Causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis

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

What is osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative -dystrophic spinal disease (DDZP), which leads to a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and intervertebral discs.This causes a decrease in their elasticity and a change in shape.Therefore, the interval between the vertebrae is significantly reduced and there is an instability of the spine.

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

• cervical;
• current;
• Lumbar.

If the pathological process affects several segments, then such osteochondrosis is multi -season.General disorders have complex symptoms and are much more difficult to diagnose, as areas located close 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 violations in the area of the intervertebral disc.Usually at this stage the cartilage, surrounding the vertebra, is covered with cracks.As a result, a decrease in the lumen between the discs begins.
2. The second.The fibrous ring, covered with cracks, is so narrow that the ligaments and muscles of the spine begin to come in contact and rub against each other.At this stage, one can show the first painful syndrome.The second stage leads to the formation of the instability of the vertebrae.
3. The third.Cartilage occurs between the discs.The thinning is detected when performing radiography and the symptoms are pronounced, which is intense.At this stage, the pain syndrome can only be removed with the help of powerful medicines.
4. Fourth.It is characterized by excessive instability of the vertebrae, as bone growth is formed on them - osteophytes.They injure nerve roots.Usually at this stage the symptoms disappear somewhat, but it manifests itself seasonally (the tips of exacerbation appear in the fall and spring).

Reasons

Osteochondrosis is able to develop against the background of body hypothermia, acute turns that cause the vertebrae shift, physical exertion.Experts' opinion is closely closer that the main cause of degenerative processes in the spine is the improper distribution of the load on the spine.

In addition, there are many factors leading to this:

• weakness of the posterior muscles;
• Slouch;
• change in gait during pregnancy;
• spine curvature;
• lifting weights;
• classes of active and power sports;
• To be in an awkward position for a long time;
• A seated lifestyle.

Also, osteochondrosis can be provoked for other reasons:

• impaired metabolic processes (lack of zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other beneficial traces);
• intoxication of the body with chemicals;
• genetic predisposition;
• consequences of infectious diseases;
• Falls, bruises;
• hormonal disorders;
• nerve shocks;
• Changing the elasticity of the nucleus.

Deviations in the development of the spine 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 youth or youth.

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

Symptoms

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

All manifestations are divided into 4 groups:

1. The statistical symptoms are associated with a physiological disorder of the shape of the vertebrae.As a result, a person changes the posture, the mobility of the head deteriorates, there are difficulties in straightening the spine.
2. Neurological characteristics are formed against the background of nerve tissue damage.This leads to impaired skin sensitivity 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 tingling, tingling and guy.Osteochondrosis distinguishes a symptom of lacega, which is called a different symptom of tension.It is associated with excessive tension of the sciatic nerve fibers.It is caused by disruption of the spinal nerves in the spine or spasm of the gluteal/lumbar muscles.
3. Possible vascular symptoms that occur against the background of blood arteries.This is usually observed in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.In the case of impaired blood flow in this area, a deficiency of oxygen in the brain occurs, resulting in dizziness, a feeling of nausea and changes in the sympathetic nervous system.The latter are characterized by prolonged cramps and chronic ischemia in the internal organs.
4. The trophic symptoms of SO differ.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 carry out a detailed examination and to establish an accurate diagnosis.First, doctors conducted an external examination of the patient, collecting the disease of the disease, and then using laboratory and instrumental examination methods.

There are 3 methods of therapy:

• medicines;
• physiotherapy;
• Surgical.

Special diet, adherence to bed rest and minimizing spinal stress 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 improve their action, you can enter folk methods in therapy.

However, suicide is extremely undesirable.All measures and procedures must be approved by a specialist.In the treatment of osteochondrosis, certain rules should be followed when using certain methods.

In addition, if the provision of medical help for medicines does not produce results and the disease progresses, then surgical treatment is prescribed.Surgery is performed to stabilize the structure of the spine, remove the intervertebral hernias or completely affected discs.

Medication

Treatment of osteochondrosis drug should be overall, aim to stop the pain and eliminate other pronounced symptoms.To do this, use different groups of medicines:

1. No -high anti -inflammatory anti -inflammatory.They are designed to eliminate inflammatory processes and all types of pain.They also relieve tissue swelling.
2. Calm. 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, which is why the pain is noticeably reduced.They act by blocking the receptors in the affected muscle fibers, resulting in impaired impulse conductivity in the spinal cord.The effect of these drugs is short -lived, but during this time, muscle fibers manage to restore the normal tone and use their own protective mechanisms from degenerative dystrophic processes.
4. B vitamins, D, A, E, C, phosphorus -containing and calcium -containing drugs.Vitamin-mineral complexes are required to fill substances in the body involved in the formation of bones and cartilage, metabolic processes.
5. Chondroprotectors.
6. Vasodilative medicines.

In 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 medicines use a long period of up to 2-3 months.Moreover, chondroprotectors seriously charge the liver and organs of the gastrointestinal tract, so they must be combined with probiotics.

Probiotics

All these drug groups can be used in various forms.In severe pain, injections for direct administration in the pathological area of the spine are usually used.In such cases, patients with chondroprotectors and SO -Called Novocaine blockade are prescribed to patients.Any agent in the form of injections into the affected vertebra should only be administered by the attending physician, as this is a very difficult and dangerous procedure.Other pharmacological types of drugs are also not recommended uncontrollably.The dose 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 topical action cannot be used during periods of exacerbation of the disease.The most popular medicines 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 affect the musculoskeletal system.They stimulate metabolic processes, restore the mobility of the spine and strengthen the muscle corset.

The doctor should choose the methodology and diagram of therapeutic gymnastics, as it is able to vary depending on which spine is subject to the pathological process.It is therefore desirable that the classes be conducted under the control of a specialist.After mastering the program, the treatment of physiotherapy exercises can continue at home.

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

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

Physiotherapy procedures

Drug treatment is good if you combine it with physiotherapy procedures.Electromagnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasound therapy, etc.Are useful for the condition of the vertebrae.Some types of procedures can be performed at home if you buy suitable portable devices.Mineral waters and healing mud have a beneficial effect.

In the absence of massage contraindications, the patient may be visited by a manual therapist.Reflexotherapy sessions can be used in the treatment of osteochondrosis - the effect on certain body points.You can do yourself at home.There are several techniques that contribute to the elimination of pain and muscle tonic:

• Light caresses the spinal region with one or two hands;
• crushing the muscles with a pinch or circular motions, non -peaks at the top;
• crushing the muscles with palms;
• just developing trapezoidal muscles;
• longitudinal and housing pressing on massage lines;
• Rubbing the gaps between the ribs.

Folk remedies

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

Folk remedies are preferable to drugs, as the latter with long use are able to seriously damage the intestines, liver and pancreas.It is therefore advisable to use methods of unconventional medicine after stopping acute pain syndromes.The methods presented should 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, placed on a gauze and used in the form of a compress in a painful area.The correspondence of the application must be wrapped with a scarf and left in this position for 1 hour.
2. Horseradish.You need to take 1 sheet of plant and steam with boiling water.It should turn inside the pain area and attach it.The product must be reliably fixed and wrapped in a scarf.The procedure should be performed at night and remove the dressing - only the next morning.
3. Hot bottle.You need to take plastic containers, pour hot water into it, put the sofa and lie on it with your back.It is advisable to try to move the bottle under it.The procedure should be performed for 30 minutes.
4. Parsley.It is necessary to eat 30 days every day 1 root of the plant.
5. Pine buds.Raw materials should be collected in the spring.The length of pine buds should be 2 cm.You need to rinse them and dry them.The raw materials should be ground and combined with sugar in 2: 1 proportions, then stirred thoroughly and placed in the refrigerator.The product will be ready when it acquires a rich brown shade.The mixture should be eaten for 1 tsp.per day for 3 weeks.

When using folklore, it is extremely careful to approach the warming procedures.Such actions can help temporarily get rid of soreness and inflammation, but are able to harm.During periods of exacerbation of the disease, any warming is prohibited as they cause vascular expansion, resulting in swelling.In such situations, you should apply for the treatment of specialists.With osteochondrosis of the cervical region in any form, it is forbidden to warm the neck as this can cause strong migraines.

Prevention

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

It is advisable to get involved in physical education, contributing to the strengthening of the musculoskeletal system and the muscle corset of the spine.

For sleep, you must choose specially designed orthopedic mattresses and pillows.Their advantage is that they allow you to repeat the physiological outlines of the spine.

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

Nutritional nutrition should be observed.The diet should be balanced, the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract should be guaranteed.You cannot use a large amount of caffeine, chocolate and alcoholic beverages.Food should be rich in protein, calcium and other useful traces.