy improves the configuration of the spine.There may be constant functional blocks - areas of stiffness in the spine and in the pelvic sacrum - which the patient is difficult to remove independently with therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is not what they have practiced before.Many doctors no longer use solid techniques that are accompanied by crunching but use soft techniques.They are based on the knowledge of biomechanics, joints of the joints, the laws of muscle contraction and relaxation.The risk of the side effects of such techniques is less and the efficiency has not changed.

Acupuncture

In certain parts of the body, the doctor introduces special needles.It is then accelerated by blood circulation, lymph circulation and metabolic processes, the condition of the spine and the whole body improves.Acupuncture with osteochondrosis is performed at the initial stages of the disease, with intense pain and poor mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a method of dry needles when a needle without medication is introduced into a spasmodic muscle, usually a pear.Back and pelvic pain stops.This method is effective even in chronic cases.

Kinesiotherapy

This is one of the most secure methods.It is actively developing in South Korea and is often used in sports medicine.

Kinesioteype is a cotton patch with a thermoclass.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck, chest, back and joint pain.They are now conducting many training seminars for recording at home, but you have to be more careful with an independent tape - there may be complications.

With kinesioteiing you should consider the limitations: for girls it is pregnancy and critical days.Some patients may have an allergic patch reaction.

Osteochondrosis massage

There are many contraindications for this type of treatment, so the neurologist prescribes an individual patient's course.Along with it you have to choose a competent massage therapist.Massage sessions should be regular.Usually the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions a week for 1-3 months.

Proper medical massage for osteochondrosis of the spine:

  • provides additional muscle load and increases their tone;
  • Accelerates lactic acid accumulation and relieves muscle spasm;
  • Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
  • Relieves pain.

Only medical massage is suitable for treatment, Thai is dangerous.Most Thai massage masters use manual therapy techniques and are not interested in the patient's physical condition.

Physiotherapy for spinal osteochondrosis

Depending on the location and stage of the disease, patients are prescribed:

MagnetotherapySThis is the effect of a magnetic field with a constant frequency that triggers a cell reaction.

Electrophoresis for osteochondrosisSThe effect on the tissue of the electric field, which accelerates blood circulation and activates the processes of regeneration.

Laser therapySIt activates biological processes in nerve fibers, has anti -inflammatory, healing wounds and analgesic effects.

Shockwave therapySImpact on the diseased body of the body with acoustic waves improves metabolic processes and microcirculation, relieves swelling and pain.

Survivorotherapy

This treatment with medical leeches.It prevents increased blood coagulation and blood clots, dilates blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect.Lying in osteochondrosis is placed to improve the blood supply of cells and therefore to activate the recovery of damaged intervertebral discs.

Treatment of osteochondrosis drugs

Modern medicine is trying to get out of medicines.Some medicines are very severe and can adversely affect the patient's health.

Osteochondrosis pain is common in the background of small changes in the spine.And if the doctor chooses the proper treatment of the patient without medication, then the patient is unlikely to meet pain again.If the patient is taking medicines for a long time, the most likely structural changes in the spine will worsen and the tablets will stop acting.There are also situations in medicine where medicines are contraindicated.

In modern medicine, kinesiotpe is used as painkillers.This is a long patch that is no more expensive than the drug packaging.Its effectiveness and safety are higher than those of drug therapy.

Other methods of treatment

The following medicines and procedures are sometimes prescribed:

CorsetSIt fixes the spine and further supports the back.

Darsonvalization for osteochondrosisSThis is the effect of alternating current through a glass electrode with gas.Improves microcirculation and blood supply.

Mustard plasters and compressesThey have a warming effect and activate the blood.

Vitamins for osteochondrosisImprove the condition of bones, joints, muscle tissue and nerve fibers.

Injections and chondroprotectorsPreventing more and more destruction of cartilage.

In severe cases, surgery for the treatment of osteochondrosis is prescribed.

Osteochondrosis diet

Osteochondrosis power should be balanced.A sufficient amount of substances for the synthesis of cartilage tissue should enter the body.It is useful to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, protein products, as well as mucopolysaccharides dishes - such as fruit jelly, jelly or fish flooding.

Osteochondrosis exercises

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is prescribed when the pain passes.The set of exercises is selected individually depending on the form, extent, stage of the disease.For example, in the initial stage of the cervical form of the disease, doctors advise:

  • Fulse slopes with your head;
  • Rotate your head to the right and left;
  • Describe in the air the chin numbers from 0 to 9;
  • Move your chin forward into the horizontal plane.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a temperature for osteochondrosis?

Yes.This symptom can be with concomitant diseases, such as stenosis of the spinal canal, vertebral artery syndrome, and bulges of the discs.

How to sleep with osteochondrosis?

In the posture in which the pain is comfortable and less concerned about you.If you sleep on your back, choose a small pillow and place a soft roller under your knees, on the stomach - a pillow under the lower abdomen.

Also buy an orthopedic mattress and pillow.

Can there be osteochondrosis arrhythmia?

Yes, in advanced cases of osteochondrosis.One possible reasons is to pinch the spinal artery, which can pull out spasmodic muscles or overgrown osteophytes.But it is better to undergo a comprehensive study and make sure you have no heart disease.

What are osteochondrosis injections?

Now they are trying to leave medical treatment.The doctor prescribes injections only in extreme cases.For osteochondrosis, non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, chondroprotectors are used.

Is it possible to warm osteochondrosis?

Before you see a doctor, it's not better worth it.

How to anesthetize osteochondrosis?

Kinesiot.This is a cotton patch with a thermoclass.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck, chest, back and joint pain.