Osteochondrosis - causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention

A man has spinal cord

Osteochondrosis is a violation of the structure of the vertebrae and disks between them.The distance between the vertebrae becomes smaller, their elasticity and shape suffer.Muscle tissue is in constant tension.Nerves that extend from the spinal cord can be squeezed.

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Cervical osteocondrosis.The vertebrae of the cervical region are thinned, the functions of the thyroid gland are disturbed, arterial channels are pressed.The patient suffers from migraines, it is difficult for him to move his hands and head.The fingers are numb.

Thorax osteocondrosis.The symptoms are similar to disease of the heart and blood vessels.In the area with the shoulder blade and chest appear pain.Pain can be intense or even chronic rather than deformation of the vertebrae.Thoracic osteochondrosis negatively affects the kidneys and pancreas.

Lumbar osteochondrosis.Intensive painful sensations appear in the muscle tissue in the buttocks.Pain can be given to the perineum.The patient is uncomfortable under inclinations.With osteocondrosis in the lumbar ward, muscle tissue therapy, problems may arise with the operation of the reproductive system.

Polysmented osteocondrosis.This is the development of the disease in several spinal cord parts at the same time.In the patient, the number's apparatus is disturbed, the nape area becomes insensitive.

Generalized osteocondrosis.This is a defeat of several spine parts along with articular fabrics.The patient suffers from metabolic processes and weakens immunity.The disease is characterized by frequent worsening.

Causes

The wrong load on the spine is the main cause of the appearance of osteochondrosis.The fact is that with large and long -term stress, the structure of the cartilage changes.

Other reasons:

  • sedentary lifestyle;
  • Slouch;
  • Long unpleasant pose;
  • curvature of the spine;
  • Temperature Contrast;
  • Hypothermia in the body;
  • Intensive physical activity;
  • Sharp swings with the body;
  • High Transport;
  • bears a child;
  • Bride and other damage to the vertebrae;
  • inconvenient shoes;
  • weakened muscle tissue;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • Incorrect nutrition;
  • Metabolic violation;
  • Lack of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus;
  • alcohol, cigarettes and drugs;
  • stress;
  • heredity.

Symptoms of osteocondrosis

In the first stages of osteocondrosis, the patient is concerned:

  • pain in the back, neck or other parts of the body;
  • discomfort when moving and stiffness during inclinations or swings;
  • constant tension and muscle spasm;
  • migraine and seizures of dizziness;
  • pain in the heart;
  • Muscle hypotension - reduced tone and muscle strength;
  • numbness in the limbs;
  • tenderness of weapons and legs;
  • flies in front of the eyes;
  • reduction in the temperature of the limbs;
  • Shooting painful sensations.

With neglected osteocondrosis there may be:

  • loss of consciousness;
  • decrease in the sensitivity of the limbs;
  • Vascular circulatory overrun;
  • lesion or inflammation of the nerves;
  • narrowing and blocking arteries.

Phases of development of osteocondrosis

There are four stages:

  1. Patients complain of constant fatigue that is depreciated for working and experiencing discomfort in the area of injury.The first phase of the disease can be diagnosed during a preventative extensive examination.
  2. The patient has painful sensations.The cartilage tissue begins to collapse.In the absence of a course of treatment, the pressure of nerve roots and arterial channels is progressing.To get rid of pain, there are enough drugs.
  3. The structure of the ironing changes.At this point, Lordosis is diagnosed, curvature of attitude.A hump can appear.With timely treatment, these consequences can be minimized.
  4. It is difficult for the patient to move.As the body position changes, sharp painful sensations appear.The vertebrae change, cartilage becomes close.Osteophytes develop.At this point, irreversible consequences occur that may end up with disabilities.

Aggravation of osteocondrosis

It can occur after excessive physical activity, hypothermia or trauma in the spine.At this moment the patient suffers from intense pain, sometimes he sometimes cannot move fully.The duration of the deterioration depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's general condition and is from 1-2 days to several weeks.

With worsening of osteocondrosis, see a doctor.

In the phase of acute pain, it is very easy to make an error and send the patient to an unnecessary surgery.Doctors facing complications begin to re -suggest.Therefore, before visiting a neurosurgeon, it is proposed to undergo a two -week course of treatment and relieve the severity of symptoms.This reduces the likelihood of surgery, because when a person does not harm, the doctor treats the patient much more calm.

Complications

  • projection,
  • hernia,
  • salt deposits between the vertebrae,
  • kyphosis,
  • Reduce the muscles of the limbs,
  • spinal cords,
  • Radiculitis,
  • Paralysis of the limbs.

Diagnostics

To diagnose osteocondrosis, the doctor examines the patient and conducts a hardware examination.

Blood tests for osteocondrosis.Based on the results of a general blood test, the first signs of osteocondrosis can be identified: an increased rainfall rate of red blood cells and a low calcium level.To confirm the diagnosis in case of suspected osteochondrosis, a biochemical analysis is performed.Thus, evaluate the coagulation indicators, the activity of enzymes, the content of zinc, cobalt, iron and other components.

Radiography.Check each spine separately, take pictures in the straight, lateral and two oblique projections.If necessary, a functional radiography is prescribed and images are taken in the flexion position, lateral inclinations or extension.According to special indications in the vertebral artery, the intervertebral channel or a damaged intervertebral disk of a contrast agent is introduced.

Computer tomography (CT).Usually, CT is performed by radiography to clarify the condition of a particular intervertebral disk.For example, see its height, identify edge growth or instability of the vertebrae.To do this, take pictures of one or two segments of the spine.

Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRI).MRI is done instead or beyond CT.According to the images of the tomographer, blood vessels are studied, nerve processes, intervertebral discs.

Which doctor should contact

Osteochondrosis treats a neurologist.He conducts an initial inspection, sends to studies, makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes extensive treatment.The neurologist also adjusts the course of treatment if it does not produce results.

Prevention of osteocondrosis

It is important to lead the right lifestyle, change work and rest, relax on vacation and take weekends as well as:

  • Avoid intense physical exertion;
  • Walk in the fresh air;
  • When sitting work once an hour, do a light gymnastics of the body and neck;
  • To sleep use an orthopedic mattress;
  • Make a proper diet;
  • Timely treatment of infectious diseases.

Treatment of osteocondrosis

Some treatment techniques or even massage or manual therapy can be contraindicated to a particular case, so individual consultation is important.Most often, motor therapy, massage, manual therapy and acupuncture are used as a treatment.They are not trying to use medicine.

The doctor also provides recommendations on the Daily and Sleep Regime.The cause of the problem can be an unpleasant sleeping place or an incorrectly organized workplace.

Motor treatment

Treatment is preferred in all leading countries with a good medicine level.This method is also good as rehabilitation and with a slight curvature of the spine.

These are classic physical therapy exercises, treatment and physical training courses in water, swimming, gymnastics training and computer hardware complexes.Styles are chosen by a doctor: It happens that one style is contraindicated but another is allowed.With swimming, you must also be careful: If the patient does not have the right technique, this type of physical activity can be harmful.

Usually, people with osteocondrosis need asymmetric stresses.For example, on the right side of the muscles is better developed.Due to this imbalance, distortions in the musculoskeletal system occur and in the bone -elementous apparatus.The basket of the thoracic back is characteristic of people with a well -developed right hand: reinforcement, boxers.

Manual therapy for osteocondrosis

This type of treatment is used in the early stages of the disease.Manual therapy strengthens the muscle frame and eliminates the block and squeezes nerve roots.This type of treatment is not recommended when the shape of the vertebrae has changed and the bone growth is formed.

Proper manual therapy improves the configuration of the spine.There may be persistent functional blocks - areas of stiffness in the spine and in the creek sacrum - which the patient is difficult to independently remove with therapeutic exercises.

Modern manual therapy is not what they practiced before.Many doctors no longer use hard techniques that are accompanied by crunch but use soft techniques.They are based on knowledge of biomechanics, joints of joints, laws on muscle contraction and relaxation.The risk of side effects of such techniques is lower and efficiency has not changed.

Acupuncture

In certain parts of the body, the doctor introduces special needles.Then blood circulation, lymph circulation and metabolic processes, spine and the entire organism are improved.Acupuncture with osteocondrosis is performed in the initial stages of the disease with intense pain and weak mobility of the vertebrae.

There is also a method of dry needles when a needle without medication is introduced into a spasmodic muscle, usually pear -shaped.The pain in the back and pelvic area stops.This method is effective, even in chronic cases.

Kines therapy

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

Kinesioteype is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic uses for neck pain, thorax, back and common problems.Now they complete many training seminars on tapping at home, but you need to be more careful with independent tape - there may be complications.

With kinesioteiing, take into account the limitations: For girls it is pregnancy and critical days.Some patients may have an allergic reaction to a patch.

Massage for osteocondrosis

There are many contraindications for this type of treatment, so the neurologist prescribes an individual course for the patient.Together with him, choose a competent massage therapist.Massage sessions must be regular.The doctor typically prescribes at least 2-3 sessions per week for 1-3 months.

Proper medical massage for osteocondrosis of the spine:

  • provides additional stresses on the muscles and increases their tone;
  • Provides the accumulation of lactic acid and relieves muscle spasm;
  • Improves blood circulation in the affected area and adjacent tissue;
  • Relieves pain.

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

Physiotherapy for spinal cord

Depending on the location and phase of the disease, patients are prescribed:

Magnetotherapy.This is the effect of a magnetic field with a constant frequency that triggers a cellular reaction.

Electrophoresis for osteocondrosis.The effect on the electric field tissue that speeds up blood circulation and activates the regeneration processes.

Laser therapy.It activates biological processes in nerve fibers, has an anti -inflammatory, wound healing and pain -relieving effect.

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

Hirudotherapy

This treatment with medical leeches.It prevents increased blood coagulation and formation of blood clots, expands blood vessels, eliminates inflammatory processes and has a pain -relieving effect.Lying in osteocondrosis is located to improve the blood supply to the cells and because of this to activate the restoration of damaged intervertebral discs.

Drug treatment of osteocondrosis

Modern medicine is trying to get away from medicine.Some drugs are very severe and may adversely affect the patient's health.

Pain for osteochondrosis often occurs based on minor changes in the spine.And if the doctor chooses the patient proper treatment without medicines, the patient is unlikely to encounter pain again.If the patient is taking medicine for a long time, structural changes in the spine are likely to get worse and the tablets cease to act.There are also situations in medicine where medicine is contraindicated.

In modern medicine, kinesiothepe is used as painkillers.This is a long patch that is not more expensive than packaging of drugs.Its effectiveness and safety are higher than for drug therapy.

Other treatment methods

Sometimes the following drugs and procedures are prescribed:

The cross.It fixes the spine and also supports the back.

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

Mustard patches and compressionsThey have a heating effect and activate the bloodstream.

Vitamins for osteocondrosisImprove the condition of bones, joints, muscle tissue and nerve fibers.

Injections and ChondroprotectorAvoid further destruction of cartilage.

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

Diet for osteocondrosis

Power supply for osteocondrosis should be balanced.A sufficient amount of substances for synthesis of cartilage tissue must enter the body.It is useful to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, protein products and dishes with mucopolysaccharides - for example, fruit jelly, jelly or flood fish.

Exercises for osteochondrosis

Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is prescribed when pain passes.The set of exercises is selected individually depending on the shape, the degree, the phase of the disease.For example, the doctors at the initial phase of the cervical form of the disease advise:

  • Complete lashes with your head;
  • Turn your head to the right and left;
  • Describe in the air chin numbers from 0 to 9;
  • Move the chin rather than back in the horizontal plane.

Often asked questions

Is there a temperature for osteocondrosis?

Yes.This symptom can be with contemporary diseases, for example with stenosis of the spinal canal, the syndrome of the spine and the projection of disks.

How to sleep with osteocondrosis?

In the pose where the pain is practical and less concerned about you.If you sleep on your back, choose a small cushion and put a soft roll under your knees, on your stomach - a pillow under the abdomen.

Also buy an orthopedic mattress and pillow.

Can there be arrhythmia from osteocondrosis?

Yes, in advanced cases of osteocondrosis.One of the possible causes is to squeeze the vertebral artery, which can squeeze the spasmodic muscles or overwhelmed osteophytes.But it is better to undergo a complete study and make sure you have no heart disease.

What are the injections of osteocondrosis?

Now they are trying to leave medical treatment.The doctor only prescribes injections in extreme cases.For osteocondrosis, not -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs, painkillers, anesthetics, chondroprotectors are not used.

Is it possible to warm osteocondrosis?

Before examining a doctor, it is better not worth it.

How is osteocondrosis stunned?

Kinesioteype.This is a cotton patch with a thermoclay.There are special types of therapeutic uses for neck pain, thorax, back and common problems.