Agree, when the back hurts, it is difficult to lead a habitual active lifestyle. In addition, it delivers a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. The cause of the disease is most often osteochondrosis - a disease of the spine, which is accompanied by changes in its structure. More than half of the elderly suffer from this scourge, and the first symptoms may appear closer to forty years. We will talk about how to cure osteochondrosis with the help of physiotherapy in our article.
Types of disease
Most often, with osteochondrosis, the lumbar spine is affected, a little less often - the cervical, and very rarely - the thoracic. The fact is that the spine contains 33 vertebrae, and they are interconnected by disks. If there is a violation of blood circulation, the intervertebral disc is deformed, dries out and this loses strength. After these changes, he is no longer able to withstand the load that the spine gives him. From this, pains arise, and sometimes a hernia. Doctors distinguish three types of osteochondrosis :
- cervical spine;
- breast;
- lumbosacral.
Osteochondrosis stages
Doctors distinguish the 4th stage of this ailment. They differ from each other in severity. At the first stage, the vertebrae lose their stability, as changes occur in the intervertebral disc. At this stage, the spine is particularly prone to injury, so it is advisable to avoid sudden movements and bruises. The second stage is characterized by a decrease in the intervertebral fissure. If there is a hernia, spinal deformity, this indicates the third stage of the aforementioned disease. On the fourth, there is a restriction of movement, which is accompanied by ongoing pain.
Osteochondrosis - symptoms and treatment
Signs of the disease depend on which part of the spine is affected by the disease. Symptoms of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are a headache, which becomes only stronger from neck movements. Dizziness, pain in the upper spine are also inherently associated with cervical osteochondrosis. Tongue immobilization is also possible. With osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine, back pain is accompanied by restriction of movement when the patient cannot bend or crouch. Possible loss of sensation in the legs. Thoracic osteochondrosis arises from curvature of the spine. It is accompanied by numbness in the chest area and pain during breathing. Particularly attentive to their health should be people leading a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, impaired posture. All of them are at risk.
The causes of the disease
Osteochondrosis, the symptoms and treatment of which are indicated in our article, has the following causes:
- metabolic problems;
- spinal injuries;
- heredity;
- congenital defects of the spine;
- excessive physical activity;
- sedentary lifestyle.
There are two ways to get rid of this disease - using medications and treating osteochondrosis with physiotherapy. In the first case, the patient is prescribed drugs that relieve the inflammatory process in the body. To eliminate pain, painkillers are used. For topical treatment, ointments, gels and creams are recommended. The second method of treatment is a set of physical exercises tailored specifically for a particular patient. Laser, ultrasound or electrophoresis is used to relieve inflammation. Physiotherapy is especially good for cervical osteochondrosis. Quite often, therapeutic massage or
manual therapy is prescribed. In especially difficult cases, traction will help when pressure is applied to the spine using special equipment.
Features of non-drug treatment
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is considered the most effective means, since it quickly and painlessly acts directly on the damaged vertebra. This allows you to effectively eliminate pain. After the first session, the patient experiences significant relief.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine involves the use of ultrasound, which eliminates pain, stimulates metabolism and conducts a kind of massage. To combat inflammation, doctors prescribe magnetotherapy. It is carried out by a special device, and the procedure can be carried out at home. Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis allows the use of a laser that affects the affected area. Next, we will talk about methods of treating this disease in other parts of the spinal column.
Magnetotherapy, ultraviolet irradiation, desentor therapy
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis of the lumbar includes laser treatment. Moreover, the patient's condition improves after the first sessions. He can rotate the body in different directions, crouch and bend. Also, a specialist can prescribe electro-, magnetotherapy and ultraviolet radiation. All these manipulations affect the lumbar spine and, with regular treatment, help cope with osteochondrosis.
Another effective method of getting rid of lumbar osteochondrosis is the so-called desentor therapy. Desenter is the name of a special mat, which is a complex of soft ribs and sectors. They are located at different angles relative to the horizontal surface. The patient lies on this mat and completely relaxes. And the above ribs and sectors stretch the spine and return the lost tone to the muscles. With osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, balneotherapy, or bath treatment, in which mineral water, gases or therapeutic mud can be added, is actively used. It is also very good for this type of disease helps UVD (ultraviolet radiation).
Thoracic lesion treatment
Physiotherapy for thoracic osteochondrosis should be carried out carefully, since the manipulations are carried out near the chest and heart. Also nearby are other vital organs. To get rid of this disease as soon as possible, it is recommended to combine physiotherapy with other methods of treatment.
Today, pharmacies have a wide range of devices, and almost all of them are intended for home use and have a small size. But before buying them, you should definitely consult your doctor. In order to prevent the occurrence of this unpleasant disease, you need to lead an active lifestyle, exercise, avoid injuries and falls. It is necessary to eat right, it is advisable to give up smoking, not to abuse alcoholic beverages. Our article contains useful information on the topic "Osteochondrosis". Symptoms and treatment of this disease are described and recommendations for its prevention. In conclusion, it is worth noting that all the information provided is advisory in nature. If signs of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. In no case should you self-medicate, the necessary therapy should be prescribed by a specialist.