Acute osteochondrosis is manifested in the form of acute piercing pain, which extends not only to the affected areas of the spine, but also to adjacent organs. At the initial stage, the disease is almost asymptomatic, therefore, treatment is carried out with a significant destruction of the intervertebral discs.
For the treatment, various medications, physiotherapy, and folk remedies are used.
Pathology Feature
Acute osteochondrosis is a disease of the spine, a feature of which is the occurrence of degenerative processes with damage to the intervertebral discs, as well as spinal tissues. The main sign of its course is acute pain in the affected area.
Among the symptoms of a doctor, sensory impairment, muscle atrophy, as well as malfunctions in the functioning of adjacent organs are distinguished. Doctors distinguish such types of disease as:
- cervical;
- thoracic;
- lumbar osteochondrosis.
If treatment is not timely done, then the disease can go into a chronic stage and become irreversible. Basically, the disease occurs due to the uneven distribution of the load on the spine. This occurs when wearing heaviness in only one hand, a long stay in an uncomfortable position, night rest on an uneven mattress.
All this leads to frequent pain in the affected parts of the spine. Basically, the disease affects people aged 30-35 years, but, under negative conditions, the pathology develops in adolescence.
Main classification and stages
The classification of acute osteochondrosis is quite diverse, since the disease itself is not yet fully understood. The disease is divided by localization and clinical manifestations. According to clinical manifestations, these can be radicular and reflex syndromes.
In addition, acute osteochondrosis has 4 degrees of course. At the initial stage, it is rather difficult to determine the disease. In patients during this period, as a rule, no pronounced symptoms are observed. They experience severe malaise, which is quite simple to confuse with other diseases.
Often, at the first stage, a person experiences discomfort in the back, which is mainly associated with overwork, heavy loads, so they respond untimely to disturbing snowdrifts of the body. This disease proceeds in a latent form and is very sluggish. Often this disease is detected by accident during the examination.
The second stage of acute osteochondrosis of the spine is accompanied by painful manifestations, since it is during this period that the destruction of cartilage begins. If timely therapy is not prescribed, then the intervertebral space will quickly decrease, as a result of which the nerve endings, arteries and blood vessels will be squeezed. The pain in this case is stopped by medications. The disease begins to cause significant discomfort to the person.
The third stage proceeds with significant changes in the affected area. Patients begin to develop kyphosis, scoliosis. Only complex treatment will help eliminate existing defects.
The fourth stage of the disease proceeds with irreversible changes. It becomes difficult for a person to move around, because even with the slightest movement he experiences excruciating pains. He has a displacement of the vertebrae. At the same time, pathological overgrowths of bone tissue are formed. Very often at this stage a person becomes disabled.
Causes of occurrence
The only reason for the development of osteochondrosis does not exist. Some believe that the onset of the disease is caused by the deposition of calcium compounds, which are not absorbed by the bone tissue due to the deterioration of bone blood supply, provoked by curvature of the spine, its weakness, and also a decrease in the distance between the vertebrae. There are many predisposing factors, namely:
- spinal injuries;
- genetic predisposition;
- wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes;
- foot disease;
- excess weight;
- metabolic disorders;
- professional features.
Injuries and microtraumas can also provoke the onset of the disease. It is very important to recognize the symptoms of acute osteochondrosis in a timely manner and conduct treatment to prevent the development of dangerous complications.
Main symptoms
The first sign of osteochondrosis is considered pain in the spine with the destruction of the intervertebral discs. The nature of the pain for each patient may vary slightly. The pain is stitching, sharp, constant or arising only periodic. A characteristic sign of the acute period of osteochondrosis will be stiffness of movements in the morning and a decrease in sensitivity of a separate area of the body.
The frequent appearance of pain leads to spasm, which occurs in response to severe soreness. This causes even greater deterioration in blood circulation and bone tissue. If the acute period of osteochondrosis proceeds at the stage of significant depletion of the intervertebral discs, then the pathology is complicated by neurological disorders. The disk sags, falls, and the nerve endings are squeezed.
Neurological disorders are most often diagnosed in acute cervical osteochondrosis. The variety of symptoms is explained by its location next to the brain. With osteochondrosis, acute pain is additionally accompanied by signs such as:
- crackling and crunching when trying to turn your head;
- a feeling of constant muscle spasms;
- tinnitus and hearing loss.
Soreness gives to the clavicle, forearm, chest. In addition, with acute cervical osteochondrosis, dizziness occurs due to impaired coordination of movements. When clamping a shifted disc of the vertebral artery, a person suffers from constant painful headaches, which in their intensity are similar to migraines.
Symptoms of acute osteochondrosis of the thoracic region are less diverse, so it can make diagnosis difficult. Sharp pains are given to the lumbar region, neck, and also spread to internal organs. If inflammation affects the nerve endings, then the passage of nerve impulses is difficult. In acute thoracic osteochondrosis, pain is felt in the stomach and liver. Sometimes it gives to the region of the heart and resembles an attack of angina pectoris.
In acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar, the main symptom is lumbalgia. This is a pain syndrome that develops in the lumbar region. The pain appears very sharply, which makes a person literally freeze in one position. When you try to turn around, a new, very painful attack occurs.
Acute lumbar osteochondrosis is often combined with pinching of the sciatic nerve. The pain at the same time gives to the buttocks and legs, which violates their sensitivity and mobility. When turning or tilting the body, a characteristic crunch is heard, and in some cases there is pain in the pelvic organs.
Diagnostics
For the treatment of acute osteochondrosis, initially it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the nature of the course of the disease. Such research methods are used as:
- X-ray examination;
- neurological techniques;
- myelography.
Additional methods that are assigned to clarify the diagnosis include:
- spinal tomography;
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
Only with a comprehensive study, is it possible to accurately diagnose and prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Treatment features
The treatment of acute osteochondrosis is based on an integrated approach and is selected for each patient separately, depending on the stage of the disease. Conservative therapy consists of taking medications, as well as performing specially selected exercises. Surgical treatment is prescribed in the absence of positive dynamics, as well as the progression of the disease against the background of prolonged use of conservative techniques.
In addition, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor and adhere to the diet. Conservative treatment of an acute attack of osteochondrosis is aimed at eliminating the existing pain syndrome, normalizing the functioning of the spine, and also preventing pathological changes. Be sure to use such types of therapy as:
- taking medications;
- methods of physiotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- manual therapy;
- spinal traction.
Medications for osteochondrosis are used to relieve painful manifestations, inflammation and normalize metabolic processes. With severe pain, it is recommended to use a drug blockade of nerve endings, which helps to reduce the severity of muscle tone.
Physiotherapeutic techniques help reduce soreness, as well as increase the effectiveness of taking medications, they are also used during the rehabilitation period. Often apply exposure to a magnetic field, ultrasonic waves, laser beams.
A complex of physiotherapy exercises is also used, which, when used correctly and regularly, helps to normalize posture, strengthen muscles, ligaments, and muscle functioning. Manual massage techniques are aimed at improving blood circulation, eliminating muscle cramps.
Methods of manual therapy are selected strictly separately for each patient. Point exposure contributes to the normalization of blood circulation processes, as well as metabolism. In addition, it helps to strengthen the immune system and serves as a good preventive measure.
Sometimes the method of spinal traction using special equipment is used. It helps to increase the intervertebral space to normal parameters, as well as to correct the violation of the structure of the spine.
Drug therapy
How to relieve acute pain in osteochondrosis is of interest to so many patients who suffer from this disease. To stop the attack, medication is prescribed, the main tasks of which are:
- anesthesia;
- elimination of inflammation;
- restoration of cartilage tissue;
- elimination of depression.
It is worth noting that damaged cartilage tissue cannot be completely restored. The pathological process is considered irreversible. Against the background of complex therapy, the process of disruption of the discs is suspended. For the treatment of acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine appoint:
- anti-inflammatory;
- vasodilator;
- sedatives;
- chondroprotectors;
- analgesics;
- vitamin complexes.
In order to act directly on the focus of inflammation, as well as get rid of pain, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed in the form of capsules and tablets. In particular, drugs such as:
- Ibuprofen.
- "Indomethacin."
- Diclofenac.
- "Nimesulide."
- Ketoprofen.
With osteochondrosis, patients are prescribed chondroprotectors with a gradual, cumulative effect. They begin to have a beneficial effect on the human body only after some time. The doctor prescribes chondroprotectors to patients for 2-3 months. When conducting complex therapy, such drugs as Structum, Arthron Flex, Chondroxide, Teraflex are prescribed.
The treatment of acute osteochondrosis of the lumbar is mainly carried out by injection, which can be divided into several different categories, namely:
- injections with chondroprotectors;
- antispasmodics;
- analgesics;
- anti-inflammatory.
Chondroprotective drugs help prevent subsequent damage to the intervertebral disc and joints, as well as reduce the intensity of pain and inflammation. They are recommended for general joint health. In particular, Dona, Chondrolon, Arthrosan, Elbona are appointed.
Injections with analgesics help to eliminate soreness, but at the same time they do not affect the course of the degenerative-dystrophic process. They are prescribed for severe pain. In particular, such means as “Analgin” or “Baralgin” are used.
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants help eliminate muscle spasms in the spine, which helps to reduce pain. Mostly appointed "Midokalm". Its action is to completely block intense pain receptors in the affected muscles. The effect of the injection lasts quite a long time, during which the body manages to return the muscles to a normal tone.
A fairly effective method of treatment is the use of blockade. These injections are injected directly into the affected area. They help get rid of acute pain in osteochondrosis. This procedure must be performed exclusively by a qualified doctor.
Be sure to do injections of B vitamins. In case of intense pain, patients are shown to have novocaine blockade, in which the specialist cuts off the affected area.
Folk techniques
Treatment of acute osteochondrosis with folk remedies is carried out only as an adjunct therapy and is used in conjunction with drug therapy. Before using folk methods, you first need to consult a doctor to prevent the development of complications.
For the treatment of acute cervical osteochondrosis, a horseradish leaf can be applied to the neck at night. This remedy helps to eliminate even the most severe pain. Clay diluted with warm water can also be used as a compress.
Stir the chopped potatoes with honey in equal proportions and apply as compresses, applying them to the painful area. Effective for grinding oil infusion of hot pepper.
Massage and gymnastics
Many doctors believe that with acute osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is even more effective than medications. It promotes good muscle relaxation, eliminates cramps, activates blood circulation, and also eliminates pinched nerve endings. In addition to professional massage, you can also do self-massage. Since the cervical region is quite vulnerable, you need to adhere to several rules, namely:
- only fingers are used for exposure;
- movements should be started from the spine;
- do not make strong clicks;
- massage is done smoothly.
Self-massage in the acute period of cervical osteochondrosis will be effective only if it is performed regularly. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct each session for 3-5 minutes. It is necessary to perform stroking, rubbing. In addition, it is recommended to lightly knead the neck and back of the neck.
When performing the massage, the spine itself cannot be affected, and the muscles next to it are worked out with light movements.
If acute pain is observed with cervical osteochondrosis, it is necessary to initially eliminate soreness and only after that proceed with self-massage. A similar technique, together with exercise therapy will help prevent the progression of the disease, as well as the occurrence of relapses.
Therapeutic exercises help strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation. The set of exercises performed is very simple, which is why it is easy to do it yourself. To achieve the desired result, you need to do several times a day. All exercises are recommended for 7-10 times on both sides. It is very important to monitor your breathing and take breaks.
All movements must be performed at a rather slow pace, while achieving maximum muscle tension. Very slowly you need to tilt your head forward, while trying to touch your chest with your chin, and then slowly tilt it back. The deep tilting of the head to the sides and the performance of circular movements are also useful. All these exercises need to be combined with relaxation of the neck.
It is also recommended to do exercises for the shoulder girdle. Among them, you need to highlight the raising of the arms, rotation of the shoulders. This will normalize blood circulation in the affected area. Such a charge will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms and prevent exacerbation of the disease. However, it is necessary to perform gymnastics only in the period of remission, to prevent the occurrence of pain, and also not to make sudden movements.
Other techniques
Physiotherapy methods are used to eliminate the pain syndrome. They also contribute to the strengthening of drug treatment and accelerate the rehabilitation period. The treatment is carried out using a laser, ultrasound, as well as magnetic fields.
Hydro-massage helps to normalize blood circulation, increase muscle tone, as well as improve the metabolism and nervous system. Such a technique implies a direction to the painful area of a targeted flow of water, which can be pressurized.
Manual therapy implies a point effect that affects the musculoskeletal system. Such a technique helps to normalize blood circulation and metabolism, as well as strengthen immunity and prevent the development of complications.
Spinal traction is carried out using special equipment to expand the intervertebral space, correction of the structure of the spine. This leads to the minimization or complete elimination of pain. A good result is the comprehensive application of all these methods of therapy.
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During pregnancy, the pregnant woman’s body undergoes very complex physiological changes, hormonal failure occurs, as well as changes in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and minerals. These changes have a very serious effect on the musculoskeletal system. And while the spine is experiencing a very serious load.
Pregnant women who previously suffer from osteochondrosis often have a relapse of the disease. This is due to serious changes that the spine is experiencing.
The difficulty lies in choosing a treatment regimen, since when prescribing drugs, you need to consider the possible effect of drugs on the fetus. To eliminate exacerbations during pregnancy, it is recommended to use ointments that do not penetrate the baby. Sometimes, with intense pain, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory, analgesic drugs in tablet form or injection.
Many pregnant women resort to treatment using unconventional methods, as well as traditional medicine recipes, which are much more sparing for the fetus.
Possible complications
Osteochondrosis is considered a rather complex and dangerous disease that can lead to disability over time.
With improper or untimely treatment, the disease can lead to very serious consequences. Gradually, a person’s well-being is only getting worse. First of all, the patient may develop protrusion, which is a protrusion of the pulpous nucleus. In the event of its swelling, dangerous disturbances will occur in a person. After complete destruction of the fibrous ring, an intervertebral hernia begins to develop.
At the same time, a person has a significant proliferation of bone tissue, plaques form inside the vessels. When the vertebral arteries begin to squeeze, the brain gradually ceases to receive the required nutrition, as a result of this, the pressure drops and oxygen starvation begins.
In patients with an advanced stage of osteochondrosis, a violation of heart rhythm, swallowing and respiratory functions is often observed. Rather dangerous complications also develop in the form of impaired vision and hearing, as well as coordination of movement.
Among other types of complications, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- protrusion;
- radiculitis;
- kyphosis;
- salt deposits;
- spinal cord strokes;
- muscle reduction in limbs;
- paralysis of the legs.
Despite the fact that the advanced stage of the disease can proceed without pronounced signs, it is very dangerous due to the risk of complications, which gradually leads to disability of the patient.
Prophylaxis
The causes of osteochondrosis are mainly associated with malnutrition, as well as excessive stress on the body. To prevent the development of the pathological process of the spine, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
It is important to conduct moderate sports, excluding heavy physical exertion. With a certain type of activity associated with a long stay in a static position, you need to take breaks and warm-ups every 45 minutes to restore the circulatory process.
For a night's sleep, it is recommended to choose an orthopedic mattress with a flat surface, and also to avoid too high or flat pillows. If you need to lift heavy objects, you need to do this gradually, in the semi-squat position, and also use special belts that support the lower back.
It is recommended to wear the correct orthopedic shoes with the appropriate foot width. In the summer, you need to walk barefoot on an uneven surface. Helps maintain proper health with a proper diet that can help improve metabolism.
Osteochondrosis can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms, but it can not always be recognized immediately. It is due to this that patients turn to the doctor late, which leads to the development of complications.