Complaints about back pain can be heard from almost every modern person. And many such an unpleasant symptom accompanies almost constantly. In most cases, the cause of back problems is osteochondrosis. This is a disease in which cartilage and bone tissue in various parts of the spine are destroyed. Moreover, with age, the risk of pathology increases significantly.
To date, its signs are observed in almost every second patient who has reached the age of twenty. If the initial symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis are detected, treatment of the disease should be started immediately. Otherwise, the development of the disease will negatively affect human health.
Pathology definition
What is osteochondrosis of the spine? This is a pathogenic process that affects articular cartilage. It also negatively affects bones adjacent to them. At its first stage, osteochondrosis affects only the discs located between the vertebrae and fastens them. With the development of the dystrophic process, the ligaments are affected. Further, the disease passes to the vertebrae and destroys the joints.
Osteochondrosis of the spine is quite insidious. The fact is that the affected cartilage of the discs is not able to recover in the future. This leads to the fact that the part of the spine that affected the disease will slowly and inexorably collapse. What to do when the signs of the disease appear? If symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis are detected and treatment of the pathology is started in a timely manner, then this process can be stopped. It is impossible to completely eliminate the ailment.
Degrees of illness
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine will directly depend on the development of the disease. After all, each of these stages has its own characteristics:
- First degree. At the initial stage of the disease, the intervertebral disc is torn. Inaccurate movements or large physical exertion can provoke it. In this case, the symptoms of the disease are sensations similar to an electric discharge. In this case, severe pain also occurs.
- Second degree. At this stage of pathology, the spine loses stability, which is accompanied by the development of protrusions. A person has pains that increase with inaccurate movements. The main symptoms in this form of the disease are numbness in the fingers, temporary discomfort in the sacral region, as well as frequently occurring headaches.
- Third degree. In this condition, the patient shows a hernia, discomfort occurs in the area of the damaged nerve. A person is tormented by headaches, legs and arms often go numb, hearing and vision deteriorate, and malfunctioning of most organs occurs.
- Fourth degree. This stage is characterized by the disappearance of hernia symptoms and a decrease in the manifestations of the disease. At the same time, the spine loses its stability due to twisting or slipping of the vertebrae. At the same time, they sometimes grow, squeezing the nerves. As a result of this process, the entire spinal canal atrophies.
Stages of the disease
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine also depends on this factor.
- First stage. It is a consequence of moisture deficiency and loss of elasticity. During this period, the core shifts inside the spinal disc. A similar process provokes a change in the shape of the fibrous rings. However, it does not extend beyond the intervertebral disc.
- Second stage. During this period, the formation of cracks in the ring begins. The stability of the spine is lost due to a decrease in the height of the flattened disk.
- Third stage. In places of cracks breaks begin to appear. Inflammation develops. Part of the core fluid seeps through microcracks. In places of rupture, compression of blood vessels and nerves occurs.
- Fourth stage. At this stage, dystrophic processes begin. Vertebrae approach each other, causing complications in the form of spondylosis and spondylarthrosis. Sometimes there is a replacement of fibrous bone tissue. At the initial stage of this stage, a temporary decrease in pain is noted. But after the discomfort increases due to compression of the nerves.
Causes of the disease
If symptoms of osteochondrosis of the spine are detected, pathology is treated both in the elderly and in young people. Most often, the development of the disease is caused by vibration, back injury and overload. However, the exact causes of the disease have not yet been established. There is an opinion that the beginning of the process is provoked due to the irrational distribution of the load and because of the weakness of the ligaments and muscles. A different theory is convincingly proved by various methods of treating osteochondrosis of the spine. After all, they provide for the training of ligaments and muscle system.
Nevertheless, there are a number of factors that provoke the pathological process. In their list: overweight and impaired posture, flat feet and injuries, metabolic disorders and infections, low physical fitness and stress, hormonal disruptions and poor nutrition, sedentary work and hypothermia, smoking and some others.
Sometimes even a person leading a correct lifestyle can suffer from osteochondrosis due to a lack of necessary nutrients in the body. Today this problem is one of the key in modern society.
Types of disease
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine varies depending on the area of damage. In this case, the disease is divided into thoracic, cervical, as well as lumbar. Sometimes several parts of the spine are involved in the pathological process at once. Such cases indicate its common form.
Most often, doctors indicate the presence of lumbar osteochondrosis. It is common in almost 50% of patients. The second place is occupied by the ailment of the cervical spine. A similar type of osteochondrosis is found in a quarter of all cases, being the result of a long stay at the computer or monotonous work. As for the ailment developing in the chest area, its symptoms are almost invisible. Especially when compared with manifestations in the lumbar and cervical spine. This is due to the low mobility of the vertebrae located in the thoracic region. In this regard, there is a widespread belief that this type of ailment is a very rare disease. However, it is not. And this department of the spine requires treatment of osteochondrosis quite often.
Symptoms of the disease
It is necessary to start treatment for cervical osteochondrosis with the manifestation of its symptoms such as:
- persistent headaches;
- voice change;
- pressure surges;
- Dizziness
- hearing impairment;
- snore;
- decreased vision;
- tooth decay.
What are the symptoms of treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine that should be started immediately? Among them are the following:
- soreness during palpation;
- significant fatigue of the back muscles;
- problems with various organs;
- chest and back pains.
What are the symptoms of lumbar spinal osteochondrosis treatment that are not delayed? The development of the disease in this area is indicated by:
- numbness of the legs;
- back pain;
- decrease in skin temperature;
- disorders of the urination process;
- stool problems
- muscle tension;
- loss of activity;
- varicose veins.
Methods for getting rid of the disease
How is diagnosis and treatment performed for the symptoms of spinal osteochondrosis of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine? The elimination of the pathology of the supporting elements of the skeleton is a very long process. If home treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine is contemplated, then, first of all, you will need to get the advice of a specialist (surgeon, orthopedist or therapist). This will allow you to choose the right direction and prevent the sad consequences of pathology.
The correct diagnosis of the disease and determination of its degree is made only by a highly qualified doctor. He will examine the patient, collect information about his lifestyle, frequency, nature and place of occurrence of uncomfortable sensations. And only after an accurate diagnosis, treatment begins, which can be either conservative or surgical. The chosen method will directly depend on the physical preparation and age of the patient, his emotional state, financial situation and available contraindications.
How is spine osteochondrosis treated early? The reviews of specialists and patients clearly indicate that during this period conservative therapy will be the best option. In this case, the doctor prescribes the necessary medications. At the same time, the use of therapeutic exercises is recommended. Manual and reflexotherapy will be of great help in the matter of recovery.
The most effective medications in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, as well as the thoracic and lumbar, are sedatives and non-narcotic analgesics. In addition, vitamins are included in group B. Such a treatment, as a rule, is used to eliminate inflammation and pain in relapse.
When using reflexology, paraffin applications, needle and laser therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation are recommended. Mud baths, as well as iodotherapy, are very useful for this ailment.
The treatment of spinal osteochondrosis with drugs must certainly be accompanied by physiotherapy. Recommended exercises involve muscle strengthening and the release of pinched nerve endings.
If the conservative treatment is ineffective, a hernia will be needed. In such cases, surgical interventions are performed or classic methods are used.
Elimination of cervical osteochondrosis
This form of pathology is eliminated, as a rule, using conservative methods. This treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine can last for several months. Get rid of the disease in a shorter time will not work.
Treatment of the cervical spine should be mandatory in the complex. In this case, methods such as are used:
- drug therapy;
- Exercise therapy;
- physiotherapy.
As unconventional techniques, hirudotherapy and acupuncture can be used. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine at home is also carried out when performing a set of yoga exercises. As for surgical intervention, it is used extremely rarely. Operations are carried out only in the case of evidence of a certain nature. Alternative treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is also allowed. However, the methods used for this should be agreed with the doctor.
The main method of combating cervical osteochondrosis is taking medications. Injections are prescribed to patients, and preparations for external application are also prescribed. Such drugs can eliminate pain, relieve inflammation and alleviate the general condition of the patient. The selection of the most effective means should be carried out only by a specialist.
The following drugs will help eliminate pathology:
- painkillers;
- anti-inflammatory non-steroidal agents;
- relaxing;
- vitamin complexes;
- vasodilator;
- improving blood circulation;
- antidepressants.
Many experts recommend chondroprotectors to their patients. With their help, the symptoms are eliminated and a positive effect on the recovery process of the affected areas. These are Teraflex and Alflutop.
To facilitate movement and pain, gels and ointments are recommended. The most popular of them are Chondra-Force, Kapsikam, Chondroksid and Voltaren.
At the same time as taking medications, the patient needs to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures. With their help, the effectiveness of the drugs used is significantly increased and the intervertebral discs and joints are restored.
In this case, the following procedures may be recommended:
- ultrasound therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- laser therapy;
- massage;
- manual therapy.
The fight against osteochondrosis of the cervical spine must be carried out with regular exercise from the course of therapeutic exercises. Exercise therapy is able to produce a significant effect by a positive effect on the state of muscles and due to the normalization of natural processes in the spine. Consider some of these exercises:
- A patient standing should tilt his head forward. Hold for 10-15 seconds. At this time, there must be a feeling of a slight tension in the muscles. After the head must be tilted back. In this position, it is also worth a little linger.
- It is recommended to turn the head to the left, and then to the right, lingering in each of these positions for 5-10 s. The tension of the neck should be pleasant.
- The patient is invited to make circular movements with his shoulders - 5 forward and backward. Repeat the exercise should be five to ten times.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine at home involves the use of alternative methods. Of course, it is impossible to eliminate pathology with their help, but they still allow to cope with the elimination of symptoms. It should be borne in mind that treatment using tinctures, compresses and other means is an additional therapy and should not replace the doctor's recommendations.
Recipes of folk healers, which are used to alleviate the symptoms of osteochondrosis, involve the use of products of plant and animal origin. The main focus of such funds is to ensure the warming effect of the site with progressive pathological processes. That is why they are used in the treatment of lumbar and thoracic spinal osteochondrosis, and not just the cervical spine.
The most popular is a recipe that uses analgin (10 tablets), iodine (10 cap.), Medical alcohol (100 g), and camphor oil (tablespoon) ground to a powder state. Mixing all these ingredients allows you to get a tool that, judging by the reviews of patients, remarkably relieves pain after grinding.
Another effective recipe is the use of ordinary vodka (300 g), honey (200 g), as well as aloe juice (2 tbsp.). The products are thoroughly mixed and infused for 12 hours. Such a tool is used for rubbing and compresses.
Good reviews in the treatment of osteochondrosis receive herbal teas. They are brewed from wild strawberries, elderberries, string, mint, chamomile and other medicinal plants.
Cervical osteochondrosis in most cases develops with an improper lifestyle. That is why in order to prevent the disease, you will need:
- avoid significant physical exertion;
- Exercise regularly;
- eliminate bad habits;
- eat right;
- try not to be nervous.
Subject to preventive measures, the healing process is significantly accelerated. This eliminates the likelihood of relapse.
Elimination of breast osteochondrosis
As in the previous case, the patient is prescribed various drugs. Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine of the cervicothoracic and thoracic regions is carried out using painkillers, as well as those that relieve muscle tension, if any, in the patient.
Chondroprotectors are also prescribed by the doctor. Such tools help the process of restoration of cartilage. Their action is aimed at retaining fluid inside the spinal disc. At the same time, a complex of vitamins is recommended, as well as preparations containing calcium. Such funds are necessary to support the body. This will give him strength to fight the disease. At the same time, it is worth remembering that a visit to a doctor will give confidence in the correct selection of funds to ease the course of osteochondrosis.
One of the important elements in eliminating back pain will be therapeutic massage. It can be done independently or by resorting to the services of a specialist.
Swimming will have a beneficial effect on the spine. It helps remarkably in the fight against osteochondrosis.
Just like with any other type of pathology, with the ailment of this department, therapeutic gymnastics is a great help. When performing exercises, the results will depend entirely on the efforts of the patient. The proposed complex, as a rule, is simple and does not require special training from a person. It is especially important to choose the right exercises.
To eliminate breast osteochondrosis you will need:
- Lying on your back to get your hands behind your head. When resting on them, raise the body from the waist to the head so that it is approximately 10 cm to the floor. In this position, it is recommended to hold out for some time. The exercise is repeated 5 times.
- Throw your hands behind your head. Raise legs until they touch the floor behind the head. You do not need to bend your knees. Having reached this position, you will need to hold out for a few seconds. Having a little rest, repeat all the steps.
- Bend your legs to the chest. , . . , .
- , . , . , , , .
- . . Repeat several times.
It is important to remember that all exercises of medical gymnastics should be performed without undue stress. If pain occurs, they should be interrupted and rest. Reviews about the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine allow you to judge the effectiveness of the exercises, if they are carried out in accordance with all the rules.
Elimination of Lumbar Osteochondrosis
After the manifestation of the first signs of pathology, you need to visit a doctor. How is a disease affecting the lumbar and sacral spine treated? With an ailment found in the initial stages of its development, therapy with conventional pharmacological agents is required.
The treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine is accompanied by acupuncture, physical therapy courses, manual and magnetic therapy.
A popular folk remedy that is used as a supplement to general practice is hirudotherapy. It alleviates the symptoms of the disease and speeds up the healing process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine in the later stages requires surgical intervention.
When contacting a doctor in case of detection of the first signs of pathology, as a rule, medication is prescribed. It has a similar pattern, coinciding with the elimination of osteochondrosis of the cervical, as well as the thoracic, including chondroprotectors, and non-steroid drugs and vitamins. Such therapy is especially effective in the initial stages of the disease. In parallel, spinal blockade can be performed. It is designed to relieve acute pain with the introduction of the drug directly into the focus of its occurrence.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine of the sacral-lumbar, is carried out using:
- local ointments that relieve pain ("Diclofenac", "Diclac", "Voltaren");
- non-steroidal analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs (Celebrex, Rofica, Nurofen);
- muscle relaxants designed to reduce muscle tone, immobilizing foci of pain ("Midokalm", "Sirdalud");
- chondroprotectors (Structum, Don);
- B vitamins, allowing you to adjust muscle tone (Milgamma).
With the first symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis, it is most reasonable to immediately begin to perform regular therapeutic exercises. Of course, to date, a large assortment of drugs helps to cope with pain. They are certainly prescribed by the doctor at the first treatment of the patient. However, the elimination of pain will not mean victory over the disease. Most often, this is just some retreat of the pathology. The main method for eliminating not only lumbar, but also any other type of osteochondrosis is exercise. They correct defects of the spine and strengthen the muscles around it, which improves the mobility of the area in the area of the disease.
With lumbar osteochondrosis, it is necessary to start with the easiest exercises, gradually complicating the complex. Let's consider some of them:
- Lying on the sofa stretch, grabbing his back, and stretch out his socks. In this position, you need to stay very briefly, and then relax the muscles. Repeat this exercise several times.
- The legs are bent at the knees. Hands grab one of them, start pulling it toward you and letting it go back. After ten such movements, they are repeated with the other knee.
- Lying on your back, you will need to bend the right leg in the knee and, straightening it, slowly raise it, and then lower it. After 4-5 such swings, the movements are repeated, but with the other leg.
- Bending the knees in the supine position, raise the pelvis, holding it for a few seconds, and then slowly again to lie down.
- In the standing position, turns are made to the left, as well as to the right. Both hands with this overlap go back.
It is worth noting that osteochondrosis is not considered a sentence. Many patients do not experience frequent discomfort with this type of pathology. The elimination of osteochondrosis and the prevention of its acute forms will directly depend on the timeliness of visiting a doctor, as well as on how much a person is willing to invest in his health and find the strength to maintain his health.