Not everyone will say they have never experienced back pain.This extremely unpleasant problem affects everyone.It is not scary if the pain is caused by hypothermia or muscle strains.It is much worse if the pain is a symptom of a back disease.That is why at home I will review the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic, cervical and lumbar spine.
What is spinal osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the spine that affects the intervertebral discs.Without treatment, it spreads to the bone structure and ligaments.
The cartilaginous tissue underlying the intervertebral discs is slowly restored.Therefore, the disks affected by the disease are destined for destruction.However, it is almost impossible to reverse the disease.If the disease has manifested itself, it is only possible to stop further development.
Osteochondrosis is believed to be the price that humanity pays for the ability to walk.As practice shows, four-legged animals do not suffer from the disease.It is difficult to say for what reasons the disease appears.Doctors say that development is facilitated by improper distribution of the level of load on the spine with a weak ligament apparatus and muscular corset.
This point of view is confirmed by the methods of treating osteochondrosis, which are based on returning the ligaments and muscles to a normal state.The therapy involves muscle training.
Based on the facts regarding the development of the disease, doctors have compiled a list of causes and factors that provoke the development of the disease.
- A sedentary and sedentary lifestyle contributes to the weakening of the muscular corset of the back.
- Physical activity.
- Back injuries.
- Overweight.
- Hereditary predisposition.
- Poor posture and prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable position.
- Altered metabolism.
- Lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body.
I will draw your attention to the last point.Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and choose active recreation, the probability of osteochondrosis will still remain high due to nutrient deficiency.The problem is fundamental because not all people eat well.They prefer hot dogs and treats from which the body is unable to extract anything useful.The problem is aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle.
We will focus on the symptoms and treatment of osteochondrosis at home, depending on which part of the spine is affected.
How to treat osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine
Thoracic osteochondrosis causes enormous damage to the spinal cord-associated organs located in the affected thoracic region.Impaired functioning of the spine has a negative effect on the mobility of the limbs and torso and negatively affects the functioning of the respiratory muscles and pelvic organs.
Thoracic osteochondrosis is more common in people who move little.As a result, the spine does not receive dosed loads, which disrupts the process of disk recovery.If you are relaxed or suffer from computer addiction, this contributes to the development of the disease.So do physical exercises regularly.
Symptoms
- Thoracic osteochondrosis is accompanied by burning, aching pain.There is a sensation that the chest is being compressed.When feeling the processes of the vertebrae, a person feels local pain, which intensifies when turning the body, taking deep breaths and axial loads on the spine.
- In some people, the development of the disease is accompanied by pain in the shoulder blades and lower chest.The displacement of the ribs contributes to the appearance of the symptom.When turning the body, the pain intensifies.
- As for internal organs, functions are impaired when nerve roots are compressed.The thoracic region contains structures responsible for the innervation of the kidneys, heart, liver and other organs.For this reason there are no characteristic symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Now we'll talk about diagnostics.Radiographic examination is of great importance in this matter.A decrease in the height of the intervertebral discs is easily recognized on a chest x-ray.This helps detect osteophytes and endplate sclerosis.
Using computed tomography, the condition of the vertebrae is clarified, the size and location of the hernial protrusion are determined, and the dimensions of the spinal canal are determined.As part of the differential diagnosis, the medical history is collected and the clinical signs of the disease are compared with the symptoms of the disease.
Treatment
- Treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is conservative.The reason for treatment is visceral syndromes with neurological disorders.Orthopedic treatment boils down to spinal traction.
- Drug treatment involves performing paravertebral blocks using a novocaine solution.If the disease worsens, sedatives and analgesics are used.In case of unexpressed pain the patient uses anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments.
- After eliminating acute phenomena, the back and lower limbs are massaged.Manual therapy is considered appropriate for the first three degrees of osteochondrosis.At the same time, it provides rough and soft effects on the spinal muscles.
- With the help of physical therapy at home, measured loads are applied to the spine, which speeds up the recovery process.Vertical loads are contraindicated.As part of the health phase, hydromassage and underwater traction are used.Ultrasound, inductothermy and saline baths help to obtain results.
Surgical treatment, which involves surgery, is carried out in cases where a prolapsed disc fragment compresses the spinal cord.
Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine
The disease is characterized by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, accompanied by a decrease in height, rapid growth of marginal osteophytes and the appearance of compactions.
The cervical vertebrae are close to each other and the muscular structure is poorly developed.Therefore, muscular osteochondrosis, even with minor loads, causes displacement of the vertebral discs, which compress the nerves and blood vessels.
The cartilaginous tissue affected by the disease becomes a bone formation.As a result, the disc hardens and its size decreases.The result is that the spinal discs lose their shock-absorbing properties, which leads to pressure on the nerves and contributes to pain.
Symptoms of cervical osteochondrosis
- Headache and dizziness.The main symptom of the disease is headache.This is due to the pressure that is exerted on the vessels of the head and cervical region.Pain syndrome brings discomfort and reduces performance.Dizziness occurs with sudden turns of the head.
- Chest and upper extremity pain.It has a pressing and burning character.In the upper extremities, the pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling.
- Numbness of the tongue.The symptom is caused by limited mobility of the tongue.Therefore, many people suffering from osteochondrosis complain that the tone of the vocal cords changes, as well as speech.
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by doctors, including an orthopedist and a neurosurgeon.Doctors examine the patient, carefully examining the vertebra in various positions.To determine the level of damage, a special scheme is used.
The location and extent of pain are determined by palpating the spine.At the same time, bending, bending and turning the body helps to discover the range of movement.Additional diagnoses include X-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
How to treat
- It is customary to treat the disease with conservative methods aimed at eliminating pain, restoring the normal functioning of the spinal roots and preventing degenerative changes in the spine.
- If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment is performed according to indications, depending on the manifestation of the disease and the level of the lesion.
- Treatment depends on the severity of osteochondrosis.Most often, the initial stage of therapy is accompanied by increased neck pain, but it is subsequently relieved with medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and therapeutic massage.
- Gymnastics and exercises help relieve pain.Physical therapy strengthens the neck muscles, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
- Let me give you a simple exercise as an example.Gently turn your head to the side, stop for a moment and turn in the opposite direction.While doing the exercise, look ahead.
- Massage helps reduce discomfort.The procedure lengthens the spine and lengthens the muscles.After the massage, be sure to lubricate the neck with special oil, which contains pain-relieving drugs.
This disease is not a death sentence.With the help of medications, gymnastics and massage, you can improve your well-being.
Osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
The disease is common and affects everyone, regardless of gender.Everyone has felt unpleasant pains in the legs, lower back and sacrum, which bring discomfort and discomfort.
The symptoms of the disease are extremely broad.Some symptoms are not related to the spine at all.This is numbness of the limbs, abdominal pain, impaired functioning of the genitourinary system.
Treating the listed symptoms without first checking the spine contributes to the development of the disease.For this reason it is recommended to take into account all the symptoms, consult a specialist and forget about self-treatment.This is not a fight against a runny nose.It's about the mobility of the body.
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
- The list of main signs of lumbar osteochondrosis is small.Includes: numbness in the limbs, pain in the legs, periodic pain in the lower back after a fall or physical activity.
- The symptoms I listed often appear to a lesser extent as the disease progresses.You should be as careful as possible about your health and consult a doctor if necessary.
- Lumbar osteochondrosis requires complex, intensive and long-term treatment, especially if it is an advanced case accompanied by intervertebral hernia.
Modern reflex methods allow you to carry out effective therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis without complications and with great benefits.You just need to remember that it is unrealistic to quickly solve a serious problem and only an individual approach will help achieve results.
Treatment at home
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis at home is based on manual therapy, acupuncture and vacuum therapy.The procedures help restore blood circulation and eliminate congestion in the spine.As a result, the process of tissue regeneration is accelerated.
The use of these procedures in the fight against osteochondrosis is combined with the use of drugs that improve the balance between intervention and metabolic processes.It is impossible to achieve your goal without an active lifestyle and proper nutrition.
Particular attention is paid to the fight against obesity, if a problem exists.Excess weight puts stress on the spine and contributes to the development of the disease.
Over many years of practice, doctors have accumulated considerable experience in the fight against the scourge.As a result, in most cases the therapy provides results without surgery and helps improve the health of the lower back.
How to prevent the appearance of osteochondrosis?
In conclusion, I will share ways to prevent and prevent osteochondrosis.If you already have a disease, I do not recommend lifting weights weighing more than ten kilograms.
- If you have to work hard, drink fluids before starting physical work.Tea or coffee will also work.A dehydrated body is unable to supply sufficient water to the intervertebral discs.
- Periodically massage your back with simple movements.This technique will disperse blood and accelerate metabolic processes.When you plan to lift weights, use a weightlifting belt or belt.
- Do not hold heavy objects at arm's length, as this will increase stress on the spine.To pick up an object, squat down and stand up with it, keeping your spine straight.
- If your spine received a load during work, hang on the horizontal bar for a while so that it relaxes.When working for a long time, use this technique periodically.If this is not possible, stretch out completely.
- Always distribute the load evenly.Carry bags in both hands and carry large items in front of you, keeping them close to your body.If you're going to give something to another person, don't do it at arm's length.Even if you have a full kettle in your hand, I don't advise you to neglect this rule.
- If you need to move something heavy a long distance, use a backpack, small cart, rolling suitcase, or tote.
With this information you will save your back and avoid trouble.Good luck!