Osteochondrosis: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention methods

A man has spinal osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and discs between them.The distance between the vertebrae is becoming smaller, their elasticity and their shape suffer.The muscle tissue is in constant tension.The nerves that extend from the spinal cord can pinch.

Varieties

Depend on destiny.

Cervical osteochondrosis.The vertebrae in the cervical region are thinned, the functions of the thyroid gland are disturbed, the arterial channels are squeezed.The patient suffers from migraine, it is difficult for him to move his hands and head.The fingers are numb.

Thoracic osteochondrosis.Symptoms are similar to heart disease and blood vessels.In the area of the shoulder blade and chest, pain appears.The pain can be intense or even chronic in the place of deformation of the vertebrae.Thoracic osteochondrosis negatively affects kidneys and pancreas.

Lumbar osteochondrosis.Intensive painful sensations appear in the muscle tissues of the buttocks.Pain can be given to the perineum.The patient feels uncomfortable during inclinations.With the osteochondrosis of the lumbar department, the atrophy of muscle tissue, problems with the operation of the reproductive system may arise.

Osteochondrosis.This is the development of the disease in several spinal parts at the same time.In the patient, the work of the speech apparatus is interrupted, the neck area becomes insensitive.

Generalized osteochondrosis.This is a defeat of several parts of the column along with joint fabrics.The patient suffers from metabolic processes and weakens immunity.The disease is distinguished by frequent exacerbations.

Reasons

Inadequate load in the spine is the main reason for the appearance of osteochondrosis.The fact is that with large and prolonged stress, the cartilage structure changes.

Other reasons:

  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • flexible;
  • Long uncomfortable;
  • spine curvature;
  • temperature contrast;
  • body hypothermia;
  • Intensive physical activity;
  • sharp turns with the body;
  • Height transport;
  • taking a child;
  • fracture and other damage to the vertebrae;
  • inconvenient shoes;
  • weakened muscle tissue;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • incorrect nutrition;
  • Metabolic violation;
  • Lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
  • alcohol, cigarettes and drugs;
  • stress;
  • inheritance.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

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

  • back in the back, neck or other parts of the body;
  • discomfort when moving and rigidity during inclinations or turns;
  • constant tension and muscle spasm;
  • migraines and episodes of dizziness;
  • heart pain;
  • Muscle hypotension: reduced tone and muscle strength;
  • Numbness of the limbs;
  • arms and leg pains;
  • Fly in front of the eyes;
  • reduction in the temperature of the limbs;
  • Shooting painful sensations.

With careless osteochondrosis, there may be:

  • loss of consciousness;
  • decrease in extremities sensitivity;
  • Vascular circulatory rape;
  • Injury or inflammation of the nerves;
  • narrowing and blocking of arteries.

Osteochondrosis development stages

There are four stages:

  1. Patients complain of constant fatigue, that are canceled to work, and experience discomfort in the damage area.The first stage of the disease can be diagnosed during an integral preventive examination.
  2. The patient has painful sensations.The cartilage tissue begins to collapse.In the absence of a treatment course, the siring of nerve roots and arterial channels progresses.To get rid of pain, there are enough drugs.
  3. The structure of the column is changing.At this stage, lordosis is diagnosed, the curvature of the posture.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 change of vertebrae, the cartilage becomes dense.Osteophytes are developed.At this stage, irreversible consequences appear that can end in disability.

Exacerbation of osteochondrosis

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

With the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, you should see a doctor.

In the acute pain phase, it is very easy to make a mistake and send the patient to unnecessary operation.Doctors, confronted with complications, begin to resettle themselves.Therefore, before visiting a neurosurgeon, it is proposed to undergo a two -week treatment course and relieve the severity of the symptoms.This reduces the probability of surgery, because when a person does not hurt, the doctor treats the patient much quieter.

Complications

  • outgoing,
  • hernia,
  • salt deposits between vertebrae,
  • Ciposis,
  • Reducing extremities muscles,
  • spinal cord race,
  • Radiculitis,
  • limb paralysis.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the osteochondrosis, the doctor examines the patient and performs a hardware exam.

Blood analysis for osteochondrosis.According to the results of a general blood analysis, the first signs of osteochondrosis can be identified: a higher rate of precipitation of red blood cells and a low level of calcium.To confirm the diagnosis in case of suspicion of osteochondrosis, a biochemical analysis is carried out.Thus evaluate coagulation indicators, enzyme activity, zinc content, cobalt, iron and other components.

Radiography.Verify each spine separately, take photos in the straight, lateral and two oblique projections.If necessary, a functional radiography is prescribed and images are taken in the lateral flexion, inclinations or extension position.According to special indications in the vertebral artery, the intervertebral channel or a damaged intervertebral disc is introduced by a contrast matter.

Computed tomography (CT).In general, the TC is carried out after the radiography to clarify the condition of a certain intervertebral album.For example, see its height, identify the edge growth or instability of the vertebrae.To do this, take photos of one or two segments of the spine.

Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRI).Magnetic resonance is done in place or in addition to CT.According to the images of the tomograph, blood vessels are studied, nerve processes, intervertebral discs are studied.

What doctor contact

Osteochondrosis treats a neurologist.Performs an initial inspection, sends for exams, makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes comprehensive treatment.The neurologist also adjusts the treatment course if it does not bring results.

Osteochondrosis prevention

It is important to lead the correct lifestyle, alternate the jobs and rest, relax on vacation and take weekends, as well as:

  • Avoid intense physical effort;
  • walk in fresh air;
  • When the work feels once per hour, it is an easy gymnastics of the body and neck;
  • To sleep use an orthopedic mattress;
  • make an adequate diet;
  • Treat infectious diseases.

Osteochondrosis treatment

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

The doctor also gives recommendations on the daily and sleep regime.The reason for the problem can be an uncomfortable sleeping place or an incorrectly organized workplace.

Motor therapy

Treatment is preferred in all main countries with a good level of medicine.In addition, this method is good as a rehabilitation and with a slight curvature of the spine.

These are classical physiotherapy exercises, treatment of treatment and physical education in water, swimming, gym training and computerized hardware complexes.The styles are selected by a doctor: it happens that one style is contraindicated, but another is allowed.With swimming, you should also be careful: if the patient does not have the right technique, this type of physical activity can be harmful.

In general, people with osteochondrosis need asymmetric loads.For example, on the right side of the muscles they develop better.Due to this imbalance, distortions occur in the musculoskeletal system and in the bone ligament apparatus.The curvature of the thoracic column is characteristic of people with a well -developed 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 the pinch of nerve roots.This type of treatment is not recommended when the shape of the vertebrae has changed and bone growth is formed.

Adequate manual therapy improves the configuration of the spine.There may be persistent functional blocks, areas of stiffness in the column and the pelvic sacrum, which the patient is difficult to eliminate independently with therapeutic exercises.

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

Acupuncture

In certain parts of the body, the doctor introduces special needles.After that, blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes are accelerated, improves the condition of the column and the entire organism.Acupuncture with osteochondrosis is carried out in the initial stages of the disease, with intense pain and weak mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a dry needle method when a needle without medication is introduced into a spasmodic muscle, usually pear -shaped.The Pain in the Back and the Pelvic Area Stops.This method is effective even in chronic cases.

Kineotherapy

This is one of the safest methods.It is actively developed in South Korea and is often used in sports medicine.

The kinesiotepe is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck pain, chest problems, back and joints.Now they carry out many training seminars at home recording, but you must be more careful with the independent tape;There may be complications.

With kinesioteiing, the restrictions must take into account: for girls it is pregnancy and critical days.Some patients may have an allergic reaction to a patch.

Massage for osteochondrosis

There are many contraindications for this type of treatment, so the neurologist prescribes an individual course to the patient.Together with him, you must choose a competent massage therapist.The massage sessions must be regular.In general, the doctor prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Medical massage suitable for the osteochondrosis of the column:

  • It provides additional loads in the muscles and increases its tone;
  • Accelerates the accumulations of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasm;
  • It improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
  • It relieves pain.

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

Physiotherapy for spinal osteochondrosis

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

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

Electrophoresis for osteochondrosis.The effect on electric field fabric, which accelerates blood circulation and activates regeneration processes.

Laser therapy.Activates biological processes in nerve fibers, has an anti -inflammatory effect, wound healing and analgesic.

Shock wave therapy.The impact on the body sick with acoustic waves improves metabolic processes and microcirculation, relieve swelling and pain.

Hirudotherapy

This treatment with medical leeches.Prevents greater blood coagulation and the formation of blood clots, expands blood vessels, qualifies inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect.It is placed in the osteochondrosis to improve the blood supply to the cells and due to this to activate the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

Modern medicine is trying to get away from medications.Some medications are very serious and can negatively affect the patient's health.

The pain for osteochondrosis often occurs in the context of minor changes in the spine.And if the doctor selects the correct treatment of the patient without medications, it is unlikely that the patient will find pain again.If the patient takes medications for a long time, it is most likely that the structural changes in the column will worsen, and the tablets will stop acting.There are also situations in medicine where medications are contraindicated.

In modern medicine, Kinesiothepe is used as analgesics.This is a long patch that is not more expensive than drug packing.Its effectiveness and security are higher than that of pharmacological therapy.

Other treatment methods

Sometimes the following medications and procedures are prescribed:

Corset.The spine is fixed and also admits the back.

Darsonvalization for osteochondrosis.This is the effect of alternating the current through a gas electrode.Improves microcirculation and blood supply.

PAN AND MOSTAZA COMPRESSESThey have a heating effect and activate the bloodstream.

Osteochondrosis vitaminsImprove the condition of bones, joints, muscle tissue and nerve fibers.

Injections and condoprotectorsAvoid greater destruction of the cartilage.

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

Osteochondrosis diet

The energy supply for osteochondrosis must be balanced.A sufficient amount of substances for the synthesis of the cartilage tissue must enter the body.It is useful to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, protein products, as well as dishes with mucopolysaccharides, for example, fruit gelatin, gelatin or flood fish.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

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

  • Make head inclinations;
  • Turn your head to the right and left;
  • Describe in the air the numbers on the chin from 0 to 9;
  • Move the chin forward in the horizontal plane.

Frequent questions

Is there a temperature for osteochondrosis?

Yes. This symptom can be with concomitant diseases, for example, with spinal channel stenosis, vertebral artery syndrome and discs bump.

How to sleep with osteochondrosis?

In the pose in which the pain is convenient and less concerned with you.If you sleep upside down, select a small pillow and place a soft roller under your knees, on your stomach, a pillow under the lower abdomen.

Also buy an orthopedic mattress and a pillow.

Can there be arrhythmia of osteochondrosis?

Yes, in advanced cases of osteochondrosis.One of the possible reasons is to pinch the vertebral artery, which can squeeze the spasmodic muscles or osteophytes covered with vegetation.But it is better to undergo a complete examination and make sure that it does not have heart disease.

What are the injections of osteochondrosis?

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

Is it possible to heat osteochondrosis?

Before examining a doctor, it is better not to be worth it.

How to anesthetize osteochondrosis?

KinesiotepeThis is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck pain, chest problems, back and joints.