Osteochondrosis of the spine: symptoms, treatment, prevention

Not everyone will say that they have never had back pain.This very unpleasant problem affects everyone.It is not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or pulled muscles.Even worse if the pain is a symptom of back disease.That is why I will look at the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine at home.

What is osteochondrosis of the spine

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs.Without treatment, it spreads to bone structures and ligaments.

The cartilage tissue underlying the intervertebral disc is slowly restored.Therefore, discs affected by this disease are doomed to destruction.However, it is almost impossible to reverse this disease.If the disease has been shown, it is only possible to stop further development.

It is believed that osteochondrosis is the price humanity pays for the ability to walk.As practice shows, four-legged animals do not suffer from this disease.It is difficult to say for what reason the disease appears.Doctors say that the development is facilitated by the improper distribution of the level of load on the spine with weak ligaments and muscle corsets.

This view is confirmed by the method of treating osteochondrosis, which is based on bringing the ligaments and muscles to a normal state.Therapy involves muscle exercises.

Based on the facts about the development of this disease, doctors have compiled a list of causes and factors that cause the development of the disease.

• A sedentary and inactive lifestyle contributes to the weakness of the back muscle corset.
• Physical activity.
• Back injury.
• Excess body weight.
• Hereditary tendency.
• Improper posture and prolonged exposure to uncomfortable positions.
• Metabolism is affected.
• Lack of vitamins, micronutrients and nutrients in the body.

I will draw your attention to the last point.Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and choose active recreation, the likelihood of osteochondrosis will remain high due to a lack of nutrients.The problem is the key because not everyone eats right.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body cannot extract anything useful.The problem is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle.

We will focus on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on the affected part of the spine.

How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine

Thoracic osteochondrosis causes major damage to organs related to the spinal cord located in the affected thoracic region.Impaired function of the spine has an adverse effect on the movement of the limbs and trunk, and has a negative effect on the function of the respiratory muscles and pelvic organs.

Thoracic osteochondrosis is more common in people who move a little.As a result, the spine does not receive the dose load, which interferes with the disc recovery process.If you throw away or have a computer addiction, this contributes to the development of this disease.So is regular physical exercise.

Symptoms

1. Thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by burning and pain.There is a feeling that the chest is being compressed.When feeling the vertebral process, a person experiences local pain, which increases when turning the body, taking a long breath and axial load on the spine.
2. In some people, the development of this disease is accompanied by pain in the shoulder blade and lower chest.Rib grafting contributes to the appearance of symptoms.When turning the body, the pain increases.
3. For internal organs, function is affected when nerve roots are compressed.The thoracic region contains structures responsible for the maintenance of the kidneys, liver, liver and other organs.For this reason, there are no characteristic symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.

Now we will talk about diagnostics.X-ray examination is very important in this matter.On a chest x-ray, a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc is easily recognized.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.

Using computed tomography, the condition of the vertebrae is clarified, the size and location of the hernial protrusion is determined, and the dimensions of the spinal canal are determined.As part of the differential diagnosis, the medical history is taken and the clinical signs of the disease are compared with the symptoms of the disease.

Treatment

• Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is conservative.The reason for treatment is hearing syndrome with neurological disorders.Orthopedic treatment is reduced to spinal traction.
• Drug treatment involves performing a paravertebral blockade using a solution of novocaine.If the disease worsens, sedatives and analgesics are used.In case of unrelieved pain, the patient uses anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments.
• After eliminating the acute phenomenon, the back and lower limbs are massaged.Manual therapy is considered suitable for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides a rough and soft effect on the spinal muscles.
• With the help of physical therapy at home, a measured load is applied to the spine, which speeds up the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.As part of the hygiene resort level, hydromassage and underwater attractions are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and bath salts help achieve results.

Surgical treatment, which involves surgery, is carried out in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment compresses the spinal cord.

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

This disease is characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral disc, accompanied by a decrease in height, rapid growth of marginal osteophytes and the appearance of compaction.

Cervical vertebrae are close to each other, and the muscular frame is less developed.Therefore, muscle osteochondrosis, even with a small load, causes displacement of the vertebral disc, which compresses nerves and blood vessels.

Cartilage tissue affected by this disease becomes bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and decreases in size.The result is that the spinal disc loses its shock-absorbing properties, which leads to pressure on the nerves and contributes to pain.

Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis

1. Headache and dizziness.The main symptom of this disease is headache.This is due to the pressure exerted on the vessels of the head and cervix.Pain Syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.Dizziness occurs with a sudden turn of the head.
2. Pain in the chest and upper limbs.It has an urgent and burning character.In the upper part of the leg, the pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling.
3. Numb tongue.This symptom is caused by limited movement of the tongue.Therefore, many people suffering from osteochondrosis complain that the tone of the vocal cords changes, as does speech.

Diagnosis of this disease is carried out by doctors, including orthopedists and neurosurgeons.The doctor examines the patient, carefully examining the vertebrae in various positions.To determine the level of damage, a special scheme is used.

The location and degree of pain is determined by palpating the spine.At the same time, bending, stooping and turning the body helps to know the amplitude of movement.Further diagnostics include X-rays, computed tomography and MRI.

How to treat

• It is customary to treat the disease using conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the normal function of the spinal roots and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
• If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is performed based on indications, depending on the manifestation of the disease and the extent of the lesion.
• Treatment depends on the severity of osteochondrosis.Often, the initial stage of therapy is accompanied by an increase in pain in the neck, but later it is relieved with drugs, physiotherapy procedures and therapeutic massage.
• Gymnastics and exercises help dull the pain.Exercise therapy strengthens the neck muscles, which reduces the likelihood of relapse.
• Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Turn your head smoothly to the side, freeze for a moment, and turn in the opposite direction.While doing the exercises, take a look.
• Massage helps reduce discomfort.This procedure lengthens the spine and stretches the muscles.After the massage, be sure to lubricate your neck with special oil, which contains drugs that dull the pain.

This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medicine, gymnastics and massage, you can improve your well-being.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine

This disease is common and affects everyone, regardless of gender.Everyone has felt an unpleasant pain in the legs, lower part and sacrum, which brings discomfort and discomfort.

The symptoms of this disease are very wide.Some symptoms are not related to the spine at all.These are limb numbness, abdominal pain, impaired function of the genitourinary system.

Treatment of the listed symptoms without first examining the spine contributes to the development of the disease.For this reason, it is recommended to take into account all the symptoms, consult a specialist and forget about self-treatment.This is not a fight against a runny nose.It's about body mobility.

Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis

1. The list of main symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.They include: numbness of the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lumbar region after a fall or physical activity.
2. The symptoms I have listed often appear to a lesser degree as the disease progresses.You need to be careful with your health and consult a doctor if necessary.
3. Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if we are talking about advanced cases accompanied by intervertebral hernia.

Modern reflex methods make it possible to carry out effective therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis without complications and with great benefits.You just need to remember that it is unrealistic to solve a serious problem quickly, and only an individual approach will help to achieve results.

Treatment at home

Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home is based on manual therapy, acupuncture and vacuum therapy.This procedure helps restore blood circulation and eliminate congestion in the spine.As a result, the tissue regeneration process is accelerated.

The use of this procedure during the fight against osteochondrosis is combined with the use of drugs that improve the balance of interventions and metabolic processes.It is impossible to achieve your goals without an active lifestyle and proper nutrition.

Special attention is paid to the fight against obesity, if there is a problem.Excess weight puts pressure on the spine and contributes to the development of disease.

Over the years of practice, the doctor has accumulated a great deal of experience in fighting the Scourge.As a result, in most cases the therapy provides results without surgery and helps to improve the health of the lower back.

How to prevent the appearance of osteochondrosis?

In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already have a disease, I do not recommend lifting weights of more than ten kilograms.

1. If you have to work hard, drink fluids before starting physical work.Even tea or coffee will do.A dehydrated body cannot provide the intervertebral disc with enough water.
2. Periodically massage your back with simple movements.This technique will spread the blood and speed up the metabolic process.When planning to lift weights, use a weight belt or belt.
3. Do not hold heavy objects at arm's length, as this will increase the pressure on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and rise with it, keeping your spine straight.
4. If your spine receives a load during work, hang on a horizontal bar for a while while you finish so that it stretches.When working for a long time, use this technique periodically.If this is not possible, stretch carefully.
5. Always distribute the load evenly.Carry a bag in both hands, and carry large objects in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you're going to give something to someone else, don't do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full kettle in your hands, I do not recommend ignoring this rule.
6. If you need to move something heavy over long distances, use a backpack, small car, rolling bag or bag.

With this information, you will save your back and avoid problems.Good luck!