Osteochondrosis - Causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention

A man has spinal osteochondosis

Osteocondrosis is a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and discs between them.The distance between the vertebrae is becoming smaller, their elasticity and form suffer.Muscle tissue is in constant tension.The nerves that extend from the spinal cord can be pinched.

Variety

Depend on the destination.

Cervical osteochondrosis.The vertebrae in the cervical region are diluted, 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 insensitive.

Thoracic osteochondosis.The symptoms are similar to diseases of the heart and blood vessels.In the scapula and chest area, pain appears.Pain can be intense or even chronic to the place of deformation of the vertebrae.The thoracic osteochondosis negatively affects the kidneys and pancreas.

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

Puilinded osteochondrosis.This is the development of the disease in different spinal parts simultaneously.In the patient, the work of the vocal apparatus is interrupted, the neck area becomes insensitive.

Generalized osteochondrosis.This is a defeat of different parts of the spine together with joint tissues.The patient suffers from metabolic processes and weakens immunity.The disease stands out for frequent exacerbations.

Reasons

The improper load on 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;
  • Slouch;
  • leaning for a long time;
  • curvature of the spine;
  • contrast of temperature;
  • hypothermia of the body;
  • Intensive physical activity;
  • turns acute with the body;
  • Height transport;
  • bring a child;
  • fracture and other damage to the vertebrae;
  • uncomfortable shoes;
  • weakened muscle tissue;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • improper nutrition;
  • metabolic violation;
  • Lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
  • Alcohol, cigarettes and drugs;
  • stress;
  • inheritance.

Symptoms of osteochondrosis

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

  • pain in the back, neck or other parts of the body;
  • discomfort when moving and rigidity during inclinations or curves;
  • constant tension and muscle spasm;
  • migraine and dizziness attacks;
  • pain in the heart;
  • Muscle hypotension - reduced tone and muscle strength;
  • numbness of the limbs;
  • pains of arms and legs;
  • flies in front of the eyes;
  • reduction of the temperature of the limbs;
  • Shoot painful sensations.

With neglected osteochondrosis, there may be:

  • loss of consciousness;
  • decrease in the sensitivity of the limbs;
  • Vascular circulatory violation;
  • injury or inflammation of the nerves;
  • Restructuring and blocking of the arteries.

Development phase of osteochondosis

There are four phases:

  1. Patients complain of constant fatigue, which is canceled at work and experience discomfort in the damage area.The first phase of the disease can be diagnosed during a global preventive examination.
  2. The patient has painful sensations.The cartilage fabric begins to collapse.In the absence of a treatment course, the pressing of the nerve roots and arterial channels progresses.To get rid of pain, there are enough drugs.
  3. The structure of the spine is changing.At this stage, the curvature of the posture is diagnosed.A hump may appear.With timely treatment, these consequences can be reduced to a minimum.
  4. It is difficult for the patient to move.When the position of the body changes, strong painful sensations appear.The turn of the vertebrae, the cartilage becomes dense.Osteophytes develop.At this stage they seem irreversible consequences that can end with disabilities.

Exacerbation of the osteocondrosis

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

With exacerbation of the osteocondrosis, you have to see a doctor.

In the acute pain phase, it is very easy to make a mistake and send the patient to an unnecessary operation.The doctors, in the face of complications, begin to summarize.Therefore, before visiting a neurosurgeon, he proposes 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 calmer.

Complications

  • protrusion,
  • hernia,
  • salt deposits between the vertebrae,
  • cifosi,
  • Reduce the muscles of the limbs,
  • spinal cord race,
  • Radicolite,
  • Paralysis of the limbs.

Diagnostics

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

Blood tests for osteochondosis.Based on the results of a general blood examination, it is possible to identify the first signs of osteochondrosis: an increase in the precipitation rate 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 evaluates the coagulation indicators, the activity of the enzymes, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.

Radiography.Check every vertebral column separately, takes photos in the straight, lateral and two oblique projections.If necessary, a functional radiography is prescribed and the images are taken in a decline, lateral inclinations or extension.According to the special indications in the vertebral artery, the intervertebral channel or a damaged intervertebral disc are introduced by a question of contrast.

Computerized tomography (CT).Usually the CT is performed after the radiography to clarify the condition of a specific intervertebral disc.For example, see its height, identify the growths or instability of the vertebrae.To do this, take photos of one or two segments of the spine.

Magnetic resonance imaging tomography (MRI).Magnetic resonance imaging is performed instead or in addition to coach.According to the images of the tomographer, the blood vessels, the nerve processes, the intervertebral discs are studied.

Which doctor contact

Osteocondrosis treats a neurologist.It leads an initial inspection, sends exams, makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes a complete treatment.The neurologist also regulates the course of treatment if it does not bring results.

Prevention of osteochondrosis

It is important to guide the right lifestyle, alternate the ways of work and rest, relax on vacation and take weekends, as well as:

  • avoid intense physical effort;
  • walk in the fresh air;
  • When sitting to work once per hour, it creates an easy gymnastics of the body and neck;
  • To sleep, use an orthopedic mattress;
  • make an adequate diet;
  • Infectious diseases are promptly.

Treatment of osteocondrosis

Some treatment techniques or even massage or manual therapy can be contraindicated for a particular case, therefore individual consultation is important.Very often, motor therapy, massage, manual therapy and acupuncture are used as treatment.They try not to use medicines.

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

Motor therapy

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

These are classic physiotherapy exercises, treatment and physical education courses 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.

Usually people with osteochondrosis need asymmetrical loads.For example, on the right side of the muscles they are better developed.Due to this imbalance, distortions occur in the musculoskeletal system and in the bone system.The curvature of the thoracic spine is characteristic of people with a well -developed right hand: reinforcement, boxers.

Manual therapy for osteochondosis

This type of treatment is used in the early stages of the disease.Manual therapy strengthens the muscle frame and eliminates the block and pinch of nerve roots.This type of treatment is not recommended when the form of vertebrae has changed and bone growths have been formed.

The correct manual therapy improves the configuration of the spine.There may be persistent functional blocks - areas of rigidity in the spine and the sacred pelvic - that the patient is difficult to remove independently with therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is not what they practice before.Many doctors do not use more hard techniques that are accompanied by crunch, 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 these techniques is lower and the effectiveness has not changed.

Acupuncture

In some parts of the body, the doctor introduces special needles.Subsequently, blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and metabolic processes are accelerated, the conditions of the spine and the entire organism improve.Acupuncture with osteochondrosis is performed in the initial stages of the disease, with intense pain and weak mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a method of dried needles when a drug -free needle is introduced into a spasmodic muscle, usually in the shape of a pear.The pain in the back and the pelvic area stops.This method is also effective in chronic cases.

Cinese therapy

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

Kinesioteipe is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck pain, thoracic, back and joints.Now they lead many training seminars to taping at home, but you have to be more careful with an independent ribbon: there may be complications.

With Kinesiotei, it is necessary to take into account restrictions: for girls they are pregnancy and critical days.Some patients may have an allergic reaction to a patch.

Osteochondrosis massage

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

Adequate medical massage for osteochondosis of the spine:

  • Provides further loads on the muscles and increases their tone;
  • Accelerates the accumulations of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasm;
  • Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissues;
  • Relieves pain.

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

Physiotherapy for osteochondosis spinal

Depending on the location and the stadium 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 the fabric of the electric field, which accelerates blood circulation and activates regeneration processes.

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

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

Hirudotherapy

This treatment with medical leeches.It prevents the increase in blood coagulation and the formation of blood clots, expands blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has an analgesic effect.Lying in the osteocondrosis is positioned to improve the flow of blood to the cells and for this reason to activate the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Pharmacological treatment of osteochondrosis

Modern medicine is trying to get away from medicines.Some drugs are very serious and can negatively affect patient health.

The pain for osteochondrosis often occurs against the background of small changes in the spine.And if the doctor selects the correct treatment of the patient without drugs, it is unlikely that the patient finds pain again.If the patient takes drugs for a long time, most likely the structural changes in the spine will worsen and the tablets will cease to act.There are also situations in medicine in which medicines are contraindicated.

In modern medicine, Kinesiothepe is used as painkillers.This is a long patch that is no longer expensive than drug packaging.Its effectiveness and safety are superior to that of drug therapy.

Other methods of treatment

Sometimes the following drugs and procedures are prescribed:

Corset.It resolves the spine and also supports the back.

Darsonvalization for osteochondosis.This is the effect of alternating current through a glass electrode with gas.It improves microcirculation and blood flow.

Patches and mustard compositionsThey have a heating effect and activate blood flow.

Vitamins for osteochondrosisImprove the conditions of bones, joints, muscle tissue and nerve fibers.

Injections and chondroprotectorsPrevent the further destruction of the cartilage.

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

Diet for osteochondrosis

Nutrition for osteochondrosis should be balanced.A sufficient amount of substances for the synthesis of the cartilage tissue should enter the body.It is useful to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, protein products and dishes with mucopolysaccharides, for example fruit jelly, jelly or flooding fish.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

The operating therapy for osteochondosis of the spine is prescribed when pain passes.The set of exercises is selected individually depending on the form, degree, the stage of the disease.For example, in the initial phase of the cervical form of the disease, doctors recommend:

  • Perform inclinations with the head;
  • Turn your head to the right and left;
  • describe the numbers of the chin from 0 to 9 in the air;
  • Move the chin forward to the horizontal plane.

Frequent questions

Is there a temperature for osteochondrosis?

YES.This symptom can be with concomitant diseases, for example with spinal canal stenosis, vertebral artery syndrome and discs of the discs.

How to sleep with osteochondrosis?

In the installation in which the pain is convenient and less worried about you.If you sleep on the back, select a small pillow and put a soft roller under the knees, on the stomach - a pillow under the lower abdomen.

It also buys a orthopedic mattress and a pillow.

Can there be arrhythmia from the osteocondrosis?

Yes, in advanced cases of osteochondrosis.One of the possible reasons is to pinch the vertebral artery, which can squeeze the spasmodic muscles or the invaded osteophytes.But it is better to undergo a complete examination and make sure you have no heart disease.

What are the injections from the osteocondrosis?

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

Is it possible to heat osteochondrosis?

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

How to anesthetize osteochondrosis?

Kinesioteipe.This is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic applications for neck pain, thoracic, back and joints.