Causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention of osteochondrosis

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

What is osteochondrosis?

Osteochondrosis is a degenerative -divophical (DDZP) spinal disease, which leads to a violation of the structure of vertebrae and intervertebral discs.This causes a decrease in its elasticity and a change in form.Due to this, the interval between the vertebrae is significantly reduced and the instability of the spine is observed in this place.

With the pathological destruction of the tissues, pinch nerve endings emanating from the spinal cord, which leads to a constant tension of the spinal muscles.With respect to this context, pain and other characteristic symptoms occur.Clinical signs may differ depending on which segment has been subjected to degenerative disorders.The following departments are distinguished by condrosis from the spine:

• cervical;
• thoracic;
• lumbar.

If the pathological process affects several segments, then such osteochondrosis is polysegente.Common disorders have complicated symptoms and are much more difficult to diagnose, since areas located near and remotely can be affected.For example, the osteochondrosis of the cervical and lumbar cross.

Osteochondrosis stages

There are 4 stages of osteochondrosis:

1. First.It is characterized by initial disorders in the intervertebral disc area.In general, at this stage, the cartilage, a vertebra that surrounds, is covered with cracks.As a result of this, a reduction in the light between the albums begins.
2. The second.The fibrous cracks of cracks is so narrow that the ligaments and muscles of the column begin to get in touch and rubbed with each other.At this stage, a person can express the first painful syndrome.The second stage leads to the formation of the instability of the vertebrae.
3. The third.Cartilaginous placement between the discs occurs.The thinning is detected when the radiography is performed, and the symptoms are pronounced, which is intense.At this stage, pain syndrome can only be removed using powerful drugs.
4. Four.It is characterized by excessive instability of vertebrae, since bone growths are formed in them: osteophytes.Nervous wounds.Usually, at this stage, symptoms decrease a bit, but it is seasonally manifested (exacerbation peaks occur in autumn and spring).

Reasons

Osteochondrosis can develop in the context of body hypothermia, acute turns that cause the displacement of vertebrae, physical effort.The opinion of the experts converges that the main reason for the degenerative processes in the spine is the inappropriate distribution of the load in the spine.

In addition, there are many factors that lead to this:

• weakness of the back muscles;
• flexible;
• change in march during pregnancy;
• spine curvature;
• weightlifting;
• active and power sports classes;
• be in an awkward position for a long time;
• Sitting lifestyle.

In addition, osteochondrosis can be caused by other reasons:

• violation of metabolic processes (lack of zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other useful trace elements);
• body poisoning with chemicals;
• genetic predisposition;
• consequences of infectious diseases;
• falls, bruises;
• hormonal violations;
• nervous shocks;
• Change the elasticity of the nucleus.

Deviations in the development of the spine can cause degenerative and distribution changes.There are such provocative factors as the abnormal ossification of the child's skeleton, inappropriate physical activity and rapid growth.In this case, osteochondrosis is called youth or youth.

If it is not possible to establish the cause and time of the occurrence (at what age the degenerative -distribution process has been developed, in adolescence or adults) the disease, then it is called not specified.

Symptoms

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

All manifestations are divided into 4 groups:

1. Statistical symptoms are associated with a physiological violation of the shape of the vertebrae.As a result of them, a person changes posture, the mobility of the head worsens, difficulties arise with the straightening of the spine.
2. The neurological characteristics are formed at the bottom of the damage to the nerve tissues.This leads to a violation of skin sensitivity and a decrease in the intensity of muscle contractions in certain areas of the body.If in the initial stage, pain syndrome manifests locally, as the disease progresses, it begins to affect remote areas.Neurology includes manifestations such as numbness, tingling and chicken skin.With the osteochondrosis, a symptom of Lacega is distinguished, which is called a tension symptom differently.It is associated with excessive tension of sciatic nerve fibers.It is caused by the infraction of the spinal nerves in the column or spasm of the buttocks/lumbar muscles.
3. Possible vascular symptoms that occur in the context of tightening blood arteries.In general, this is observed with osteochondrosis of the cervical region.In case of deteriorated blood flow in this area, oxygen deficiency of the brain occurs, as a result of which dizziness appear, a sensation of nausea and changes in the sympathetic nervous system appear.The latter are characterized by prolonged cramps and chronic ischemia in internal organs.
4. The trophic symptoms called like this are distinguished.They are a combination of vascular and neurological disorders that lead to skin defects and ulcers.

Treatment

To successfully cure osteochondrosis, it is necessary to perform a detailed examination and establish a precise diagnosis.First, doctors carry out an external examination of the patient, the collection of disease disease, after which they use laboratory and instrumental research methods.

There are 3 therapy methods:

• medicine;
• physiotherapeutic;
• surgical.

A special diet, compliance with bed rest and minimize loads in the spine 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 your action, you can introduce popular methods in therapy.

However, auto -medication is extremely undesirable.All measures and procedures must be approved by a specialist.In osteochondrosis therapy, certain rules must be observed in the use of certain methods.

In addition, if the provision of drug medical care did not give results and the disease progresses, then surgical treatment is prescribed.The surgical intervention is carried out to stabilize the structure of the spine, the elimination of intervertebral hernias or completely affected discs.

Drugs

The pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis must be integral, have the objective of stopping pain and eliminating other pronounced symptoms.To do this, use several drug groups:

1. Non -steroidal anti -inflammatory.They are designed to eliminate inflammatory processes and all kinds of pain.They also relieve tissue swelling.
2. Sedative. They are used to stop pain syndrome, but do not affect the pathological process itself.
3. Muscle relaxants.They are used to relieve muscle spasm in the column, because pain is significantly reduced.They act blocking the receptors in the affected muscle fibers, as a result of which the conductivity of the pulses in the spinal cord is altered.The effect of these medications is short-lived, but during this time the muscle fibers manage to return the normal tone and use their own mechanisms for protection of degenerative-dystophical processes.
4. Vitamins of medicines of group B, D, A, E, C, which contain phosphorus, which contain calcium.Vitamin-minine complexes are necessary for the replacement of substances in the body involved in the formation of bones and cartilage, metabolic processes.
5. Condroprotectors.
6. Vasodilatative drugs.

In the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, doctors recommend using condoprotectors that have a cumulative effect and affect the human body after a certain time, which helps restore the intervertebral disc.These drugs use a long period, up to 2-3 months.In addition, condoprotectors seriously load the liver and gastrointestinal tract organs, therefore, they must be combined with probiotics.

Probiotics

All these drug groups can be used in several ways.With severe pain, injections are generally used for direct administration in the pathological area of the spine.In such cases, patients receive injections with condoprotectors and the calculated novocaine block.Any medium in the form of injections in the affected vertebra must be administered only by the treating doctor, since this is a very difficult and dangerous procedure.Other pharmacological types of medications are not recommended without control either.The dose and treatment regime 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, local action heating agents cannot be used during periods of exacerbation of the disease.The most popular drugs 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 beneficially affect the musculoskeletal system.They stimulate metabolic processes, restore the mobility of the spine and strengthen muscle corset.

The doctor should select the methodology and therapeutic gymnastics diagram, since it is able to vary depending on which column is subject to the pathological process.Therefore, it is desirable that classes take place under the control of a specialist.After mastering the program, the treatment of physiotherapy exercises can continue at home.

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

1. Tilt your head forward and press in the forehead area with woven fingers.The patient should prevent pressure.Then a similar exercise is performed, acting on the occipital part, the left and right temple.
2. Press on the forehead with four fingers, as if stretching the skin, for 45 seconds.The actions are carried out in different directions.This exercise is designed to restore blood circulation.
3. Sit on a chair or floor, keep your back straight and gently backward.With the hands it is necessary to gently press the chin up and down.Then do the heads of the head to the left and to the right.
4. Try to get the chin of the chest.In this position, you must cross your hands on the back of the head and press it.In a stressful state, you must stay for 1 minute and then perform the movement of the shoulders, lift them, trying to reach the ears.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Pharmacological treatment gives a good result if it combines it with physiotherapeutic procedures.Electromagnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasonic therapy, etc.They are useful for the condition of the vertebrae.Some types of procedures can be carried out at home if you buy appropriate portable devices.Mineral waters and healing mud have beneficial effects.

In the absence of contraindications for massage, the patient can be visited by a manual therapist.In the treatment of osteochondrosis, reflexotherapy sessions can be used, the effect on certain body points.At home, you can perform autos.There are several techniques that contribute to the elimination of pain and muscle tonic:

• light stroking the vertebral region with one or both hands;
• crushing the muscles with pinching or circular movements, yolks of the fingers that do not push;
• crushing the muscles with palms;
• direct elaboration of the trapezoidal muscles;
• Longitudinal and cruel overzing along massage lines;
• rubbing the spaces between the ribs.

Popular remedies

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

Popular remedies are preferable compared to drugs, since the latter with long use can seriously damage intestines, liver and pancreas.Therefore, it is advisable to use non -traditional medicine methods after stopping acute drug syndromes.The methods presented must be gradually replaced by medications when the doctor is recommended.

You can see several effective recipes:

1. Honey and potatoes.You must take several potatoes, grind them in a grater, add the same amount of honey.The components must be mixed thoroughly, placed in a gauze and use it in the form of a compress in a painful area.The reconciliation of the application must be wrapped with a scarf and leave in this position for 1 hour.
2. Horseradish.You must take 1 plant and steam sheet with boiling water.It must be delivered inside the painful area and attach it.The product must be fixed and wrapped safely in a scarf.The procedure must be done at night and eliminate the bandage, only the next morning.
3. Hot bottle.It is necessary to take plastic containers, pour hot water into it, put on the sofa and lay it on it with your back.It is advisable to try to move the bottle under it.The procedure must be carried out for 30 minutes.
4. Parsley.It is necessary to eat for 30 days every day 1 root of the plant.
5. Pine Brots.Raw materials must be collected in spring.The length of pine shoots should be 2 cm.It is necessary to rinse and dry them.Raw materials must be ground and combined with sugar in proportions of 2: 1, then mix well and place in the refrigerator.The product will be ready when it acquires a rich brown dye.The mixture must be eaten by 1 teaspoon.per day for 3 weeks.

When using popular remedies, it is extremely careful to address procedures with a heating effect.These actions can help temporarily get rid of pain and inflammation, but can damage.During periods of exacerbation of the disease, any heating is prohibited, since they cause vascular expansion, as a result of which swelling can occur.In such situations, you must request treatment for specialists.With the osteochondrosis of the cervical region in any way, it is prohibited to heat the neck, since this can cause a strong migraine.

Prevention

Each person must carry out special measures aimed at preventing the development of osteochondrosis.The main prevention measure is to comply with the appropriate position during movement and in a sitting position.

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

To sleep, you must choose special and pillow orthopedic mattresses.His advantage is that they allow him to repeat the physiological scheme of the spine.

The musculoskeletal system cannot be exposed to excessive loads.If necessary, raising weights, you must use the correct technique.

Dietary nutrition should be observed.The diet must be balanced, guarantee the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.You cannot use a large amount of caffeine, chocolate and alcoholic beverages.Foods should be rich in proteins, calcium and other useful trace elements.