Osteochondrosis-The disease of the spine, a characteristic feature of which is the degenerative-dystrophic lesion of the intervertebral discs, and then the vertebral tissues themselves.
The main sign of osteochondrosis is pain in the neck or back. Among other symptoms, muscle atrophy, impaired sensitivity, disorders in the work of internal organs are distinguished. Depending on the localization of the pathological process, cervical, chest and lumbar osteochondrosis are distinguished. If this disease and its treatment do not pay the necessary attention, the process of damage to the spine will be irreversible.
In the English literature, the term "Osteochondrosis" means such a group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as Osteochondropathy.
The main factor, or the cause that leads to the development of osteochondrosis, is an uneven distribution of the load on the spine, which occurs when wearing in one hand or shoulder of weights (for example, bags, backpack), a long stay in a sitting position in the wrong pose, night rest on an uneven mattress or pillow. Additional factors can also be a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, injuries and flat feet.
All of the above situations over the years lead to frequent pain in the cervical, chest or sacral spine.
According to statistics, osteochondrosis occurs from 40 to 90% of the world's population, mainly from the age of 30-35 years. Under adverse conditions, this disease develops in people of adolescence, which most often contributes to the wearing of a severe uncomfortable backpack, especially on one shoulder, uncomfortable shoes and injuries.
The development of osteochondrosis
The development of osteochondrosis occurs in 4 selected stages (degree):
Osteochondrosis of the 1st stage.It is characterized by the beginning of the pathological process in the Polipozom nucleus of the intervertebral disc - its dehydration (dehydration) occurs, and later the height of the disk decreases. At the same time, cracks begin to appear in the fibrous ring. At this stage, the patient usually does not feel any changes. Discomfort can manifest itself with an unusual position for a person, or active exercise.
Osteochondrosis 2 stages.With a decrease in the height of the discs, the distance between neighboring vertebrae also decreases, and the vertebrates and ligaments begin to sag slightly. This process leads to the ultravity of two neighboring vertebrae, which can lead to their slipping and/or displacement. Spondylolistz is formed. Due to displaced vertebrae, the patient at a certain load feels real discomfort, and sometimes pain in the field of pathology.
Osteochondrosis 3 stages.It is characterized by the formation of Prolapesses and Protrusions of disks, sometimes subluxation and arthrosis occur in the intervertebral joints. The patient may feel stiff in some movements, feel tingling in the limbs, sometimes numbness appears. At the 3rd degree of osteochondrosis, pain in the back, neck, and coccyx area, depending on the localization of the disease, is already present.
Osteochondrosis 4 stages.The body is trying to correct the excessive mobility of the vertebrae, as well as normalize the functioning of the spine. At the place of connection of the vertebrae with pathology, bone neoplasms grow on each of them - osteophytes, which, when forming in an unnecessary place, can cause microtrauma to a nervous spine, and sometimes a neighboring vertebra. In discs and joints, the processes of fibrous Ankylosis can begin. The motor segment is overgrown and becomes as if walled up. At the same time, the main signs of osteochondrosis are minimized, and sometimes in general, practically not noticeable.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis are discomfort and pain in the back or neck. The strength of pain and other related signs of this disease depend on the degree of osteochondrosis.
Of course, due to the pathology of the intervertebral discs, their hernias, growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes), there is a large number of disorders, such as circulatory disorders, pinching of nerves, irritation and violations in the normal functioning of the spinal cord, edema and even fibrosis of the vertebrae surrounding the vertebrae. All these disorders can cause an extensive clinical picture of the disease, and be expressed by a plentiful amount of different symptoms, therefore, without a thorough diagnosis of osteochondrosis, it is very difficult to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
However, we will consider the main symptoms of osteochondrosis:
- pain in the back, cervical region, lower back, shoulders and even ribs;
- discomfort, stiffness of the back with some movements, raising something;
- numbness of the limbs (arms and/or legs);
- the feeling of aches in the arms and legs, chills;
- muscle cramps;
- disorders in the work of the genitals;
- headaches, dizziness;
- heart pain;
- impaired sensitivity;
- muscle hypotension;
- Increased fatigue, sometimes the eye.
In addition, depending on the area of the spine in which osteochondrosis struck, the following symptoms are distinguished:
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.Pain in the hands and shoulders prevail, headache, dizziness, "flies" or spots in front of the eyes, noise in the head. These signs can also indicate the presence of the vertebral artery syndrome, which can also complicate the work of the heart muscle and blood vessels of the myocardium, if other diseases are present in them.
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.Pain in the chest, areas of the heart, and discomfort in breathing prevail.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine.Pain in the lower back prevails, giving to the legs or pelvic organs. Violation of sexual function.
Complications of osteochondrosis
If osteochondrosis is not treated and put on a groove, this can lead to the development of the following diseases and pathologies:
- a hernia of the intervertebral disc (hernia of the spine);
- protrusion;
- kyphosis;
- radiculitis;
- deposit in the space between the vertebrae of salts;
- spinal cord stroke;
- losing weight of the limbs and their atrophy;
- Paralysis of the legs.
The causes of osteochondrosis
- mechanical trauma of the back (spine);
- physical overvoltage of the body, hard work;
- nervous exhaustion, stress;
- Violation of metabolism, poisoning;
- frequent stay in places with increased vibration;
- hereditary predisposition;
- sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work;
- violation of posture at an early age;
- excess weight, obesity;
- flat feet;
- wearing uncomfortable shoes (cramped, heels);
- night vacation on an uncomfortable bed - a mattress, a pillow;
- frequent dehydration;
- inferior nutrition, hypovitaminosis;
- smoking;
- pregnancy.
Classification of osteochondrosis
The classification of osteochondrosis is very diverse, becauseThe disease itself has not been fully studied.
We highlight the most popular ways to separate this disease.
Osteochondrosis is distinguished . . .
By localization:
- The cervical department ©
- Thoracic region (th or d)
- Lumbar (l)
- The sacral department (s)
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis includes the following examination methods:
- anamnesis;
- X -ray examination (X -ray);
- миелография;
- Neurological examination.
Additionally they can appoint:
- computed tomography (CT);
- nuclear-magnetic resonance (JAMR);
- Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI).
Treatment of osteochondrosis
Treatment of osteochondrosis implies the use of a set of measures that must be performed for a fairly long period of time (from 1-3 months + about 1 year to rehabilitation), to which many patients react very ambiguously. Therefore, it should be noted that, indirectly, the recommendations of the attending physician, the forecast for the recovery of the patient is minimal.
An additional problem in the treatment of osteochondrosis often becomes self -medication. The fact is that, as already written in the article, with this disease, the clinical picture is quite ambiguous and wide. The patient without diagnostics begins to select medicines against what hurts, and, eliminating the pain, then deals with his daily life, while the disease continues to progress.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out by two main methods: conservative and surgical treatment. In addition, there are general recommendations in the treatment of osteochondrosis, such as a diet, rehabilitation.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis is aimed at stopping the pain syndrome, the normalization of the spine and its components, as well as the prevention of further dystrophic changes in the "axis" of a person.
Conservative treatment of osteochondrosis includes:
Drug therapy.It is used to relieve pain and inflammation of the components of the spine of tissues, as well as the normalization of metabolic processes.
To stop pain and inflammation processes, various therapeutic blockade are also used. In addition, they contribute to a decrease in the muscle-tonic syndrome. Among the therapeutic blockade there are: blockade of trigger points, as well as intra-bone, paravertebral and epidural blockade.
Physiotherapy.It is used to relieve pain, enhancing the effectiveness of drug therapy and in the rehabilitation period. Treatment is carried out using ultrasound, laser, magnetic fields, low frequency currents, etc.
Medical physical education (exercise therapy), kinesitherapy.Specially selected, dosed exercises aimed at correcting the muscle corset, its strengthening, correction of posture, normalization of muscle tissue and their flexibility, decompression of nerve roots, preventing possible complications of the disease. All of the above is achieved due to the normalization of metabolism and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, blood circulation, restore the distance of discs and vertebrae, distribution of the load on the entire musculoskeletal system.
Massage.It is used to improve blood circulation, relieve stiffness and tension of muscle tissue, improve the general state of health.
Hydromassage.It contributes to the normalization of blood circulation, metabolism, an increase in muscle tone tone, and the normalization of the nervous system. It implies body massage with the help of a stream of water with a certain pressure targeted on it. True, hydromassage has been prevailing recently using air bubbles supplied to the body in specially equipped baths or pools.
Manual therapy.It is used according to an individually selected program, pointily affecting the bone muscular system. It helps to improve blood circulation and lymph-cycle, metabolism, mobility of the musculoskeletal system, strengthen the immune system and prevent possible complications.
Extension (traction) of the spine.It is used using special equipment, to increase the intervertebral space, correction of the structure of the spine, which usually leads to minimizing or completely relieving pain.
The integrated use of the above treatment for osteochondrosis has a good effect.
Diet for osteochondrosis
With osteochondrosis, it is necessary to eat 6 times a day, in small portions, drinking at least 1. 5 liters of water daily.
What can be eaten with osteochondrosis:Dairy products, low -fat varieties of meat (chicken, beef), jelly, flooded fish, jellied meat, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, carrots, beets, pepper, cabbage, celery, broccoli), fruits, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, mushrooms, cereals.
What needs to be minimized in food for osteochondrosis:grapes, legumes (peas, beans, etc. ), flour products, spicy seasonings, sugar, salted foods, meat broths and smoked meats.
It is better to cook food, becauseWith this method of preparation, products retain the maximum amount of vitamins and trace elements.
Try to season salads with olive oil.
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis
Surgical treatment of osteochondrosis is used if the conservative method is ineffective. Prescribed by the attending physician. It can also be used for severe lesions of the spine and its components.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with folk remedies
Folk remedies against osteochondrosis
Dough.Prepare a little dough from rye flour, 300 grams, and let it lie down at room temperature for a couple of days. Drink a glass of milk and rub the place where the back hurts with a turpentine. After wrap the dough in gauze and attach it to the sore spot, tie a cellophane on top, and then a scarf or towel. After some time, you can feel burning and tingling in that area, but tolerate how much you can. Do the procedure every other day. Use each batch of dough no more than 3 times.
Saber.Make a tincture from the saberfish. The place where the back hurts, with the prepared tincture with the prepared tincture and tie it with a handkerchief. Additionally, you can take tincture from the saberfish a few drops before bedtime.
Ointment from osteochondrosis.Add 1 tbsp to the container. a spoonful of flour, 1 egg, 100 g of butter and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of vinegar, mix everything thoroughly and put in a dark place for 2 days, for insisting. After delete the resulting foam from the mixture. Once again, mix the mixture well and rub the resulting ointment into a sore spot.
Radish.Mix 300 ml of radish juice, 200 g of honey and 100 ml of vodka. Rub your back with the resulting mixture. This folk remedy also helps with radiculitis and rheumatism.