Osteochondrosis — a serious disease of the spine, since it will be able to severe discomfort and lead to a variety of complications. For this reason, it is necessary to treat correctly and in good time. This can be at home with the help of medications, natural remedies, sports and physiotherapeutic procedures. All therapeutic measures should be approved by an expert, otherwise, consists of a from a the risk of complications.
What is osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis — degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine (DSP ), leads to disruption of the tissue structure of the vertebral body and intervertebral discs. This provokes the reduction of their elasticity and changing the shape. Due to this significantly reduced space between the vertebrae observed and the instability of the spine at this point.
In the pathological destruction of the tissue, a pinched nerve occurs at the ends, starting from the spinal cord to the back resulting in a constant stress of muscles. Against this background of pain and other characteristic symptoms emerge. Clinical symptoms may be different, depending on which Segment was of degenerative disorders. Mark chondrosis of the vertebral column of the following departments:
- Cervical vertebrae;
- Chest of drawers;
- of the lumbar spine.
If the pathological process in a number of segments, such osteochondrosis are polysegmental. Frequent disturbances have difficult symptoms, and is much more difficult to diagnose, because plots of land can be affected, both near and at a distance from each other. For example, osteochondrosis of the cervical-and lumbar-sacral sections.
Distinguish 4 stages of intervertebral disc degeneration:
- The first. Characterized by the early injuries in the area of the intervertebral disc. Normally at this stage of the cartilage, Herpes vertebral fractures is with. In consequence of the reduction of the lumen between the discs begins.
- The second. Covered broken fiber ring so narrowed that the ligaments and muscles of the spine, bumping into each other and RUB against each other. In this Phase, the people, the first pain syndrome paroxysmal character may occur. The second stage leads to the formation of the instability of the spine.
- The Third. The cartilaginous strip between the panes. Thinning is also reflected in the implementation of the x-ray diagnosis, where the symptoms are pronounced, the intense character. In this stage, pain syndrome can be removed only through the use of potent drugs.
- The fourth. Due to excessive instability of the spine, as bony growths — osteophytes form. You injure the nerve root. Normally at this stage of the symptoms subsides a little, but it depends on the season (Pik aggravation fall in the autumn and spring).
Psychosomatics Osteochondrosis
Psychosomatic causes of the pathology a new direction in the search conditions for their formation. Psychosomatics refers to the influence of psychological factors on the development and course of physical diseases. The connection between physical and mental health problems suffering really tight, and with the eyes of a healthy person can regular pain. In the case of the osteochondrosis in some people, undetectable objective reasons for the pathology, but it is progressing.
Up to 30% of patients after a visit to the doctor on such problems as:
- Duration of stress;
- Chronic Experiences;
- Nervous stress;
- Problems in the family;
- Conflicts;
- The moral collapse.
In this case, the psychosomatics is seen in the syndrome of the defeat of the spine significantly to – human "bends" under the weight of problems, including the spine suffers. If the pathology has similar causes, the treatment of osteochondrosis is not difficult, the meds usually help. Exacerbation of the pathology does not occur, while a new wave of Stress and physical reasons for it.
The most frequently psychosomatics reflects on the cervical spine, but pain syndrome can post a stroll around the pozvonocna. The treatment of osteochondrosis should begin with the search for and solution of psychological problems under the supervision of a therapist.
Causes of osteochondrosis
The most important factor for the development of osteochondrosis is an uneven load on the spine.
Common cause for incorrect (uneven) distribution of the load on the spine serve:
- the habit of wearing the bag on one shoulder or in the same Hand,
- incorrect posture in sitting,
- sleeping on a soft mattress,
- sleep on a high pillow,
- the wearing of anatomically wrong types of shoes.
To the additional risk factors:
- physical inactivity (lack of exercise),
- the presence of obesity,
- Injuries of the back,
- Injuries to the lower extremities,
- Flat feet,
- other disorders of the musculoskeletal system,
- age-related degenerative processes in the spine due to the blood supply of the spine is deteriorating.
Phases of the development of osteochondrosis
Development, osteochondrosis go through four phases:
- The first Phase is due to the appearance of pathologies in the core of the intervertebral disc. Due to the unnatural strain on the process of dehydration (dehydration) of the kernel begins, which leads to a decrease in the height of the intervertebral disc and the rupture of the annulus fibrosus.
- During the second stage of the disease occurs on complaints in the Form of pain, in particular, in the case of certain types of loads, movements and positions of the body.
- The third stage of osteochondrosis by the formation of the prolapses and protrusion. You can. as a result of Subluxation and/or the development of arthrosis of all joints In the case of certain movements, perhaps a feeling of stiffness and lack of mobility. In the extremities occur, feelings of tingling and numbness can.
- During the fourth stage of osteochondrosis of the body, trying to correct the consequences of hypermobility (excessive mobility) of the spine, begins the adaptation to the interference of the functionality of the spine and at the points of contact vertebrae to form osteophytes (new bone formation) will begin to improve the fixation of a vertebra.
But, unfortunately, in some cases, osteophytes affecting the nerve cause-and even more vertebrae hurt. What in the intervertebral discs and the joints, fibrous ankylosis begins.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis is a feeling of discomfort and/or pain in the area of the neck and back.
How are acute symptoms, as well as what additional symptoms manifest themselves in the course of the development of osteochondrosis, depending on the stage of the disease and of each individual case.
Pathology of the intervertebral discs of the cervical and lumbar spine are much more common than degenerative and dystrophic changes in the area of the sternum.
Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- regular or long-lasting tiredness of the back,
- low or strong (depending on the stage of the disease) pain syndrome in the area of the neck, back, chest, shoulder girdle,
- exhausting, bound movement of the upper extremities.
The clinical picture of osteoarthritis is largely dependent on the localization (position), the pathology, the degree of development of the process, from the individual peculiarities of the patient.
Pathology of the intervertebral discs, Bias, a protrusion, disc herniation and attachment of osteophytes lead to a variety of consequences.
Among the most common a violation of normal blood circulation in the tissues, pinched nerves, dysfunction of the vertebral canal, edema, fibrosis tissues and structures.
Such effects may be accompanied by a huge amount of different symptoms, which leads to difficulties in the accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Among the most common symptoms of osteochondrosis such symptoms:
- Pain in the back, neck, lower back, in the shoulder belt, in the area of the ribs,
- Discomfort and stiffness of the trunk, which in certain positions of the body: gradients, curves, the increase of the muscle tension,
- Feeling of numbness of the upper and lower extremities,
- Muscle and limber, discomfort, muscle spasms,
- Headache, Dizziness, Fatigue,
- Pain in the area of the heart,
- Violation of the sensitivity of the hands,
- Muscle weakness.
Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
For an accurate diagnosis of the expert such instrumental methods of investigation has, as:
- X-ray of the spine,
- if necessary, spinal column myelography,
- neurological examination of the sensitivity and the reflexes of the spine.
To the additional methods, which are prescribed by a doctor, the diagnosis and the stage of pathological processes are as accurate as possible:
- Computed tomography of the spine,
- Nuclear magnetic resonance,
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Possible Complications
Many without any special attention related to the first symptoms of degenerative processes dysfunctional in the connective tissues of the spine. This attitude to one's own body can clearly have a negative impact on the work of all internal organs. The balance of the functions will be avalanches are on the increase, and the person is suddenly in a hospital bed. Decrease in the mobility of the spine, the speeding transit time of the signals and the difficulty of the supply of nutrients in certain areas of the body lead to the development of functional disorders in the musculo-skeletal System, the work of the joints and ligaments.
Partial or complete destruction of all relations to the development of numerous chronic diseases. Even slight pain in the spine, suddenly appeared and just as quickly missed, must get a Person a full investigation. This will help show the pockets of the emergence of the disease and with the help of preventive avoidance of additional funds for the development of the disease.
Not paying attention to the first signals, which can occur with larger issues:
- The emergence of sharp, persistent pain in the head, migraine and dizziness.
- Problems in the cervical spine lead to a strong loss of vision.
- Hearing loss is often the result of a disturbance in the upper spine.
- The development of degenerative intervertebral disc the cause of autonomic dysfunction can diseases.
- Problems in the lower back lead to a substantial aggravation of diseases of the genitourinary system.
- The absence of proper treatment of osteochondrosis leads to chronic radiculitis and sciatica.
Great strain and no cause for the systemic treatment of disc herniation.- People stakivayutsya with such diseases such as lumbago, spondylarthrosis, low back pain.
- Long-term development of osteochondrosis without a qualified treatment leads to a stenosis of the vertebral animals channels, spondylosis, osteophytes.
You must clearly understand that any injury to the spine in the work for the development of more complex chronic diseases of the internal organs. Damage to the neurovascular bundles more difficult rhythm of the bodies, breaks the correct amount of supply and the dissipation of waste products and toxins.
This has a negative effect on the entire organism. Accumulate in the tissues of the damaged cells and waste products to the development of malignant tumors promote. You can unexpectedly find out that good health suffered a serious damage from a small pain in hips, back or neck.
Treatment
In order to successfully heal bone, you need a detailed examination and an accurate diagnosis. First of all, the doctors, a or or external examination of the patient, the anamnesis of the disease, then make use of the laboratory and instrumental methods of research.
There are 3 options for therapy:
- the medikamentse;
- physiotherapy;
- surgical.
Great benefit in the treatment of degenerative disc disease can bring to a special diet, compliance with the bed rest and minimizing the loads on the spine. The Rest a hard surface instead of soft mattress is recommended.
In the home environment for the treatment of diseases you can resort to the first two methods. It is desirable to combine them. For the reinforcement of their actions, traditional methods of treatment.
But to self-medicate is highly undesirable. All measures and procedures must be approved by a specialist. In the treatment of degenerative disc, you need to diseases to a certain set of rules in the use of certain methods.
In this case, if the provision of the drug has medical care not the results and the disease progresses, then surgical treatment appoint. The procedure is to stabilize the structure of the spine, removal of the intervertebral hernia or completely affected drives.
Drugs
The drug treatment of osteochondrosis should be comprehensive, with the goal of relieving the pain and the elimination of other pronounced symptoms. To do this, use different groups of drugs:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. They are for the elimination of inflammatory processes and all kinds of pain. Also, take the puffiness of fabrics.
- Sedatives. They are used for the relief of pain, but no influence on the disease.
- Muscle relaxants. Apply for the relief of muscle spasms in the area of the spine, which significantly reduces pain. They act by blocking the receptors in the affected muscle fibers, resulting in disturbed conductivity of the impulses in the spinal cord. The effect of these drugs is short, but during this time, the muscle fibers of the time a normal sound, and its own protective mechanisms of degenerative processes.
- B-vitamins, D, A, E, C, phosphorus, and Kal'cijsoderžaŝie drugs. Vitamin-Mineral complexes is necessary, in order to substances in the body, the benefits to the formation of bone and cartilage tissue exchange processes.
- Chondroprotectors
- Vasodilators.
In the case of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, doctors recommend the use of chondroprotectors, has a cumulative effect and impact on the human body after a certain period of time, the restore disc again. Similar drugs use a longer period of time, up to 2-3 months. Wherein the chondro protectors seriously the liver and organs of the gastro-intestinal tract burden, therefore, you should in combination with probiotics.
Movement therapy
In the treatment of degenerative disc disease will be useful in the healing of sports (CS). On the musculoskeletal system positively moderate exercise can. They stimulate the metabolism, restoration of mobility of the spine and strengthening of the muscle corset.
The methodology and the scheme of remedial gymnastics, the doctor has to pick up, since it is able to vary, depending on which part of the spine is susceptible to a pathological process. Therefore, it is desirable that the teaching took place under the supervision of a specialist. After the development of the program of the course of physiotherapy, you can continue at home.
For example, in the diagnosis of degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine recommend the following simple exercises:
- You can tilt the head to the heated seats the front seat heating and pressure to the area of the forehead woven with the fingers. The Patient must avoid pressure. A similar exercise then by his temple to the back of the head part, left and right.
- Pressure on the forehead with four fingers, such as the stretching of the skin, in the course of 45 seconds. The actions run in different directions. This exercise is designed to restore blood flow.
- Sit on a chair or on the floor, keep the back straight and gently tilting the head back. The hands must be cautious chin, pressing up and down. Then to make the bends the head to the left-to-right.
- Try to get your chin to the chest. In this Position both the arms in the neck and the pressure on him. In a state the voltage must remain on for 1 Minute, whereby lifting movement of the shoulders and reach to the top, tried to the ears.
Physiotherapy
Drug treatment gives a good result if you use it with physiotherapeutic procedures. For the condition of the electric whirling useful magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, ultrasonic therapy, etc., Some types of treatments can spend at home, if you buy the appropriate portable devices. The beneficial effects of mineral water and healing mud.
If the visit is not a contraindication for the Massage for the patient to chiropractor. In the treatment of osteoarthritis applied to meetings of the reflex zone massage effect can be at certain points of the body. Done at home self-massage can be. There are several techniques, contributing to the elimination of a painful syndrome and muscle-building muscles:
- light strokes vertebral artery the area of one or both hands;
- kneading of the muscles, tingling, or in a circular motion, light pressure with the finger tips;
- kneading the muscles of the hand areas;
- straight through processing of the trapezius muscles;
- the longitudinal and the coracoid squeeze and massage gently;
- Attrition between the spaces between the ribs.
Folk Remedies
For the relief of pain, you can use the funds according to the recipes. The result of the treatment of herbs and other natural stocks appears only in the long-term use.
Folk remedies preferred over drugs, as it can with prolonged use will seriously damage the intestines, liver and pancreas. Therefore, the methods of alternative medicine it is advisable, after the relief of acute pain syndromes drugs. Represented should gradually replace medication with the recommendation of the doctor.
Can you highlight a few effective recipes:
- Honey and potatoes. Take a couple of potatoes, grinding them on a grater, add the same amount of honey. The components should mix thoroughly, put in cheesecloth and use it as a compress on the painful side. Review of the application, you need to wrap the scarf, and leave in this Position for 1 hour.
- Horseradish. Should you take 1 leaf of a plant, and steam from boiling water. It is necessary to rotate the position of the inner page to a pain and fix it. The medium should be securely fastened, and wrap the scarf. Procedures need to take off in the night and the blindfold — only in the next morning.
- Hot Bottle. You need to take the plastic container, pour hot water, put on the Sofa and lay back on him. It is advisable to try and move the bottle among themselves. The procedure should be 30 minutes.
- Parsley. Food needs for 30 days day 1 the roots of the plant.
- Pine Buds. You should be a raw material to collect in the spring. The length of the jaw 2 cm Need to thoroughly rinse with water and dry should the buds. Raw materials need to grind and combine with sugar in a ratio of 2:1, then mix thoroughly and place in the fridge. The Tool is ready when rich brown acquires. The mixture should eat 1 TSP / day for 3 weeks.
In the case of the use of natural remedies very carefully to be addressed to the procedures with warming effect. Such actions can help the pain and inflammation get rid of, but can be harmful. In times of exacerbation of the disease, any warming prohibited, because of the dilation of blood vessels, causing swelling to occur. In such situations, you should seek treatment to the experts. In the case of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in any Form is prohibited to warm up the neck, because this could provoke a strong migraine.
Can I cure back pain?
A lot of people, which is a dystrophic defeat of the intervertebral discs, the question arises: is it possible to cure back pain and how to do it? The specialists of the leading clinics in the world that deals with the treatment of this disease claim that, if the osteochondrosis was detected at an early stage, in most cases, you can fully restore the functionality of the spine. If the Patient is in a medical facility on a 3 or 4 stage of the disease, then the doctors can only improve his condition, since the input in this Phase of the development, osteochondrosis triggers the formation of bony growths, and the change in the shape of the spine. In this Phase, a positive result only in the operative treatment can.
After such a therapy in patients the periods of Remission that you will be able to independently start, if the recommendations of the doctors:
- to avoid stressful situations;
- right and proper to eat;
- swimming and movement therapy;
- reduce the loads on the musculoskeletal system;
- normalize sleep, etc.
The prophylaxis of osteochondrosis
Each person should take preventive measures to prevent such a dangerous disease such as osteochondrosis. First and foremost, you have to sit constantly keep an eye on your posture, not only during travel, but also on the Computer, or watch your favorite TV series. Not less important to engage in physical exercise, which help strengthen the musculoskeletal system and creates the muscles.
It is recommended for the night's rest, orthopedic mattresses and pillows, which is designed with the aim of prevention of degenerative disc disease and other diseases of the spine. In order not to the damage of the support-motor apparatus, people should be very careful lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Diet meals (six times per day in split portions) assigned to him, in the perfectly balanced dishes, the normalization of the work of many vital organs and systems of the human organism. Do not consume drinks with a high content of caffeine, alcoholic beverages, chocolate. In limited amounts of Protein foods, in particular, pluck, meat, legumes are consumed.
How to sleep with osteochondrosis?
During sleep, the person should relax in such a position, which will allow his muscles and the sttz-motor apparatus completely. This disease is due to the fact that a longer remaining in an awkward situation often the reason for the development of degenerative disc.
As the load on the spine rest during the night, the man, the following rules must be observed:
- Never sleep on your stomach. During sleep, the person relaxes, and his head can be rotated or inverted. As a result of the blood vessels and arteries peredelyvayut, impaired blood supply to the brain, cervical spine is in a state of limbo, etc.
- The best place for the recovery of the attitude of "embryo", in the it is recommended that the patient sleep with the diagnosis of osteochondrosis. The Patient should kneel down on the side, then bent it should be tight to the chest.
- In the Regeneration place to sleep, patients should give your preference beds with a smooth bottom. The mattress best orthopedic.
- Cushion, people with osteoarthritis, use a small, on your the head and shoulders remained on the mattress. It is best to buy a special orthopedic pillow.